The Opteka 500mm F/8 HD for moon and nebulae?

[JBW]

Does anyone know about this lens. I'm looking for a lens primarily for the moon and if it worked well for deep space objects like Andromeda and M42.

This might be okay.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...rror_lens.html

This has a remarkably good rep.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...rror_lens.html

If there is no consensus that the former is superior I'll be going with the latter.
Brian

[Shadowman]

Brian,

Have you read the reviews of each, I read that attaching a UV filter will increase the contrast of images.

[Cogito]

Brian, you've already been here,,

[Manfred M]

The more expensive one is faster by 2/3 stop - f/6.3 versus f/8.

I would have thought the extra light gathering capabilities would be an important factor in the decision.

[JBW]

Brian, you've already been here,,

whoops

[rpcrowe]

I don't know if this matters to you but, it seems that the f/8 weighs 12.7 ounces while the f/6.3 weighs 24.7 ounces.

[JBW]

I don't know if this matters to you but, it seems that the f/8 weighs 12.7 ounces while the f/6.3 weighs 24.7 ounces.

everything is interconnected.

[odds]

(...)
This has a remarkably good rep.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...rror_lens.html

Brian,
I am sorry for not posting this sooner, but I got involved in work that has taken all my time for many long weeks.

Thing is, I have known for some time that I will be heading your way next week. Not exactly to your location though, as I leave wednesday for MNL. I do own a 500mm f/6.3 Samyang reflex/mirror lens in need of a better home. It is a long haul, but if luggage volume and weight permit (lens 0.7kg). I can bring the lens if you think it may work for you. It needs a T/T2 adapter, but I am not prepared to let my T2-Nikon go with the lens, it does not fit your Sony anyway. I would tthink a T/T2-SonyA adapter should be available, but I do not know that for sure.

Let me know if you are interested and can arrange to pick up the lens in MNL (QC).

--
Odd S.

[JBW]

Brian,
I am sorry for not posting this sooner, but I got involved in work that has taken all my time for many long weeks.

Thing is, I have known for some time that I will be heading your way next week. Not exactly to your location though, as I leave wednesday for MNL. I do own a 500mm f/6.3 Samyang reflex/mirror lens in need of a better home. It is a long haul, but if luggage volume and weight permit (lens 0.7kg). I can bring the lens if you think it may work for you. It needs a T/T2 adapter, but I am not prepared to let my T2-Nikon go with the lens, it does not fit your Sony anyway. I would tthink a T/T2-SonyA adapter should be available, but I do not know that for sure.

Let me know if you are interested and can arrange to pick up the lens in MNL (QC).

--
Odd S.

Thanks for your offer but I shall have to decline. I've realized that I haven't quite got tyhye skills needed for that lens.

[DickyOZ]

Many many years ago in my film days I had a 500mm F8 mirror lens and enjoyed getting many good photos with it. They do have their downside - doughnut bokeh and less than precise focusing; I never printed them bigger than 10" X 8".

I seriously considered getting that lens while waiting for Olympus to bring the 300mm F4 to the market, but after reading many reviews (DPREVIEW's website) I decided against it - the images posted were just not sharp enough. If you get one I will be very interested to see how well it works for you.

[JBW]

Many many years ago in my film days I had a 500mm F8 mirror lens and enjoyed getting many good photos with it. They do have their downside - doughnut bokeh and less than precise focusing; I never printed them bigger than 10" X 8".

I seriously considered getting that lens while waiting for Olympus to bring the 300mm F4 to the market, but after reading many reviews (DPREVIEW's website) I decided against it - the images posted were just not sharp enough. If you get one I will be very interested to see how well it works for you.

I'll be passing for now. I'll need a tracking mount before I get a lens that brig.

[DickyOZ]

I'll be passing for now. I'll need a tracking mount before I get a lens that brig.

I really must get my tracking mount to work; I'm really keen to get some decent night sky shots when in the back of beyond. I should have used a DC motor for my prototype instead of being ambitious and using a stepper motor.

[JBW]

I really must get my tracking mount to work; I'm really keen to get some decent night sky shots when in the back of beyond. I should have used a DC motor for my prototype instead of being ambitious and using a stepper motor.

I may not know the difference between a DC and a stepper but I do know there are a gazillion new and interesting things to shoot in the heavens.