Does anyone know anything about this Kowa 500mm f5.6 lens ??
Feb 17, 2019 14:55:28 #
Feb 17, 2019 15:03:46 #
From what I can see, in consideration of the high price, I'd stay far, far away from that. I would suggest the Nikon 200-500 as a better, price comparable, choice. Best of luck.
Feb 17, 2019 15:04:06 #
imagemeister wrote:
Been seeing several of this lens on ebay. It appea... (show quote)
I have found this - http://blog.kasson.com/the-last-word/guest-post-on-gfx-adapted-lenses/
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Feb 17, 2019 15:12:07 #
This page may interest you
https://kowalensscope.wordpress.com/
it is full frame and discontinued it seems. It can be used as a 350mm 500mm and 850mm and there are various adapters for different camera systems. I think the minimum focus distance is around 3 Meters. All manual with no image stabilization. It can also be used as a spotting scope.
https://kowalensscope.wordpress.com/
it is full frame and discontinued it seems. It can be used as a 350mm 500mm and 850mm and there are various adapters for different camera systems. I think the minimum focus distance is around 3 Meters. All manual with no image stabilization. It can also be used as a spotting scope.
Feb 17, 2019 19:23:09 #
Thanks, here is the Kowa site info - a very interesting lens - with optical extender can be 350 f4 or 850 f9 - AND, it comes in Sony A mount !!
Feb 17, 2019 19:48:24 #
imagemeister wrote:
Be sure to scan down to the bottom of the page where a test is done against several high class lenses ...especially NIKON.
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Feb 17, 2019 22:59:24 #
imagemeister wrote:
Be sure to scan down to the bottom of the page where a test is done against several high class lenses ...especially NIKON.
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And here is the Kowa video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioNZ76GUMcw
It appears to be manual internal focus .....
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Feb 18, 2019 02:33:31 #
Pistnbroke
Loc: UK
So why would you want an old technology manual focus …….You need at least a 24 mp DX to make any 500 mm work and a camera with fine focus adjust....
Feb 18, 2019 07:04:48 #
SteveG
Loc: Norh Carolina
imagemeister wrote:
Been seeing several of this lens on ebay. It appea... (show quote)
I was a Kowa user back in the day. It was my first camera outfit. They had good quality equipment, but it never really took off. Strange lens mount etc. Took it through a complete European tour in 1974 and have some great images still on my wall today. That said, because of the mount, and the cost, go with the Nikon.
Feb 18, 2019 07:18:04 #
SteveG wrote:
I was a Kowa user back in the day. It was my first camera outfit. They had good quality equipment, but it never really took off. Strange lens mount etc. Took it through a complete European tour in 1974 and have some great images still on my wall today. That said, because of the mount, and the cost, go with the Nikon.
Because Nikon has the longest flange focal distance, they have the most adaptable mount, canon has one of the shortest for a DSLR. If you decide to sell it the Nikon mount will give the largest market for that lens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc2Rlwj8cLg
Feb 18, 2019 08:04:15 #
imagemeister wrote:
Been seeing several of this lens on ebay. It appea... (show quote)
Over $3,000 new.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801818-REG/Kowa_TP556_500_mm_f_5_6_FL.html/?ap=y&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzKnjBRDPARIsAKxfTRDh0_pO8suRsztNZaC2CAGnBtMzLaRSLSeUj3Vh5pUExVQshEHsAmYaAlsfEALw_wcB&lsft=BI%3A514&smp=Y
Feb 18, 2019 08:12:59 #
Feb 18, 2019 08:51:53 #
imagemeister wrote:
So, reading this link it looks like it is an optically good lens, but I have to ask, how are you going to use a manual focus 500mm lens, would a 400mm with TC not be a better choice?
Feb 18, 2019 09:05:20 #
I bought an Optika 500mm 5.6 for less than $150 nice and light. shoots great photos.
Feb 18, 2019 11:04:23 #
I would be a little bit leery of the Kowa lens, especially at that price. I do not know anything about their optical quality but their 35mm cameras had reliability issues. My dad had a Kowa 35mm SLR and the shutter kept jamming until he finally gave up on it. Kowa's medium format 6 x 6 cameras, on the other hand, had a much better reputation.
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