FZ20 Telephoto confusion

[StanStan]

I just purchased a Pana FZ20K[black] and want to buy a telephoto lens to fit FZ20. What is the mm of the FZ20's factory ring. How long does the barrel have to be to allow FZ20's lens to extend. Suggestions for lens adapapters in black and filters and caps.. Want caps for both ends of telephoto. Would like to keep the 2.8. I get red x's where pictures should be in threads???
Read threads and am totally confused.

[genece]

Lets try the red X's first. Do you use Internet explorer? if so open a browser window, click tools > click the advanced tab > scroll down to multimedia > and remove the check from show placeholders and put a check in show picture.
Close all browser windows and open one again.

If that did not work we will try something else.

Lenses come with end caps and a pouch or case to keep it in.

Look here for an adapter

Phayee (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3862013454&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores)

if you can see pictures now go here and see how the lens and adapter work.

SHenes Page (http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/)

[StanStan]

I still have red x's. Settings were as you reccomended.
Which teleconverter is better. Will it keep the 2.8 of the FZ20?
Thanks

[genece]

Two of the better ones
Tcon 17----- 1.7 Power
canon TL55-- 1.45 Power

One other thing to try with the X's is in the tools sections set every tab to the default setting.
If that does not help , download the new browser Foxfire
http://www.freedownloadzone.com/fdz.asp?kw=mozilla%20firefox&source=go2-c22a7
You would not have to make it your default browser but use it when you want to see the pictures.

This is what Microsoft says about red X's (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283807)

[StanStan]

Search the DCRP does not find TCON 17?
35 x 12 x1.7 = 714 [?] Will IS work?
Source for TCON 17.

Also, 62mm x 62mm adapter,caps, filters[uv or set] source.

Set everything to default!
Will try pictures in DCRP.

How do I find my posts?

StanStan

[genece]

This store has most anything you need and is a good retailer
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=BR84z7E20H!595534963?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=tcon17&image.x=7&image.y=8

I am not sure how you figured but this is the way I do it

432mm X 1.7 = 734mm divide by 50mm equals about 15.
50mm is roughly the same as you see with your eyes.
The result is the same as looking thru 15 power binoculars, and yes the OIS works but you must try to be as steady as possible but it helps.
I have taken handheld shots at 3000mm
(stacked teleconverters plus digital zoom) some turned out great some terrible.
I use a tripod when I can.

[StanStan]

Gene:

If I had a 1.4x teleconverter attached to the FZ20 at 12x, 432x1.4=say 605, how far away could I get from the subject to have a one foot high "bird" fill half the picture without cropping.
Since I live in the woods I would like to take pictures of animals and birds.
I took a pictue of a large hawk which took a lot of cropping wilh the loss of resolution. Result: poor picture. Camera was set at 12x 2560 at fine resolution. could not use tiff as one shot is larger than the 16mb card supplied. Just received a 512 card!!!!

The TCON 1.7x. Does it have a bayonet or a 55mm mount. If 55mm how does it mount to the 62mm tube? I see you have the TCON 1.7. IS 1.7 vs 1.4 that much better? 734 vs 605 or 121% Then I have to figure if the adapters are powerfull enough for my wants based on how far I can get from the subject and sill get a good picture.
Thank you very much.
StanStan

[genece]

I do not think I can tell you that, although there is a way to figure the image size. Maybe you can GOOGLE up an answer. I know it can be done as a fella once told me how far from a grizzly bear I was when I told him the lenses and zoom I used.

One thing I can say, with a 1.5 lens the bird would be 1/2 again as big.

The Tcon 17 can be bought either way but you want the one with 55mm threads.

I don't think you can get the bayonet one (Tcon17C ) any more.

And I hope you understand that you should get an adapter to connect the lens to the camera , plus you will need a stepping ring. If you get the Phayee adapter that I linked to above you will need a 62mm to 55mm step down ring.
If you decide to just use the Panasonic adapter that came with the camera you will need a 72mm to 55mm stepdown ring.
Like this
http://www.adorama.com/FLD7255.html?searchinfo=72mm%20step%20down%20rings&item_no=5
and here is the lens
http://www.adorama.com/IOMTCON17.html?searchinfo=tcon17&item_no=1

I do not think the Tcon 17 is any better than the TL55 but I do think it is as good and more powerful.

One thing I want to tell you this stuff all works better in good light as does the digital zoom do not be afraid to use the digital zoom.

[StanStan]

If the TCON 17 has internal theads and the adapter tube has 62 internal threads, a ring with 62 mm external threads and 52mm external threads. Am I missing something. Is this ring a "step down ring"? So there is a difference between a 'step down ring' and a 'step up ring'.

Confusing!!! No?

StanStan

[genece]

If you bought the Phayee adapter you are correct , you need a 62mm to 55mm stepdown ring. It has 62mm threads on the outside and 55mm threads on the inside, ( a step up ring would be the opposite ).55mm on the outside.
Where you are confused the Tcon 17 has 55mm external threads ( on the out side of the lens)

On the other hand, if you are using the adapter tube that came with the camera you then need a 72mm to 55mm step down ring.

Is it getting any clearer?

[24Peter]

Gene - I see this adapter (Raynox 2020Pro) on your equipment list. Would you (or anyone else who uses this lens) care to weigh in on it - pro's and cons - since this is the lens I am leaning towards. (I've seen the telephoto comparison pics - more interested in your hands on assessment.)

[StanStan]

I looked at pictures of the adapter and could not see the threads on the outside of the lens. Called three vendors and sales had no idea of what I was talking about [ie could not look at the item when boxed]. I ordered the Phayee adapter, 62mm uv, two 62 caps. Not sure if the Tcon 17 is what I need. May want a stronger one.

Still do not know the difference between a 55mm to 62 step up and a 62mm to 55 step down ring.

I have Photoshop Elements II where I do my editing and cropping. Isn't digital zoom really cropping but in the camera. Does digital zoom take a 'portion' of the picture that results in a lower resolution? Would I see the subject better [larger] in digital zoom. Your comment makes me want to take the same picture both ways,1- digital zoom with Phototshop cropping, 2- optical zoom at 12x digital zoom at max. My feeling is that they may result in the same result. Will digital zoom result in better sharpness in manual mode? You brought up an interesting point. Disjointed but you will get the point.

Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!!!

STANSTAN

[genece]

I have read all the discussions about digital zoom but in my opinion it does indeed help. I have photos that I took with digital zoom and then cropped with Photoshop with good results. Under conditions like you are talking about I would take a couple photos with a lot of digital zoom and some with no or very little digital zoom. which covers all the options and in my opinion it works. The better the light the better it works.

Now since you have the Phayee adapter you will need a 62mm to 55mm step down ring to use the Tcon 17 (trust me).
Just get this one
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=59797&is=REG

If you get the Raynox 2020 pro you do not need a step down or up ring as it has 62mm threads.
I really think you will do well with the extra power for what you are trying to do and later on you can allways stack lenses on top of each other. The only bad thing about the RAynox 2020 is it vignettes up to about 12 power but again for what you want to do that is not all that gad as it can be cropped out.

I do not know if you can see these but here are some pictures taken with the 2020.
http://imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/raynox2020pro

[StanStan]

Saw your pictures. They were great! That's what i want to do.

You said that the lens causes vignetting under 12x. Went to Roynox site and the compatibility chard did not indicate vignetting with the FZ20': others yes. So I emailed them asking about the vignetting.
Thanks
StanStan

[24Peter]

I'm confused about the vignetting as well: is it 12x total (such as in 5x on my FZ-20 plus the 2.2x of the adapter) or is it anything under 12x on my camera? Also, what about loss of light? (The website says it's a very fast lens but...). Thanks.

[genece]

Regardless of what they say it does vignette up to at least 11 power, they will tell you to use their adapter do not believe them I have it and it makes no difference.
As I said you can crop out the dark corners or use the dodge tool to lighten them. It is not a big problem for bird and wildlife photos in my opinion..
Keep in mind the Tcon 17 will vignette to 6 Power.
Maybe I am use to vignetting, as I stack lenses a lot and that makes them all vignette to at least 12X.

[24Peter]

Gene - did you see my previous reply? Is it 12x combined power of the camera and adapter or do I need to zoom all the way out on my FZ-20 before I am free of the vignetting problem?

[StanStan]

And I thought I was the only one that was confused.

StanStan

[24Peter]

:confused: It's nice to know we're not alone... :D

[genece]

I did not see that post must have come up while I was typing , I am a very slow typer.
You must use at least 11 X on the camera to completely eliminate the vignetting
I hope you can see these Do not make fun of the quality I took these thru the window , its cold out.
this picture is at 5X zoom on the camera + the Raynox 2020 Pro and they was taken with the FZ10 because I grabbed the wrong camera but the Pictures would be the same as the FZ20.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/genece/5X.jpg


This is 7 X
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/genece/7X.jpg

And this at 12X
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/genece/12X.jpg

[StanStan]

I see what you mean. I see vignetting even in the 12x photo. I do not think I want the 2020 pro now. Do you have any suggestions. I need a teleconverter for birding. 2.2 might have been the lowest I think I wanted to go. I am back to square one on the lens. I would like to send your pictures to Raynox for their comment. May I?
I thought that a lens with a 62mm mount would have the least amount of vignetting. Others thought that a large front lens was a solution.
I have been up on other sites but no real info till now with you Gene.
I saw a lot of pictures with perfect results but none with the actual vignetting.
this is the first time I saw vignetting.Till a few days ago I did not even know that it existed.
I am stuck now.

I received little real info till now.

Thanks
StanStan

[genece]

Sure you can send the photos anywhere.
Its up to you but the 2020 is the best I have seen at that power.
For what you want to do,, that vignetting is no problem and would not have been noticeable in better light or if it had not been of the sky. And it does disappear totally if you enter digital zoom land.
Everything is a compromise of sorts. Just to show.. here are 2 photos with a C210 which is a 1.9 X converter
This one at 12X
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/genece/12XX.jpg

And this one at 18X
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/genece/18XX.jpg

Now that lens is much less expensive Maybe get 2 lenses a TL55 and the C210 and you can stack those 2 when you really want to reach out and touch someone. I stack the C210 with the Tcon 17 and/or the Raynox.

