I'd go for a zoom lens. Some of these with a Pentax mount can be found at ebay currently: http://www.treknature.com/gallery/Africa/South_Africa/photo14911.htm Jens
Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk -----Oprindelig meddelelse----- Fra: John Forbes [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sendt: 4. marts 2006 17:56 Til: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Emne: Re: Novoflex any good? (Was:Advice on long glass for, "photodoc on beachbirds") On Sat, 04 Mar 2006 14:58:53 -0000, Bob Shell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Mar 4, 2006, at 7:53 AM, Don Williams wrote: > >> Long, long ago (in Zimbabwe) I took one of those Novoflex lenses out to >> the ranch to test. I used Alpa Reflexes in those days. I took pictures >> of very rare green pigeons resting the contraption on tree trunks and >> using the fastest shutter speed (1/1000) available. The pictures were >> not sharp. I took the camera to the shooting range and took pictures of >> targets from a bench rest. The pictures were still not sharp. I handed >> the lens back to the dealer. He had to agree since he had processed the >> pictures. > > > Novoflex lens heads were made by Schneider. They were very good for > their day, but don't measure up to today's standards. Low dispersion > glass has made a big difference in telephoto lenses by allowing > designers to cure chromatic aberration. The follow-focus system was also > good for its day, but loses out when compared against modern autofocus. Nobody is suggesting these lenses are in the same league as a good modern AF lens. Tim is after a cheap tele for shooting birds, and was wondering about an M 400 5.6. I think a 400mm or 600mm Novoflex would be a good alternative at a relatively low cost. Much easier to focus, and just as good optically. Plus you can often get them on German Ebay at reasonable prices. John -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/ -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.1.2/274 - Release Date: 03/03/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.1.2/274 - Release Date: 03/03/2006
