Questions about zoom lenses - DPChallenge Forums

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

03/26/2004 03:02:04 PM · #1

I have a Minolta Dimage A1 which does not have a removable lens. I would like to purchase an additional lens to extend my zoomability (I think I made that word up). Minolta says my camera's lens is equivalent to a 28-200mm. I think they are on crack. In any case, does anyone have any suggestions as to which type to get or not to get? The camera has 49mm threads.

coolhar

03/26/2004 03:20:37 PM · #2

I have heard that Minolta makes their own add-on lenses like other camrea makers do but can't find them. Until I see what they have to offer I think the best option is the TCON 17 teleconverter by Olympus. I am thinking about buying one but haven't decided yet. I've used an inexpensive 3x teleconverter from Kenko but was disappointed with the image quality. Here's a couple of links-
D 7 Add on lenses
www.b-300.com
Outdoor Photog mag

Just found this on Konica Minolta's Japan site-
A2 Accessories - Converters

Message edited by author 2004-03-26 15:46:51.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

03/26/2004 04:01:46 PM · #3

kellian, your A1 zoom range is in fact 28-200mm equivalent. Minolta does offer a 1.5x teleconverter, model ACT-100, to fit the A1 & A2. The price seems to run around $169.
The olympus TCON-17 might also be a possibility, at just under $100, but you'd need a step-up ring, and I don't know if the added distance between the converter and lens would screw things up. If you go this direction, you should see if you could try it out locally.

03/26/2004 04:46:10 PM · #4

I used to have a 70-200mm for my film Rebel, there was a definite difference. For example, I was in my car and I spotted an odd looking rabbit about 15 feet away. I could not zoom in on that rabbit any further than I could with my own eye. I used to use the other lens like a monocular to get a better look at things. This lens cannot accomplish that. Is there something wrong with my lens? Shouldn't I be able to fill most of the frame with the rabbit from 15 feet away? 15 feet! I am extremely disappointed. And don't even get me started on the noise issues with the dimage a1...

Message edited by author 2004-03-26 17:01:13.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

03/26/2004 05:01:55 PM · #5

Originally posted by coolhar:

Just found this on Konica Minolta's Japan site-
A2 Accessories - Converters

Thanks for finding that. Now it just needs to go on sale I guess...

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

03/26/2004 05:04:13 PM · #6

Originally posted by kellian:

I used to have a 70-200mm for my film Rebel, there was a definite difference. For example, I was in my car and I spotted an odd looking rabbit about 15 feet away. I could not zoom in on that rabbit any further than I could with my own eye. I used to use the other lens like a monocular to get a better look at things. This lens cannot accomplish that. Is there something wrong with my lens? Shouldn't I be able to fill most of the frame with the rabbit from 15 feet away? 10 feet! I am extremely disappointed. And don't even get me started on the noise issues with the dimage a1...

At 15 feet, your horizontal field of view should be about 34 inches. you can use a yardstick to check this and see if you are actually getting close to a 200mm equivalent. Don't be surprised if it's off by maybe 5-10%, but if much more than 10%, then something is amiss.