300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses

**MossyRocks** · 10-10-2019, 01:10 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by luftfluss

Yes, my tripod is definitely not up to the task of pointing upwards and slowish shutter speeds.

With big lenses very few are and those that are for sale that are are really expensive. My solution was $50 in materials from the hardware store and a Saturday afternoon building it. Granted my 60lb monster tripod isn't the sleekest ever but probably has a safe load limit over 500lbs (2x4s, 3/4 inch plywood, and 1/2 inch bolts will do that), is rock solid, and if it gets blown over i'm probably also being hit with substantial debris from being out in a hurricane.

dbs · 10-10-2019, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by MossyRocks

With big lenses very few are and those that are for sale that are are really expensive. My solution was $50 in materials from the hardware store and a Saturday afternoon building it. Granted my 60lb monster tripod isn't the sleekest ever but probably has a safe load limit over 500lbs (2x4s, 3/4 inch plywood, and 1/2 inch bolts will do that), is rock solid, and if it gets blown over i'm probably also being hit with substantial debris from being out in a hurricane.

Hi Mossy

500 lbs what are shooting with a 15 ltd or something....

Must show us what it looks like we need something for a windy day....

Dave

str8talk83 · 10-10-2019, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Nice collection.

Thanks

**MossyRocks** · 10-10-2019, 04:43 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by dbs

Hi Mossy

500 lbs what are shooting with a 15 ltd or something....

Must show us what it looks like we need something for a windy day....

Dave

Actually the A* 400/2.8 and an on loan MTO 1000mm f/10.

I didn't set out to build one with that capacity it was just a function of the available materials. 2x4s are the cheapest boards and I had some scrap 3/4 inch plywood. Some 1/2 inch bolts because that is what was available in the quantity I needed when I went to build it (I would have used 3/8 inch ones as they were slightly cheaper but they only had 2 in stock and I needed 1 to mount the tripod head), then some square U-bolts to use a clamps. It folds up and the legs collapse plus has the nice brace/shelf for extra stability and a place to set stuff.

Since you asked so nicely here is what it looks like. Sorry it wasn't taken with a 300mm+ lens or even a 300mm+ equilvant lens but is a night time cellphone shot so the image quality sucks.
Name: IMG_20190806_224053.jpg
Views: 331
Size: 51.6 KB

Name: IMG_20190806_224053.jpg
Views: 331
Size: 51.6 KB

dbs · 10-10-2019, 04:50 PM

Originally posted by MossyRocks

Actually the A* 400/2.8 and an on loan MTO 1000mm f/10.

I didn't set out to build one with that capacity it was just a function of the available materials. 2x4s are the cheapest boards and I had some scrap 3/4 inch plywood. Some 1/2 inch bolts because that is what was available in the quantity I needed when I went to build it (I would have used 3/8 inch ones as they were slightly cheaper but they only had 2 in stock and I needed 1 to mount the tripod head), then some square U-bolts to use a clamps. It folds up and the legs collapse plus has the nice brace/shelf for extra stability and a place to set stuff.

Since you asked so nicely here is what it looks like. Sorry it wasn't taken with a 300mm+ lens or even a 300mm+ equilvant lens but is a night time cellphone shot so the image quality sucks.
Attachment 467637

Hi Mossy

Thanks

cellphones photos are good for patented products..

Dave

**luftfluss** · 10-10-2019, 06:22 PM

Originally posted by str8talk83

Lovely as always, and you did an especially good job positioning yourself for the light.

**northcoastgreg** · 10-10-2019, 07:18 PM - **7 Likes**

Dancing Swan on Yellowstone River, shot with KP + DA* 300 + DA 1.4x converter:

**MossyRocks** · 10-10-2019, 08:29 PM

Originally posted by dbs

cellphones photos are good for patented products..

Hardly something worthy of a patent. Nothing unique, innovative, or original, just sturdy and cheap. It isn't light weighing in at about 60 lbs but then I only typically carry a few 10s of feet maybe 300 if I want to go out into the middle of the park behind my house. But it works great for the purpose I constructed it for and even in sustained 10mph winds with the 400mm on it there isn't any shake when doing astro shots.

dbs · 10-10-2019, 11:19 PM

Hi Mossy

We all know necessity is the mother of invention.
Its fit for purpose and for the budget conscious what more is there

Dave

Grippy · 10-11-2019, 12:29 AM - **7 Likes**

K3ii and Bigma

P3II9345

P3II9487

redpit · 10-11-2019, 01:00 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Grippy

K3ii and Bigma
P3II9345
P3II9487

Great images! I especially like the 2nd one of the pardalote! What a beautiful bird and your frame, the timing/bird pose and the bokeh make this image superb!

Grippy · 10-11-2019, 01:10 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by redpit

Great images! I especially like the 2nd one of the pardalote! What a beautiful bird and your frame, the timing/bird pose and the bokeh make this image superb!

Thank you very much. It was a tough little bigger to get a clean shot
The little pardlote is tiny, I'd been looking for it for a while as I could hear it. I walked back to the car and it came and posed right in front of me, buzzing around in the tree.