Have a look here for a couple cheap lenseshttps://emporium.olympus.com/innards/empProdDetails.asp?sku=103898-410

[StanStan]

Raynox telephoto conversion lenses were designed to use at maximum Telephoto position of camera's zoom lens.
From Raynox site. I guess the 2020 pro turns a variable zoom into a fixed zoom for $200.00! :(
So off to C210 TL55 TCON17 land
StanStan

[StanStan]

ORDERED THE C210
StanStan

[genece]

Now you need a 62mm to 52mm stepdown ring (Trust me)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=98920&is=REG

While I was at Olympus Emporium, I decided to get that C160 for 20 bucks, like I need another lens.

And good luck.

[StanStan]

Yes! I thought of stacking the FZ20, adapter 62mm x 62mm, step down ring #1, lens #1, step down ring #2, lens #2, filter[s] UV + circular polarizer.
I have the c-210 ordered. need two step down rings, and the second [or first] lens and filter[s]. If I ordered a C-160 what would be the order of lens and what adapters would I need. Very hard to get mm size of lenses.
c-210 or c-160 next to fz20.

Money marches on.

StanStan

[24Peter]

Thanks Gene and StanStan. I, too, have taken the Raynox off my list. I'm really glad I asked about the vignetting. I am now considering the TCON 14B with my pemaaral 62mm adapter. But...

The C210 is indeed cheaper but once again I am confused about vignetting with that lens. Gene - you show two shots. The one at 12X has vignetting. The second is at 18X doesn't - but where does 18X come from?

[genece]

Thanks Gene and StanStan. I, too, have taken the Raynox off my list. I'm really glad I asked about the vignetting. I am now considering the TCON 14B with my pemaaral 62mm adapter. But...

The C210 is indeed cheaper but once again I am confused about vignetting with that lens. Gene - you show two shots. The one at 12X has vignetting. The second is at 18X doesn't - but where does 18X come from?


The 18 X comes from being in digital zoom. I just do not think you can compare a 1.4 X lens with a 2.2 X lens or for that matter even a 1.7. The higher the power you are wanting the more you will have the vignetting. If you are taking pictures of birds or animals just take and crop it out of the photo.
In my opinion It is worth the aggravation to be able to fill a frame with a grizzly bear or a wild turkey.

[genece]

Yes! I thought of stacking the FZ20, adapter 62mm x 62mm, step down ring #1, lens #1, step down ring #2, lens #2, filter[s] UV + circular polarizer.
I have the c-210 ordered. need two step down rings, and the second [or first] lens and filter[s]. If I ordered a C-160 what would be the order of lens and what adapters would I need. Very hard to get mm size of lenses.
c-210 or c-160 next to fz20.

Money marches on.

StanStan

OK Stan .. you need that 62 to 52 stepdown ring to use the first lens. Then if you want to stack the C160 also you can probably get a 55mm to 52mm step down ring to press into the of the C210 and then thread the C160 into that as it also has 52mm rear threads.( at least I think it does) Iam pretty sure.
I will not know what size the front will take until I get it.
If that does not make sense let me tell you how I stack the C210 and the tcon17.
First I bought a sunpack 55 mm filter, it has a snap ring to take off and remove the glass from the filter and then press the housing into the front side of the C210. (its a tight fit but you can tap it in) and into that I thread the Tcon 17 .. and the C210 threads into the original 62 to 52mm stepdowring which is threaded into the Phayee adapter. and you have an awesome zoom. And the vignetting is about the same as the C210 alone.
I am not at all sure of what happens if you stack the C210 with the C160 rather than the Tcon 17. Give me a week or so and I'll let you know.
This picture was taken with above combination and 36X zoom and I will bet anything this bear was close to 500 yards away
http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/topost/websize/Grizzley%20and%20carcass.jpg

[StanStan]

I am slowing getting it! The 18 x zom in your picture was by using some digital zoom. Since digital zoom takes "smaller" picture than the full 12x zoom the vignetting is actually 'cropped out'. The picture would the look larger and nicer in the lcd monitor and picture since vignetting is reduced. I will have to try this tomorrow. Take a picture at 12x and then add some digital zoom to see the difference. Don't have the c120 to try as I just ordered it.
Thinking of ordering the 160 to stack.

I took some tiff pictures and found a duplicte picture at a lower resolution on the card. Found in the manual that this is by design. Does't this just take up mone card room. Tiff takes up too much room by itself. I can always edit to a smaller resolution. What's the sense of this and can camera be set so the duplicate would not be recorded? I do not print from the camera. In fact I do not like to hook up my camera to any electrical device. I take the card out for any processing. I'm getting paranoid.

StanStan

[genece]

You are correct about digital zoom cropping some of the picture, but you can also do that with a photo editor at a later time.


No point in using tiff. If you had a special picture you are working on in a photo editor you should save it as tiff untill you are finished editting it( I do not but the experts say you should ) and then you can change it back to JPG. If you shoot tiff it also saves a jpeg file. Just shoot in JPEG at the best quality you will be fine.
Tiff is a lossless file type when saving files.

Why not wait till I try stacking those 2 lenses as I think it will not work well.
I really am planning on stacking the Raynox with the C160.

And I do not transfer photos with the camera unless there is not a card reader available.

[StanStan]

Love the bear. I get bears in the back yard come spring and they eat the dropped bird feed. One fell thru the roof of my attached greenhouse to get at the feeder above. When they see me in the kitchen they run off. Deer too.
Plus assorted wildlife.

432 x 48/12 x 1.5 [guess for c210] x 1.7 = 4406 ????? Tripod! Yes?

My adapter will take some tweo weeks from China and I should have the c210 by then. Will wait for your trial of c210 and c160.
Cannnot fnd power of C210 or C160.

StanStan


my back yard bird

[24Peter]

Thanks again guys. I had no idea we were so limited with these telephoto lenses. :( I'm rethinking the whole thing based on this thread.

I think the Panasonic telephoto lens stops vignetting at 6X - but it's only 1.5X, cost $429 (at B&H) and is really heavy...

The TCON 14B is only $155 (at Adorama) and stops vignetting at 3X but is only 1.4X and is also heavy (almost 17 oz).

The Raynox telephoto (2020) is fixed, correct? In other words, it doesn't zoom at all. You screw it on and the only zooming is the digital zoom on the camera, right? (True of all these add on lenses I think.) :rolleyes:

[genece]

Love the bear. I get bears in the back yard come spring and they eat the dropped bird feed. One fell thru the roof of my attached greenhouse to get at the feeder above. When they see me in the kitchen they run off. Deer too.
Plus assorted wildlife.

432 x 48/12 x 1.5 [guess for c210] x 1.7 = 4406 ????? Tripod! Yes?

My adapter will take some tweo weeks from China and I should have the c210 by then. Will wait for your trial of c210 and c160.
Cannnot fnd power of C210 or C160.

Stan Stan


my back yard bird


You are very fortunate to have so much wildlife in your yard , I only get opportunities like that on vacations.
I should have used a tripod but time did not allow me to get it setup. The grizzly picture was hand held , I got about 10 good photos out of a 100 or so. The FZ20 is an amazing camera.

C210 is 1.9 power
And C160 is 1.4 power

[genece]

Thanks again guys. I had no idea we were so limited with these telephoto lenses. :( I'm rethinking the whole thing based on this thread.

I think the Panasonic telephoto lens stops vignetting at 6X - but it's only 1.5X, cost $429 (at B&H) and is really heavy...

The TCON 14B is only $155 (at Adorama) and stops vignetting at 3X but is only 1.4X and is also heavy (almost 17 oz).

The Raynox telephoto (2020) is fixed, correct? In other words, it doesn't zoom at all. You screw it on and the only zooming is the digital zoom on the camera, right? (True of all these add on lenses I think.) :rolleyes:

All the lenses work the same they are all fixed at their power, it is the camera that zooms and they all work from no zoom to the highest power available it is the amount of vignetting that is a concern.

You seem to be overlooking the the Tcon17 and or the canon TL55 which both are, for the money (in my opinion) the best there is.
Understand if you are taking pictures of wildlife the vignetting is not that much of a concern because it can be cropped off.

Take a look at these taken with a raynox2020
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=42808&forum_id=23

[StanStan]

Thanks again guys. I had no idea we were so limited with these telephoto lenses. :( I'm rethinking the whole thing based on this thread.

I think the Panasonic telephoto lens stops vignetting at 6X - but it's only 1.5X, cost $429 (at B&H) and is really heavy...

The TCON 14B is only $155 (at Adorama) and stops vignetting at 3X but is only 1.4X and is also heavy (almost 17 oz).

The Raynox telephoto (2020) is fixed, correct? In other words, it doesn't zoom at all. You screw it on and the only zooming is the digital zoom on the camera, right? (True of all these add on lenses I think.) :rolleyes:

I learned in the last week that all the lens we are talking about are fixed ie no zoom in the teleconverter lens. The zoom is in the camera only: either optical or digital. The concern here is to get a lens that lets us use the zoom in the lens with the least vignetting. The question is: How LOW may we set the camera's zoom without getting TOO much vignetting. The Raynox is designed to be used at the 12x optical setting of the FZ20 ONLY. Digital zoom can be used here.

Did you see Gene's picture of the bear!! He used the FZ20 with a C-210 and a TCON-17 432 X 48/12 x 1.8 * 1.7 = 5581x and hand held. I put in an order for a c-210 $40.0 + tax & shipping for $50.00. Now to look for rings and filters and the TCON-17.

Thanks to all

StanStan

[genece]

I keep feeling like I am not making the point that it does not matter if you crop the picture.
This is a photo that my wife most likely took as she pays no attention to the vignetting.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/genece/BabyBuffalo.jpg
And this is a crop of that same photo and at the original size , not that it needed to be kept at the same size, but just to show that it can be done with no loss.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/genece/BabyBuffalocrop.jpg

Elements will do that with one click, it is no problem. And my guess is Paint shop Pro will do the same thing.

