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Would you pay $80?
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 11:36 pm    Post subject: Would you pay $80? Reply with quote

$80 US, that is, for a Soligor 400mm f/6.3 prime lens?
Is it really worth that?

It's described as a T-mount with an M42 mount installed.
Looks clean and well-kept. I am tempted. Any thoughts?


PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 11:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I definitely no, but I am not an expert on this area at all.
I don't think so this lens would be better than any of your current 200mm lens + 2X TC.


PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 11:41 pm    Post subject: Re: Would you pay $80? Reply with quote

SkedAddled wrote:
$80 US, that is, for a Soligor 400mm f/6.3 prime lens?
Is it really worth that?

It's described as a T-mount with an M42 mount installed.
Looks clean and well-kept. I am tempted. Any thoughts?


$20-$50 with shipping has gotten me two off e-bay. One auto T4 and one Auto TX. You should be able to get a pre set in that range or less.

Bill


PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 11:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Attila wrote:
I definitely no, but I am not an expert on this area at all.
I don't think so this lens would be better than any of your current 200mm lens + 2X TC.
Interesting. What would a 2X TC offer over a longer lens, besides convenience in carrying? I recently acquired a Vivitar 2X TC in near-mint condition for almost nothing, but I have often wondered why this is more desireable than a longer lens.

casualcollector wrote:
$20-$50 with shipping has gotten me two off e-bay. One auto T4 and one Auto TX. You should be able to get a pre set in that range or less.
Thanks, Bill. What have you acquired so inexpensively, and are they good lenses in your opinion? Are they Soligor, or other brands?


PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 11:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

2XTC can offer same IQ (low quality like this lens) 80 USD is door stop category in 400mm range, same like 2xTC + any 200mm lens. I suggest to save a bit more and buy a better lens. Most cheap 400mm lens used by only once for first test and never more.


PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Certainly not worth it.

I wouldn't pay more than $20 or maybe $25 if its of an interesting make (Soligor sold a lot of different makers products).

As for quality, I'd say there are lots of cheap 400/6.3's that would do a great job. Look for Spiratones, Accuras, Lentars, Vemars, etc. There are plenty of $20 T-mount lenses.

Also consider that it isn't easy to take a well-focused, sharp picture with a 400mm. There is a lot that can go wrong that is magnified at or above this focal length because of limited DOF and more sensitivity to motion. Lens quality is rather down the list of what can go wrong.

Some possibly to avoid -

- Soligor/Vivitar Tokina-made 400/6.3 automatic T4 - very disappointing
- Any makers 450/8 - I have tried three now, all bad.


PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, thanks to you all: Bill, Attila, and Luis.

I'm now not so tempted to make the purchase, which will keep my wallet happy. Very Happy


PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/mfl_club_members/luisalegria/Spiratone/
http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/mfl_club_members/luisalegria/Komura400/
http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/japenese/sigma/sigma_400mm_f5_6/


http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/mfl_club_members/pancolart/telemegor/


http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/japenese/vivitar/vivitar_400mm_f5_6/
http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/japenese/Soligor/soligor_400mm_f5_6/