The nutty 1000mm

<p>Alright, as I have found out the hard way, I can't use this to shoot birds in fly. Maybe with some practice session and serious digging into user menu, I will be better equipped. I can't compete with Dave and Douglas on their long lens. But I have this baby with 1000mm but it is shame that it has a tiny sensor that can only rival with the Q</p>

<p><strong>Fuji HS50 EXR</strong><br /> <a title="DSC06407 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/10661663975_ff19e8a71e_b.jpg" alt="DSC06407" width="1024" height="680" /></a></p>

<p><strong>24mm to 1000mm zoom in f/2.8 to f/5.6</strong><br /> <a title="DSC06196 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/10661898563_7648695cb3_b.jpg" alt="DSC06196" width="1024" height="680" /></a></p>

<p><a title="DSC06405 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/10661698726_d5e29070ca_b.jpg" alt="DSC06405" width="1024" height="680" /></a><br /> I can't recommend the camera with super power zoom from 24mm to 1000, there are just many variables that don't add up well but there are many surprises that I come to realize how far the bridge camera has come. The articulating LCD and EVF with eye sensor has great resolution not to expect from a bridge camera. And this baby is fast in AF but I still miss quite a lot of shots in shooting BIF. I have not gone through the proper training in digging into the menu yet. I will be more competent with more usage hopefully with time.</p>

<p>One thing in the above pictures that I can recommend without hesitation is the <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/151131443551">Tuff Luv $20 messenger bag</a> which can house comfortably a K-5 with with 3 short lenses and one mounted on body. I love this weather-proof bag so much that I ordered a bigger one but the bigger one was a disappointment due to black color inner insert and a not-so-balanced layout and build like this smaller messenger bag. The company Tuff Luv is perhaps not well known and it is from UK and this $20 bag is weather proof with a raincoat cover. Will show you more about the bag interior later on.</p>

<p>I don't have many good test shots, just two for now<br /> <a title="DSCF1049 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/10661698444_178cb01d6e_b.jpg" alt="DSCF1049" width="1024" height="576" /></a><br /> about 436mm equivalent</p>

<p><a title="DSCF1046 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/10661697116_4e1e13f816_b.jpg" alt="DSCF1046" width="1024" height="768" /></a><br /> about 34mm equivalent</p>

<p>The best flickr member using the same camera on birds is this person that I closely follow:</p>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/macfudge/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/macfudge/</a></li>

</ul>

<p>but when you look at the exif, you have to multiply by about 5.4 times to get the 35mm equivalent focal length.</p>

<p>Hi Hin.</p>

<p>Next year I will embark on a very long journey where the 600mm will not be a part of my luggage. I certainly appreciate the need to find lighter weight options. After following the work on Pentax forums I have ordered a Q7, if I can find the Q to K adapter with a tripod mount, I will make that my fall-back long lens travel-light approach with either the 50-300 or 300mm F lens. That said, your image seems okay, maybe it's just that the light is a touch harsh?</p>

<p>I was puzzled by the camera and lens ID on this one, not having dealt with recent bridge cameras.</p>

<p>I presume we're talking about something on the order of the "F2.8-5.6 Fujinon Optical 26x Zoom Lens (24-624mm)" ? ?</p>

<p> <a href="https://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x_s1/features/">https://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x_s1/features/</a><br>

or have I got the wrong lens?</p>

 

<p>JDM: The camera in question is the <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/products/fujifilm/compacts/fujifilm_hs50exr">HS50 EXR</a>.</p>

<p>Fujifilm actually makes 5 bridge cameras that meet or exceed 1000mm equiv:<br>

http://www.dpreview.com/products/fujifilm/compacts/fujifilm_s8400w 1056mm<br>

http://www.dpreview.com/products/fujifilm/compacts/fujifilm_hs50exr 1000mm<br>

http://www.dpreview.com/products/fujifilm/compacts/fujifilm_sl1000 1200mm<br>

http://www.dpreview.com/products/fujifilm/compacts/fujifilm_s8500 1104mm<br>

http://www.dpreview.com/products/fujifilm/compacts/fujifilm_s8300 1008mm</p>

 

<p>Rob gets it right with <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/products/fujifilm/compacts/fujifilm_hs50exr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fuji HS50 EXR</a>. And this isn't a dSLR and long lens replacement by any stretch of imagination. But I like to think of it as a p&s with emphasis on long range, good and fast AF, ability to shoot raw, stated 500 count battery life but have not verified, an LCD and EVF with reasonable 920K dots resolution, continuous shot in 11FPS, most rewarding for me is on HD video with 1920 x 1080 (60 fps) capability. I am lured into bridge cameras from 2 of my flickr contacts</p>

<ul>

<li>Fuji HS50 -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/macfudge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/photos/macfudge/</a> -- this flickr member has many birds pictures that are awe inspiring for me<br /><br /></li>

<li>Panasonic FZ38 -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinbyrne1971/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinbyrne1971/</a> -- this flickr member has a great artistic sense using not the latest but an older model with panasonic bridge camera. I enjoy his work very much and his bridge camera really shines in his flickr stream</li>

