300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses

normhead · 02-20-2020, 04:03 PM - **9 Likes**

It was a glorious day to go to the park, so I went.
K-3 and DA*60-250 with the HD DA1.4 C.

**jacamar** · 02-20-2020, 05:18 PM - **6 Likes**

Have to confess I was looking at Norm's chickadees hoping to find a Boreal - apparently they are getting quite scarce in the Park now.

Here's two different Caracaras and a Black Vulture - part of nature's road kill cleanup brigade.

Crested Caracara

Yellow-headed Caracara

Black Vulture

normhead · 02-20-2020, 07:31 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by jacamar

Have to confess I was looking at Norm's chickadees hoping to find a Boreal - apparently they are getting quite scarce in the Park now.

Haven't even heard of one for a couple of years.
From 2015....

My buddy Dave would also love to see one.
I think I saw one on 2016 as well, but it's been a while.

My wood pile still has more than two rows, far northern species who winter here are largely absent to be replaced only by hoards of Blue Jays. This climate thing is disturbing. Good for the wood pile, not so good for wildlife.

redpit · 02-20-2020, 11:47 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by luftfluss

The 65B is indeed heavy, but it balances better than the similarly hefty 300/2.8 360B. And it works great with the A 1.4x-L rear converter.

I, too, have thought about selling my old, fast glass and buying the DFA 150-450... AF and WR would be so nice... but the old lenses are so cool and I enjoy the variety, so I'm indecisive, and I can't afford to buy the 150-450 without selling something

Think about the DFA 150-450 as an old lens! After all it is 5 years old already!

I know that I'm not helping, but having seen your results with older tele lenses and your deep knowledge on photography, I think the DFA will enthuse you and it will shine in your hands

It is just that good!

**jacamar** · 02-21-2020, 05:29 AM

Originally posted by normhead

Haven't even heard of one for a couple of years.

Thanks Norm. I have seen them at a distance a couple of times but never able to get a decent photo. A worry, to be sure.

**cooks333** · 02-21-2020, 08:36 AM - **14 Likes**

Iguana portrait from a past trip to Puerto Rico with my DA*300mm.

Ducatigaz · 02-21-2020, 10:54 AM - **17 Likes**

K-5/Sigma 800mm F5.6 APO EX / RRS BH-55/Kirk window mount.

F8

F8

F6.3

F5.6

**steamloco76** · 02-21-2020, 03:42 PM - **7 Likes**

A Tufted titmouse and a black capped chickadee captured on a 22 degree F morning with my SMC-F* 300/4.5 handheld.

Aaron28 · 02-21-2020, 06:37 PM - **5 Likes**

sigma 150-500os...k-3ii

noelpolar · 02-21-2020, 10:25 PM - **14 Likes**

I installed a canon "S" screen to assist with manual focusing for my "K" lenses the other day (in a K1) ..... tried it today with the DFA 150-450... I can now go hunting for the elusive "Bird in the bush". I found it quite easy to manual focus.... was a bright day though... so will try some more in evening light. These birds (New Holland honeyeaters) do have great eyes for focusing on though.

**RedRuff** · 02-23-2020, 01:25 PM - **6 Likes**

I like using my Nikon 500mm F4 P on my Nikon film cameras where I can get away with the slower film speeds (compared to a DSLR anyway) but then I bought a Pentax K1 on impulse and only had my manual legacy lenses to use and didn't really want to buy modern glass for it.

I figured I could have my cake and eat it by changing the mount on the Nikon TC-301 2x teleconverter made specifically for these long lenses. They're meant to be pretty good so I wouldn't lose a lot of IQ but the lens itself would retain its Nikon mount.

The Leitax adaptor did need modifying to clear the second lever on the Nikon lenses, which involved filing another notch but it wasn't a huge deal. The only problem is I can't move the aperture lever on the lens past F4. It might need some further tinkering but although it'd be nice I don't see myself going past F4 with this combo as the shutter speed will tank...

I finally got to use this in anger today as it was a particularly sunny day so I took it to Cake Abbey

The camera with the 1000mm F8 lens complete with 3D printed hood!

A bird, taken with the camera sat on a bench, angle adjusted using twigs under the tripod foot

Cropped:

My favourite subjects... sheep! These were taken handheld as there wasn't anything to rest the camera on. My tripod isn't beefy enough for it.

Cropped:

And another sheep:

The results were way better than expected. I don't expect to use this setup very much but it was fun!

**ChipB** · 02-23-2020, 04:02 PM

Very impressive!!

