BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Film-Based Camera Equipment

Photography Question 

Jake Trexel
 

super zoom telephoto lens


I am looking for a super zoom telephoto lens. I have a Tamaron 200-500 with a 2x on my Nikon FM3a. But because I am home bound, inside all the time, I cannot get close enough to bet good close ups of birds and so on, through my window. I read about a Phoenix lens 600 to 1300or1600, but what people right in about it is not good. I cannot afford the to spend $7000 on a Cannon or Nikon.
Does any one have any recommendations? Please keep in mind, that I have to stay indoors.
thanks
Jake


To love this question, log in above
January 02, 2009

 
- Gregory LaGrange

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Gregory LaGrange
Gregory LaGrange's Gallery
  Get somebody to set up a bird feeder close to your window.


To love this comment, log in above
January 02, 2009

 

John G. Clifford Jr
  I think you would be much better served if you kept your existing lens and teleconverter, but obtained a Nikon dSLR like the D60.

The crop factor of the D60 would give you the same field of view with your 1000mm effective lens as a 1600mm lens.

Something else you might want to consider would be to pick up a 1000mm catadioptic lens, like the Rubinar 1000/10 or the MTO 1100/10.5 lenses. These lenses are surprisingly sharp (as good as your Tamron/TC combination), and will get you that much closer to your subject... especially if you use them with a dSLR. They're also surprisingly affordable.

Or, you could even go with something like the new Panasonic G1 micro-4/3rds camera that gives you a 2x crop factor, for even more apparent magnification. Using the G1 with a 1000mm mirror lens will give you the same field of view as a 2000mm lens on your FM3a.


To love this comment, log in above
January 04, 2009

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread