2000mm lens for $330

[Duke]

Has anyone tried one of these lenses with a 7D, 550 or Rebel?

http://cgi.ebay.com/2000mm-Telescope...34911250153423

Its not really a 2000mm, but actually a 1200mm, which at 1.6 crop looks like 1920mm. And in reality its a telescope with a camera adapter. The price is manageable. Still looks like it would be fun if its decent.

I believe the brand is Visionking. Anyone have any idea of the CA, etc.

[autumnautist]

are some russian mirror lens that are also cheap

http://www.rugift.com/photocameras/l...or-cameras.htm

[Duke]

are some russian mirror lens that are also cheap

http://www.rugift.com/photocameras/l...or-cameras.htm

That same lens in on that web site at:
http://www.rugift.com/photocameras/t...-for-canon.htm

but costs more. Has anyone tried one of these, for example photographing wild life?

[cgbier]

If you can live with doughnut shaped highlights and a fixed f/8 aperture, mirror lenses ain't bad.

[rhervag]

you will need a $2000 tripod to use that lens outdoors even without any wind...
indoors it is useless unless you're stalking that girl from the other side of the block ))

[Duke]

Not that many wild animals have highlights, but I get your point. Something like this then doesn't seem to be a mirror lens. (Wasn't thinking of any indoor shots with a 2000mm lens. LOL)

http://cgi.ebay.com/15-30x-Telescope...item335c94d2a0

As far as tripods go I have a Libec H60 with bottom spreader when I need something really stable. Its a tank that has stood up to the Santa Ana (devil) winds.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ge_Tripod.html

[rhervag]

longest i've tried is a 300mm with a tripler on the 7D and it was impossible to avoid getting seasick once seen on a big screen due to every microvibration translating into huge vertical woobling. i mean at such insane length without image stabilisation, if you breath just standing next to the camera it will pick it up. simply pressing the record button creates an earthquake like motion for instance...
a friend who does wildlife stills with an equivalent 600mm says he uses sandbags over the lens itself to dampen such vibes and then sits down with a remote to avoid any further contact.

[cgbier]

I don't think that these telescope lenses will work for video. As mentioned before, you'll have to lock down your tripod and use a remote control for shooting. Those thingies work well for stills though.

You;ll wonder how much doughnut highlights you'll get while shooting wildlife (with a mirror lens). You won't see much of it through the viewfinder, but later when you watch your footage. Any little bit of light breaking through twigs and branches will look kinda funky... reminded me always on my times when I was trying one specific drug...
My experience comes from using a 1000mm mirror lens on an Nikon FM2 (which I still own and love!)

[Janke]

2 cents: I once had a 500mm mirror lens. Sold it quickly...

[zagnut]

Agreed about tripod issues. It's almost impossible to use my 500mm even with a tripod.

That particular 1200mm lens has an aperture of F13, gonna need a lot of light. Low light recording will be next to impossible.

Mirror lenses are also known to be low in contrast. This may be a plus for some though.

[cgbier]

Mirror lenses are also known to be low in contrast. This may be a plus for some though.

True that... great for portraits.
Cops might love the highlights in the pictures (hint: the doughnut shape)

I doubt though that you'll get plenty of contrast out of a 300 dollar tele either. But it's sure worth a try.