**MossyRocks** · 02-23-2020, 04:41 PM

Originally posted by RedRuff

The results were way better than expected. I don't expect to use this setup very much but it was fun!

Isn't that part of the benefit of not having to be a pro? One of my favorite things lately has been to try and use things wrong. After revisiting an old thread I stumbled upon a while back I played with reverse mounting the DFA 100 WR macro. With what I have I can get it to focus from a little past infinity to pretty close to the macro range.

Nice job on the hacked together setup. I've done similar things with the MTO 1000 f/10 in M39 mount and ended up pleasantly surprised with the results.

**luftfluss** · 02-23-2020, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by RedRuff

I like using my Nikon 500mm F4 P on my Nikon film cameras where I can get away with the slower film speeds (compared to a DSLR anyway) but then I bought a Pentax K1 on impulse and only had my manual legacy lenses to use and didn't really want to buy modern glass for it.

I figured I could have my cake and eat it by changing the mount on the Nikon TC-301 2x teleconverter made specifically for these long lenses. They're meant to be pretty good so I wouldn't lose a lot of IQ but the lens itself would retain its Nikon mount.

The Leitax adaptor did need modifying to clear the second lever on the Nikon lenses, which involved filing another notch but it wasn't a huge deal. The only problem is I can't move the aperture lever on the lens past F4. It might need some further tinkering but although it'd be nice I don't see myself going past F4 with this combo as the shutter speed will tank...

I finally got to use this in anger today as it was a particularly sunny day so I took it to Cake Abbey

The camera with the 1000mm F8 lens complete with 3D printed hood!

A bird, taken with the camera sat on a bench, angle adjusted using twigs under the tripod foot

Cropped:

My favourite subjects... sheep! These were taken handheld as there wasn't anything to rest the camera on. My tripod isn't beefy enough for it.

Cropped:

And another sheep:

The results were way better than expected. I don't expect to use this setup very much but it was fun!

Dude, that is just FABULOUS!!!

normhead · 02-23-2020, 07:20 PM - **11 Likes**

I went to the park looking for Red Crossbills. They weren't to be seen.

As fall back I found two families of Canada Jays. I took images of one.

If I can only get a few birds, at least I can get different poses.

K-3 and DA 55-300 PLM

02-21-2020, 08:36 AM - 14 Likes	#32916
cooks333 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 503	Iguana portrait from a past trip to Puerto Rico with my DA*300mm. Attached Images

02-21-2020, 10:25 PM - 14 Likes	#32920
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	I installed a canon "S" screen to assist with manual focusing for my "K" lenses the other day (in a K1) ..... tried it today with the DFA 150-450... I can now go hunting for the elusive "Bird in the bush". I found it quite easy to manual focus.... was a bright day though... so will try some more in evening light. These birds (New Holland honeyeaters) do have great eyes for focusing on though. Last edited by noelpolar; 02-21-2020 at 11:27 PM.

02-23-2020, 01:25 PM - 6 Likes	#32921
RedRuff Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Midlands, UK Posts: 145	Nikon TC-301 with Leitax adaptor I like using my Nikon 500mm F4 P on my Nikon film cameras where I can get away with the slower film speeds (compared to a DSLR anyway) but then I bought a Pentax K1 on impulse and only had my manual legacy lenses to use and didn't really want to buy modern glass for it. I figured I could have my cake and eat it by changing the mount on the Nikon TC-301 2x teleconverter made specifically for these long lenses. They're meant to be pretty good so I wouldn't lose a lot of IQ but the lens itself would retain its Nikon mount. The Leitax adaptor did need modifying to clear the second lever on the Nikon lenses, which involved filing another notch but it wasn't a huge deal. The only problem is I can't move the aperture lever on the lens past F4. It might need some further tinkering but although it'd be nice I don't see myself going past F4 with this combo as the shutter speed will tank... I finally got to use this in anger today as it was a particularly sunny day so I took it to Cake Abbey The camera with the 1000mm F8 lens complete with 3D printed hood! A bird, taken with the camera sat on a bench, angle adjusted using twigs under the tripod foot Cropped: My favourite subjects... sheep! These were taken handheld as there wasn't anything to rest the camera on. My tripod isn't beefy enough for it. Cropped: And another sheep: The results were way better than expected. I don't expect to use this setup very much but it was fun!

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02-20-2020, 04:03 PM - 9 Likes	#32911
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	It was a glorious day to go to the park, so I went. K-3 and DA*60-250 with the HD DA1.4 C.

