I picked up a used 500mm Century Tele-Athenar II from the OSU surplus store last week, not even knowing if it would work or fit my Canon 300D. Some of you old timers might know this lens, but I had no idea what it was at the time.
Other than the heavy weight of this 2 foot long metal tube and slow manual focusing, it was a great bargen for the quality it gives: $30 lens + $20 adapter. Here's one of the test shots I got, shooting out the car window at the Finley Wildlife refuge, near Corvallis, OR. It's a yellow-headed blackbird, which I guess are not that common in these parts.
Andy, for a $30 outlay that lens takes a pretty darned good photo! I think the photographer had something to do with it too...
Although many would say that they'd like to see the bird larger in the field of view, I like it as it is. It's sharp and shows real well the bird's habitat. I happen to really love YHBBs - I did a research project on them when I was going to the University of Montana (ancient history - 1970's!).
It is a small world, Andy! After graduating from the UofM in 1977 (Wildlife/CS) I left Montana thinking I'd return soon. It never happened which saddened me but life goes on. I basically missed you (and your dad) by a decade. Neat place that I love to always go back to as I have family that still lives there.
Finally a shot to prove that the photographer matters, not the equipment. All those guys who crib about their telephotos would be quite surprised by this shot. Great work.
Discussion
6 repliesOther than the heavy weight of this 2 foot long metal tube and slow manual focusing, it was a great bargen for the quality it gives: $30 lens + $20 adapter. Here's one of the test shots I got, shooting out the car window at the Finley Wildlife refuge, near Corvallis, OR. It's a yellow-headed blackbird, which I guess are not that common in these parts.
Although many would say that they'd like to see the bird larger in the field of view, I like it as it is. It's sharp and shows real well the bird's habitat. I happen to really love YHBBs - I did a research project on them when I was going to the University of Montana (ancient history - 1970's!).
What a great shot. Goes to show you that money doesn't buy happiness.