Thursday, December 18, 2008

500mm lens

A 500mm lens at 700 grams? Kewl.
Beware that 500mm is a very powerful telelens (especially on a non-full-frame camera), and is hard to hand-hold and focus, even with autofocus and image stabilization. But I'm charmed by the tiny size of this thing.

Also see Michael's photo below. I think it's neat to see the background being out of focus even on such a big subject as this. That's only possible with a very long lens.

4 comments:

Alex said...

Never got anything good without a tripod, but it was great fun to use.

I borrowed a friends for a couple of weeks once back in '91.

Eolake Stobblehouse said...

Yes, the in-body stabilization of the Sony cameras is essential here.

Alex said...

Actually, just read the article, that's a reflector, the one I used was probably a 250mm lens with a 2x inline. A bitch to use, but great results.

I want one!

Anonymous said...

Hm...Now I'm wondering w/this comment: "Conversely, it's critical to remember to turn Steadyshot off when shooting on a tripod. Sony DSLRs don't sense the lack of vibration when tripod mounted and if left on will actually cause more problems than it removes." if this is a problem in Nikon's lenses...particularly when I'm using the 300mm.

And...interesting to read re: what I was mentioning, recently, that I found I was having to do: "...the shots will be much less crisp than if you manage your breathing and wait a moment for minimum camera shake. This is much like shooting a rifle." I have been finding just keeping track of the subject (in this case, fast-moving little birds) using the 300mm, makes me need to have to *keep my eye...on the prize* in order to stay w/the subject...just like moving target practice. I'm finding I can't take my eye off the viewfinder or else I have to waste valuable time zeroing back in on the subject, if I do. :-)