02-20-2020, 05:18 PM - 6 Likes	#32912
jacamar Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Toronto Photos: Albums Posts: 3,443	Have to confess I was looking at Norm's chickadees hoping to find a Boreal - apparently they are getting quite scarce in the Park now. Here's two different Caracaras and a Black Vulture - part of nature's road kill cleanup brigade. Crested Caracara Yellow-headed Caracara Black Vulture

02-20-2020, 07:31 PM - 2 Likes	#32913
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by jacamar Have to confess I was looking at Norm's chickadees hoping to find a Boreal - apparently they are getting quite scarce in the Park now. Haven't even heard of one for a couple of years. From 2015.... My buddy Dave would also love to see one. I think I saw one on 2016 as well, but it's been a while. My wood pile still has more than two rows, far northern species who winter here are largely absent to be replaced only by hoards of Blue Jays. This climate thing is disturbing. Good for the wood pile, not so good for wildlife.

02-20-2020, 11:47 PM - 2 Likes	#32914
redpit Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Greece Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Originally posted by luftfluss The 65B is indeed heavy, but it balances better than the similarly hefty 300/2.8 360B. And it works great with the A 1.4x-L rear converter. I, too, have thought about selling my old, fast glass and buying the DFA 150-450... AF and WR would be so nice... but the old lenses are so cool and I enjoy the variety, so I'm indecisive, and I can't afford to buy the 150-450 without selling something Think about the DFA 150-450 as an old lens! After all it is 5 years old already! I know that I'm not helping, but having seen your results with older tele lenses and your deep knowledge on photography, I think the DFA will enthuse you and it will shine in your hands It is just that good!

02-21-2020, 05:29 AM	#32915
jacamar Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Toronto Photos: Albums Posts: 3,443	Originally posted by normhead Haven't even heard of one for a couple of years. Thanks Norm. I have seen them at a distance a couple of times but never able to get a decent photo. A worry, to be sure.

02-21-2020, 10:54 AM - 17 Likes	#32917
Ducatigaz Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Blunsdon,Wiltshire, UK Posts: 1,502	K-5/Sigma 800mm F5.6 APO EX / RRS BH-55/Kirk window mount. F8 F8 F6.3 F5.6

02-21-2020, 06:37 PM - 5 Likes	#32919
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	sigma 150-500os...k-3ii

02-23-2020, 04:02 PM	#32922
ChipB Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Eau Claire, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,701	Very impressive!!

02-23-2020, 04:41 PM	#32923
MossyRocks Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,982	Originally posted by RedRuff The results were way better than expected. I don't expect to use this setup very much but it was fun! Isn't that part of the benefit of not having to be a pro? One of my favorite things lately has been to try and use things wrong. After revisiting an old thread I stumbled upon a while back I played with reverse mounting the DFA 100 WR macro. With what I have I can get it to focus from a little past infinity to pretty close to the macro range. Nice job on the hacked together setup. I've done similar things with the MTO 1000 f/10 in M39 mount and ended up pleasantly surprised with the results.

02-23-2020, 06:34 PM	#32924
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Originally posted by RedRuff I like using my Nikon 500mm F4 P on my Nikon film cameras where I can get away with the slower film speeds (compared to a DSLR anyway) but then I bought a Pentax K1 on impulse and only had my manual legacy lenses to use and didn't really want to buy modern glass for it. I figured I could have my cake and eat it by changing the mount on the Nikon TC-301 2x teleconverter made specifically for these long lenses. They're meant to be pretty good so I wouldn't lose a lot of IQ but the lens itself would retain its Nikon mount. The Leitax adaptor did need modifying to clear the second lever on the Nikon lenses, which involved filing another notch but it wasn't a huge deal. The only problem is I can't move the aperture lever on the lens past F4. It might need some further tinkering but although it'd be nice I don't see myself going past F4 with this combo as the shutter speed will tank... I finally got to use this in anger today as it was a particularly sunny day so I took it to Cake Abbey The camera with the 1000mm F8 lens complete with 3D printed hood! A bird, taken with the camera sat on a bench, angle adjusted using twigs under the tripod foot Cropped: My favourite subjects... sheep! These were taken handheld as there wasn't anything to rest the camera on. My tripod isn't beefy enough for it. Cropped: And another sheep: The results were way better than expected. I don't expect to use this setup very much but it was fun! Dude, that is just FABULOUS!!!

02-23-2020, 07:20 PM - 11 Likes	#32925
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I went to the park looking for Red Crossbills. They weren't to be seen. As fall back I found two families of Canada Jays. I took images of one. If I can only get a few birds, at least I can get different poses. K-3 and DA 55-300 PLM