I have a birthday coming up :-). Unfortunately the Midwest site isn't loading for me and B&H and Adorama have it on back order. If I get one (I hinted not-very-subtly to hubby that I was drooling over this lens) I will post sample pix. There's a Bald Eagle pair nesting in a park a few miles from me and while I know where the nest is I can't get close enough for decent shots as the non-sitting parent goes back and forth. But with 600mm of reach my odds will greatly improve ::she said optimistically:: Meanstwhile, I'll just dream about it.
If this one lives up to the early hype.... might be a great option for those needing l.o.n.g... I know I could not keep a subject in view @600.... it would jump all over the place :-)
I've read as much as I can about this lens and from what I hear and the images I've seen taken with it, it's one awesome lens! Sharp (very sharp) through most of the focal range wide open. VC and USD as great as on the other recent long Tamrons.
The converter doesn't work with the 100-400 supposedly. At least the autofocus won't. Otherwise I would have done it long ago. :(
I'm just trying to figure out the best way to get me more "distance"...you know "bang for my buck"
if so then I believe Tamron would be best bet, I am also keeping eye on this but waiting to see results. Though lens rental says they have it available for 4 days for $53+$25 shipping.
1. Doughnut Bokeh. You may like it, you may hate it.
2. You'll need an adapter (You should get the T adapter, not a M42 adapter, unless you want AF confirm - see below)
3. No AF, but you might be able to get an adapter with the AF Confirm chip for that M42 mount...
4. Quality isn't as high as the 100-400 with 1.4x TC (or probably as with the 2x)
But.. Considering that these can be had for less than $400, that's the bargain end of long, with something that resembles good quality. (although, I don't know that I'd ever be happy without the super-fine details of L-glass...)
The converter doesn't work with the 100-400 supposedly. At least the autofocus won't. Otherwise I would have done it long ago. :(
It depends on whether your camera can autofocus beyond f/5.6. That combo works on mine.
Also another good point.. My 1D is perfectly happy with that combo for AF. (my being happy with the IQ is another story, although it's really not too bad at all)
Mirror lenses are essentially catadioptric telescopes, hence the donut hole. IF you go the manual focus / T-adapter router, you could also opt for a refractor telescope with potentially better image quality and no donut hole. 900mm f/9 apochromatic refractors can be had for well under $1000. Hand holding is not an option, though.
The converter doesn't work with the 100-400 supposedly. At least the autofocus won't. Otherwise I would have done it long ago. :(
I'm just trying to figure out the best way to get me more "distance"...you know "bang for my buck"
if so then I believe Tamron would be best bet, I am also keeping eye on this but waiting to see results. Though lens rental says they have it available for 4 days for $53+$25 shipping.
Mirror lenses are essentially catadioptric telescopes, hence the donut hole. IF you go the manual focus / T-adapter router, you could also opt for a refractor telescope with potentially better image quality and no donut hole. 900mm f/9 apochromatic refractors can be had for well under $1000. Hand holding is not an option, though.
I need to hand hold...my longest lens as of now is my 70-300mm...it's a good lens but just doesn't give me the distance...I'm thinking f/11 would be very slow!!!
The converter doesn't work with the 100-400 supposedly. At least the autofocus won't. Otherwise I would have done it long ago. :(
I'm just trying to figure out the best way to get me more "distance"...you know "bang for my buck"
if so then I believe Tamron would be best bet, I am also keeping eye on this but waiting to see results. Though lens rental says they have it available for 4 days for $53+$25 shipping.
