To round out the rare ones, there was a Sigma 500/4 (or 4.5) that was
purported to be very sharp and there were only a few made in OM mounts. Never
seen one in person though. Although not exceedingly rare, don't pass up a
Sigma 400/5.6 in either APO or APO Macro versions. For backpacking there is
the Tamron 350/5.6 and it's only about 3.5 inches long.
Warren
> Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 16:56:40 -0700
> From: Mike Veglia <msvphoto@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [OM] long telephoto advice
>
> On June 11, 2002, Mike Cormier writes:
>
> << I'd like something in the 500mm range for wildlife shooting, and since
> the only lens in that range is the zuiko mirror lens, I've been thinking
> about it a bit. Has anyone got experience with it? Would I be just as good
> off with the Tamron, Tokina, or vivtar versions of this lens? >>
>
> Long lens junkie that I am, I'll weigh in here.
>
> I would suggest trying to stretch for a Tamron SP 300/2.8. Great resale
> value because of the adaptall mount. The best version, as I understand it,
> is the green version which also happens to be the most commonly available.
> When I was watching "the bay" closely these were readily available--often
> going for very attractive prices. Worry about just getting the lens to start
> with. The Flat Field SP 1.4X converters typically are included. The 2X
> Converters are not always there, and I would suggest looking for the more
> elusive Flat Field variety of the 2X. I have seen Tamron SP converters go
> for insanely low prices so don't let lack of a converter sway you. The
> Tamron SP 400/4 is equally exceptional, but harder to come by and IMO not as
> versatile, but perhaps a slightly better lens than the 300/2.8 with 1.4X
> (which is a 420/4) converter.
>
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