iosa Loc: Fairbanks, AK

How good is the Bower brand of lenses? I am specifically thinking of something like the 500mm f/8 manual focus telephoto lens or the somewhat more expensive 650-1300mm f/8-16 manual focus lens. I am thinking of these for daylight wildlife shooting.

Bereft of electronics of any kind as they are, I know that these lenses will be cheaper than comparable lenses, but is the glass still of good quality?

dongrant Loc: Earth, I think!

While I have never used a Bower lens, from what I have read from others, their quality is sorely lacking. A bit of advice, your glass (lenses) is the last place where you want to take a chance of quality. It is the most important part of your system. If you shot Cannon or Nikon then you may want to look for a good used lens. I have ran across a number of photographers that supplement their equipment from used equipment stores and Craigslist. Examine the lens carefully and if you can take test shots to examine later.

jeffknapton Loc: meridian, id

I agree, dont go cheap on the lens. I shoot wildlife and you need to be able to hand hold your camera. a lens at f8 wont cut it. I have a sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3. with OS. I can hand hold and pan with good results. good photos come from good glass

henrymorris Loc: New Mexico

i a have bower 14mm f/2.8 fish lens and it is a very,very good lens,,love it.