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![]() | Zenit MC 3M-5CA 500mm f/8 Pros: Affordable price, compact and fun optics. Cons: Fixed and low-light opening, manual MAF, no adapter for tripod attachment Opinion: Economical, compact and fun optics. The difficulty of MAF mentioned has two aspects: the one due to the habit of automatic MAF of modern cameras, obviously absent (which can be overcome with the monitor magnification, which however takes away the immediacy of the use of optics) and that, not mentioned in previous opinion reports, that these ex-soviet optics, all rather old, are almost always afflicted by the problem of hardening of the lubricant of the MAF ring thread. The problem can be solved (by a good photorepairer or alone, if you have a certain dexterity) by replacing the lubricant, but it represents an extra complication. It is possible, and advisable, to add a manettino to operate the ring nut more easily but only after solving the problem of hardened grease. I point out another point not touched by the commentators who preceded me: It is true that the lens is not equipped with a tripod attachment (moreover in principle not essential, being the short and fairly light optics), but the need for an accurate MAF makes this accessory desirable on some occasions. Well, the COMA of Montorio al Vomano (Adriano Lolli) produces a valuable ring bracket, even equipped with a second attachment for accessories, which would solve, with a modest expense, the problem. I used the conditional because, although the bracket is well made Lolli (there are even two types, to adapt perfectly to the two versions, almost similar, of MTO-500 on the market), the tightening is very delicate and can reserve surprises. I literally went crazy trying to focus on my MTO-500 after I had carefully mounted the bracket, until I realized that the walls of the lens tube are so thin that the slightest pressure deforms them (elastically, fortunately) making MAF impossible. I definitely recommend the Lolli bracket but if you order it, first measure the diameter of your lens accurately and specify it in order. Also, mount the bracket very carefully and gently, avoiding tightening the mounting ring too much. And even so, best wishes! PS: Lolli can also provide the manettino. sent on February 05, 2023 |
![]() | Manfrotto 475B Pros: Stability, build quality, versatility Cons: Of course, bulk and weight. But this tripod has its own "heavy" field of use, so these are features, not flaws. Opinion: Purchased on the net as used (actually practically new) at a bargain price, it has become my reference tripod, "when the going gets tough". I don't dream, of course, of considering it my tripod all-rounder, but when I need uncompromising stability (e.g. in the use of large telephoto lenses) I consider it my No. 1. The transportability, apparently very critical, improves a lot if you use a suitable transport bag. Of course, it must be equipped with a head at the height, of the type suitable for the intended use. I used it with the Manfrotto 393 and the Manfrotto 410, with excellent results. For more general uses a good ball head is generally sufficient. sent on August 23, 2022 |
![]() | Olympus E-30 Pros: Ergonomics, lightness (compared to the E-5), dimensions Cons: A bit noisy, absence of tropicalization (to those who care, I never cared much). Opinion: It was my first "serious" machine, equipped in kit with the excellent 12-60 mm SWD. The 4/3 format is defunct, but the machines in circulation continue to be validly used (for those who have no problems with the format, such as myself). A curiosity: just because I was satisfied with the E-30, when I could I got an E-5 body. Great car also this, has everything missing from the E-30 (I refer in particular to tropicalization), but it is also much heavier. Result: I continue cheerfully to use the E-30, which I prefer! At the price with which it can be found on the market today, if in good condition and few shots, it can still be a great investment for a beginner. The 12 Mpx are perfect to hold the vintage optics, with which the fun (and the yield) are assured, at negligible costs. sent on October 18, 2021 |
![]() | Tamron SP 500 f/8.0 Model 55B Pros: Mod. 55BB: lightweight, good quality construction, very good optical performance given age. Cons: Lack of tripod attachment (mod. 55BB), impractical light attachment, uses only filters 82 mm in diameter Opinion: The Mirror Tamron 500 SP was produced in two types: the 55 B, to which previous reviews refer, and the most recent 55BB, produced until 2005, to which these notes refer. The optical quality of the two versions is equivalent, although the BB type has undergone modifications to the optical system to improve yield at close ranges. The BB type no longer has the removable mount for the tripod and can no longer mount small diameter filters on the rear frame, which is a real shame. The BB type is distinguished from the previous one by the square focus ring, instead of linear zigzag. The lens provides more than acceptable results even with digital devices and given the current cost, it is worth buying. By the way, compared to Russian catadiotists, it is more compact and lighter, and it also has the advantage that it does not use real mirrors, but silvering is applied, with patented process, directly on glass lenses. The only criticism concerns the metal lampshon attachment system. This is screw mounting (82 mm diameter), so nothing strange, but it uses a removable, really impractical two-threaded ring. Incidentally, the lampshh can be threaded, inverted, above the optics (as is usually done with modern bayonet lampshhs), but in this case you can no longer mount the cap, which is simply absurd. sent on May 14, 2021 |
