Calling all Tcon 300 owners...

I am thinking about finally springing for the Tcon 300 but would first like to hear from any current owners out there about their satisfaction with it.

Most specifically I am concerned about chromatic aberations, focus problems, and any image sharpness degredation being experienced.

I realize that this lens is a steal given how fast it is, but it is also a considerable chuck of change and I would not want to be disapointed in the event I do purchase it.

I have already scoured this, as well as many other, websites that have posted samples and reviews. These have been very informative. But what I would like is to hear from everyday users who have some experience with the Tcon 3000.

Should I drop the cash and get this big bad monster, or just be satisfied with trying to get physically closer to my subjects? (Granted that getting closer is not alwys an option)

Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff--www.sushicam.com

One thing to remember with the 300 is it has to be focused independently of the primary lens.

I don't own one but was told this by the salesman at the local camera store. I saw the focusing ring and decided to not bother.

Then again, I don't need 420mm. I could use a 250 to 300mm though.

Thanks,

jeff laitila said:

I am thinking about finally springing for the Tcon 300 but would
first like to hear from any current owners out there about their
satisfaction with it.

Most specifically I am concerned about chromatic aberations, focus
problems, and any image sharpness degredation being experienced.

I realize that this lens is a steal given how fast it is, but it is
also a considerable chuck of change and I would not want to be
disapointed in the event I do purchase it.

I have already scoured this, as well as many other, websites that
have posted samples and reviews. These have been very informative.
But what I would like is to hear from everyday users who have some
experience with the Tcon 3000.

Should I drop the cash and get this big bad monster, or just be
satisfied with trying to get physically closer to my subjects?
(Granted that getting closer is not alwys an option)

Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff
--
http://www.sushicam.com

Click to expand...

--TonyK

jeff laitila,

Consider me an extremely happy owner as I have had the opportunity to directly compare results from the bigger stabilized lenses on the more expensive cameras. Useful range varies from supermacro use . . .



. . . to indoor athletics . . .



. . . and of course extreme distances . . .



Hope this helps.
LesDMess

jeff laitila said:

I am thinking about finally springing for the Tcon 300 but would
first like to hear from any current owners out there about their
satisfaction with it.

Most specifically I am concerned about chromatic aberations, focus
problems, and any image sharpness degredation being experienced.

I realize that this lens is a steal given how fast it is, but it is
also a considerable chuck of change and I would not want to be
disapointed in the event I do purchase it.

I have already scoured this, as well as many other, websites that
have posted samples and reviews. These have been very informative.
But what I would like is to hear from everyday users who have some
experience with the Tcon 3000.

Should I drop the cash and get this big bad monster, or just be
satisfied with trying to get physically closer to my subjects?
(Granted that getting closer is not alwys an option)

Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff
--
http://www.sushicam.com

Click to expand...

--Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @ http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.

I use it for nature/bird shots quite often and have no issue at all with the lens. It is very high quality glass.

It is a bit large and can add weight to the camera and I almost always use it on a monopod or tripod, but I also have the LIPO grip.

It's not a zoom, but you probably already read that, so you might find yourself actually backing up from a subject. The focus ring on the TCON-300 is used to gain a rough focus so that the regular camera focus ring or autofocus capability can get you sharp focus. Dealing with that extra ring isn't really an issue.

You've probably also read that you can put the TCON-14b on the 300 using a step-up ring to get even more telephoto...

Lee--Thanks, Lee

Hi Jeff,

Like Les, I'm still happy with mine. Most of my soft images have been from trying to hand hold it, when clearly a tri-pod should have been used.









handheld when I shud have used tripod or monopod.

jeff laitila said:

I am thinking about finally springing for the Tcon 300 but would
first like to hear from any current owners out there about their
satisfaction with it.

Most specifically I am concerned about chromatic aberations, focus
problems, and any image sharpness degredation being experienced.

I realize that this lens is a steal given how fast it is, but it is
also a considerable chuck of change and I would not want to be
disapointed in the event I do purchase it.

I have already scoured this, as well as many other, websites that
have posted samples and reviews. These have been very informative.
But what I would like is to hear from everyday users who have some
experience with the Tcon 3000.

Should I drop the cash and get this big bad monster, or just be
satisfied with trying to get physically closer to my subjects?
(Granted that getting closer is not alwys an option)

Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff
--
http://www.sushicam.com

Click to expand...

--Vance.

Jeff,

See my post " TCON 314 help needed" it is still on the first page. I have been strugling with the combo, but got plenty of advice and help today from other forum members...you might find some help there. If I had to do it again I would have bought the Tcon 14B first, then the 300. The 14 B is on my camera all the time. Many of the the 314 and the 300 shots are not as sharp as I would like. Having said that, there are plenty of others that get terrific shots. I think it is a matter of practice. If you have a need for it I think it is worth it. Leslie

jeff laitila said:

I am thinking about finally springing for the Tcon 300 but would
first like to hear from any current owners out there about their
satisfaction with it.

Most specifically I am concerned about chromatic aberations, focus
problems, and any image sharpness degredation being experienced.

I realize that this lens is a steal given how fast it is, but it is
also a considerable chuck of change and I would not want to be
disapointed in the event I do purchase it.

I have already scoured this, as well as many other, websites that
have posted samples and reviews. These have been very informative.
But what I would like is to hear from everyday users who have some
experience with the Tcon 3000.

Should I drop the cash and get this big bad monster, or just be
satisfied with trying to get physically closer to my subjects?
(Granted that getting closer is not alwys an option)

Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff
--
http://www.sushicam.com

Click to expand...

--Leslie C http://www.pbase.com/lesliec

Thanks to all who have replied so far.

