Don't laugh!

[Rich3591]

Sensible thinking Jim. I guess one needs to find the balance between too cheap and out of range? (Sorry about the pun)

Personally, the level I'm currently operating at - rekindling a hobby, but with no cash to spend on it in this current economic climate - I find I'm having to look at the cheaper end of the market. Having said that, whether through luck or judgment I've been able to pick up some quite capable lenses at very reasonable money. The downside, if you can call it that, is that I have to work much harder to get a good shot and frankly, I'm not sure that's such a bad thing. Undoubtedly, I would love to able to go out and buy some brand new, state of the art lenses and accessories, but that will have to wait until my financial situation changes!

Keith, thank you for sharing your knowledge with me, much appreciated. I like the sound of the extension tubes, cheap and effective - although I try not to get stuck in the 'macro zone', it would be nice to get the proper magnification, rather than taking close-up's!

Meta. The original post was a vain attempt to locate a long lens, at the right price, to bring those distant birdies into reach. The latter part of the discussion was on the merits or not of lens adapters which magnify the focal length of a lens, changing it from a 200mm to a 600mm for instance. Clearly from what Keith has pointed out, the distance becomes available, but at such a huge cost there is little if any gain. The second adapter I was asking about is simply a tube that goes between the camera body and the lens to change the magnification ratio of the lens. You will often see photographs that are claimed to be macros, when in fact a true macro is one where the subject is life size - magnification ratio 1:1 or greater. Unless your lens is 1:1 or greater then you are only taking a close-up.

[lost in the woods]

Hi
Try some camera fairs or ebay and look for a Tamron 300mm 5.6 AD2 mount prime lens you can get a pentax mount for about £6.00 lens will be in the region of £30-50.00 quality wise is very good i am still making sales from this lens but i sold mine years ago the other lens you may find is a sigma 400mm 5.6 APO lens in a k mount i have seen early versions of these for about £70.00 but check tripod mount as it's screws work loose quality is also very good from this lens
Regards
Lost in the Woods

[Rich3591]

Thanks for the tips Lost in the woods, I'll keep my eyes peeled!

Rich