**scc** · 10-11-2019, 03:45 AM

Originally posted by MossyRocks

Size makes up for a lot of other shortcomings. I shot the moon with a MTO 1000mm f/10 with a a 2x converter a while back and I know I missed the focus because there was just so damn much shake on the tripod I was using which was not sized appropriately but even given that it is surprisingly detailed even if not sharp. Then lets add in the shake from the shot and I'm surprised it actually isn't worse. I should probably post it here too as 2000mm is above 300mm so why not:

2000mm f/20 shot of the moon (MTO 1000mm f/10 plus a 2x converter)

After creating a heavier sturdier tripod I did go and shoot jupiter at 2000mm with that lens and teleconverter. You can tell there is a great red spot and some strips but that is about it. You really need some big lenses to effectively image the planets.

Hi,

You should go for an equatorial mount for your 400 f/2.8. It deserves much better than Astrotrac and a tripod

str8talk83 · 10-11-2019, 04:47 AM

Originally posted by luftfluss

Lovely as always, and you did an especially good job positioning yourself for the light.

Thanks for the feedback. I was in the kayak, which gives a lot of flexibility for composition, since I can maneuver myself for the best light and backgrounds. This is my favorite way to shoot, but I don't get to go out as much as I'd like.

**MossyRocks** · 10-11-2019, 07:00 AM

Originally posted by scc

Hi,

You should go for an equatorial mount for your 400 f/2.8. It deserves much better than Astrotrac and a tripod

That is the plan eventually but I will need to save up so I don't get in trouble with the wife. I need to get a big one since if you are doing astrophotography you want to have the equatorial rated for about twice what the actual load you will be putting on it. That avoids binding and shake that will ruin images. Right now with astrotracer I can reliably get 20 second images with pinpoint stars. My biggest limitation is that my backyard has a massive amount of light pollution so that even with a light pollution filter in the lens a 20 second exposure at ISO 400 still shows a lot of sky glow. With an equatorial I could easily go up to 3 minutes and knock the ISO down to 100 and maybe get some improvement but it wouldn't be huge. The biggest benefit is that I wouldn't have to re position the camera every few shots.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
The Sigma Lens Club- All lenses	Blue	Lens Clubs	3017	1 Day Ago 01:29 AM
Soviet lenses club	Voe	Lens Clubs	4192	01-02-2023 04:16 AM
Wanted - Acquired: Long lens >300mm in K-mount	pop4	Sold Items	1	10-03-2010 03:03 AM
Pentax DA 55-300mm vs Tamron 70-300mm at long end (brickwall)	tcdk	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	17	11-15-2009 12:52 AM

10-10-2019, 01:10 PM - 2 Likes	#31786
MossyRocks Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,790	Originally posted by luftfluss Yes, my tripod is definitely not up to the task of pointing upwards and slowish shutter speeds. With big lenses very few are and those that are for sale that are are really expensive. My solution was $50 in materials from the hardware store and a Saturday afternoon building it. Granted my 60lb monster tripod isn't the sleekest ever but probably has a safe load limit over 500lbs (2x4s, 3/4 inch plywood, and 1/2 inch bolts will do that), is rock solid, and if it gets blown over i'm probably also being hit with substantial debris from being out in a hurricane.

10-10-2019, 03:32 PM	#31787
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,107	Originally posted by MossyRocks With big lenses very few are and those that are for sale that are are really expensive. My solution was $50 in materials from the hardware store and a Saturday afternoon building it. Granted my 60lb monster tripod isn't the sleekest ever but probably has a safe load limit over 500lbs (2x4s, 3/4 inch plywood, and 1/2 inch bolts will do that), is rock solid, and if it gets blown over i'm probably also being hit with substantial debris from being out in a hurricane. Hi Mossy 500 lbs what are shooting with a 15 ltd or something.... Must show us what it looks like we need something for a windy day.... Dave

10-10-2019, 04:02 PM	#31788
str8talk83 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bluffton, SC Photos: Albums Posts: 671	Quote: Nice collection. Thanks

10-10-2019, 04:43 PM - 2 Likes	#31789
MossyRocks Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,790	Originally posted by dbs Hi Mossy 500 lbs what are shooting with a 15 ltd or something.... Must show us what it looks like we need something for a windy day.... Dave Actually the A* 400/2.8 and an on loan MTO 1000mm f/10. I didn't set out to build one with that capacity it was just a function of the available materials. 2x4s are the cheapest boards and I had some scrap 3/4 inch plywood. Some 1/2 inch bolts because that is what was available in the quantity I needed when I went to build it (I would have used 3/8 inch ones as they were slightly cheaper but they only had 2 in stock and I needed 1 to mount the tripod head), then some square U-bolts to use a clamps. It folds up and the legs collapse plus has the nice brace/shelf for extra stability and a place to set stuff. Since you asked so nicely here is what it looks like. Sorry it wasn't taken with a 300mm+ lens or even a 300mm+ equilvant lens but is a night time cellphone shot so the image quality sucks.

