sx50 hs zoom: I have what is probably a dumb question for you sx50 users, but can't find the answer no matter where I look. Does the lens have a focusing ring, or is zoom actuated by...

boudreau Loc: Ascension Parish, LA

I have what is probably a dumb question for you sx50 users, but can't find the answer no matter where I look.
Does the lens have a focusing ring, or is zoom actuated by buttons? Is the zoom difficult to precisely frame a subject?
Thanks in advance.

Candy

If you find the answer please let me know, my sx50 sits in the cupboard unused, I am hoping the mirrowless cameras to be announced in August/September have coped with the focus at distance problem. Thanks for posting

boudreau Loc: Ascension Parish, LA

I take it you are not overly please with the sx50. Any comments on that? I am looking to go digital and have the sx50 on my short list.

spphoto Loc: Long Island,N.Y.

The zoom is activated by a button or a lever.It dose not have a focusing ring,but it quickly auto focuses

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

I had a SX40(the 50 is basically the same) and to zoom you use a toogle ... A real pain in the ass... Had the 40 for about a month and sold it... Totally dislikeed the toggle and a few other things ( my fingers kept hitting buttons and changing the settings)... The Lens ? Utterly fantastic and greaat lens.. Also, with only having a max of f8 on the lens always thru me for a loop...

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Yes, it has the zoom button around the shutter.

You can manual focus using the ring around the rear dial when manual focus is selected. Page 130 in the manual explains this.

Page 130

Candy

I have a problem widen the lens is extended to the full extent it is all over the place I pull the lens in and release it gently not to its full extent and it works a little better. For regular shooting of birds nearby it is fine, but this was not the whole intention of the sx50, I have the canon G12, which I take for general use great color and focus for casual shooting, but my joy of focu color and everything photo is my 5D Mk lll all canon of course, but many people budget for cameras is more restricted plus the cost of the L lenses. I am favoring Olymus M quality for travel when the new ones come on the market. These cameras are just my view which may differ from others. Have a great weekend.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

boudreau wrote:

I have what is probably a dumb question for you sx50 users, but can't find the answer no matter where I look.
Does the lens have a focusing ring, or is zoom actuated by buttons? Is the zoom difficult to precisely frame a subject?
Thanks in advance.

The zoom is activated by a ring around the shutter button (like on many of the P&S pocket size cameras). The Auto Focus works good enough for me that I have never tried to use the Manual Focus option. I have set the "focus box" to smaller than default and really like how it works. Rarely is it difficult to get the framing that I want, and it I can get 'quite' where I want to be, cropping on computer is so easy, even with the FREE Picasa program.

I LOVE my SX40 and ALSO my SX50!! Everyone has their preferences for cameras, etc, but I find it difficult to comprehend anyone having HONEST issues with the SX50 (or the SX40).

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

boudreau wrote:

I have what is probably a dumb question for you sx50 users, but can't find the answer no matter where I look.
Does the lens have a focusing ring, or is zoom actuated by buttons? Is the zoom difficult to precisely frame a subject?
Thanks in advance.

The auto-focus activates when you press the shutter button part-way. Manual focus option has been mentioned. There are also options for focus while tracking a moving subject etc.

Zoom by using index finger on the lever located around/in front of the shutter button. Framing a subject takes a bit of practice and you have to learn to hold the camera steady. Pushing your arms against your body and holding your breath helps :)

I was "SLR only" for many years. Now you can't pry the SX50 out of my hands! And I'm always stretching that zoom function as far as I can take it :)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

boudreau wrote:

I have what is probably a dumb question for you sx50 users, but can't find the answer no matter where I look.
Does the lens have a focusing ring, or is zoom actuated by buttons? Is the zoom difficult to precisely frame a subject?
Thanks in advance.

And once you've mastered the 50x power (equivalent 1200 mm), you can use the in-camera teleconverter. This was equivalent 2400 mm, hand-held, no pp except a bit of exposure tweaking.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

There is also a very handy "seek assist" button. Located by where you grip with your left hand, so you just rest your left index finger on it. If you move or your subject moves, you depress the button and the zoom pulls back to wide angle. While keeping the button pressed, you re-acquire the subject, and when you release the button, the zoom zips back to whatever focal length you were. Much quicker and easier than constantly zooming in and out with the lever.

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

Linda From Maine wrote:

There is also a very handy "seek assist" button. Located by where you grip with your left hand, so you just rest your left index finger on it. If you move or your subject moves, you depress the button and the zoom pulls back to wide angle. While keeping the button pressed, you re-acquire the subject, and when you release the button, the zoom zips back to whatever focal length you were. Much quicker and easier than constantly zooming in and out with the lever.

Thanks Linda. I wasn't aware of that. :-)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

DOOK wrote:

Thanks Linda. I wasn't aware of that. :-)

Now that I've started using it, it's second nature. Below that button is one that supposedly gives an extra boost to the image stabilization; haven't really tested - not sure how you can tell :)

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

Linda,

Nice photo, impressive camera. What struck me about the photo when I downloaded I could actually see that this deer's teeth are yellow, don't think I ever saw a deer's teeth..........that's some kind of zoom!

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

steveo52 wrote:

Linda,

Nice photo, impressive camera. What struck me about the photo when I downloaded I could actually see that this deer's teeth is yellow, don't think I ever saw a deer's teeth..........that's some kind of zoom!

I simply scratch my head when I see Linda's super long range images. 2400mm, hand held, & a sharp focus--all this from a $400 camera-great stuff. Linda converted me a few months ago. In turn, I have converted others, & so on. By the way, it does a lot of other great things, too, lol. :-)