Phoenix 500MM Preset Lens??????

BA777 · 07-14-2006, 12:05 AM

I just bought one for my Nikon D50 Digital SLR and went out to use it today....The pictures didn't come out as clear as i would have thought. Has anyone ever used a preset lens with manual focus that would have any tips on using this lens?

FLYFRONTIER · 07-14-2006, 02:02 AM

500mm! WoW!!!!

Were you using a tripod, is it a stabilized lens? My first guess would be that your lack of clarity is probably due to camera shake. That long of an objective coupled with what must be an awkward and bulky lens can lead to a lot of camera shake, especially for a new photographer.

Have you tried other lenses? Are the results clearer? If not, it might be a problem with your camera. A friend of mine who is a very accomplished A.net photographer is of the opinion that anything more than 400mm should either be stabilized or you should use a tripod. As for me, I only have a 300mm so I can't say for sure.

You might also be getting heat haze which can have the effect of causing your long range photos to have a blurry effect. Heat haze is at it's worse when you are photographing aircraft on the ground when the tarmac/runway has had a chance to warm.

The D50 is a good camera and is what I use (of course that is hardly a stellar endorsement). A.net is a good place to get some advice, although not always helpful. Also Airlinebuzz.com has a good photography forum and is geared more towards the armature than A.net - although I would hardly call Continental's photography armature.

Have fun!

alpha608 · 07-14-2006, 03:19 AM

Number one you are pretty stupid for buying a phoenix lens. Number two, you will have one hell of a time MF the damn thing for planes. But enjoy. You should have bought the Nikon 400mm F/2.8 VR AF-S. youd be much happier. Number three, its not called preset. It is called a "prime lens".

BA777 · 07-14-2006, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpha608

Number one you are pretty stupid for buying a phoenix lens. Number two, you will have one hell of a time MF the damn thing for planes. But enjoy. You should have bought the Nikon 400mm F/2.8 VR AF-S. youd be much happier. Number three, its not called preset. It is called a "prime lens".

No actually it says PRESET on the box and on there website. Says nothing about "prime lens" and i was looking for something affordable with some long range thats why i bought a phoenix and i'm really not having any problems with the MF i just believe the settings are not right on the camera or lens and thats what the partial problem is.

alpha608 · 07-14-2006, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BA777

No actually it says PRESET on the box and on there website. Says nothing about "prime lens" and i was looking for something affordable with some long range thats why i bought a phoenix and i'm really not having any problems with the MF i just believe the settings are not right on the camera or lens and thats what the partial problem is.

It says preset because PHOENIX as a camera manufacturer is a joke. How much did it cost you? $50? but if they pictures are blurry, you should check your shutter speed and make sure it is around 1/800.

07-14-2006, 12:05 AM	#1
BA777 Collector Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Newington,Conneticut , USA Age: 30 Posts: 147	Phoenix 500MM Preset Lens?????? I just bought one for my Nikon D50 Digital SLR and went out to use it today....The pictures didn't come out as clear as i would have thought. Has anyone ever used a preset lens with manual focus that would have any tips on using this lens? __________________ *BIG Papi For PresidentAtleast MVP!!!!*

07-14-2006, 02:02 AM	#2
FLYFRONTIER Freight Puppy Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: City by the Bay Posts: 493	500mm! WoW!!!! Were you using a tripod, is it a stabilized lens? My first guess would be that your lack of clarity is probably due to camera shake. That long of an objective coupled with what must be an awkward and bulky lens can lead to a lot of camera shake, especially for a new photographer. Have you tried other lenses? Are the results clearer? If not, it might be a problem with your camera. A friend of mine who is a very accomplished A.net photographer is of the opinion that anything more than 400mm should either be stabilized or you should use a tripod. As for me, I only have a 300mm so I can't say for sure. You might also be getting heat haze which can have the effect of causing your long range photos to have a blurry effect. Heat haze is at it's worse when you are photographing aircraft on the ground when the tarmac/runway has had a chance to warm. The D50 is a good camera and is what I use (of course that is hardly a stellar endorsement). A.net is a good place to get some advice, although not always helpful. Also Airlinebuzz.com has a good photography forum and is geared more towards the armature than A.net - although I would hardly call Continental's photography armature. Have fun! __________________ - Please don't confuse me with that other guy

07-14-2006, 03:19 AM	#3
alpha608 Insane Collector Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,135	Number one you are pretty stupid for buying a phoenix lens. Number two, you will have one hell of a time MF the damn thing for planes. But enjoy. You should have bought the Nikon 400mm F/2.8 VR AF-S. youd be much happier. Number three, its not called preset. It is called a "prime lens". __________________ "One by one the penguins steal my sanity"

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