I'm new here, and Steve R. has noted an 'overhang' problem with the 300mm. I've never heard this term before, and would like to know what it is. I'm hoping to get the 1.4 tc for a 165mm LS, and I am now curious if it will have an 'overhang' problem, and how crucial such a problem might be.

Thanks for the great site.

shawn

-- shawn gibson (SeeInsideForever@yahoo.com), January 28, 2000

Answers

I would estimate that you would need a six or seven pound tripod as a minimum to give you a stable base for the setup (165 + 1.4x)you are interested in. The converter will give you an f/5.6 as the fastest aperture. SR

-- Steve Rasmussen (srasmuss@flash.net), January 29, 2000.

As Steve is using the term 'overhang' I believe it relates to the weight set out from the tripod mounting point of the camera. When the combined camera/lens center of gravity extends a significant distance from the tripod mounting point, this 'overhang' magnifies any vibration induced from the mirror or shutter. Any camera/lens combination will suffer from this phenomenon which is why long telephotos have tripod mounts on them close the camera/lens center of gravity.

The 165 f/4 LS with the 1.4 tc will have the center of gravity some distance from the tripod mount (I own the 165 LS and this is true without the teleconverter). It will not be nearly as severe as the same rigup with the 300 because the 165 is much shorter and lighter.

-- Patrick Drennon (sierraengineering@worldnet.att.net), January 28, 2000.

Phew. I thought it was something optical. Thanks a lot. shawn

-- shawn gibson (SeeInsideForever@yahoo.com), January 28, 2000.

ps Steve 5.6 is not a problem. I try not to shoot at less than f8-1/2...and at nothing more than f16 (or at least 1 stop over the min. aperture of my lens...)

-- shawn gibson (SeeInsideForever@yahoo.com), January 29, 2000.

When on the tripod I always shoot with the mirror up to minimize the vibration problem with my 300. I usually also hang a heavy hand on the top of a leg. When shooting portrait format it really stresses the camera attachment which wants to swivel. I switched quik-release connectors so I have an old-style with a good rubber pad on my bogen for this. in one of these forums we found a good lens-camera support that balances the lens much better. I still haven't gotten one. has anyone tried this?

-- Tom Goodrick (tgoodrick@earthlink.net), February 04, 2000.