Re: [APML]: Telephoto 200 -300 mm

[joneil@obs.empath.on.ca (Joseph O'Neil)]

Michael Stecker <75232.2632@CompuServe.COM> writes:
> in some as well.  Can anyone recommend a good 200 - 300 mm lens that will giv
> good astro-images as defined above?

   Do not rush out and buy one, but the Nikkor 180mm F2.8 ED has a very 
good reputaiton - but try one first.

   Unfortuantely too small a size, but the Nikkor 105mm is legendary for 
sharpness.  Again - try it out for sure if you can.

  Finally, I have come to learn to stay away from any auto focus telphoto 
lens.  I know that in Nikkor, AF lenses are usually 30 to 40% less in 
price than manuall focus lenses.  That chop in price has to come from 
somewhere.

  then - in the totally out in left feild department - I picked up a used 
older Nikkor-Q, non-Ai 200mm F4 telephoto for $75 CDN ( About 50 US).  
Figured on using it for daytime mostly, but a coupleof shots i tried for 
fun suprized me.  Not bad at all.  Consider what I paid for it,a nd what 
a really good 200mm ED lens would cost, I am really happy with it.  it 
would not be the quality you are looking for, but not bad.
joe