Dove at 2000mm

*dadipentak* · 10-25-2009, 09:18 AM

Since taking delivery of my A*400mm f2.8, I've been mulling whether or not to sell the SMC 1000mm f8. I've been inclined toward keeping it (following Mike Riley's advice, "Never sell that lens!") but seeing how well the 400mm does with the A 2x-L TC (see here), I started to have second thoughts.

I figured I should at least try the 1000mm with the 2x TC so I gave it a shot this morning. Here's my best sample--uncropped but processed (a good bit of de-fringing, some minor tweaking and a touch of Focus Magic.)

End of mulling: I'm keeping it.

Granted, this combo requires a ton of light (in bright morning sun, I still had to go to 1250 iso) and very stable support but still...

*Michaelina2* · 10-25-2009, 09:41 AM

...that ol' Dove saying: "Jeez... stop the fiddlin' and just take the picture... OK?"

Great image. Sounds like you made a good decision.

Cheers...

MRRiley · 10-25-2009, 11:09 AM

DAY-AM Dave! Now that is performance! WOW!

Mike

*8540tomg* · 10-25-2009, 11:54 AM

I wouldn't part with it either Dave.

What were you two or three states away when you took it?

It may be the size of a bazooka but it will let you get shots that just are not possible with a lesser lens. It must be a blast to use such a lens.

Tom G

Buschmaster · 10-25-2009, 12:03 PM

Thanks for posting! Great snap!

*dadipentak* · 10-25-2009, 12:18 PM

I had to be three states away Tom--the MFD is two states.

But, yes, it is fun! It has its limitations of course (not very mobile for one thing) but, like you say, it can get shots no other lens can.

Fixcinater · 10-25-2009, 01:22 PM

Do you happen to have a comparo shot with the 400mm or something to give some sense of the reach it's got at 2Kmm?

Looks like the results are usable, at the very least...

*dadipentak* · 10-25-2009, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by Fixcinater

Do you happen to have a comparo shot with the 400mm or something to give some sense of the reach it's got at 2Kmm?

Looks like the results are usable, at the very least...

Follow the link I provided in the original post, Anthony--it'll take you to my test shots with the 400mm & TCs. This is more or less at the same distance.

Fixcinater · 10-25-2009, 02:12 PM

Ah, thanks Dave.

*Ash* · 10-25-2009, 02:27 PM

I can appreciate how hard it is to get a shot like that at 2000mm.
Great stuff.

*deadwolfbones* · 10-25-2009, 06:26 PM

Awesome stuff!

*dadipentak* · 10-25-2009, 07:07 PM

Thanks Ash & dwb! It's amazing what this old gear can produce, isn't it? I just hope I can get to the point of pulling it off with some degree of consistency.

*deadwolfbones* · 10-25-2009, 09:09 PM

Almost makes me want to keep mine.

jocko_nc · 10-26-2009, 01:03 PM

Ha. That dove had no idea he was even in the neighborhood...