I have used my 500mm/4.5 SMCT lens with 400 film HANDHELD on many occasions. Just make sure you use 1/500 shutter speed or faster. I think the weight HELPS hold it steady....Not that a tripod wont help but the lens is definitely usable hand held in my opinion for some things.. jco
-----Original Message----- From: Jostein [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 6:57 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: PESO - first shots with 500/4.5 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jens Bladt" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Beautiful bird shots, Jostein. > It must bu nice to have that much Pentax glass "ahead" of you. Regards > jens Um... Most of all it's heavy... But naturally, it's nice. Boys and toys, you know...:-) It's a new experience to work with a lens of this size. It really takes some dedication to bring it along, and it's no point in trying to operate it without a tripod. Not only because of the weight, but also because it's a manual aperture lens. I would have needed an extra hand. Hopefully, I will put it to good use again some time soon, but I suspect that the real test will come in spring. I will definately bring it to a black grouse lekking site. Jostein