[24Peter]

Gene and StanStan - thanks again for all your input. I do understand much better now the way these telephoto attachments work. I am looking for a zoom-through lens (or as much of a zoom through as is possible.) I want to have the option to extend the telephoto range of my camera at any given zoom level so I have more options for framing/composition, etc. So a telephoto adapter that effectively locks my camera at 12X would not work for me. (Gene - I don't really do wildlife photography unless you consider the stuff I see on the streets of Los Angeles "wildlife" - OK, no comments, please! :o ) So for me it is much more important to have a useable zoom range than the highest magnification possible. (Ain't got no grizzlies in Hollywood! :eek: ) I also fully understand the notion of magnifying/cropping an image in my photo editing software but I print most of my stuff at 8X10 and am concerned about image degradation so that is also not an option for me. Thus, by process of elimination I am down to the TCON 14B, which I ordered last night from Adorama. So my (hopefully) last question is, with the lens and permaaral adapter, I am adding over 1 lb to the front of my camera. Can you recommend a support (kind of like what ships with the Panasonic telephoto lens) that moves the tripod mount foward so it is better centered under the camera/lens combo? Thanks again! :D

[genece]

Gene and StanStan - thanks again for all your input. I do understand much better now the way these telephoto attachments work. I am looking for a zoom-through lens (or as much of a zoom through as is possible.) I want to have the option to extend the telephoto range of my camera at any given zoom level so I have more options for framing/composition, etc. So a telephoto adapter that effectively locks my camera at 12X would not work for me. (Gene - I don't really do wildlife photography unless you consider the stuff I see on the streets of Los Angeles "wildlife" - OK, no comments, please! :o ) So for me it is much more important to have a useable zoom range than the highest magnification possible. (Ain't got no grizzlies in Hollywood! :eek: ) I also fully understand the notion of magnifying/cropping an image in my photo editing software but I print most of my stuff at 8X10 and am concerned about image degradation so that is also not an option for me. Thus, by process of elimination I am down to the TCON 14B, which I ordered last night from Adorama. So my (hopefully) last question is, with the lens and permaaral adapter, I am adding over 1 lb to the front of my camera. Can you recommend a support (kind of like what ships with the Panasonic telephoto lens) that moves the tripod mount foward so it is better centered under the camera/lens combo? Thanks again! :D

I am glad you have figured what you want. Thats why they make so many different ones ( different strokes for different folks).

I made a support for my lenses when they are stacked and after using it for a while I quit using it.

I really think that if you have the metal permaaral adapter, all would be fine but thats just a guess.
Here is a plate I made to center the tripod and give access to the battery when on a tripod. Actually that one was to mount a battery pack and still allow access to the battery compartment. I have one now that is about a 1 inch longer and it works better as a tripod mount.
http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/panorama/small/adapter1.jpg


If I can find some aluminum stock I am going to change that design a bit but it will still work the same and give a couple more attachment points.

[24Peter]

Probably overkill but Samy's is really close by: http://www.samys.com/product.php?ItemNo=BOGE3420&tab=specs

I may check it out once I receive my TCON 14B :D

[rschofield]

...I want to have the option to extend the telephoto range of my camera at any given zoom level so I have more options for framing/composition, etc... [emphasis added]

Genece has already referenced Ching-Kuang Shene's excellent web resource for FZ users (here (http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/FZ-10/index.html)) but, in case you didn't see it, I'd like to point you to a specific page within that document -- Do You Really Need a Tele Converter? (http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/FZ-10/Converters/TEST/Min-Focus-Dist/Min-Focus-Dist.html)

CK isn't telling you not to use a tele converter but, rather, to use one when you can't get the image you want with the on-camera lens.


Dick

[24Peter]

Already saw all that but thanks for the post Dick! :D

Any recommendations on a 72mm>>62mm stepdown ring? I'm going to try to mount the TCON 14B on my DVX 100 camcorder. In the video world, zoom through is really important though since I will have already sprung for the lens I may as well see if it works.

[StanStan]

I am glad you have figured what you want. Thats why they make so many different ones ( different strokes for different folks).

I made a support for my lenses when they are stacked and after using it for a while I quit using it.

I really think that if you have the metal permaaral adapter, all would be fine but thats just a guess.
Here is a plate I made to center the tripod and give access to the battery when on a tripod. Actually that one was to mount a battery pack and still allow access to the battery compartment. I have one now that is about a 1 inch longer and it works better as a tripod mount.
http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/panorama/small/adapter1.jpg

If I can find some aluminum stock I am going to change that design a bit but it will still work the same and give a couple more attachment points.


Gene: I have a small machine shop in my basement. For all your help the least I can do is make a mount for you. Free + no shipping!!!! [One for me too with your imput]. Since I do not have the TCON 17 /55mm, c210 or the adapter tube I am at a loss as what is needed. Ordered the TCON 17/55 from Pemarall.com today at $99 and assorted filters and rings. Cannot wait to put it all together and take pictures.
You said something about fixing vignetting with one click using elements. Could you elaborate.

Battery Pack ?????

Thanks

StanStan

[genece]

In Elements about the 4th thing down in the tool bar is the crop tool.
It looks like 2 right angles facing each other, Click it and near the top in the options bar click front image then just go to the photo and start in the upper left near what you want cropped click and drag to the lower right
as far as you want. unclick and go to image ( in the menu bar) and select crop. Okay I lied its 5 clicks.and by clicking that front image at the start it will constrain porportions and it will keep the same size as the original.

If you use help in elements and select Index > crop tool it will explain it better than me.

[genece]

This is what I am using but I would like to get a piece of wider strap so it would sit square.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/genece/Plate2.jpg


And this is what it would be like. Don,t laugh arts and craft is not my strong point.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/genece/plate.jpg

[StanStan]

QUOTE=genece]This is what I am using but I would like to get a piece of wider strap so it would sit square.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/genece/Plate2.jpg


And this is what it would be like. Don,t laugh arts and craft is not my strong point.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/genece/plate.jpg[/QUOTE]

I am a machinist so this is a nothing and ,"I", bought a FZ20
What is the vertical distance between the A's and the lower A to the B. Do you want the A"s to end up an the center of gravity of your camera/lens stack? Balance the assembly and measure to B [camera's tripod mounting hole]. I'll measure the distance from the center of gravity in the horizontal direction to B"s. I just placed my camera and on a pen and the tripod hole in nowhere near the center of gravity of the camera.

If you wish send me your address by personal message.

Got my 512 sd and taking a lot of pictures. I got a green box pushed the shutter and got two green boxes and they seemed to pop up in different places in a very random way???? There has to be some logic to this.

The next problem is flash.I have a sunpac digital slave flash. Saw the 383 mention in posts. Want to be able to have it on a string for off camera use. Any ideas?

StanStan

[genece]

I am a machinist so this is a nothing and ,"I", bought a FZ20
What is the vertical distance between the A's and the lower A to the B. Do you want the A"s to end up an the center of gravity of your camera/lens stack? Balance the assembly and measure to B [camera's tripod mounting hole]. I'll measure the distance from the center of gravity in the horizontal direction to B"s. I just placed my camera and on a pen and the tripod hole in nowhere near the center of gravity of the camera.

That is what you want, to find a spot that balances the camera, I basicly just use the middle hole but wanted the extra area so my Quick Release plate has more to attach to and figured I may as well add another hole just in case.

If you wish send me your address by personal message.

Got my 512 sd and taking a lot of pictures. I got a green box pushed the shutter and got two green boxes and they seemed to pop up in different places in a very random way???? There has to be some logic to this.

That is the reason I use spot mode to focus, I also can not get the camera to focus on what I want when in the other modes.
I do use 3 area when shooting flying birds as it is really fast focusing.
One thing I can tell you is where the green boxes show is the area that is suppose to be in focus.

The next problem is flash.I have a sunpac digital slave flash. Saw the 383 mention in posts. Want to be able to have it on a string for off camera use. Any ideas?

This seems to be your answer, I am having a hard time understanding but maybe you can.
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=42396&forum_id=53


By the way I gave up on the countersink hole as I could not match the taper
I am using a hex head bolt with the head ground thin.


StanStan

[StanStan]

Thanks That is what I needed. Will research it with the info fron Steves. Thanks Stan

[StanStan]

TAPER IS 82 degrees.

StanStan

[StanStan]

Now I need a bag for a FZ20, adapter, tcon 17, c120, hood, cables, cards, filteres, batterys, charger ? Any suggestions? Have one just for the camera but fits nothing else. Maybe cargo pants!
Thanks
StanStan

[genece]

Might not be the way you want to go but I use this thing. As a matter of fact 2 of those things. Really nice lots of foam.
It would be $100 in a camera shop.

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=24981-000010203-VGC-5200

[24Peter]

Great idea, Gene! Thanks for the post. :)

[Quick Cal]

Hey guy's, don't know if you got your lens yet, or if you were even considering the Panasonic, but if so, read this.

http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=43416&forum_id=23

Also, StanStan, here's the bag I have. Just something to look at.


http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=42868&forum_id=23

[StanStan]

Might not be the way you want to go but I use this thing. As a matter of fact 2 of those things. Really nice lots of foam.
It would be $100 in a camera shop.

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=24981-000010203-VGC-5200

I intend to buy the Lowes Quardforce Tool case. I have on order an adapter, C210, TCON 17. I would like to get a mininum sized case to fit this stack when assembled. Is there any danger to carry around this stack in a bag?
Or is it best to take apart the FZ20 from the stack of lenses then put the two pieces in a bag? I would like a belted bag so I could keep my hands free for balance and maybe put it in the Gaurd force tool case along with every thing else.

Is the FZ20 nose aluminum where the adapter fits, with original ring off?
Are the C210 and the TCON 17 aluminum or plastic?

Gene: Do you know the length of the stack with camera and the two lanses?

Wish they had a spell checker here!!!!! Maybe I should do this in Word and cut and paste here.

StanStan

[StanStan]

Hey guy's, don't know if you got your lens yet, or if you were even considering the Panasonic, but if so, read this.

http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=43416&forum_id=23

Also, StanStan, here's the bag I have. Just something to look at.


http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=42868&forum_id=23

I did not buy the Panasonic telephoto because the Pana site said in the fine print that the lens was designed to be used when the camera was at full 12x only. So I thought that meant the camera 1x to 12x zoom could not be used but fixed at 12x. I am hoping the C210/TCON17 stack is a little better when it comes to vignetting. I shall see in a few weeks when every thing comes.

StanStan

[genece]

I intend to buy the Lowes Quardforce Tool case. I have on order an adapter, C210, TCON 17. I would like to get a mininum sized case to fit this stack when assembled. Is there any danger to carry around this stack in a bag?
Or is it best to take apart the FZ20 from the stack of lenses then put the two pieces in a bag? I would like a belted bag so I could keep my hands free for balance and maybe put it in the Gaurd force tool case along with every thing else.