</ul>

<p>Thanks, I was at sea from having no background in which to situate the post.</p>

<p>Don't feel bad, Hin--I'm not good at BIF either. You'll notice that my birds are usually perched (even the hummingbirds--they're just perched in mid-air ;~) </p>

<p>Compared to other bridge cameras, the sensor in this one is not that small. I suspect with a little practice you'd certainly be able to improve upon the results. Probably not DSLR results, but 1000mm on a DSLR will cost more than a lot of cars. The bridge is a compromise, to be sure, but in many cases, where a DSLR and equivalent focal lengths would be extremely expensive or heavy, it makes a lot of sense. I'd love to own one. </p>

<p>Rob, I share the same thought in your comment. Given enough practices, I will make better shots like my admired flickr member in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/macfudge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/photos/macfudge/</a> . I tried out repeating shot with AF-C at 6 and 11 fps today. It is scary that this bridge camera can AF faster than my Pentax in some cases. But I hate some of build in this camera, all the buttons seem to be out of shape in 2nd week of usage and someday, one of them will get depressed down permanently. The build is all plastic and the only thing that is good is on the manual zoom ring that give you total precision control from 24mm to 1000mm with clear indication of zoom position.</p>

<p>These are not good shots by any serious standards but I want to share my progress with more shooting with this Fuji HS50 EXR</p>

<p><a title="DSCF1107 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/10682396995_e164358abf_b.jpg" alt="DSCF1107" width="1024" height="662" /></a><br /> A big crop from the original. Water color effect in jpg. I should have tried raw next time. I will have better shooting distance if I climb up the small hill to get closer to the vulture -- will try it in another day.</p>

<p><a title="DSCF1091 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/10682637433_d35b3787e9_b.jpg" alt="DSCF1091" width="1024" height="576" /></a><br /> A shame that I don't get the follow on shots as I missed setting up the repeated shots prior to the shooting. A moderate crop from the original.</p>

<p><a title="DSCF1084 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/10682447814_eea47f1216_b.jpg" alt="DSCF1084" width="1024" height="768" /></a><br /> Should have framed the shot to include the shadow. Straight out of camera in EXR mode -- the default auto-mode with exr.</p>

<p><a title="S0171152 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2866/10682446934_01f8cf374c_b.jpg" alt="S0171152" width="1024" height="768" /></a><br /> At 1000mm, this radar looking station is like a mile away</p>

<p><a title="S0161151 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/10682439396_180fd5e4db_b.jpg" alt="S0161151" width="1024" height="768" /></a><br /> At 500mm</p>

<p><a title="DSCF1111 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/10682439506_e0bdc4e7c9_b.jpg" alt="DSCF1111" width="1024" height="768" /></a><br /> Not a pretty shot but I need to fine tune the setting as I easily get blown out setting.</p>

<p>There are just many good experiences as well as bad experience but overall, I am pretty happy in the ability to shoot something remotely far and I can get away with some web-usable shots without a tripod. Had I used a tripod, the shots will be better but this bridge camera allow me to go in splurge into the wild and enjoy an close up or two with the vultures, the dashing wild rabbits that my boys have a great interest and some close up with brids. When I find a lazy afternoon, I will borrow best friends (my neighbor) backyard for all the finches and hummingbirds. This setup cost me $378 in Amazon.</p>

<p>This bridge camera can excel in macro and good close up. I may invest on a raynox close up lens with this and report back if this bridge can shoot close up on flowers. Video is found outstanding for my occasional use, I have tried in shooting a marching band and I am quite happy with the results except my jerky zooming and panning without a proper tripod/monopod assistance.</p>

<p>It was late after sunset and I saw a plane in a distant, the flying plane is always easier than BIF but it is way too far to see anything substantial. But the residual sunlight shines beautifully over the jet stream and I can't resist giving the long end of the lens the run for the money</p>

<p><a title="DSCF1161 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3694/10684068396_6aed3feee6_b.jpg" alt="DSCF1161" width="1024" height="701" /></a><br /> at 860mm end and iso 400, light is relatively low after sunset</p>

<p>It is a moderate crop as the plane is high up in the sky that I don't think any of my long lens can catch the sight. A bit disappointing is mostly in the noise that I can see in iso 400 and the lost of detail when I look closer. But I am happy with the web shot that this bridge camera gives me and the enthusiasm to go after the otherwise infeasible shot.</p>

<p>With crazy noise reduction and b&w conversion<br /><br /> <a title="DSCF1161-2 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/10684265154_2f2b3a0142_b.jpg" alt="DSCF1161-2" width="1024" height="654" /></a> </p>

<p>I should have taken a better time to do more test shots as I did it after work in my neighbor's backyard with fading lighting. The camera does alright in close up but I would really prefer better close up distance with a Raynox 150 or 250. The high iso pictures lose quite a bit of detail. </p>

<p><a title="S0361184 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/10701979995_85c5cf1644_b.jpg" alt="S0361184" width="768" height="1024" /></a><br /> 1/60 sec, f/5.6, 285mm, iso 400, 0 Ev</p>

