Originally posted by GibbyTheMole Tair 3M-5CA 500mm f:8 mirror lens on the Q. (2800mm equivalent on the Q)
Admittedly, it looks pretty dodgy at 100%. BUT with this kind of magnification, you're not likely to be looking at the finished shot at 100%. Here's the uncropped shot at the same size:
That's a whole lotta reach!
Hi GibbyTheMole,
This is very cool.
My first impression when looking at the full frame shot is that the lens is pretty sharp, but there's camera shake going on here. Not a lot, or we'd see more evidence of double or multiple edges in one or more directions -- just enough to make the image look, as you said "dodgy". Maybe you might be able to see it looking at the brand name stamps or on the rusty, non reflective screw head grooves at high magnification on the originals.
The same thing happened when I tried my Tamron SP 500 f8 Cat on the Q, tripod mounted, using delayed release. The tripod looked stable, everything looked fine, but the images left something to be desired. Personally, I think we need to experiment with lenses this long and maybe we'll find some secret to getting them to work. It's not a high priority for me, but I have some ideas -- heavier tripod, maybe add even more weight -- use
SR with the tripod -- but not at 500mm, try everything between 10 and 999mm and see if there's a setting that might counteract the apparent resonance in the particular tripod. I think it's worth the effort. A 500 mirror could potentially be great with the Q, as the lens is very light and compact for such long glass, and as you say CA/PF should not even be a factor (though on some designs it might), and the results could be spectacular at over 2700mm EQ.
Do you have a hood for your Tair? My Tamron has one that's about 2.5 " deep -- it helps give the lens more contrast, which is often a criticism with mirrors. If not, you could fashion one out of black construction paper -- probably the easiest lens to do this with.
Scott