They are pretty close to 10 1/2 inches assembled

I do not think it would hurt to carry it assembled but as someone in this thread pointed out it, this is a pretty specialized rig and you would not want to have it on all the time.
Lens are rather difficult to lineup and thread together so I do this ,I have a RAynox adapter which I use for that lens combination and I keep that setup all threaded together and Just remove the Phayee adapter( actually a Yoshida adapter) and thread on the Raynox adapter(faster).
I use the Phayee adapter for the Raynox 2020 and for macro stuff

http://www.bugeyedigital.com/product_main/ray-rt5264p.html

Is the FZ20 nose aluminum where the adapter fits, with original ring off?
Are the C210 and the TCON 17 aluminum or plastic?

It fits where the ring comes off so its metal as are the lens threads

Gene: Do you know the length of the stack with camera and the two lanses?
10 1/2 inches

Wish they had a spell checker here!!!!! Maybe I should do this in Word and cut and paste here

A spell checker that works here
http://www.iespell.com/download.php

[StanStan]

Turkey Vulture Feeding On A Deer:
Taken Just Before Lunch Today.

[StanStan]

__________________
QUOTED " Gene
One of these days I'll understand!
Kodak DC4800
Panasonic FZ10 & FZ20
TCon14 -Tcon 17-C 210
Raynox 2020
Raynox DCR720 & 250 "

HOW DO YOU LIKE THE DCR720? DO YOU LIKE ANY OTHER BETTER?

Thanks

StanStan

[genece]

HOW DO YOU LIKE THE DCR720? DO YOU LIKE ANY OTHER BETTER?


I really do not think much of that lens, Others claim the Wcon 07 0r 08 would be better. Although the 720 claims to be a .7 wide angle, it is not with the FZ20 much closer to .8

Also Raynox says the HD7000 is a better wide angle for the FZ20 but I have been hoping someone would try it with a Polarizer filter, as its expensive for the combo and I do want to use a polarizer on the lens. Raynox says it will not vignette with the filter but I would like to be sure.
It would be about $300 for the lens and a thin polarizer filter.

Stan I got the C160 today and it seems ok but you can not stack another lens on top of it. And it does vignette just like the C210.

[StanStan]

HOW DO YOU LIKE THE DCR720? DO YOU LIKE ANY OTHER BETTER?


I really do not think much of that lens, Others claim the Wcon 07 0r 08 would be better. Although the 720 claims to be a .7 wide angle, it is not with the FZ20 much closer to .8

Also Raynox says the HD7000 is a better wide angle for the FZ20 but I have been hoping someone would try it with a Polarizer filter, as its expensive for the combo and I do want to use a polarizer on the lens. Raynox says it will not vignette with the filter but I would like to be sure.
It would be about $300 for the lens and a thin polarizer filter.

Stan I got the C160 today and it seems ok but you can not stack another lens on top of it. And it does vignette just like the C210.

Glad you let me know. I was ready to order the DCR 720.

Another problem: I got the 55mm ring [filter without glass] stuck on the TCON 17. Do not want to take a stilson to it. Do you have a solution? In other words the ring stuck to the TCON 17 instead of the C210. Such is my luck!!!!!

Is there a 64 to 55 lens tube?

How do you cover the 64mm end of the tubes?

Thanks

StanStan

[John_Reed]

Turkey Vulture Feeding On A Deer:
Taken Just Before Lunch Today.Just WHOSE lunch are you referring to? ;)

[StanStan]

Just WHOSE lunch are you referring to? ;)

No I did not feed on the deer too! Haaaaa...........

StanStan

[genece]

I have heard people say that if you put them in the freezer the ring will come off. I have had that happen a couple times and I use channel locks (waterpump pliers). It takes very little to separate them if you can move it 1/16 of an inch its loose. I keep saying I am going to get a strap wrench just for that purpose.

Pemaraal makes a 55mm tube
http://www.b-300.com/fz10ac.html

As does Yoshida ,they are great quality but expensive. I have 2 as they were the first ones made.
http://butabara-tec.com/

As for the cap for the adapter end , either a Baggie or keep watching the plastic containers the wife throws out for the perfect fit.

[StanStan]

Came across a program to correct vignette that shows up in photos.

http://www.fsoft.it/Imaging/Vignetting.htm

Is anybody familiar with this or of similar programs?

StanStan

[StanStan]

I have heard people say that if you put them in the freezer the ring will come off. I have had that happen a couple times and I use channel locks (waterpump pliers). It takes very little to separate them if you can move it 1/16 of an inch its loose. I keep saying I am going to get a strap wrench just for that purpose.

Pemaraal makes a 55mm tube
http://www.b-300.com/fz10ac.html

As does Yoshida ,they are great quality but expensive. I have 2 as they were the first ones made.
http://butabara-tec.com/

As for the cap for the adapter end , either a Baggie or keep watching the plastic containers the wife throws out for the perfect fit.

I was able to get the stuck filter off. I put the stuck filter on top of ice cubes till it got cold then used one of my wife's plastic sheet cap removers. Worked perfectly!!!!!

Pemaraal makes a PA55 in black but they are out of stock.

Thanks again.

StanStan

[StanStan]

If I look down on the LCD monitor as the girl does on page 33 the monitor is washed out. At eye level it is washed out just a little. If I look up at the monitor when I have the camera higher that my head it is fine.

When I turn it over and then look down at the camera all is well. Can not use it too well upside down!

Thanks

StanStan

[genece]

There are anti glare films you can use to protect and reduce glare.
such as
http://www.purplemoo.com/... ...c_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=37

I use one for a PDA, got it at Staples. It helps but hopefully there is one better.

[StanStan]

There are anti glare films you can use to protect and reduce glare.
such as
http://www.purplemoo.com/... ...c_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=37

I use one for a PDA, got it at Staples. It helps but hopefully there is one
better.

Purplemoo: IE "could not find page"

Found this on this site.
http://www.hoodmanusa.com/hoodskins.asp HSK-3 seems to fit.
Is this the same?

Do you ever get a decent image viewing LCD from any angle above horizontal?
Went to Circuit City today and their sample had same problem as my FZ20.

StanStan

[StanStan]

Gene: Bought film.

Made a bracket. Will send. Where?

StanStan

[genece]

I sent an address stan and I wish I would have seen the link to the Lens protector as I had them and used them. They are very good but you need a size larger than they say. In fact I would have probably got the 4" and cut it down.

[StanStan]

I sent an address stan and I wish I would have seen the link to the Lens protector as I had them and used them. They are very good but you need a size larger than they say. In fact I would have probably got the 4" and cut it down.


Received email. Package ready to go.

StanStan

[StanStan]

I have read all the discussions about digital zoom but in my opinion it does indeed help. I have photos that I took with digital zoom and then cropped with Photoshop with good results. Under conditions like you are talking about I would take a couple photos with a lot of digital zoom and some with no or very little digital zoom. which covers all the options and in my opinion it works. The better the light the better it works.

Now since you have the Payee adapter you will need a 62mm to 55mm step down ring to use the TCON 17 (trust me).
Just get this one
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=59797&is=REG

If you get the Raynox 2020 pro you do not need a step down or up ring as it has 62mm threads.
I really think you will do well with the extra power for what you are trying to do and later on you can always stack lenses on top of each other. The only bad thing about the RAYNOX 2020 is it vignettes up to about 12 power but again for what you want to do that is not all that gad as it can be cropped out.

I do not know if you can see these but here are some pictures taken with the 2020.
http://imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/raynox2020pro

Gene: I have the adapter,62 to 55, TCON 17. Works fine.
Also have 62 to 52, C 210. Now I have to fit the 55mm filter ring [less glass] to C 210. How is this done? Looks like the 55mm threads must be reduced in size. Then try the C 210 and TCON 17 stack.

StanStan

[genece]

Stan.. my brain must not be working I could not figure what you were asking.
I think I got it now. Buy the cheapest 55mm filter you can find and remove the glass( some are glued in some use a snap ring type thing.)And force the ring in the end of the C210. Bingo threads! Sometimes stores have a filter that is scratched and you can get it for a buck or two.
If you need other filters this is a good deal and this store charges $5 shipping per order.
http://www.2filter.com/prices/clearance.html

When you press the filter in it is a tight fit but it will go.
It is the same with the Tcon 17 it takes a 77mm filter but that combo works best with the C210 on the adapter first.

[StanStan]

Stan.. my brain must not be working I could not figure what you were asking.
I think I got it now. Buy the cheapest 55mm filter you can find and remove the glass( some are glued in some use a snap ring type thing.)And force the ring in the end of the C210. Bingo threads! Sometimes stores have a filter that is scratched and you can get it for a buck or two.
If you need other filters this is a good deal and this store charges $5 shipping per order.
http://www.2filter.com/prices/clearance.html

When you press the filter in it is a tight fit but it will go.
It is the same with the TCON 17 it takes a 77mm filter but that combo works best with the C210 on the adapter first.

I have all the works: C210, TCON 17, Adapter, 62/55 ring, 62/52,
55 filter less glass now, 55uv w/glass, 77 uv, 62 uv , and the FZ20.
I have on order the PL's for the 62 55 77.
The 77uv is not a press fit to the TCON 17. Intend to epoxy a glassless 77
then I can add the uv or the pl.
The glassless 55 is a very tight fit to the C210. You just pressed and turned it into the C210 to make threads!! I am apprehensive. But so be it.
Thanks for answering.
StanStan

[genece]

Yes Stan the 77mm in the Tcon was not as tight but It worked while I tried it and since it works better the other way I removed it will maybe try it again for another combination.
The fit in the C210 was quite tight but it did not cause a problem.
You probably have the right tool, I used a hammer and a couple pieces of 2X4.

[StanStan]

Yes Stan the 77mm in the Tcon was not as tight but It worked while I tried it and since it works better the other way I removed it will maybe try it again for another combination.
The fit in the C210 was quite tight but it did not cause a problem.
You probably have the right tool, I used a hammer and a couple pieces of 2X4.

I got up my nerve! Pressing with the chuck of a drill press on a plate on top of the glassless filter. I then tapped all around the drill chuck a few times and walked the filter into the C210 lens. Took less than a minute. Really had doubts that it would work. [Didn't use a sledge hammer.] The C210 must be plastic!

Tomorrow I will see how it shoots.

Thanks again

StanStan

[StanStan]

Stan.. my brain must not be working I could not figure what you were asking.
I think I got it now. Buy the cheapest 55mm filter you can find and remove the glass( some are glued in some use a snap ring type thing.)And force the ring in the end of the C210. Bingo threads! Sometimes stores have a filter that is scratched and you can get it for a buck or two.
If you need other filters this is a good deal and this store charges $5 shipping per order.
http://www.2filter.com/prices/clearance.html

When you press the filter in it is a tight fit but it will go.
It is the same with the Tcon 17 it takes a 77mm filter but that combo works best with the C210 on the adapter first.

