Phoenix 650-2600mm Telephoto Lens

NYpHoToGraphEr · 03-18-2008, 10:09 PM

I was speaking about this lens on another forum but
I though I would share it with you guys.

Amazon.com: Phoenix 650-2600mm Telephoto Lens with Mount - for Pentax Digital & Film SLR Cameras including ZX series, *ist D DL DS, K10D, K20D, K100D, K110D & K200D: Camera & Photo

My guess is that it is fine with magnification but Pro quality?

Last edited by NYpHoToGraphEr; 03-19-2008 at 10:49 AM.

rmtagg · 03-18-2008, 10:16 PM

Wow! Would love to see some shots with from this baby!

NYpHoToGraphEr · 03-18-2008, 10:25 PM

If I have money in a little while
this would be a fun thing to buy.

SpecialK · 03-18-2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

My guess is that it is fine with magnification but Pro quality?

I don't understand what you are asking, but if it is "do you get a $2,500 lens for $229?", the answer is no. It is very slow even in bright daylight.

SupremeMoFo · 03-18-2008, 11:00 PM

No experience with it but I'd put money on it being a total & utter POS.

dantuyhoa · 03-18-2008, 11:19 PM

I would not touch it !

Buddha Jones · 03-19-2008, 05:21 AM

I could only imagine what hte f-stops would be like prolly max at f/11 to f/32. Id rather have a telescope.

ftpaddict · 03-19-2008, 06:49 AM

Specs say max aperture is f/8 f/16 (w/supplied teleconverter)

To quote another fellow photographer from another forum -

"it will have all the optical qualities of a coke bottle but you don't get the free fizzy drink"

egordon99 · 03-19-2008, 08:49 AM

Cr*p (just in case you're not sure)

You're better off sending the $250 to me

JMS · 03-19-2008, 09:38 AM

Originally posted by ftpaddict

Specs say max aperture is f/8 f/16 (w/supplied teleconverter)

To quote another fellow photographer from another forum -

"it will have all the optical qualities of a coke bottle but you don't get the free fizzy drink"

The quote I heard was, "But they're made from only the finest Coke bottle bottoms!"

k100d · 03-19-2008, 09:43 AM

interesting to note the two user reviews were relatively positive

Tom M · 03-19-2008, 10:55 AM

I searched google for other reviews on this lens and remarkably the folks who have bought it, actually like it and rate it at 4 out of 5 stars with a decent review.

Just a guess but, minimum focus distance is gonna be really far out - 20 or 30 ft or maybe more? CA is gonna be an issue but you might be able to deal with that some if there is a place for a filter. This is tripod only, plain and simple. You might be limited to what you can shoot and get good images as well..

I think it might be worth it for photographing stuff that you simply can not get any closer to like nuke plants, loose tigers, face-eating psychopaths, hot chick in the 10th floor window, monkey's with ebola virus or, the moon and stars and crap.

NYpHoToGraphEr · 03-19-2008, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by Tom M

nuke plants, loose tigers, face-eating psychopaths, hot chick in the 10th floor window, monkey's with ebola virus or, the moon and stars and crap.

LOL

Adam · 03-19-2008, 11:15 AM

Originally posted by ftpaddict

Specs say max aperture is f/8 f/16 (w/supplied teleconverter)

It's a 650-1300mm F8-16, so with the teleconverter you'd end up having a 2600mm F32 lens. You can't except much for a lens like this, especially considering that it isn't even a prime. Unless you have an extremely sturdy tripod and plan on shooting in bright daylight only, it's a complete waste of money. The tiny aperture would also prevent you from using it for any type of action photography, like sports or birding. My advice: stay away from it!

I don't see why anyone would want to go beyond a focal length of about 1200mm, if not less, because the image quality just goes down the drain and the slightest movement of your tripod (i.e. that caused by wind) would blur your photos.

Since it looks like you're looking for a tele lens, I'd suggest getting a K, M or A 300 or 400mm lens from Pentax, or a bigma, and popping a TC on- the image quality would be better and the effective focal length would still be more than adequate. Another alternative, though in a slightly higher price range, would be the K 500mm F4.5. It provides great magnification and sharpness, but unfortunately suffers from a lot of CA/PF.

Here's a photo I took with it at 700mm (using the L 1.4x converter):

(original)

(100%)

That's what I would call a good investment!

Mikhail · 03-19-2008, 02:31 PM

Bought it (not really, got given to me), used it, sold it, am much happier!
Short version: Stay away, not worth your trouble! Much better alternatives (MF prime+1.4TC).

Well I got given this lens without the TC.
It is.. well its not that simple. If you want the reach it is usable with a very sturdy tripod and a boat load of patience. I would dump the TC though as IQ is already lacking at 1300mm and I dont want to know what it is like at 2600mm. Personally I think you will find yourself using the 650mm end more often as the lens extends a lot when zoomed out, aperture gets painfully slow and focussing becomes hell. At 650mm I found it to be of mediocre quality. Detail was soft, contrast was lacking, bokeh was blah, DOF was TINY and it was a pain to use. I personally cannot think of very many applications besides shooting the moon and.. shooting the moon! Or spying on your neighbours.
Is it worth 250 bucks? Depends on the person, for most people I would say no it is not. I would much rather put the money towards a new lens ( 35mm F2 ...drool... ) or a flash setup ( off camera or oncamera ). But for people that want to shoot things far away and are very patient sure go ahead and play. Just dont try and shoot birds with it.. by the end of the day you will want to pull out your hair.. stick to stationary things!

