High performance lens for long distance work. Works well with Cobra 3 monopod C180F-P, Wimberley Monogimbal MH-100, and Arca Swiss plate Wimberley P-40.
With Canon Extender FD 2x-A teleconverter, the lens is sharp enough that even wide open is usable, though it's better with one stop down. Focusing accurately at long distances takes some time and is best with a split prism screen. The lens does have the ability to preset the focus point.
Carrying the lens long distances isn't bad if you rest it on your upper back across both your shoulders, attached to the monopod/monogimbal combination which you grip with your hand. This also allows quick setup/tear-down.
Similar optical performance to newer Canon autofocus lenses costing many thousands, but much more affordable due to the lack of autofocus.
It does have a built-in collapsing lens hood that extends about 3 inches. I extended the hood DIY with a black duct piece which has inner diameter 123mm. It's a 5 inch to 6 inch step-up duct piece. The original Canon lens hood is available at around 10 times the price. This DIY hood results in about 7 inches total extension, which will improve contrast and reduce flare.
The lens takes 49mm internal filters and needs a clear one to function.
If used with the 2x-A teleconverter and spot-metering on the T90, needs a -2/3 exposure setting as detailed in the manual. Without teleconverter, no adjustment is needed.
The lens is a better performer than the New FD 300mm f/4 L, which is also very good. You will probably only notice that with teleconverter use.
In rain or snow, you will need a waterproof covering.
Here is an example of a correctly focused shot wide open with the 2x teleconverter. This is the worst performance you'll get out of the lens and its still very good. It only shows a little softness in the corners here. Stopping down once cures it all. The building is one mile away.
With Canon Extender FD 2x-A teleconverter, the lens is sharp enough that even wide open is usable, though it's better with one stop down. Focusing accurately at long distances takes some time and is best with a split prism screen. The lens does have the ability to preset the focus point.
Carrying the lens long distances isn't bad if you rest it on your upper back across both your shoulders, attached to the monopod/monogimbal combination which you grip with your hand. This also allows quick setup/tear-down.
Similar optical performance to newer Canon autofocus lenses costing many thousands, but much more affordable due to the lack of autofocus.
It does have a built-in collapsing lens hood that extends about 3 inches. I extended the hood DIY with a black duct piece which has inner diameter 123mm. It's a 5 inch to 6 inch step-up duct piece. The original Canon lens hood is available at around 10 times the price. This DIY hood results in about 7 inches total extension, which will improve contrast and reduce flare.
The lens takes 49mm internal filters and needs a clear one to function.
If used with the 2x-A teleconverter and spot-metering on the T90, needs a -2/3 exposure setting as detailed in the manual. Without teleconverter, no adjustment is needed.
The lens is a better performer than the New FD 300mm f/4 L, which is also very good. You will probably only notice that with teleconverter use.
In rain or snow, you will need a waterproof covering.
Here is an example of a correctly focused shot wide open with the 2x teleconverter. This is the worst performance you'll get out of the lens and its still very good. It only shows a little softness in the corners here. Stopping down once cures it all. The building is one mile away.
