What else do I need?

[mlr10701]

I posted a few days ago asking about telephoto lenses for the FZ15 for my husband for Christmas. Based on some guidance I received here and a little research, I believe I have decided on the TCON-14B. I notice Lovelife offers a package with the adapter, lens, and a UV filter for what seems like a reasonable price. I'm glad to have made a decision.

But I wanted to ask what else (if anything) I should consider to provide a complete package, if you know what I mean. No sense buying him the lens if I'm leaving out someting important he will need to use it.

First, I assume a hood is necessary for most daylight shooting, right? I was only able to find one hood (on eBay) with 86mm threads.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Metal-86mm-Standard-Screw-in-Lens-Hood_W0QQitemZ7538643883QQcategoryZ78999QQssPageNa meZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Opinions?

Second, what about a flash? I read that the on-board flash with the tele lens casts a shadow at the bottom of the picture. I saw a lot of good things mentioned about the Sunburst flashes in one of the stickies above. But the FZ15 doesn't have a hot shoe (I've learned alot reading these forums!) to connect an external flash. What do you do then? Will he even need one, do you think?

Thank you all for your help.

[rschofield]

First, I assume a hood is necessary for most daylight shooting, right? I was only able to find one hood (on eBay) with 86mm threads.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Metal-86mm-Standard-Screw-in-Lens-Hood_W0QQitemZ7538643883QQcategoryZ78999QQssPageNa meZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Opinions?


mlr10701,

If you check out this other thread, you'll find some opinions about hoods for the TCON-14B:

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14551

Second, what about a flash? I read that the on-board flash with the tele lens casts a shadow at the bottom of the picture.

I can confirm that a long or wide lens will interfere with the on-board flash as you describe. There are digital friendly slave flashes that understand the multiple strobes that will confuse other slaves. Make sure you get the correct type. As I don't have one, I can't comment specifically on any in particular.


Dick

[genece]

That stuff Lovelife has is all nice stuff ,his adapter is very well made.
He also is working on a hood for the 14B..if you email him he should know when it will be available.

And I do not have a slave flash but the flash on the FZ15 works pretty well in a normal size room. And the shadow with lovelifes adapter will be very minimal and most like gone if you zoom to 2X.

But something like this may help
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=311150&is=REG&addedTroughType=search