![]() | MTO-11CA 1000mm f/10 Pros: Accurate and robust construction, acceptable optical quality, also usable as a telescope, affordable price Cons: Used as an experimental and fun optics, none. Requires tuning (mirror detension, infinite detection) Opinion: As an object to play to do experiments of telephotography thrust is unreachable. Considering that it can be easily used as a spotting broom or astronomical telescope, it is even more exploitable (accessories available at the COMA by Adriano Lolli). Optical qualities not despised, once they are properly tuned. Easily adaptable to any optical graft through cheap adapter rings. An optic that is used occasionally, of course, but very funny and from which I would not separate. sent on January 19, 2020 |
![]() | Olympus PEN-F Pros: High-level aesthetics and finishes, dimensions, general quality. Cons: A certain difficulty in opening the monitor (due to the absence of an invitation for the finger). For the rest, I will bring back my general impressions after having tried it for a while. Opinion: Just received (bought used on Ebay). I can't, for now, subscribe to the impressions of the other reviews (regarding handling). I will bring back as soon as possible the results of the tests of use, for now I can only say that for a long time I did not feel satisfaction in handling a new device. It's really fantastic and well finished. Notice that I come from OM-D EM-5 (Mk 1), which was already a nice car. The ECG4 is certainly very useful and for an intense use is probably better to mount it (especially if you use a bit ' heavy optics), of course that the machine is more beautiful without. sent on February 13, 2019 |
![]() | Tamron SP 90mm f/2.5 Macro Pros: Sharpness, aesthetics (see comment), compactness, construction. Cons: Lack lens hood Opinion: I hope to refer to the right optics, in the absence of reference photos. In fact, now on the net there are only more reviews of the later versions, having (I presume) the same optical pattern but constructively and aesthetically different. I refer to the very first type of the years 80, the compact and extremely clean design (in my opinion one of the most elegant lenses ever designed). All right, with the aesthetics of the optics do not make beautiful photos, but this also had excellent optical and constructive qualities. Too bad for the lack of lens hoods (the original one, sold separately, you can mount reversed on the barrel, pity that they had not yet invented the lock ring!). Mine has the Olympus OM bayonet, but with adapters (both for 4/3 and M4/3) I still use it today with full satisfaction. Of course Manual Focus, but this does not give the slightest annoyance, given the use. A substance, one of the glasses I wouldn't give up. Obviously on the 4/3 is a bit ' long ', but still usable, both in macro and for portraits. sent on September 29, 2018 |
![]() | Benro A1182 Travel Flat Mini Pros: Compact, flat, robust, well done. Cons: It could be lighter Opinion: I went to the Benro A1182 after an experience not really exciting with the Vanguard Nivelo 244 tripod. I confirm all the comments of the reviewers who preceded me, with these comments: rn- This tripod is not really a featherweight. Given the use as a tripod or travel stand, a few grams less would have failed. Rn- The height is somewhat reduced, but adequate to the type of use it is intended for. Rn- The screw with ring for the fixing the plate to the camera is readily available and can then replace the standard one (requiring the key) with an irresistible expense. rn- The additional center column may be useful on certain occasions, even if it is another separate object to carry below. In any case, consider it necessary to disassemble the head to reassemble it on the column. Rn- The Arca Swiss type plate is now a standard, albeit a little slower than the snap type. Overall, a tripod with a remarkable and very large tripod stable, ofwhich I am satisfied with. rn sent on November 07, 2017 |
![]() | Manfrotto 393 U Pros: Very strong, well made, suitable for heavy and bulky optics. Very voluminous but I do not consider this a defect but an intrinsic feature to the type of head (in fact Manfrotto does not call it head but bracket for telephoto). Cons: The only flaw (design, not constructive) lies in the attack (or tightening knob, as was called in the previous review, with which I fully agree) that also regulates the azimutal movement, or pano that you say you want. After careful reflection, I think I understand that this type of attack, as well as its "factory" regulation, have been designed for the use of "digiscopes" or observation scopes, and are therefore perfect for birdwatching. With large photographic telephotos, also usable for astrophotography, this solution is too mobile and not easy to adjust and, above all, lacks a locking system. The latter is indeed a serious gap. Opinion: The Manfrotto 393 head was, in my opinion, too snubbed in favor of the wimberley-type (gimbal) heads, much more expensive. I am very satisfied with it and would not change it with a gimbal, but I changed the adjustment system to azimut, for the reasons specified above. I do not exclude, in the future, to describe how I did, although I can anticipate the principle: I simply blocked the attack altogether (the famous knob) and added a simple revolving plate for 360-degree photos (with a movement locking!) between it and the tripod. The change is completely reversible (i.e. head 393 does not change). Manfrotto would do well, however, to study a definitive solution. NOTE: On 5/31/2020 published article on the above edit mentioned in the section "Places & Other", Articles, by Juzaphoto. sent on September 18, 2017 |
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