<p><a title="DSCF1208 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/10702258973_83a0e8c272_b.jpg" alt="DSCF1208" width="768" height="1024" /></a><br /> 1/20 sec, f/5.6, 167mm, iso 800, 0 Ev<br /><br /><br /> <a title="DSCF1220 by hin_man, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/10701988475_e449001d69_b.jpg" alt="DSCF1220" width="739" height="1024" /></a><br /> 1/9 sec, f/5.6, 383mm, <strong>iso 1600</strong>, 0 Ev</p>

<p>I am bringing this 1000mm to a company event that would meet Jennifer Lawrence, the acting star in Hunger Game, with an interview setting. I will have my K-5 and DA* 50-135mm zoom but this bridge camera will help me if I sit way far behind the crowd numbered in thousands.</p>

<p>And I thought this thread is about a real 1000mm lens, not "a lens with an AOV equivalent to 1000mm on 35mm format".</p>

<p>Here are some shots with an actual 1000mm lens on Pentax K-k and Olympus E-M5 - for 1500mm and 2000mm equivalents:</p>

<p><strong>K-x:</strong><br>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurentiucristofor/5678271213"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5302/5678271213_d105bf1b36.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurentiucristofor/7207346852"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7207346852_f01d3bbc50.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="376" /></a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurentiucristofor/7207346974"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7207346974_8acf842a95.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="376" /></a><br>

<strong> </strong><br>

<strong>E-M5:</strong><br>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurentiucristofor/9528815674"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/9528815674_eff9573698.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="500" /></a></p>

<p>Very nice work. I am jealous. The last one is outstanding and I never pay attention that there is mirror lens of that focal length. I thought 500/600mm are the max in mirror. <br>

My Fuji is kind of soft in the long end but I am still very happy for the whole experience as I find hand holding a 1000mm equivalent with a web usable shot is a milestone in my story book.</p>

<p>[[And I thought this thread is about a real 1000mm lens, not "a lens with an AOV equivalent to 1000mm on 35mm format".]]<br>

<br>

Donuts go better with coffee than with photographs. <br>

</p>

Hin, aside from the build issues, what is it that's most disappointing? Is the AF slow at long focal lengths? Does the EVF

and shutter release have too much lag? Or is it just not as sharp as you'd like?

 

I've been gaining interest in birds (not just as photographic subjects) and have been thinking a bit more about what would

actually work that is light weight.

<p>@Andrew, I am overall very pleased with the purchase. But years with dSLR with a bigger sensor has spoiled my true and innocent p&s enjoyment and mindset. The noise has been the most frustration and I even see too much noise in 200 and 400 iso. And when I shoot in jpg, many cropped picture has the water color effect when I zoom in and I find great loss of detail. <br /><br />The AF is the most surprisingly good and the lag is very acceptable as this camera is quite fast. The screen is quite outstanding and the EVF can be better but it is fine in shooting birds with some practice with the manual zoom. The manual zoom ring is great as it is much better and precise than a digital T/W button. The camera needs some tuning in the use of AF mode and multi-shot shooting. The plastic buttons on the 4 way navigation control give me the most issues as they seem to be depressed without quick action to pop up. The top panel buttons are fine. If you are into video, this is going to be my camcorder in disguise, it is fantastic for my occasional use. If you have interest in birds, you should follow this flickr contact of mine -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/macfudge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/photos/macfudge/</a></p>

<blockquote>

<p>I thought 500/600mm are the max in mirror. </p>

</blockquote>

<p>There is an 800mm made by Samyang that was the larger sibling of their 500mm (f/8 and f/6.3) mirrors.<br>

<br>

Pentax also had a few reflex lenses that went above 600mm as well as the only reflex zoom I've heard about so far:<br>

<a href="http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/lenses/primes/extreme-tele/K1000f11.html">http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/lenses/primes/extreme-tele/K1000f11.html</a><br>

<a href="http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/lenses/primes/extreme-tele/K2000f13.5.html">http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/lenses/primes/extreme-tele/K2000f13.5.html</a><br>

<a href="http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/lenses/primes/extreme-tele/M2000f13.5.html">http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/lenses/primes/extreme-tele/M2000f13.5.html</a></p>

<p><a href="http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/lenses/zooms/long/K400-600f8-12.html">http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/lenses/zooms/long/K400-600f8-12.html</a><br>

They don't seem to have produced a lot as I rarely see them on the market. I think I saw the zoom for sale once.</p>

 

<p>Hello Hin Man! Are you still enjoying your HS50EXR? I ordered one from Amazon a few days ago. I wanted to replace my 4 years old Panasonic ZS7 (point-and-shoot with 25-300 equivalent lens). I also wanted a longer zoom and 1080p video. The Fuji looks nice, and the price was down to $340, so I ordered it. It should arrive in a few days.<br>

<br />(I also recently purchased a Pentax MX-1, but I had to send it back to Amazon because it had focusing problems. Instead of getting another one, I decided to get the HS50EXR instead.)</p>