Hi Gene: Put together th FZ20 + C210 + Tcon 17 with new tripod bracket. Looks great aesthetically.
Ist Problem: Get vignetting at 12x at 14x almost gone
2Nd: at 14X Manual focus doesn't work right. The focus ring stops [ends rotating] before acquiring focus. Also at 14x the enlarged preview does not show at all.
3rd auto focus on 1 or 2 works poorly. Fuzzy pictures most of the time. 12 or 14x Never real sharp.
4th: The heavier FZ20 on my tripod acts like it is on top of a slender pole. Takes 5+ seconds to stop shaking. 10 sec seems like a long time. 2 sec toooo short. Guess I need a good tripod now with quick release.

Can get nice pictures with the FZ20 + TCON 17. Very satisfied with this combo.

StanStan

[genece]

Yes Stan I really thought the vignetting dissapeared at 12X but it may be a little more. I really thought I had some photos here but I must have trashed them. They were all just test shots of various combos,I really got clear photos with that combo but when I turned it around The results were much worse.
You really notice that shaking with all that power , the Remote release really helps that, as does a better Tripod.
You are correct about manual focus and digital zoom but I think the autofocus does work. I feel you must use spot focus and it is indeed hard to hold on the correct spot. When I feel I have a good focus I then use burst mode and take quite a few photos at the same time.
A lot of the time I will get 2 or 3 nice photos out of 10.

[StanStan]

Yes Stan I really thought the vignetting dissapeared at 12X but it may be a little more. I really thought I had some photos here but I must have trashed them. They were all just test shots of various combos,I really got clear photos with that combo but when I turned it around The results were much worse.
You really notice that shaking with all that power , the Remote release really helps that, as does a better Tripod.
You are correct about manual focus and digital zoom but I think the autofocus does work. I feel you must use spot focus and it is indeed hard to hold on the correct spot. When I feel I have a good focus I then use burst mode and take quite a few photos at the same time.
A lot of the time I will get 2 or 3 nice photos out of 10.

Gene: Do you use the Panasonic remote?

StanStan

[genece]

Gene: Do you use the Panasonic remote?

Yes I do Stan, I got it quite a while ago before the demand got so great.
In fact I ordered the one for the dmc-lc1 as it is the same and it was available before the one for the FZ20.

Stan I see you are interested in a wireless remote follow this thread.
Its too big to carry around I think but might work for what you want.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=10684677

[nicmalone]

Thanks again guys. I had no idea we were so limited with these telephoto lenses. :( I'm rethinking the whole thing based on this thread.

I think the Panasonic telephoto lens stops vignetting at 6X - but it's only 1.5X, cost $429 (at B&H) and is really heavy...

The TCON 14B is only $155 (at Adorama) and stops vignetting at 3X but is only 1.4X and is also heavy (almost 17 oz).

The Raynox telephoto (2020) is fixed, correct? In other words, it doesn't zoom at all. You screw it on and the only zooming is the digital zoom on the camera, right? (True of all these add on lenses I think.) :rolleyes:

I know you have bought your TC now (TCON 17B was it?). I just got a TL-55 3x TC from eBay for £30 ($65) which boosts my FZ-10's optical zoom to 36x (although being tube shaped rather than funnel-shaped it cuts the light down a bit). I currently attach it using a Pameraal 62 mm adapter (bought for my Olympus TCON 14B), a 62-58 step down ring, 58-52 step down ring and 52-55 step up ring - a far from satisfactory solution but I'm hoping to get a 62-55mm step down ring this weekend. I heard somewhere that lots of step rings increasing the distance between camera and lenses deteriorates the image quality.

I hope you are enjoying your TCON, I have had great fun with mine... :)
http://homepage.mac.com/nicmalone/PhotoAlbum2.html

[StanStan]

I know you have bought your TC now (TCON 17B was it?). I just got a TL-55 3x TC from eBay for £30 ($65) which boosts my FZ-10's optical zoom to 36x (although being tube shaped rather than funnel-shaped it cuts the light down a bit). I currently attach it using a Pameraal 62 mm adapter (bought for my Olympus TCON 14B), a 62-58 step down ring, 58-52 step down ring and 52-55 step up ring - a far from satisfactory solution but I'm hoping to get a 62-55mm step down ring this weekend. I heard somewhere that lots of step rings increasing the distance between camera and lenses deteriorates the image quality.

I hope you are enjoying your TCON, I have had great fun with mine... :)
http://homepage.mac.com/nicmalone/PhotoAlbum2.html

Yes I have a TCON 17 with 55mm thread. Use a 64mm to 62mm tube adapter with a 62/55mm ring. The ring I have does not increase the length as it is only as thick as the threads on the TCON 17 itself. I plan to get a 64/55 adapter and keep the adapter and lens together all the time instead of swapping adapters rings lenses etc. Too much chance of dropping .
Have a C210 but not too happy because of vignetting. It is 52mm so I have a 62/52 ring. The rings I bought were only $5.00.
I stack the FZ20 + 64/62 adapter + 62/52 ring + C210 + 55 glassless filter + the TCON 17. Looks great. But as the weather is -5F I haven't shot many times with this stack. Will crop edit out any vignetting that may occur.
432X times 1.9 times 1.7 = 1395!
Does anyone know the math to calculate the field at, say 500 ft, at 1395?
StanStan

[24Peter]

nicmalone - can you post a link for the eBay TL-55 3x?

I've been using the TCON 14B and really like the clarity of the glass (I used it to get these shots from about 25 ft away the other day http://imageevent.com/24peter/birdbath12505) (I can also use this lens on my Panasonic DVX 100 video camera - about the only one I could find that works with that camera.)

I'm curious about the vignetting on the TL-55 3X. Do you need to be on full optical zoom to use it?

[jessica33ftg]

Any recommendations on a 72mm>>62mm stepdown ring? I'm going to try to mount the TCON 14B on my DVX 100 camcorder. In the video world, zoom through is really important though since I will have already sprung for the lens I may as well see if it works.[/QUOTE]

>> >> Hello Everyone! This is my first post. I am sooo glad that I found DCRP! :D

24Peter I'm glad to read your post (this whole thread actually, I'm going to build the ultimate zoom. Thank You GENECE :) )!! I would like to know how the TCON 14B is working on your FZ20 as far as a zoom-through lens. I am also in the throes of writing and producing a documentary and was glad that you mentioned your DVX 100 camcorder as I have been doing a lot of research and now I'm finally into the final stage of purchasing equipment. How has the TCON 14B performed on the Panasonic AG-DVX100A ?

Thanks
Jessica

[24Peter]

Hi Jessica -

I'll be testing the TCON 14B with my DVX100 tomorrow (finally). I'll let you know then but my preliminary tests showed it was pretty good. It does vignette below Z60 on the DVX. This is similar to the Century Optics 1.6X tele lens which costs $825 (in other words, the useable zoom range for both the Century and Olympus lenses is Z60-99).

I'm not sure from your post if you were looking for a 72mm-->62mm stepdown ring but any one should do I would imagine. I got one here:
http://www.adorama.com/FLD7262.html?searchinfo=72mm%20to%2062mm%20step%20 down&item_no=1#Adorama-Step-Down-Adapter-Ring-72mm-Lens-to-62mm-Filter-Size

As for use with the FZ 20 check out my galleries:
http://imageevent.com/24peter
Both the bird bath shots and La Cienega Park shots were done at full optical zoom with the TCON 14B.

[MacBook]

Nice pictures. A little off the subject: I played Little League and Municipal League baseball at La Cienaga, and went swimming there, in the 1950s and 1960s. There were some memorable baseball games there and at Roxbury Park! I was a pitcher, and one game pitched against Dino Martin, a game that was covered in the L.A. Times by sports columnist Jim Murray.

[24Peter]

Thanks Mac :)

[jessica33ftg]

Hi Jessica -

I'll be testing the TCON 14B with my DVX100 tomorrow (finally). I'll let you know then but my preliminary tests showed it was pretty good. It does vignette below Z60 on the DVX. This is similar to the Century Optics 1.6X tele lens which costs $825 (in other words, the useable zoom range for both the Century and Olympus lenses is Z60-99).

I'm not sure from your post if you were looking for a 72mm-->62mm stepdown ring but any one should do I would imagine. I got one here:
http://www.adorama.com/FLD7262.html?searchinfo=72mm%20to%2062mm%20step%20 down&item_no=1#Adorama-Step-Down-Adapter-Ring-72mm-Lens-to-62mm-Filter-Size

As for use with the FZ 20 check out my galleries:
http://imageevent.com/24peter
Both the bird bath shots and La Cienega Park shots were done at full optical zoom with the TCON 14B.

Thanks, I will definitely be interested your results. It sounds like quite a savings if it will work as well as the Century Optics ! Thanks as well for the re-post with the link to the stepdown ring.
Great Pictures. Thank you. :)

Jessica

[chinmi]

just wanna give an example of my raynox dcr2020pro 2.2x teleconverter...

http://raynox.co.jp/comparison/images/digital/fz10/fz10-dcr2020pro.jpg

to use this teleconverter on my fz20, i have to but the rt5264p adapter, and use an extra ra6252 step-up ring which is included in the dcr2020pro package...

here's a few shot :

no zoom (1x zoom) = 36mm
http://www.garisgemilang.com/picture/fz20zoom/001.png

6x optical zoom = 216mm
http://www.garisgemilang.com/picture/fz20zoom/006.png

8x optical zoom = 288mm
http://www.garisgemilang.com/picture/fz20zoom/008.png

[chinmi]

12x optical zoom = 432mm
http://www.garisgemilang.com/picture/fz20zoom/012.png

12x optical zoom + raynox2020pro = 26.4x zoom = 950.4mm
http://www.garisgemilang.com/picture/fz20zoom/026.4.png

12x optical zoom + raynox2020pro + 4x digital zoom = 105.6x zoom = 3801.6mm
http://www.garisgemilang.com/picture/fz20zoom/105.6.png

the minimum zoom when using this lens is 6x, lower then 6x, and it will show a vigneting effect... this also the minimum zoom when using the panasonic zoom lens, because when using the telephoto addon option in the lumix, the minimum zoom lens will also be locked at 6x...

and as it said in the raynox websites
http://raynox.co.jp/english/dcr/dcr2020pro/index.htm


"There will be no reduction of light value (F.Number) when this conversion lens is attached on the camera's lens." :D

[24Peter]

the minimum zoom when using this lens is 6x, lower then 6x, and it will show a vigneting effect...
I don't have this lens (and in fact didn't buy it for the following reason) but I thought there was vignetting for anything below 12X optical zoom using the Raynox 2020Pro. In fact even your own photo using the 12X optical zoom and the Raynox shows some darkening in the corners. Not a criticism - just want to make sure I got it right because I always thought this was a nice lens and it was my original choice for a teleconverter - until I found out about all the vignetting.