10-10-2019, 04:50 PM	#31790
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,107	Originally posted by MossyRocks Actually the A* 400/2.8 and an on loan MTO 1000mm f/10. I didn't set out to build one with that capacity it was just a function of the available materials. 2x4s are the cheapest boards and I had some scrap 3/4 inch plywood. Some 1/2 inch bolts because that is what was available in the quantity I needed when I went to build it (I would have used 3/8 inch ones as they were slightly cheaper but they only had 2 in stock and I needed 1 to mount the tripod head), then some square U-bolts to use a clamps. It folds up and the legs collapse plus has the nice brace/shelf for extra stability and a place to set stuff. Since you asked so nicely here is what it looks like. Sorry it wasn't taken with a 300mm+ lens or even a 300mm+ equilvant lens but is a night time cellphone shot so the image quality sucks. Attachment 467637 Hi Mossy Thanks cellphones photos are good for patented products.. Dave

10-10-2019, 06:22 PM	#31791
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,681	Originally posted by str8talk83 Lovely as always, and you did an especially good job positioning yourself for the light.

10-10-2019, 07:18 PM - 7 Likes	#31792
northcoastgreg Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,652	Dancing Swan on Yellowstone River, shot with KP + DA* 300 + DA 1.4x converter:

10-10-2019, 08:29 PM	#31793
MossyRocks Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,790	Originally posted by dbs cellphones photos are good for patented products.. Hardly something worthy of a patent. Nothing unique, innovative, or original, just sturdy and cheap. It isn't light weighing in at about 60 lbs but then I only typically carry a few 10s of feet maybe 300 if I want to go out into the middle of the park behind my house. But it works great for the purpose I constructed it for and even in sustained 10mph winds with the 400mm on it there isn't any shake when doing astro shots.

10-10-2019, 11:19 PM	#31794
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,107	Hi Mossy We all know necessity is the mother of invention. Its fit for purpose and for the budget conscious what more is there Dave

10-11-2019, 12:29 AM - 7 Likes	#31795
Grippy Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Adelaide Posts: 816	K3ii and Bigma P3II9345 P3II9487

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

10-11-2019, 01:00 AM - 1 Like	#31796
redpit Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Greece Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,822	Originally posted by Grippy K3ii and Bigma P3II9345 P3II9487 Great images! I especially like the 2nd one of the pardalote! What a beautiful bird and your frame, the timing/bird pose and the bokeh make this image superb!

10-11-2019, 01:10 AM - 1 Like	#31797
Grippy Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Adelaide Posts: 816	Originally posted by redpit Great images! I especially like the 2nd one of the pardalote! What a beautiful bird and your frame, the timing/bird pose and the bokeh make this image superb! Thank you very much. It was a tough little bigger to get a clean shot The little pardlote is tiny, I'd been looking for it for a while as I could hear it. I walked back to the car and it came and posed right in front of me, buzzing around in the tree.

10-11-2019, 03:45 AM	#31798
scc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 124	Originally posted by MossyRocks Size makes up for a lot of other shortcomings. I shot the moon with a MTO 1000mm f/10 with a a 2x converter a while back and I know I missed the focus because there was just so damn much shake on the tripod I was using which was not sized appropriately but even given that it is surprisingly detailed even if not sharp. Then lets add in the shake from the shot and I'm surprised it actually isn't worse. I should probably post it here too as 2000mm is above 300mm so why not: 2000mm f/20 shot of the moon (MTO 1000mm f/10 plus a 2x converter) After creating a heavier sturdier tripod I did go and shoot jupiter at 2000mm with that lens and teleconverter. You can tell there is a great red spot and some strips but that is about it. You really need some big lenses to effectively image the planets. Hi, You should go for an equatorial mount for your 400 f/2.8. It deserves much better than Astrotrac and a tripod

10-11-2019, 04:47 AM	#31799
str8talk83 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bluffton, SC Photos: Albums Posts: 671	Originally posted by luftfluss Lovely as always, and you did an especially good job positioning yourself for the light. Thanks for the feedback. I was in the kayak, which gives a lot of flexibility for composition, since I can maneuver myself for the best light and backgrounds. This is my favorite way to shoot, but I don't get to go out as much as I'd like.

10-11-2019, 07:00 AM	#31800
MossyRocks Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,790	Originally posted by scc Hi, You should go for an equatorial mount for your 400 f/2.8. It deserves much better than Astrotrac and a tripod That is the plan eventually but I will need to save up so I don't get in trouble with the wife. I need to get a big one since if you are doing astrophotography you want to have the equatorial rated for about twice what the actual load you will be putting on it. That avoids binding and shake that will ruin images. Right now with astrotracer I can reliably get 20 second images with pinpoint stars. My biggest limitation is that my backyard has a massive amount of light pollution so that even with a light pollution filter in the lens a 20 second exposure at ISO 400 still shows a lot of sky glow. With an equatorial I could easily go up to 3 minutes and knock the ISO down to 100 and maybe get some improvement but it wouldn't be huge. The biggest benefit is that I wouldn't have to re position the camera every few shots.