Thanks

03-18-2008, 10:09 PM	#1
NYpHoToGraphEr Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Brooklyn,NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 329	Phoenix 650-2600mm Telephoto Lens I was speaking about this lens on another forum but I though I would share it with you guys. Amazon.com: Phoenix 650-2600mm Telephoto Lens with Mount - for Pentax Digital & Film SLR Cameras including ZX series, ist D DL DS, K10D, K20D, K100D, K110D & K200D: Camera & Photo My guess is that it is fine with magnification but Pro quality? Last edited by NYpHoToGraphEr; 03-19-2008 at 10:49 AM.*

03-19-2008, 11:15 AM	#14
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by ftpaddict Specs say max aperture is f/8 f/16 (w/supplied teleconverter) It's a 650-1300mm F8-16, so with the teleconverter you'd end up having a 2600mm F32 lens. You can't except much for a lens like this, especially considering that it isn't even a prime. Unless you have an extremely sturdy tripod and plan on shooting in bright daylight only, it's a complete waste of money. The tiny aperture would also prevent you from using it for any type of action photography, like sports or birding. My advice: stay away from it! I don't see why anyone would want to go beyond a focal length of about 1200mm, if not less, because the image quality just goes down the drain and the slightest movement of your tripod (i.e. that caused by wind) would blur your photos. Since it looks like you're looking for a tele lens, I'd suggest getting a K, M or A 300 or 400mm lens from Pentax, or a bigma, and popping a TC on- the image quality would be better and the effective focal length would still be more than adequate. Another alternative, though in a slightly higher price range, would be the K 500mm F4.5. It provides great magnification and sharpness, but unfortunately suffers from a lot of CA/PF. Here's a photo I took with it at 700mm (using the L 1.4x converter): (original) (100%) That's what I would call a good investment! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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03-18-2008, 10:16 PM	#2
rmtagg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Warrington, PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,271	Wow! Would love to see some shots with from this baby!

03-18-2008, 10:25 PM	#3
NYpHoToGraphEr Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Brooklyn,NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 329 Original Poster	If I have money in a little while this would be a fun thing to buy.

03-18-2008, 10:29 PM	#4
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Quote: My guess is that it is fine with magnification but Pro quality? I don't understand what you are asking, but if it is "do you get a $2,500 lens for $229?", the answer is no. It is very slow even in bright daylight.

03-18-2008, 11:00 PM	#5
SupremeMoFo Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 668	No experience with it but I'd put money on it being a total & utter POS.

03-18-2008, 11:19 PM	#6
dantuyhoa Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,245	I would not touch it !

03-19-2008, 05:21 AM	#7
Buddha Jones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,587	I could only imagine what hte f-stops would be like prolly max at f/11 to f/32. Id rather have a telescope.

03-19-2008, 06:49 AM	#8
ftpaddict Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Yurp Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,666	Specs say max aperture is f/8 f/16 (w/supplied teleconverter) To quote another fellow photographer from another forum - "it will have all the optical qualities of a coke bottle but you don't get the free fizzy drink"

03-19-2008, 08:49 AM	#9
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	Cr*p (just in case you're not sure) You're better off sending the $250 to me

03-19-2008, 09:38 AM	#10
JMS Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Originally posted by ftpaddict Specs say max aperture is f/8 f/16 (w/supplied teleconverter) To quote another fellow photographer from another forum - "it will have all the optical qualities of a coke bottle but you don't get the free fizzy drink" The quote I heard was, "But they're made from only the finest Coke bottle bottoms!"

03-19-2008, 09:43 AM	#11
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	interesting to note the two user reviews were relatively positive

03-19-2008, 10:55 AM	#12
Tom M Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lincoln Park, NJ Photos: Gallery Posts: 780	I searched google for other reviews on this lens and remarkably the folks who have bought it, actually like it and rate it at 4 out of 5 stars with a decent review. Just a guess but, minimum focus distance is gonna be really far out - 20 or 30 ft or maybe more? CA is gonna be an issue but you might be able to deal with that some if there is a place for a filter. This is tripod only, plain and simple. You might be limited to what you can shoot and get good images as well.. I think it might be worth it for photographing stuff that you simply can not get any closer to like nuke plants, loose tigers, face-eating psychopaths, hot chick in the 10th floor window, monkey's with ebola virus or, the moon and stars and crap.

03-19-2008, 11:14 AM	#13
NYpHoToGraphEr Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Brooklyn,NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 329 Original Poster	Originally posted by Tom M nuke plants, loose tigers, face-eating psychopaths, hot chick in the 10th floor window, monkey's with ebola virus or, the moon and stars and crap. LOL

03-19-2008, 02:31 PM	#15
Mikhail Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: York Region, ON Posts: 277	Bought it (not really, got given to me), used it, sold it, am much happier! Short version: Stay away, not worth your trouble! Much better alternatives (MF prime+1.4TC). Well I got given this lens without the TC. It is.. well its not that simple. If you want the reach it is usable with a very sturdy tripod and a boat load of patience. I would dump the TC though as IQ is already lacking at 1300mm and I dont want to know what it is like at 2600mm. Personally I think you will find yourself using the 650mm end more often as the lens extends a lot when zoomed out, aperture gets painfully slow and focussing becomes hell. At 650mm I found it to be of mediocre quality. Detail was soft, contrast was lacking, bokeh was blah, DOF was TINY and it was a pain to use. I personally cannot think of very many applications besides shooting the moon and.. shooting the moon! Or spying on your neighbours. Is it worth 250 bucks? Depends on the person, for most people I would say no it is not. I would much rather put the money towards a new lens ( 35mm F2 ...drool... ) or a flash setup ( off camera or oncamera ). But for people that want to shoot things far away and are very patient sure go ahead and play. Just dont try and shoot birds with it.. by the end of the day you will want to pull out your hair.. stick to stationary things! Thanks