Re: Lense question???

[Peter_AUS]

I don't think this lens will allow 2x 3x converters to it, it will make the f/stop very slow indeed. There are some that like the lens and others that don't. I would suggest you go look at the lens and try it out, that is the best way to decide on a lens.

This post is out of sequence as it is answering @lex's post. It wouldn't allow me to delete either so I could repost it. Stupid bloody system this new system is. And I say again, Photo-John the font size and look sucks big time.

[@lex]

I was looking for a Ultra-telephoto lense and i came across this APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG/HSM is this lense any good? I will be doing mostly airshows, wildlife,and sports with it and chances are ill be adding a 2x or 3x converter to it!

Any information would be great and and Shots would be exceptional!

Thank You
Alexander

[@lex]

I don't think this lens will allow 2x 3x converters to it, it will make the f/stop very slow indeed. There are some that like the lens and others that don't. I would suggest you go look at the lens and try it out, that is the best way to decide on a lens.

This post is out of sequence as it is answering @lex's post. It wouldn't allow me to delete either so I could repost it. Stupid bloody system this new system is. And I say again, Photo-John the font size and look sucks big time.

Actually it will allow a 2x converter says so on their site but im not sure if this is what you mean by editing your post!

[Peter_AUS]

I realise that it will take the converters, what I meant was that for what you are wanting to use it for, the light level will be very low so shutter speeds will be low as well and not useful for airshows, sports etc, it will sort of be OK for birding but as long as the bird doesn't move otherwise you will probably get blurring. I hope that makes more sense now.

[another view]

With teleconverters, what you gain in focal length you'll lose in lens speed. IOW, 500mm f5.6 with a 2x will give you 1000mm at f11 (two stops slower). The same lens with a 3x will give you 1500mm at f16. Auto focus systems usually work reliably only with lenses that are f5.6 or faster maximum aperture.

You could manually focus an f16 lens, but the viewfinder would be very dark - even in mid-day sun. You'd be stuck with 1/60 to 1/125 at ISO in bright sun, too. And with a lens that long it would take absolutely perfect technique to get a sharp image - if it's even possible with a zoom and a teleconverter (usually a bad combination).

I think either mjs1973 or paulnj have this lens, you might want to PM them about it. I had a Tokina 80-400 (newer style with tripod foot) and it wasn't a bad lens either. I sold it because I really don't use focal lengths that long, but it was very sharp below about 250mm, and not bad above it.

[@lex]

Thanks for the help!!