BTW - the TCON 14B works great with my DVX 100 (I see I never posted my results) though the zoom through range is a little more limited than I originally thought - only really useable from Z68-Z99. But very sharp, crisp lens and easy to focus with. It is heavy and makes shooting handheld a little tougher. I also had to get a bracket to offset the tripod mount under the camera in effect moving the mount forward to better balance the camera. Actually same is true of my FZ20 - I use the bracket to move the tripod mount closer to the lens since it is so heavy and the camera would have a tendency to sag forward on the tripod without it.

[genece]

the minimum zoom when using this lens is 6x, lower then 6x, and it will show a vigneting effect...

I can not imagine how he is getting the photos he is posting, here are 2 photos just looking at the sky on a very rainy day.

Raynox 2020 11X with the Raynox adapter
http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting/websize/2020%2011X%20Raynox%20adapter.JPG



Raynox 2020 6 X pus raynox adapter
http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting/websize/Raynox%202020%206%20X%20plus%20Raynox%20adapter.jp g
some other combinations here
http://imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting

I tried it using the Tele setting and without, the results are the same.

Peter I see in another post you asked about the 14B and I do not have a 14B yet, I have a 14 and am trying for the 14B on Ebay, as I am sure it will be a good combo with the 2020.

[StanStan]

I can not imagine how he is getting the photos he is posting, here are 2 photos just looking at the sky on a very rainy day.



I tried it using the Tele setting and without, the results are the same.
.

I was interested in the 2020 but your photos convinced me not to buy the 2020. Does the 2020 show vignetting at 12X?

From other posts I understand that setting the conversion to 'T' just prevented the zoom from going below 6x and nothing more. Is this right?

Am looking for a TL 55 and the TCON 14B and a 77mm filter without glass.

The black hole needs to be fed more green material!

[genece]

I was interested in the 2020 but your photos convinced me not to buy the 2020. Does the 2020 show vignetting at 12X?

From other posts I understand that setting the conversion to 'T' just prevented the zoom from going below 6x and nothing more. Is this right?

Yes I did not think it made a difference, I was just trying to duplicate what he did
Am looking for a TL 55 and the TCON 14B and a 77mm filter without glass.
Someone told me that TL55 taKes a 72mm ring.

The black hole needs to be fed more green material!

Yes I know that feeling also

And since you already have the C210 I would not spend the money for a 2020 unless the 14B will work good with it. If I ever win a bid I'll let you know.

Yes Stan it has just a bit of darkening at the corners at 12X, But to be honest I do not see what it hurts to crop a Telephoto picture.
If the vignetting is all that is stoping you it is not important in telephoto shots.
This is not a great photo but To try and make my point,This was shot with a Tcon14(not a B) plus a Tcon17 at 12X with a FZ10
http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/fish/fish/websize/P1090651.jpg


And this is a crop of that photo and a FZ20 crops much better
http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/fish/fish/websize/P1090651crop.jpg

Now If you had to crop a shot from a WA lens that would be entirely different as you may as well not use the lens if that is the case.

[StanStan]

Yes I know that feeling also

And since you already have the C210 I would not spend the money for a 2020 unless the 14B will work good with it. If I ever win a bid I'll let you know.

Yes Stan it has just a bit of darkening at the corners at 12X, But to be honest I do not see what it hurts to crop a Telephoto picture.
If the vignetting is all that is stooping you it is not important in telephoto shots.
This is not a great photo but To try and make my point,This was shot with a Tcon14(not a B) plus a TCON 17 at 12X with a FZ10

Pic

And this is a crop of that photo and a FZ20 crops much better

Pic

Now If you had to crop a shot from a WA lens that would be entirely different as you may as well not use the lens if that is the case.

I to compare the C-210 TCON-17 stack to a TL-55 TCON-14b stack. Need the TL-55 and the TCON-14B.

Have not put much consideration into WA's yet.

I finished my wired remote. Have the four channel wireless connected to another resistor array which works at least to 100 feet. One button for focus with another to shoot. My problem is to wake up the camera and then zoom to 12X. Till then I'll have to leave the camera on. Battery Pack!

In another post it was pointed out the the camera, without the internal battery installed, would wake up if the external battery was turned on. Have you any experience with this?

Are you gene 225? If you are I would not compete.

[24Peter]

Gene - you have the best wildlife shots! Is that a wolf or coyote? What is that carcass? :eek:

BTW - I already have the 14B and been using it for a couple of months. The bird bath and La Cienega park photos on my imageevent gallery (as well as assorted others) were taken with it. I also use it on my video camera - Panasonic DVX 100 - which is what I was posting about earlier. It's a great lens. I only notice a little chromatic abberation (is that the term?) on bright white objects (looks like a bluish/purple halo) such as the socceer ball in the park photos and the moon in my nature gallery. But for $150 you can't beat it and it works all the down to 3X on my FZ20 (w/ pemaraal PA62 adapter) without vignetting.

[StanStan]

Gene - you have the best wildlife shots! Is that a wolf or coyote? What is that carcass? :eek:

BTW - I already have the 14B and been using it for a couple of months. The bird bath and La Cienega park photos on my imageevent gallery (as well as assorted others) were taken with it. I also use it on my video camera - Panasonic DVX 100 - which is what I was posting about earlier. It's a great lens. I only notice a little chromatic abberation (is that the term?) on bright white objects (looks like a bluish/purple halo) such as the socceer ball in the park photos and the moon in my nature gallery. But for $150 you can't beat it and it works all the down to 3X on my FZ20 (w/ pemaraal PA62 adapter) without vignetting.

I am in the market for the 14B as a lot of posts like the lens.
I also like Gene's pictures.
Does anyone compare the TCON 17 to the 14B?

Thanks

[genece]

Thanks Peter and that is a Coyote and an Elk carcass.
And I want a 14B I have a bid on one now. we'll see.



I finished my wired remote. Have the four channel wireless connected to another resistor array which works at least to 100 feet. One button for focus with another to shoot. My problem is to wake up the camera and then zoom to 12X. Till then I'll have to leave the camera on. Battery Pack!

Stan when I have the dps 9000 hooked to the camera it does not go to sleep as it thinks its running on a converter.

In another post it was pointed out the the camera, without the internal battery installed, would wake up if the external battery was turned on. Have you any experience with this?

Stan when I have the dps 9000 hooked to the camera it does not go to sleep as it thinks its running on a converter. Or at least the FZ10 did not go to sleep . I will try it and let you know

And I have seen comparisons of the 2 lens and while everyone thinks the 14B is much better, I think its like comparing apples and oranges.
More power picks up more haze and is more power worth less clarity, I think its a matter of opinion.

[chinmi]

I can not imagine how he is getting the photos he is posting, here are 2 photos just looking at the sky on a very rainy day.

Raynox 2020 11X with the Raynox adapter
http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting/websize/2020%2011X%20Raynox%20adapter.JPG



Raynox 2020 6 X pus raynox adapter
http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting/websize/Raynox%202020%206%20X%20plus%20Raynox%20adapter.jp g
some other combinations here
http://imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting


wow... that vignetes a lot... i haven't really tried zooming to a white/clear background... i'll try it when i got home :D

[StanStan]

Quote Gene : Stan when I have the dps 9000 hooked to the camera it does not go to sleep as it thinks its running on a converter. Or at least the FZ10 did not go to sleep . I will try it and let you know

I will have to look into an external power supply. Would you let me know the spec's on the DPS 9000: # of batteries; type of battery, output voltage, and do all batteries charge at once; and of course the charge time. How long does the pack keep the PANA operating? Two sets of batteries?

I bought a camera to shoot and since it is winter I have spent an inordinate amount of time on it. Took 2000+ pictures while printing only 16.. Beauty of digital cameras.

Also: The spelling checker works fine for me.

Thanks

[genece]

The DPS 9000 is a lithium battery pack and it works great, I have taken over 1000 photos on a charge and still had plenty of battery left.
But leaving the camera on for about 15 hours will drain the battery completely.

Ritz camera has a good price on it.

http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=9621132&location=DERCPR&storeId=10001&processRequest=10002&tmlpse=true&prp=814080255&langId=-1&catalogId=10001

And I did try it Stan, and the camera does not go to sleep with the battery pack hooked up.

[StanStan]

The DPS 9000 is a lithium battery pack and it works great, I have taken over 1000 photos on a charge and still had plenty of battery left.
But leaving the camera on for about 15 hours will drain the battery completely.

Ritz camera has a good price on it.

http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=9621132&location=DERCPR&storeId=10001&processRequest=10002&tmlpse=true&prp=814080255&langId=-1&catalogId=10001
.

Thanks. Bought it! But RitzCamera does not show up on my searches!

This will solve my 'stay awake' problem. Now to the remote zoom.

The 2.5mm jack has 4 contacts: two for focus/shoot and the other two????

[jessica33ftg]

Hi Gene: Put together th FZ20 + C210 + Tcon 17 with new tripod bracket. Looks great aesthetically.
Ist Problem: Get vignetting at 12x at 14x almost gone
2Nd: at 14X Manual focus doesn't work right. The focus ring stops [ends rotating] before acquiring focus. Also at 14x the enlarged preview does not show at all.
3rd auto focus on 1 or 2 works poorly. Fuzzy pictures most of the time. 12 or 14x Never real sharp.
4th: The heavier FZ20 on my tripod acts like it is on top of a slender pole. Takes 5+ seconds to stop shaking. 10 sec seems like a long time. 2 sec toooo short. Guess I need a good tripod now with quick release.

Can get nice pictures with the FZ20 + TCON 17. Very satisfied with this combo.

StanStan

Hi StanStan,

I have a few questions; I bought a 55 mm filter for the front of the C210 and into that I will thread the Tcon 17 and the C210 threads into the original 62 to 52mm stepdown-ring which is threaded into the Phayee adapter.