Those pictures are making me drool. Having the Tcon 300 is the only way to get those fantastic widlife photos.

I'm still on the fence, but am starting to tilt to the "buy" side....--www.sushicam.com

jeff laitila said:

I am thinking about finally springing for the Tcon 300 but would
first like to hear from any current owners out there about their
satisfaction with it.

Most specifically I am concerned about chromatic aberations, focus
problems, and any image sharpness degredation being experienced.

I realize that this lens is a steal given how fast it is, but it is
also a considerable chuck of change and I would not want to be
disapointed in the event I do purchase it.

I have already scoured this, as well as many other, websites that
have posted samples and reviews. These have been very informative.
But what I would like is to hear from everyday users who have some
experience with the Tcon 3000.

Should I drop the cash and get this big bad monster, or just be
satisfied with trying to get physically closer to my subjects?
(Granted that getting closer is not alwys an option)

Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff
--
http://www.sushicam.com

Click to expand...

Jeff,

I have the 300 and the 14b, but I've never used just the 300 on my E-10. I went straight to the super combo........the 300 and the 14b combined giving 600 plus mm.

I've had very little trouble with focus (it is touchy). There is signifigant chromatic abberation on certain shots, but not all.

I have a few samples on pbase, if you'd care to look. All were shot in p-mode, normal contrast and normal sharpness, iso 80, and all were hand held.

The shot of the gulls was taken to see DOF and did show a good amount of chromatic abberation.

http://www.pbase.com/law
click on the duck to bring up all the super combe shots (four of them).

If you really have the need (or strong want), do it.

George

Jeff,

I have the 300 and am planning on purchasing the 14b. I have enjoyed using this lens and after several weeks I am getting the hang of focusing it. I find that I am using it more and more, even for some portraits. I think it is a terrific lens and the problems with using it have been ME! And I am learning. More and more of the pictures I take with it now are infocus. I have found the chromatic problems occur when the zoom ring on the E10 is jarred off the 36 mm spot. I have gotten in the habit of checking because you don't see the problem in the viewfinder - only in the picture later. I have found that even a slight movement of the ring can make a difference in the picture.

I don't know if this helps, but I am really enjoying the lens and the possibilities it opens up.--Best Regards,Alan

All,

Thanks for the info. I live in Japan and I had the opportunity to go to the 2002 Tokyo Photo Expo today. It was a lot of fun to see all of the new stuff that is out there and actually get to pick it up and play with it.

I stopped by the Olympus booth and was able to try out an E-20 with the Tcon 300 attached and compare it to my E-10.

Yes, the Tcon300 does make a big difference. A lot more range. A little tricky to focus, but very fun indeed. It is a monster though. Makes the E-XX look pretty aggresive. ^ ^

I also asked them if they had an "E-30" in the works. He just smiled and said that he didn't know. (yeah right) But he also asked if I would be interested in an "E-30." I told him "possibly" I also told him that I decided not to upgrade to the E-20 when it came out because it was just not enough of an upgrade, either functionally or quality wise, than the E-10. I also let him know that the E-10 is my fourth Olympus Digital camera. (D340R, D460-Z, C3000, E-10)

He thanked me for choosing Olympus.

I'll post some pictures from todays event on my website (www.sushicam.com) as soon as I can. After I do, I will post a thread here to let people know about it and they can check it our if they are interested.

I'll also be going to Singapore next month. I think I will wait until I am there and see if I can find a good deal on a Tcon 300. ^ ^

(Now I am just waiting for B&H to ship me my 20 gig mindstor so that I will be able to snap tons of photos on my trip!)

Thanks for the help. Keep on snapping...

Jeff

"Don't criticise someone until you have first walked a mile in their shoes. That way, if they are mad at you, you are a mile away and they don't have any shoes."

--www.sushicam.com

I have seen that i can thake more sharp pictures with my tcon-c410! that with the tcon-314b.

just my experience and you get 738mm!!--E-20, C-3030 and E-100rs happy owner

Luis E Limon said:

I have seen that i can thake more sharp pictures with my tcon-c410!
that with the tcon-314b.

just my experience and you get 738mm!!
--
E-20, C-3030 and E-100rs happy owner

Click to expand...

Luis, what is a tcon-c410?--Best Regards,Alan

Jeff its very possible you have a focus issue with your camera. I have no idea what you are shooting but the Tcon 300s is a very sharp lens. It needs a lot of light but if you have a focus issue with your camera then your problem will be very evident and you will become frustrated trying to use this lens. Check your camera focus and send it in for service if necessary.

Jason

Leslie C said:

jeff laitila said:

I am thinking about finally springing for the Tcon 300 but would
first like to hear from any current owners out there about their
satisfaction with it.

Most specifically I am concerned about chromatic aberations, focus
problems, and any image sharpness degredation being experienced.

I realize that this lens is a steal given how fast it is, but it is
also a considerable chuck of change and I would not want to be
disapointed in the event I do purchase it.

I have already scoured this, as well as many other, websites that
have posted samples and reviews. These have been very informative.
But what I would like is to hear from everyday users who have some
experience with the Tcon 3000.

Should I drop the cash and get this big bad monster, or just be
satisfied with trying to get physically closer to my subjects?
(Granted that getting closer is not alwys an option)

Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff
--
http://www.sushicam.com

Click to expand...

--
Leslie C
http://www.pbase.com/lesliec

Click to expand...

--Jason Stoller [email protected] are just Beta Testers who pay the Camera Companies to test their new products!

math: tcon-300 + c-180 = tcon-c410 LOL

There are some simple testes i made:

http://www.latinpenguin.com/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=1--E-20 , C-3030 and E-100rs happy owner