"Chino Cherokee" <tifosoOUT@comcast.net> wrote in message news:I4-dnTPdxdppKIuiU-KYgg@comcast.com...

> I'm not rich.

> My lotto ticket choices really suck.

> Therefore...

> I'd like to get a tele lens. Currently I have an 80-200 which isn't cutting

> it for nature shots.

> I'm interested in a 300, 400, or 500 lens, but it seems the only one even

> remotely in my range is the 500/8 reflex. (I'm all Nikon MF)

> Any thoughts on this lens? Suggestions? Other options?

Look for the older (larger, non"macro") version of the Nikkor

500mm f8 mirror - it should be around $250 in nice condition,

and it is an unusually good mirror, capable of sharp images

even with the TC14 (14B, same optics, generally much higher

price). These are NOT easy to use, though, being slower than

rated, and hard to hold steady even on a good tripod (I prefer

hand-held, at 1/500th shutter or higher, which means shooting

with fast film in good light...). You can shoot to avoid or minimize

the "doughnut-effect", if you don't like it... A good alternative:

the old preset-diaphragm 400mm f6.3/6.9 put out under various

brands over the last 40 years or so - this can be a surprisingly

good lens, as can the old Cosina 100-500mm zoom (though

this one is SLOW! [slower even than the Nikkor mirror when

at 500mm]). See for more: www.David-Ruether-Photography.com/slemn.html.

--

David Ruether

d_ruether@hotmail.com

http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com

Hey, take a gander at www.visitithaca.com, too...!