I saw a nice used A 400/5.6 on the KEH website the other day, so I
picked it up. I paid around $450 -- $150 more than I'm asking for my K
400/5.6, but I really want the close focusing for birding. And the A
lens will be a lot more convenient on the *ist D. I shot a bit with it
after work today and am quite pleased. I also decided to give it a try
with my A-2XS converter on the tripod. I shot my favorite bird-- the
goose weather vane in my garden. (He's quite slow, so it's always an
easy shoot. What's more he has sharp edges and texture, so he's good
for a lens test.) In any case I was pleased with the lens and converter
combination. On the *ist D it yields a field of view comparable to a
1200mm lens on a 35mm film camera. I suppose the A 400 would be even
better with the A-2XL. (The K 400 can't be used with the L converter.
It takes the S version. The A 400 can use either, but the L is
purportedly better on long lenses.)
Anyway, I posted the full frame pic and a detail crop on PhotoNet if
anyone is interested.
Full frame:
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2128959&size=lg
Cropped to show detail:
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2128967&size=lg
Paul Stenquist
