Newbie needs your opinion selecting new lens: I have a Sony DSLR A390 camera with a 18mm/55mm and a 55mm/300mm. I was wanting a lens to get long range photos of wildlife (deer) at say...

Bob K. Loc: Indiana

I have a Sony DSLR A390 camera with a 18mm/55mm and a 55mm/300mm. I was wanting a lens to get long range photos of wildlife (deer) at say 100 yards. I found on Amazon an Opteka 500/1000mm with 2X multiplier. It had 15 customer reviews and rated 4 1/2 stars. Even though it received some good ratings, the price is only $114.95. I have never heard of this brand.
I'm wondering if the old cliche about being too good to be true will apply here or you get what you pay for. Please give me your opinions on this product. It will be appreciated very much.
Thank you,
Bob K.

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Ole Granny had a saying: Yous git whats ya pay for....

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

At that price what have you to lose?? if it works your dollars in pocket.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

donrent wrote:

Ole Granny had a saying: Yous git whats ya pay for....

I hate to agree with dontrent :)

But in a general way..he's right.

Don't waste your time or money.

Bob K. Loc: Indiana

Thanks for the advice.
I was a leary of it anyway, but i don't know much about lens.
Bob K.

Bob K. Loc: Indiana

Ole Granny was right. I was thinking the same way, but then I know very little about lens.
Thanks again for your advice.
Bob K.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

if you stick to the websites of reliable camera stores such as adorama.com, b+hphoto.com, calumet.com KEH.com, you wont find cheap chinese junk being pedaled. You will find good quality well made products. there is a reason pros depend on and refer people to this companies.

wrr Loc: SEK

Personally I wish you'd go ahead and buy it. Take some pictures and post here so I can see for myself what it will do. The proof is in the pudding is what my grandma always said.

madcapmagishion

Opteka 500/1000mm with 2X multiplier = POS to avoid

GW Loc: Idaho

If you really want a fair cheap lens stick to the mirrored Opteka , not the greatest ,but on a good tripod it can surprise you....

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

If you have the money for it and just want to play. I would go for it. But it is just to play with. If you want really good shots, save your money and get a better lens. You might get 1 in 50 good shots with it, and always have to have it on a tripod.
Erv

wrr Loc: SEK

madcapmagishion wrote:

Opteka 500/1000mm with 2X multiplier = POS to avoid

So you have one I take it. Care to post some pictures, I'd like to see them.

Erv wrote:

You might get 1 in 50 good shots with it, and always have to have it on a tripod.

just curious, where do these numbers come from? Speculation or experience? I think any 500mm would have to be on a tripod. If this item were priced at $800 would the comments still be the same?

I'm not saying I think its a great lens, just looking for the proof in the pudding...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The f/6.3 would turn me off. It would be good for taking pictures in the Sahara at noon, but putting that 2X would cut out even more light.

Opteka has been around since 2002, and they specialize in making converter lenses and filters, in addition to various odds and ends. It is not a brand that people sve up to buy.

wrr Loc: SEK

jerryc41 wrote:

The f/6.3 would turn me off. It would be good for taking pictures in the Sahara at noon, but putting that 2X would cut out even more light.

Opteka has been around since 2002, and they specialize in making converter lenses and filters, in addition to various odds and ends. It is not a brand that people sve up to buy.

I agree, if you have to 'save up' to spend $160 then it's probably for the best if you took a pass.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

wrr wrote:

jerryc41 wrote:

The f/6.3 would turn me off. It would be good for taking pictures in the Sahara at noon, but putting that 2X would cut out even more light.

Opteka has been around since 2002, and they specialize in making converter lenses and filters, in addition to various odds and ends. It is not a brand that people save up to buy.

I agree, if you have to 'save up' to spend $160 then it's probably for the best if you took a pass.

That's true, but I didn't state that clearly. What I meant was people do not lust after Opteka equipment. "I couldn't afford a Tokina, so I got an Opteka."