[aideyhoward]

i have just noticed this lens on ebay has anyone an idea of quality as it looks a bargain but is it worth spending it or using the money on another

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/500mm-1000mm-Z...d=p3286.c0.m14

[JMitchell]

Generally these are to be avoided as they're manual focus only, probably no metering, and probably not very high quality. On the other hand, I have been tempted every now and again just to try one for fun, but have never had enough spare cash to justify it

[Dabhand16]

Generally speaking with lenses, you get what you pay for.

I would not be tempted by this lens.

[aideyhoward]

thanx a bunch i cnt seem to find a good tele zoom macro lens that i can afford atm any ideas???

[stupot]

This was my first zoom lens and for the price its a cracker and the macro facility is very good too

Pixalo Photographic Equipment Reviews - 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro DG -

You can get them from www.onestop-digital.com (hong kong) which is where i got mine for £121.79 delivered

[aideyhoward]

thank you very much i ws looking at that lens and another one i am looking forward to buying it that price is good also. no i just have to find a wide angle lens unless the the standard one will do i havent had chance to go for a play with the new camera just yet so.

thanks everyone for there help brilliant and i will be asking a few more questions when i think of them as i am trying to get into photography a bit more seriously going into a career in it when i feel i am capable so appreciate the help

[Rob Barron]

Stu, avoid those lenses like the plague, they are not worth even the low price they ask for!

The quality of the glass is rubbish, chromatic aberrations are horrendous. They are max aperture of f8 but if you put the 2xTC on that comes with it you are down to f16. You'll then be using a long lens, very hard to hold and needing strong sunlight just to get a shot. The definition of the resulting shot is nothing like the 'example' they show on the listing, trust me!

When something looks too good to be true, it almost always is! In this case it would be a £65 door stop.... no use for anything else

Cheers,
Rob

[aideyhoward]

could I ask u what you recommend then without it costing me the earth

[Dabhand16]

Originally Posted by aideyhoward

could I ask u what you recommend then without it costing me the earth

Do you want a recommendation for a prime 500mm, or are you open to other suggestions?

What sort of photography do you want to do with the new lens?

[aideyhoward]

I'm generally going to be doing nature and sport I an also going to be doing landscapes but will be buying a wide angle later.I just want long range with macro function that isn't going to cost a bomb thanks

[stepheno]

What camera do you shoot with?

[aideyhoward]

oh yeah sorry that would be a help, i mentioned it another post thats why i forgot.
the camera i have is the sony alpha 350 i have the standard 18-70mm lens
i want telphoto with macro function and also a wide angle

[Steve]

If you are on a tight budget then this is the one to go for. It can be bought with different mounts (Canon/Nikon) so you should be able to get the one that matches your equipment. Also they do (or did) a cheaper version that is called the same but without the 'APO' in its name. This one should be avoided as for the cost difference the APO model far out performs its cheaper brother.

Originally Posted by stupot

This was my first zoom lens and for the price its a cracker and the macro facility is very good too

Pixalo Photographic Equipment Reviews - 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro DG -

You can get them from www.onestop-digital.com (hong kong) which is where i got mine for £121.79 delivered