Originally posted by stormtech No apologies necessary! I myself get easily confused when I start throwing all these numbers and crop factors around. Just wanted to be sure that you are applying the 5.5x to the actual focal length of the lenses you are looking at.
I'm just getting started with the Q - only got my first Q body in December so I haven't had the chance to do any real testing outside like I want to. I've been testing different lenses from inside through our big glass window to get a feel of the different focal lengths. One of my main goals is to be able to shoot at the opposite bank of the river at my house where the 300mm will work well (1650mm eq). But at that focal length, objects are a little difficult to acquire in the LCD and need to have a fairly static subject plus use a remote or 2 second timer and on a sturdy tripod. To make all those things mentioned a little easier, I just bought an M 150 3.5 lens which will be 825mm eq. I think this is a nice compromise for a nice long focal length and to be able to hand hold if needed and be usable for ducks on the water that are moving/floating slowly. So far just with a little testing today I think this focal length is going to be just right for me.
Thanks again for the reply, Stan.
Yes, I have taken the 5.5x factor when looking at lenses.
Now that I am reading this post of yours, it makes me think that the DA*300/4 on the Q for "birding" might not be such a great idea after all, (for me, that is) ; of course, it has great reach but it also means that it becomes difficult to acquire the "target", especially if it is moving.
So, what I am reading is that a 135-150 lens (with good IQ) would be preferable for the type of photography I do most of the time.
The resulting "focal length" would be just fine with me too !
and probably easier to hand hold in trickery trails and such places.
I will be doing a little searching for "the best" 135mm-ish lens out there, if there is such a thing, for the Q, and as long as it doesn't cost an arm and a leg!
(I wonder if my Vivitar 135/2.8 Close Focusing would fit this criteria ? But it's a totally manual-everything lens ... just throwing ideas around.)
Going back to my original post regarding a 500mm eq. .... let's just say that it is an improvement over 300mm but if one can get 800-ish with good IQ: great!
So, I am looking forward to get this adapter from Henry's ... a few days, probably early next week.
Cheers!
JP