More Reach at DVinfo.net

David Rice · April 16th, 2013, 01:05 PM

I own a GH2 with a Panasonic 100mm-300mm lens, which I understand equals a 200mm-600mm on the GH2. I also occasionally use the 2x function. Which gives me a total reach equivalently to 1,200mm.

Due to increasingly deteriorating poor health and mobility problems (MS) I am finding myself being more and more limited to main roads, or level short walks.

What are my options for obtaining a telephoto reach equivalent to 2,000mm or more?

Which long lens are available for the GH2 should I be looking at?

What Combination of Lens & Adapters?

any other options or suggestions?

Thanks for your input and suggestions.

David Rice
Sitka Alaska

Craig Coston · April 17th, 2013, 10:19 AM

500mm mirror lens recommendations: Micro Four Thirds Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

That should have some options for you. To get past the 300mm range you need to get into mirror lenses.

Jeff Harper · April 17th, 2013, 01:37 PM

Rokinon 650-2600mm for Canon with an adapter might work. Not sure what mount versions are available.

Gordon Hoffman · April 17th, 2013, 01:38 PM

David if you shoot in 720p60 and use the ETC mode on the GH2 you should get in the area of 2100mm with the 100to300 lens.

Gordon

David Rice · April 17th, 2013, 02:23 PM

Maybe I should keep what I have, shoot 1080p and then just crop in post?

Any thoughts?

Chris Duczynski · April 18th, 2013, 04:09 PM

If you use ETC and digital zoom I think you get around 1600mm on the 100-300.
I did a few tests with this a while back and I think you can also go to 4x plus ETC from memory. The magnification and quality was pretty amazing.

David Rice · April 18th, 2013, 04:31 PM

I'm impressed with the quality of the ETC mode, but the video quality of the GH2 digital zoom is very poor.

Kevin McRoberts · April 19th, 2013, 06:45 PM

While a slowish lens, I've enjoyed my Bigma - the Sigma 50-500/4.5-6.3. Incredibly useful tele range that I've used on everything from wildlife to lit stage performances, very smooth focus. I use a Nikon AF-D version with aperture ring. Used cost was about $700.

I've used this with a Nikon 2x teleconverter, but only in daylight.

Only complaints are size/weight (but its a 50-500 zoom... What did I expect?) a bit soft at the longest end, and lack of ois, even with a tripod, can make the longest shots tricky. A sturdier tripod helps immensely.

Below are two mini video samples with my GH2:

April 16th, 2013, 01:05 PM	#1
David Rice Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sitka Alaska Posts: 470	More Reach I own a GH2 with a Panasonic 100mm-300mm lens, which I understand equals a 200mm-600mm on the GH2. I also occasionally use the 2x function. Which gives me a total reach equivalently to 1,200mm. Due to increasingly deteriorating poor health and mobility problems (MS) I am finding myself being more and more limited to main roads, or level short walks. What are my options for obtaining a telephoto reach equivalent to 2,000mm or more? Which long lens are available for the GH2 should I be looking at? What Combination of Lens & Adapters? any other options or suggestions? Thanks for your input and suggestions. David Rice Sitka Alaska

April 17th, 2013, 10:19 AM	#2
Craig Coston Major Player Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 232	Re: More Reach 500mm mirror lens recommendations: Micro Four Thirds Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review That should have some options for you. To get past the 300mm range you need to get into mirror lenses.

April 17th, 2013, 01:37 PM	#3
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: More Reach Rokinon 650-2600mm for Canon with an adapter might work. Not sure what mount versions are available.

April 17th, 2013, 01:38 PM	#4
Gordon Hoffman Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pincher Creek, Alberta Canada Posts: 619	Re: More Reach David if you shoot in 720p60 and use the ETC mode on the GH2 you should get in the area of 2100mm with the 100to300 lens. Gordon

April 17th, 2013, 02:23 PM	#5
David Rice Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sitka Alaska Posts: 470	Re: More Reach Maybe I should keep what I have, shoot 1080p and then just crop in post? Any thoughts?

April 18th, 2013, 04:09 PM	#6
Chris Duczynski Major Player Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sydney Posts: 304	Re: More Reach If you use ETC and digital zoom I think you get around 1600mm on the 100-300. I did a few tests with this a while back and I think you can also go to 4x plus ETC from memory. The magnification and quality was pretty amazing.

April 18th, 2013, 04:31 PM	#7
David Rice Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sitka Alaska Posts: 470	Re: More Reach I'm impressed with the quality of the ETC mode, but the video quality of the GH2 digital zoom is very poor.

April 19th, 2013, 06:45 PM	#8
Kevin McRoberts Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 700	Re: More Reach While a slowish lens, I've enjoyed my Bigma - the Sigma 50-500/4.5-6.3. Incredibly useful tele range that I've used on everything from wildlife to lit stage performances, very smooth focus. I use a Nikon AF-D version with aperture ring. Used cost was about $700. I've used this with a Nikon 2x teleconverter, but only in daylight. Only complaints are size/weight (but its a 50-500 zoom... What did I expect?) a bit soft at the longest end, and lack of ois, even with a tripod, can make the longest shots tricky. A sturdier tripod helps immensely. Below are two mini video samples with my GH2: GH2 + Bigma on Vimeo Swans - at Gypsy Hill Park on Vimeo __________________ Freelance pudgy bearded lighting camera operator www.mcbob.tv