Would you ( or possibly Gene) recommend a hood on the end of the TCON 17 (?) and if so should there be a filter before the hood? I read where you guys put a 72mm filter ring for front of TCON 17 which is epoxied into place...then filter to protect lens (72mm?) then possibly the hood? :confused: Am I missing anything (smile..wheeeew), :o also, would you use a UV filter (ultra thin) after phayee adapter and before the TCON 17/C 210 combo?

Any advice on combos or filters (or anything else I might be missing) would be great-fully appreciated.

I currently own the following:

Panasonic FZ20, Phayee Adapter, TCON 17 with 55mm thread. 62/55mm step down ring, Olympus C 210 with 55mm thread, 62mm Kaesemann Polarizer, 72mm hama hood, Hoya super HMC Pro 1 UV filter (ultra thin).

I am doing surveillance work and need to get that perfect shot !! :cool:

Thank You :)
Jessica

[jessica33ftg]

Hi Gene: Put together th FZ20 + C210 + Tcon 17 with new tripod bracket. Looks great aesthetically.
Ist Problem: Get vignetting at 12x at 14x almost gone
2Nd: at 14X Manual focus doesn't work right. The focus ring stops [ends rotating] before acquiring focus. Also at 14x the enlarged preview does not show at all.
3rd auto focus on 1 or 2 works poorly. Fuzzy pictures most of the time. 12 or 14x Never real sharp.
4th: The heavier FZ20 on my tripod acts like it is on top of a slender pole. Takes 5+ seconds to stop shaking. 10 sec seems like a long time. 2 sec toooo short. Guess I need a good tripod now with quick release.

Can get nice pictures with the FZ20 + TCON 17. Very satisfied with this combo.

StanStan

Hi StanStan,

I have a few questions; I bought a 55 mm filter for the front of the C210 and into that I will thread the Tcon 17 and the C210 threads into the original 62 to 52mm stepdown-ring which is threaded into the Phayee adapter.

Would you ( or possibly Gene) recommend a hood on the end of the TCON 17 (?) and if so should there be a filter before the hood? I read where you guys put a 72mm filter ring for front of TCON 17 which is epoxied into place...then filter to protect lens (72mm?) then possibly the hood? :confused: Am I missing anything (smile..wheeeew), :o also, would you use a UV filter (ultra thin) after phayee adapter and before the TCON 17/C 210 combo?

Any advice on combos or filters (or anything else I might be missing) would be great-fully appreciated.

I currently own the following:

Panasonic FZ20, Phayee Adapter, TCON 17 with 55mm thread. 62/55mm step down ring, Olympus C 210 with 55mm thread, 62mm Kaesemann Polarizer, 72mm hama hood, Hoya super HMC Pro 1 UV filter (ultra thin).

I am doing surveillance work and need to get that perfect shot !! :cool:

Thank You :)
Jessica

[gary_hendricks]

If that does not help , download the new browser Foxfire
http://www.freedownloadzone.com/fdz.asp?kw=mozilla%20firefox&source=go2-c22a7
You would not have to make it your default browser but use it when you want to see the pictures.


That's Firefox - just a correction.

[gary_hendricks]

Probably overkill but Samy's is really close by: http://www.samys.com/product.php?ItemNo=BOGE3420&tab=specs

I may check it out once I receive my TCON 14B :D

How is the TCON 14B? Is it any good?

[genece]

#104 Today, 01:08 AM
jessica33ftg
Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 4



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by StanStan
Hi Gene: Put together th FZ20 + C210 + Tcon 17 with new tripod bracket. Looks great aesthetically.
Ist Problem: Get vignetting at 12x at 14x almost gone
2Nd: at 14X Manual focus doesn't work right. The focus ring stops [ends rotating] before acquiring focus. Also at 14x the enlarged preview does not show at all.
3rd auto focus on 1 or 2 works poorly. Fuzzy pictures most of the time. 12 or 14x Never real sharp.
4th: The heavier FZ20 on my tripod acts like it is on top of a slender pole. Takes 5+ seconds to stop shaking. 10 sec seems like a long time. 2 sec toooo short. Guess I need a good tripod now with quick release.

Can get nice pictures with the FZ20 + TCON 17. Very satisfied with this combo.

StanStan



Hi StanStan,


I have a few questions; I bought a 55 mm filter for the front of the C210 and into that I will thread the Tcon 17 and the C210 threads into the original 62 to 52mm stepdown-ring which is threaded into the Phayee adapter.

Removing the glass on the 55mm filter will help.


Would you ( or possibly Gene) recommend a hood on the end of the TCON 17 (?) and if so should there be a filter before the hood? I read where you guys put a 72mm filter ring for front of TCON 17 which is epoxied into place...then filter to protect lens (72mm?) then possibly the hood? Am I missing anything (smile..wheeeew), also, would you use a UV filter (ultra thin) after phayee adapter and before the TCON 17/C 210 combo?

I do not use a filter with add on lense's

It is a 77mm filter that fits once again I remove the glass

I do not add a filter as you start blocking too much light

I do not use a hood but you could add a 77mm hoya collapsable rubber hood if you want.

Any advice on combos or filters (or anything else I might be missing) would be great-fully appreciated.

I just got a 14B and am going to try it with a Raynox 2020.
And that combo just made need a support bracket. I made one for other combos but really feel they are not neccessary as the weight is not that much, but the 14B is a heavy lens.
One other thing I seem to get better results if the more powerful lens is Nearer the camera.

http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting/websize/Telephoto.jpg

[gary_hendricks]

Genece, wow. That's a great setup with 14B. I want one! :cool:

[genece]

Genece, wow. That's a great setup with 14B. I want one! :cool:


I worried I should not have posted that picture as that is with a tcon14 not a 14B and its backwards.
The 14B is much larger and should go at the other end.
That regular 14 is not much good for anything. I think it is really called a 14D much cheaper and less quality.

I was just trying to show you can make a bracket for yourself. I just had a shoulder replaced so it may be awhile untill I get one for the RAynox2020 and Tcon14B.
When I get it made I will post a picture.

[StanStan]

Hi StanStan,

I have a few questions; I bought a 55 mm filter for the front of the C210 and into that I will thread the Tcon 17 and the C210 threads into the original 62 to 52mm stepdown-ring which is threaded into the Phayee adapter.

Would you ( or possibly Gene) recommend a hood on the end of the TCON 17 (?)
I bought a 77mm not a 72 UV filter to put on the front of the TCON 17. I used three very narrow pieces of aluminum foil and pressed the 77 into the Lens. Then a 77mm to 72mm step down ring. I have a Hana hood from Adorama. Ritz Camera has their hood at a better price. Only have the Hana so I cannot make comparisons. I like the rubber version as they can be turned back if vignetting occurs at Wide Angle. Also flare may be reduced if the sun or reflections are in front to a side. Just fold up the opposite side of the hood so the sun never gets into the hood.


and if so should there be a filter before the hood? I read where you guys put a 72mm filter ring for front of TCON 17 which is epoxied into place...then filter to protect lens (72mm?) then possibly the hood? :confused: Am I missing anything (smile..wheeeew),
Since I used a 77mm filter a 77 to 72 step down ring is required for the hood

:o also, would you use a UV filter (ultra thin) after phayee adapter and before the TCON 17/C 210 combo?

Have no experience here [Where is Gene?]. I always put the filter on last. Most posts put it there. Personal belief is to stop the problem before it gets to the lens. Tis more costly!

Any advice on combos or filters (or anything else I might be missing) would be great-fully appreciated.

Filters: I just buy the best I can afford at the time. I am a hobbiest.
A linear polarizing filter is used on a digital camera. I use it to help reduce glare on windows.

I currently own the following:

Panasonic FZ20, Phayee Adapter, TCON 17 with 55mm thread. 62/55mm step down ring, Olympus C 210 with 55mm thread, 62mm Kaesemann Polarizer, 72mm hama hood, Hoya super HMC Pro 1 UV filter (ultra thin).

My order: FZ20,adapter [+52mmstep down ring] , then C210 with 55 filter housing less glass, TCON 17 [55mm mount] , 77mm filter, 77mm to 72 step down ring, Hood: I like the rubber ones. If a 64/52 adapter is used no ring is required. BTW: This must be used on a tripod as focus is very difficult to attain. Must also be in bright sunlight to work [focus]!
I use a remote or wireless shutter control even on a tripod. A 2 or 10 second delay will work here too.

I am doing surveillance work and need to get that perfect shot !! :cool:

If you plan to leave the camera power on for a long time get a external battery pack. Gene reccomends the "RitzCamera.com - DigiPower DPS-9000 Power Pack for Digital Cameras (7.2 volts) - NEW!" $40 now + ship..

http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=9621132&location=DERCPR&storeId=10001&processRequest=10002&tmlpse=true&prp=814080255&langId=-1&catalogId=10001

I have it on order.

Do you wear a flack jacket?

Thank You :)
Jessica

I trust you have read Gene's posts above. He makes very valid comments.

[StanStan]

Hi StanStan,

Any advice on combos or filters (or anything else I might be missing) would be great-fully appreciated.

Thank You :)
Jessica

Hi Jessica: Here are some interesting lens comparisons. There are many others.

http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/FZ-10/Converters/Lenses/Stacking-Lenses.html

http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/FZ-10/Converters/Lenses/Telephoto.html


There is a Japanese or a Chinese site that is also very interesting. When I find it I will let you know.

Found it:

http://216.239.37.104/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&langpair=ja%7Cen&u=http://nighthead.adzoo.jp/fz/telecon/telecon1.htm&prev=/language_tools

[jessica33ftg]

#104 Today, 01:08 AM
jessica33ftg
Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 4



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by StanStan
Hi Gene: Put together th FZ20 + C210 + Tcon 17 with new tripod bracket. Looks great aesthetically.
Ist Problem: Get vignetting at 12x at 14x almost gone
2Nd: at 14X Manual focus doesn't work right. The focus ring stops [ends rotating] before acquiring focus. Also at 14x the enlarged preview does not show at all.
3rd auto focus on 1 or 2 works poorly. Fuzzy pictures most of the time. 12 or 14x Never real sharp.
4th: The heavier FZ20 on my tripod acts like it is on top of a slender pole. Takes 5+ seconds to stop shaking. 10 sec seems like a long time. 2 sec toooo short. Guess I need a good tripod now with quick release.

Can get nice pictures with the FZ20 + TCON 17. Very satisfied with this combo.

