So I just bought a Quantaray 600-1000MM telephoto lens.

[Deja Q]

:9

But, at 1000mm, it sure gets dark.

Is this normal for larger mm sizes to require more light?

:shrug:

Thanks!

[ewagner]

1. Yes

Need to adjust at least a couple of F-stops.

and use a high speed film....ASA 800 or 1000. I once used 1200.

That was with a 78-300 MM lens........

[Deja Q]

2. Thx!

So 100 ISO is out of the question, at least for shooting wildlife or other moving objects... :D

I'll pick up some Fuji tomorrow...

[Don Claybrook]

3. Yes, it's normal

This isn't firsthand information. I top out at 300mm.

The longer the focal length, in general, the more light you'll need (smaller aperture).

That's why you'll now need to go and buy a $700 tripod to keep the thing still for long enough exposures to get the light you need.

Anyway, enjoy your new lens. What kind of body are you putting it on?

[Deja Q]

5. Minolta

Maxxum 5.

I gather the upcoming Minolta Digital SLR will retain lens compatibility. :party: :bounce:

I have a $40 tripod that's decently built and supports up to 6.6 pounds. The next one up is $80 and supports up to 11 pounds. Should I upgrade?

[Don Claybrook]

7. It depends on who you listen to

I just have a cheap tripod myself, but I mostly shoot handheld, and at f/1.8 lots of times, so I don't so much need the stability. I also don't have a 1000mm lens.

Here's an article on tripods. Suffice it to say, everyone who has ever spent a large amount of money for a tripod will tell you that they're indispensible. I'd say the same thing if I had spent that much. :)

Anyway, here's one of many articles available on the Internet that extoll the virtues of a good tripod:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/tripods_&_heads.shtml

[Deja Q]

9. Thanks!

I might just upgrade to the next one up then... :D It's probably heavier, and it did look it.

[NashVegas]

4. how much does it weigh?

and yes - the longer the focal length, the higher the minimum f-stop.

[Deja Q]

6. 890 grams, or 2 pounds

I think my tripod (which supports 6 pounds) will suffice, fortunately...

[NashVegas]

8. damn, sounds hefty

..

[Demonaut]

10. I would guess the lens at 1000mm is about f8 or f11

most zoom focal lengths will start at one F stop then move to a smaller f stop as you zoom (usually about two stops).Rule of thumb, always match the shutter speed to the focal length of the lens IE: 600mm= 750th sec shutter speed, and if you want a good affordable tripod try Bogen or Slik. bty test the lens at infinity, shoot a roll at various focal lengths and see how well it focuses, what might appear sharp in the viewfinder may be out of focus

[Deja Q]

11. WYSINWYG?

If I discover that the snaps I'd taken were out of focus :scared:, does that mean the lens is bad?

[Demonaut]

12. no but you will find it more difficult to focus and you will need to get

used to it, old photography maxim: "never test out equipment on location"

[Deja Q]

13. I recall some cameras not focusing right at infinity,

but would focus fine at every other setting. (Even with 'infinity' I had to turn the dial a small way...)

But I don't recall a situation where what looked fine in the viewfinder ended up being a soft blur...

I'll be vigilant, thanks for your info!