Originally posted by ripper2860 None of the pics in this auction are of actual item, seller stole pics off the web! Also note the cheap $15 shipping - it will cost about 50 to ship minimum. Caveat emptor!
This is a 15lb lens by itself plus gimbal plus heavy tripod. However once set up on gimbal it's easy to use and focus with the rack and pinion system. It's definitely a capable lens, but has a steep learning curve, and achieving sharp focus is tricky. I've found that certain sensors work better than others with this lens. For instance, with my old k20D, I can get respectable results, but the noisy sensor at 800 is the limiting factor. The K-01 doesn't like this lens at all, images are noticeably less sharp than the k20D (even using magnified view and focus peaking). Wish I had a K-3 to try it on. Surprisingly, it mates well with the Q for a phenomenal reach of 5600mm! To approximate this, you can hold out your thumbnail at arms length to see about the same field of view!
If you get one, be sure it comes with the trunk case! I actually fit mine in a kayak to transport to remote areas of the Everglades. Now that the summer heat is mostly gone I can start using it again.
I'm still in the learning curve myself, but the reach even on an APSC sensor is excellent and pulls in distant subjects (like birds). Here's a comparison:
"Standard" view of the Flamingo Ranger station in the Everglades from 6 miles away:
Extreme view of the cell tower at Flamingo, 6 miles away with the Q and 2x TC for an absurd 11 000mm equivalent view:
(yes, that's an Osprey nest on the very top!)
This is the reach without the TC on the Q (5600mm) view - again 6 miles away:
Some people wouild call this lens a monster, but I prefer to think of it as a gentle giant, and have dubbed mine "Hubble Jr." .. I've got plans for it!
Source of images:
https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/camping-on-the-johnso...n-florida-bay/ https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/harvest-moon-super-mo...lipse-of-2015/
Flex
www.kayakfari.com