StanStan



Hi StanStan,



Removing the glass on the 55mm filter will help.

>> Gene...Thank You (correction) 55 mm filter ring (without filter) for the front of the C210. I have not started the assembly process until I know exactly what I'm doing, when, where, and why (smile)!


I do not use a filter with add on lense's

>> Do you recommend a protective lens of coated glass? I will be shooting in various elements and want to refrain from cleaning the lens. I just assumed the ultrathin polarizer would take care of the glare issue with a protective lens on the end of the stack.


It is a 77mm filter that fits once again I remove the glass

I do not add a filter as you start blocking too much light

I do not use a hood but you could add a 77mm hoya collapsable rubber hood if you want.


I just got a 14B and am going to try it with a Raynox 2020.
And that combo just made need a support bracket. I made one for other combos but really feel they are not neccessary as the weight is not that much, but the 14B is a heavy lens.
One other thing I seem to get better results if the more powerful lens is Nearer the camera.

http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/forposting/websize/Telephoto.jpg

>> Thank You for posting the photo. I am in the process of mounting a modified tripod to the interior of my surveillance vehicle and will need a supporting bracket as the camera will probably stay mounted as I'm moving from location to location.

Take Care
Jessica

[jessica33ftg]

StanStan,

Thank You for your advice on the hood. I meant to say 77 mm instead of 72 for the filter ring attached to the TCON 17. I currently have a 77 mm hood that will work just fine. Thanks for clarifying the order of your stack, that helped. I definitely think a wireless remote will be important. Would you happen to know the range of your wireless? :confused:

I plan on ordering the external battery pack after reading your previous posts. I definitely will have the camera on for extended periods of time. Flak jacket :eek: ... well, never really thought about one !! You got me laughing with that question. I hope no one will ever realize that I was on location until the job is complete and the photo-graphic evidence is presented. :cool:

Best to You
Jessica

note: I apologize for the double post. I was polishing a little too much and must have got carried away :D

[StanStan]

StanStan,
I definitely think a wireless remote will be important. Would you happen to know the range of your wireless? :confused:

Best to You
Jessica

:D

I have tried it at 200 feet which is more than I need. The seller said 300m [say 1000 feet]. I have it powered at 9 volts where it should be 12 volts. Also I have the antenna in a metal box. I do not know if that degrades the signal more. Had 8 inches of snow last night so I will have to wait to try it at 1000'.

What range do you believe you need.?

I am looking for a UHF transmitter to see what the camera sees. A lot of 'spy' stuff out there but too expensive for my project. Ordered a remote hand held TV for the receiver. Amazon said it was shipped. Next: pan and tilt.

I'm into taking pictures of birds, bear, deer and assorted other things. I do not want to spook them with my presence . [And i want to be safe.]

[jessica33ftg]

StanStan, Thank You for your reply. I think 200-300 feet will be more than sufficient. It sounds like the remote has a good range if needed. It sounds like you're on the right track with your remote viewing set up. I hope you find a good quality UHF transmitter to fit your budget and Happy Hunting :)

Take Care
Jessica

[jessica33ftg]

I have tried it at 200 feet which is more than I need. The seller said 300m [say 1000 feet]. I have it powered at 9 volts where it should be 12 volts. Also I have the antenna in a metal box. I do not know if that degrades the signal more. Had 8 inches of snow last night so I will have to wait to try it at 1000'.

What range do you believe you need.?

I am looking for a UHF transmitter to see what the camera sees. A lot of 'spy' stuff out there but too expensive for my project. Ordered a remote hand held TV for the receiver. Amazon said it was shipped. Next: pan and tilt.

I'm into taking pictures of birds, bear, deer and assorted other things. I do not want to spook them with my presence . [And i want to be safe.]

StanStan, did you happen to find a 64 -55 mm step down ring? :confused: I have been looking and haven't had too much luck! :(

Take Care
Jessica

[genece]

StanStan, did you happen to find a 64 -55 mm step down ring? I have been looking and haven't had too much luck!

Jessica I have been following stans adventures with the remote and I thought maybe I could help about the "Ring"

I think you may be not understanding correctly, it takes aan adapter that has 64 mm on one side and 62mm or something else on the other , but it is not a ring but an adapter , much like this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43441&item=3861521341&rd=1

Now there are other Mfgs and other retailers but this is a tried and proven combo of product and retailer.

If I misunderstood ,I am sorry.

[StanStan]

StanStan, did you happen to find a 64 -55 mm step down ring? :confused: I have been looking and haven't had too much luck! :(

Take Care
Jessica

Bought mine from Pemaraal for $5.00 shipping for my whole order was $3.95
sales@permaraal.com They may be on EBAY. Don't know how I got to them.

Try Froogle.com to find things and prices. Eopinions.com and Resellers.com for store ratings and prices. Then there is always Google.com and Amazon.com

I trust you have one way mirrors. Have not shot thru mirrors, yet.
You take care.
I'm SAFE!

[jessica33ftg]

Jessica I have been following stans adventures with the remote and I thought maybe I could help about the "Ring"

I think you may be not understanding correctly, it takes aan adapter that has 64 mm on one side and 62mm or something else on the other , but it is not a ring but an adapter , much like this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43441&item=3861521341&rd=1

Now there are other Mfgs and other retailers but this is a tried and proven combo of product and retailer.

If I misunderstood ,I am sorry.
:) :)

Gene, I apologize for the confusion. I read something that stuck in my brain by StanStan and still had our conversation about filter rings fresh in my mind.

StanStan..."I plan to get a 64/55 adapter and keep the adapter and lens together all the time instead of swapping adapters rings lenses etc. Too much chance of dropping."

I am going to the post office Monday morning for my package from Rong Jin at Phayee for my adapter tube. I will understand more about the assembly process and my need for another tube for my telephoto stack. I assumed that I could leave my adapter tube in place and changeup the individual stack combinations, and it wasn't until your post that I realized my mistake and my oversight on the tube combination to which I am grateful. :o

I truly appreciate your advice and patience. I feel like a puppy all excited and running around exploring my new world and it's nice to know that someone's there to keep you from getting into too much trouble !! :)

Take Care
Jessica

[jessica33ftg]

Bought mine from Pemaraal for $5.00 shipping for my whole order was $3.95
sales@permaraal.com They may be on EBAY. Don't know how I got to them.

Try Froogle.com to find things and prices. Eopinions.com and Resellers.com for store ratings and prices. Then there is always Google.com and Amazon.com

I trust you have one way mirrors. Have not shot thru mirrors, yet.
You take care.
I'm SAFE!

StanStan,

Thanks for the information.

I am camouflaged black on black so I'm shooting through dark tinted windows. I believe the mirror film would be much easier to shoot through though. :) I am glad that you brought the subject up as I had not considered how to set up the FZ20 manually to compensate for the filtering of light. I will post in the appropriate area in this forum if I run into any problem.

I am still in the information overload stage and I'm trying to familiarize myself with each aspect of the cameras performance and abilities.

Best to you ;)
Jessica

[StanStan]

Received an external power supply: the DPS-9000 on the advice of Gene. When I forgot to put a battery into the FZ20 and hooked up the DPS-9000 I was surprised that the camera came to life. I remember reading about this in some post but had forgotten all about it. Will have to experiment with this feature of the FZ20.
All the detail!
Two months ago no FZ20 to study.

[genece]

Stan you probably do not want to leave the Panasonic battery in because the camera will not go to sleep with the DPS9000 plugged in and you will end up with 2 dead batteries.

[StanStan]

Stan you probably do not want to leave the Panasonic battery in because the camera will not go to sleep with the DPS9000 plugged in and you will end up with 2 dead batteries.

Guess What? Did That! Done That!

I learn by mistakes?

[StanStan]

[QUOTE=genece]Lets try the red X's first. Do you use Internet explorer? if so open a browser window, click tools > click the advanced tab > scroll down to multimedia > and remove the check from show placeholders and put a check in show picture.

Forgot to tell you: I have no more red x's instead of pictures. It worked

Thank you

[gx00850]

I am very new to the Panasonic Fz20. Actually, I just got it in today. I have been reading a bit and I must say I am a bit confused. I would like to order the Olympus TCON-17 tele. Can someone tell me exactly what I need to get in order to get the TCON-17 attached (step-down, adapters, etc).

I am also looking for a wide angle lens set-up if you could help me there. (recommed lens, adapters, etc).

Thanks. I would really not know where else to turn if not for this site. Great Job putting all this info out there.

[StanStan]

I am very new to the Panasonic Fz20. Actually, I just got it in today. I have been reading a bit and I must say I am a bit confused. I would like to order the Olympus TCON-17 tele. Can someone tell me exactly what I need to get in order to get the TCON-17 attached (step-down, adapters, etc).

If you buy the Tcon 17[1.7x] [432x1.7 gives 734x]. it has a 55mm mount. So a 64mm to 55mm lens adapter is the way to go. NO rings.

Or what I did is to buy the Payee Lens Adapter. 64mm/62mm/72mm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43441&item=3865219929&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43441&item=3865219929&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V)

This adapter is 64mm/62mm With a narrow ring to cover the external threads on the front. It also has a very short 72mm hood.
I normally have the 64/62 with the 72mm hood with my 72mm Hama hood on.
With this setup I use 62mm filters. 62mm UV and 62mm Linear Polarizer. When I put the Tcon17 on I remove the 62mm filter if present and attach the 62mm/55mm step down ring, then the Tcon17.

I have pressed on a 77 filter without the glass onto the front of the Tcon17 so I could put 77mm filters on and then a 77mm/72mm step down ring for a 72MM Hama filter.

I set the camera for conversion lens Tele page 79. The minimum is 6x

Please note that a lot like the Tcon 14b [1.4x], has 62mm mount.

I am also looking for a wide angle lens set-up if you could help me there. (recommed lens, adapters, etc).

Do not have WA lens as yet .

Thanks. I would really not know where else to turn if not for this site. Great Job putting all this info out there.

To get a lot more input to your questions just search this 'forum' for 'adapters', 'lens' 'rings' 'hood' 'Tcon 17' 'Tcon 17B' 'Payee' etc

Would like to know what you like.

I bought the FZ20 for Christmas and have learned most of the knowledge from this site.

Happy Hunting!!

[John_Reed]

Isn't it "Phayee," rather than "Payee?"

[StanStan]

Mybae I slhuod look at waht I tpye?

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg The
phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer inwaht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae.
The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs
is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod
as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt.

HHU!!