[borno]

Tom (Borno): get the used glass (MKI) versions in super telephotos while you can. Despite the previous edge Canon had on Nikkor lens prices (for new ones), that may be going away once the MKII lenses are released in April:

Canon Focuses on Professionals by Introducing Six New L-Series EF Lenses and Accessories - MarketWatch

Short snips:
The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is expected to be available in December for an approximate retail price of $7,000.

The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is expected to be available in December for an approximate retail price of $11,000.

No word on the upcoming refreshes on the 500/4 and 600/4 pricing. Obviously MSRP is higher than street, but this is (concurred by other Canon nature photographers) that the MKII glass prices will be higher and the pricing equal to the MAP or street price for Nikkor equivalents.

However, Canon does have the IS version of the 800/5.6, which Nikon cannot match - you have to go to Sigma (not stabilized), which limits it's usefulness in lower lighting conditions.

Regards,
Marc

Hope you heal quickly Marc! (I didn't want to see the pics)

I think canon decided to close the gap on prices with nikon. The main reason I got a canon is the long glass was (is) cheaper and arguably better. When I got a 40d refurb and new 400mm f5.6, both were about what a used FA400mm f5.6 were going for.

[imtheguy]

I may be the only one here unable to find a nice fat grip to attach to the lens mount for extended hand holding. So I made exactly what I wanted, total cost, free. If you have an old corded drill you never use that has a side grip, you are in luck. I spent the weekend shooting a surfing contest and the handle really lets me hold steadier and out of the way of the focus ring. This was needed for my DA*300 + 1.7x TC.

Handle from old Craftsman corded drill, just dropped the existing bold out and inserted high grade 1/4" x 3/4 with washers inside and out, a little lock-tight to keep it together and to give the threads some friction in the lens mount so it does not swivel too easy. Last, a piece of hard nylon drilled and rounded on top so the lens and swivel if you need but without scrapping or moving the bolt.

No idea if anybody else needs something like this but it was fun to come up with. Too bad I'm not strong enough to hold the A*400/2.8!

MARC - Just noticed you are busted up. Hope the pain fades quick and you are back in the saddle shortly.

[ChipB]

Neat idea Lee - now I just need the lens!!

[imtheguy]

Of course, building a lens grip and claiming its cool has no effect unless I post pics from using it. A couple from Men's and Women's finals on Sunday. Ahhhh....sun and surfers in mid-November. Almost made me forget how cold I was.

Shots all taken from 45-90m, da*300/4 + 1.7x AF TC and of course, a K-5 that tracked and focused wonderfully in AF-C in spite my first ever sporting event shoot and that I forgot to turn off SR for all the panning.

---

Last edited by imtheguy; 01-11-2011 at 03:51 PM.

[Squier]

I'm more than happy with my rather oddball SW 120 / 600mm f5 beast

Its manual everything of course, but thems the breaks

[dadipentak]

Huh! I seem somehow to have inadvertently unsubscribed to this thread so I've missed some of the action.

That's an interesting contraption, Lee, and very nice shots
You're right Chip you do need that lens.

And, Squier, those are great photos but what is SW--Smith & Wesson?

Finally, I hope you mend quick, Marc!

[Squier]

Hi dad

SW is just a short name for SkyWatcher. The front element is 120mm across, 26" long but it weighs 8½ Lbs,

[imtheguy]

I'm more than happy with my rather oddball SW 120 / 600mm f5 beast
Its manual everything of course, but thems the breaks

I have not a clue what that artillery piece is but I sure like what you produce with it. That second frame is a hoot.

[Squier]

Thanks for the kind words Lee - you're right, it looks like something from the Civil War, but it does take good snaps

[imtheguy]

Huh! I seem somehow to have inadvertently unsubscribed to this thread so I've missed some of the action.

Welcome back Dave.

[kacansas03]

So a telescope. I think you should go with Smith & Wesson.

[traderdrew]

SW 120ST 600mm f5

Good grief that is a beast! I see it can help you produce some nice images. I never read about or seen one of those lenses on the net. I'm working on getting a longer lens than my 300mm.

[Squier]

Yup, i think Smith & Wesson is a much better name for it.

Drew, if you're like me and have limited funds, then you get the reach you need in other ways. I dont have the coin for big FL glass, so this is my compromise. I paid £235 GBP brand new. I call that a bargain, bearing in mind you get nothing in the way of luxuries, like AF or variable aperture ( but you can stop down by cheating, if you want )

I've even taken moon shots with it - there's a moon thread that i very recently posted in. Mine are about 3/4 down the page

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/119375-photographing-moon.html

[siva.ss.kumar]

Wow. Great shots Squier. It would be great if you (or some one else) could name those birds.
The top one is too good. I almost expected it to fly away from my screen
Now, with that lens, I sure can scare away the other Canikon shooters in my birding gang. Will earn bystanders respects as well

[Squier]

Hi siva - thanks pal

The birds in order of posting:

Starling

Coots feet

Little Egret

Yellow legged Gull

European Robin

Grey Heron

Here's a photo of the Coots that own those feet above ( shot with 150-500 Siggy )