dkCambridgeshire Posted July 19, 2009 Share #21  Posted July 19, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Optically: the Leitz 400mm f/5.6 is weakest (it's also the oldest). Contrast, color saturation, flare resistance and image detail are all bettered by the other lenses.  The 280 f/4 APO with 1.4x APO Extender is best, except for flare resistance and bokeh.  In approximate descending order:  280mm f/4 APO with 1.4x APO-Extender-R - can be made to flare, bokeh only average. Fantastic detail & color saturation 400mm f/5.6 Nikkor *ED - except for color saturation & bokeh which is only average 400mm f/6.8 Telyt - has curved field 400mm f/5.6 T-Noflexar - flat field, lower saturation, stop down to f/8 for optimum sharpness 350mm f/4.8 Telyt-R - flare-proof, lower saturation until f/8, lateral CA 400mm f/5.6 Telyt  Handling (partly subjective):  400mm f/6.8 Telyt - quick focus, light weight, snaps into focus. Manual diaphragm. 400mm f/5.6 T-Noflexar - quick focus, handy close focus, very bulky. Manual diaphragm. 280mm f/4 APO-Telyt-R with 1.4x APO-Extender-R - great close focus, good focussing action for a non-sliding lens, snaps into focus on the viewscreen. Automatic diaphragm, great tripod mount. 400mm f/5.6 Telyt - quick focus, bulky & heavy. Pre-set manual diaphragm, poor tripod mount. 350mmm f/4.8 Telyt-R - slower focus. Automatic diaphragm, good tripod mount 400mm f/5.6 Nikkor *ED - unbearably slow focus for moving subjects. Automatic diaphragm, good tripod mount.  I've pared down my long-lens inventory somewhat and have sold the Novoflex (bulky, but optics and handling would see me spending money on another one if the price is right), the 400mm f/5.6 Telyt (bulky & heavy, weakest optics) and the Nikkor (unbearably slow focus for active subjects). Probably will also sell the 350 'cuz I'm spoiled by the 280, even with extender.  Doug, Have you ever used the Novoflex 600mm f8 and if so do you have an opinion regarding its optical quality? I've seen one on offer and am tempted.  Thanks  dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 Hi dkCambridgeshire, Take a look here lit'bird. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wildlightphoto Posted July 19, 2009 Share #22  Posted July 19, 2009 Doug, Have you ever used the Novoflex 600mm f8 and if so do you have an opinion regarding its optical quality? I've seen one on offer and am tempted.  Thanks  dunk  I have not used the 600mm f/8, sorry. I have seen a few test reports for this lens and they were not impressive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
topoxforddoc Posted July 19, 2009 Share #23 Â Posted July 19, 2009 I'm in agreement with Doug. the 280/4 APO with 1.4x APO converter is a killer combination. I don't shoot many birds, but I like to shoot motorsport. The 280 handles well and is easy to focus especially with a matte screen. Â Charlie Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted July 19, 2009 Share #24  Posted July 19, 2009 I've seen a 600mm Novoflex at a well known dealer for just £129 but was unsure about its performance - I'll not consider it further.  Thanks  dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikea Posted July 19, 2009 Share #25 Â Posted July 19, 2009 Just to clarify: The Nikkor 400mmf/5.6 ED you used Doug was probably an earlier version than my Nikkor 400 mm f/5.6 IF-ED? Â I inherited a Novoflex 640 mm f/9 (an earlier version than the 600 mm f/8) and will post an example when I have tried it out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted July 19, 2009 Share #26 Â Posted July 19, 2009 Just to clarify: The Nikkor 400mmf/5.6 ED you used Doug was probably an earlier version than my Nikkor 400 mm f/5.6 IF-ED? Â Yes that's correct, it was a non-IF version. Â I inherited a Novoflex 640 mm f/9 (an earlier version than the 600 mm f/8) and will post an example when I have tried it out. Â I was not impressed with this lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikea Posted July 23, 2009 Share #27  Posted July 23, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Here is a shot of a Wood Pigeon from today with the Noflexar 64cm f.9 at a distance of 20m. The image is cropped about 50%. I increased the contrast and sharpness slightly. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/43708-litbird/?do=findComment&comment=971522'>More sharing options...
allamande Posted July 24, 2009 Share #28 Â Posted July 24, 2009 This is one spectacular image. Bravo! Â Ece Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted July 25, 2009 Share #29 Â Posted July 25, 2009 I would publish this in a nature journal :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted July 25, 2009 Share #30 Â Posted July 25, 2009 I would publish this in a nature journal :-) Â I didn't know you are a nature journal editor ... I'll send you some of my pictures for consideration. What are your $rates? Â dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikea Posted July 25, 2009 Share #31 Â Posted July 25, 2009 The picture was only meant to demonstrate the capabilities of the Nofllexar which was questioned earlier in this thread.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted July 25, 2009 Share #32  Posted July 25, 2009 The picture was only meant to demonstrate the capabilities of the Nofllexar which was questioned earlier in this thread..  Which it does admirably. Was just having a bit of fun  Cheers  dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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