Very difficult lens to use.
Mar 8, 2019 19:28:02 #
I was given an Ai Nikkor 800mm f8 manual lens in trade for a professionally mounted image a while back. The focal length generates a tiny amount of dof. It is so sensitive to vibration, even on a heavy gimbal and heavy duty tripod that it’s extremely difficult to use. An electronic release is a must I’ve found. I compared iq with a manual cable release and the modern one is a bit better. Focusing via live view zoomed in is a big plus. The old lens functions perfectly but can’t imagine why she bought it years ago. Nevertheless it’s now mine and trying to learn to use it with a little success. Some sort of twisted form of fun I guess. Perhaps I’ll learn to like it. We’ll see. The starling, of course, chased the dark eyed junkos off before getting a meal.
Mar 8, 2019 19:48:16 #
Can you do mirror lock up? That might help, although I am a mirrorless guy with no experience of DSLR's
Mar 8, 2019 19:53:25 #
Cany143
Loc: SE Utah
Somehow I can't imagine using an 800mm lens --however much fun it might be to try-- on a camera unless the whole shebang was cemented to a rock in non-earthquake-prone territory. But since it was given to you, absolutely, bang away! And try not to make the starlings feel like the CIA is 'onto them' or worse.
Mar 8, 2019 20:10:14 #
repleo wrote:
Can you do mirror lock up? That might help, although I am a mirrorless guy with no experience of DSLR's
Yes my dslr can do mirror lock up but then you can’t view the image. Hence, Live View (Nikon) was used because it already has the mirror in the up position.
Mar 8, 2019 20:24:03 #
tripod heavy enough to sit on for starts and then 3 sand bags on the legs (10lbs
each) and one over the lens ....shutter speed of 1/250 will give sharp images
each) and one over the lens ....shutter speed of 1/250 will give sharp images
Mar 8, 2019 20:26:28 #
Cany143 wrote:
Somehow I can't imagine using an 800mm lens --however much fun it might be to try-- on a camera unless the whole shebang was cemented to a rock in non-earthquake-prone territory. But since it was given to you, absolutely, bang away! And try not to make the starlings feel like the CIA is 'onto them' or worse.
Cany, I too have never looked through anything like an 800mm. The view is fine but it’s deployment is a bear to get right. And yes, a concrete base would be great. The starling shot was off a stone patio after much patience waiting for the vibrations to go away. You can’t touch the focus ring without waiting 30 seconds. It’s crazy.
Mar 9, 2019 01:37:30 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
pesfls wrote:
Yes my dslr can do mirror lock up but then you can’t view the image. Hence, Live View (Nikon) was used because it already has the mirror in the up position.
That's a good idea using Live View instead of mirror lockup. It accomplishes essentially the same thing.
You also might get a bean bag and lay that on top of camera and lens. That can dampen movements and absorb a lot of vibrations.
If possible, also hang some weight under your tripod.... I often use my camera bag or backpack. That also can help with stability.
Use a remote release so you don't need to press the shutter button on the camera. There are both wired and wireless releases available for most cameras. It's also possible to use the self-time to delay the release, but it's hard to time shots of wildlife using that.
If it's breezy and the lens hood isn't shading the lens from bright sun, remove it. The large hoods on super telephotos can act like a sail catching the wind!
Mar 9, 2019 06:46:15 #
Mar 9, 2019 07:28:37 #
I am countered the same difficulty using the Pentax 500 mm f 5.6 manual focus lens. And for difficulty focusing, I have never seen anything worse than a mirror lens!
Mar 9, 2019 07:28:37 #
I encountered the same difficulty using the Pentax 500 mm f 5.6 manual focus lens. And for difficulty focusing, I have never seen anything worse than a mirror lens!
Mar 9, 2019 07:34:41 #
Wow! I have a hard enough time getting still images with my 600mm f/8. Good luck with your lens.
Mar 9, 2019 08:52:07 #
Mar 9, 2019 09:09:39 #
camerapapi wrote:
I bet you can understand now better the advantages of VR.
I most certainly do. After nearly 50 years with Nikon I own only one Nikkor with VR, the 16/35. It’s great but will say the Olympus I have with in body 5 axis stabilization is utterly amazing and in my experience a superior system. But that’s personal opinion. I have no qualms with big tripods, remote releases, manual lenses as I grew up with those things but yeah along with AF it’s a wonderful invention.
Mar 9, 2019 09:10:28 #
cameraf4 wrote:
Wow! I have a hard enough time getting still images with my 600mm f/8. Good luck with your lens.
Wanna trade?
Mar 9, 2019 09:11:06 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.