Looking for a manual focus 400mm f5.6

[TXForester]

I'm looking for a lens with some reach to use on my Canon DSLRs. I'd like to stay under $300, but most in this price range seem to be lousy when used at f5.6. The only lens I've found that has good reviews and I've seen nice sample images is a Pentax SMC in K mount. Focus confirmation adapters are available for this combination (K mount lens to EOS body).

I don't expect a lot of IQ when used wide open, but something a little sharpening in PS could help. Are there any other f5.6 lenses worth looking at?

Thanks

 

[Tim Murphy]

Tokina 400 f5.6

Tokina 400 f5.6

Dear Texas Forester,

You can score one of these from Ebay easily for a hundred bucks less than your limit in Nikon F mount, and sometimes for 1/2 your limit.

If you watch all the boards you can get a Nikon 400 f4.5 for $ 300.00 too.

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂

 

[TXForester]

After looking at some photos of the Novoflex, maybe they should have named it The Tank Buster.

 

[oftheherd]

There were many lenses of this sort, probably made by more than one manufacturer. I think it was the Spiratone 400mm that Herbert Kepler took to Mexico and gave a favorable review.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CAMBRON-f-4...165409?hash=item1a11959521:g:tXsAAOSwgApXAuef

 

[zuikologist]

You may need to watch out for the aperture actuator on K mount lenses fouling the mirror on Canon DSLRs. Nikon, Olympus, M42, Konica should all work well with an adaptor.

This might work well:


http://www.ffordes.com/product/13061011345681

I'm looking for a lens with some reach to use on my Canon DSLRs. I'd like to stay under $300, but most in this price range seem to be lousy when used at f5.6. The only lens I've found that has good reviews and I've seen nice sample images is a Pentax SMC in K mount. Focus confirmation adapters are available for this combination (K mount lens to EOS body).

I don't expect a lot of IQ when used wide open, but something a little sharpening in PS could help. Are there any other f5.6 lenses worth looking at?

Thanks

 

[TXForester]

You may need to watch out for the aperture actuator on K mount lenses fouling the mirror on Canon DSLRs.

Would the adapter not be thick enough for the actuator to clear the mirror?

What about the Olympus OM 200mm f/4 with the dedicated 2x teleconverter? I'd get a 400mm f8, but would the image quality be better than some of the cheaper 400mm lenses closed down a stop or two?

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

If you want to spent a bit more you can buy a Leica 400/6.8 from me. Or even a 560/6.8.

 

[Fraser]

Maybe a 75-300 ef I know its not a 400mm but they are so cheap if you go for the non usm one less than £100.

 

[Fraser]

there is a sigma 135-400 f4.5-5.6 for less than £300 buy it now, that would give you better quality before using converters and adapters.

 

[Fixcinater]

I picked up a Tamron 60B 300/2.8 for $400 with all the goodies and it makes an excellent 600/5.6 with the Tamron doubler. I haven't spent enough time with the 1.4X Tamron converter so I can't speak for that quality but judging by the base lens quality and the 60B+200F combo quality, it must be good.

If you are patient you could find one of those for that price, or the Tokina AT-X 300/2.8.

I've found the M42 lenses to work better than K-mount for adaptation due to most having the Auto/Manual switch which you can use to stop down instantly over cranking the aperture ring down and having to time a shot while peering through f/11 darkness.