looking for 300mm and 500mm lenses for astro-shots

[dave_t]

I'm back from vacation which came out nicely under budget, so now I'm looking to invest in a 300mm and 500mm lens to blow my savings.

I'm a big fan of m42 mount lenses and already have some tele adapters in m42 as well as the chipped adapter for my 30d, so I'd prefer to stay in this mount.

These would be primarily for moon shots, almost exclusively which should give you an idea of what I'm looking for.

So far I've found the Pentacon 500mm available in my area. I know this lens is an absolute beast, but from the samples I've seen online it seems sharp for what I'd be using it for. This lens sells for about $400 where I live, is this a good price? I can't find any completed listings on ebay for it, so I'm clueless about how much it should be. Are there any other options?

With the 300, there seems to be a bunch of options. I'd be looking for something in the $100-$200 range if possible.

My last question refers to my tripod. Currently, I'm using a Manfrotto 190proB with a 141RC 3-way head, which I have been very satisfied with. I'm wondering if this setup would still be OK with the 500mm Pentacon lens, or if I should look into upgrading my tripod, or just going with a lighter, mirror lens.

Thanks all for the help and if you have anything for sale that would suit my needs, feel free to shoot me a pm!

[Attila]

I used Pentacon 500mm and 500mm mirror lenses. Mirror lenses are lightweight and at least same sharp.

I recommend to use brand lenses like Nikkor, Tamron etc.

or lot cheaper and same good or better ones Russian MTO lenses like 8/500mm and if you are lucky you can find 6.3/500mm.

http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/russian_lens/mc3m5ca/
http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/russian_lens/3m-6a/

[Himself]

A Pentacon 500mm goes around $500.
But I don't know if your combo ( tripod+head) is capable to sustain the weight of the lens and the 30D without trembling.

[mahojazz]

y not try getting a longer focal length lens? or get a telescope instead. i have tried shooting moon with a 500mm reflex, with a 1.5x crop, i still find the moon small. i have seen on ebay selling 1000mm mirror lens from russia. maybe that will help.

[Attila]

Telescope can be best solution for moon shoots I guess.

[F16SUNSHINE]

I have a ML 8/500 for years now. It is a pretty good and possibly above average performer for a reflex lens.
Last spring I bought a Contax Mutar II (highest rated 2x TC available) to use with the 500mm for moon and long shoots here at my house (1000mm total).
The problem is that I live at sea level and near to the Pacific (puget sound).
The amount of moisture in the air is so compounded with this setup I am limited to using it in closer range .
Please send me a PM if you are interested in it.
I would sell to buy something that would get more use.

[koji]

I have Pentacon 500/5.6 (Orestegor in M42 mount, anyway they is the same),
since the lens comes with various adapters originally. Your tripod + head combination is
wee bit weak side IMHO. See my setup in the last in http://www.pbase.com/kkawakami/500mmf56
(Originally I used two tripods to secure the set, but hard to move/change angle!
So I changed one tripod under the lens and one monopod under the camera.
The tripod is Manfrotto 055 and monopod is Slick "El cheapo" monopod 350, I got this free
when I bought a Slick heavy duty head seen in the same photo.)

For your astro-shooting I am not sure whether you can use "two tripod method" or not.

[aussiesnapper]

this might get your attention, i have a MTO1000am 1100mm f10.5 mirror lens in original case with all original filters and book in m42 mount.
but this sucker weighs in at about 4.5 kilos so depends were you are as fraight may be expensive and you need a car to mount it on lol
Dave

[dave_t]