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Panasonic FZ20 with tele-converter (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter suzigun
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RAH
Well-known member
If you mean they were diappointing because they weren't sharp, then Neil is correct. However, perhaps you mean they were disappointing because they didn't fill the frame enough (not enough magnification). In this case, yes, a teleconverter would help, of course. I do know that the Olympus TCON-17 is popular for use with the Lumix cameras, even though it is intended for Oympus super-zooms. It is less expensive that the Panasonic offerings, and works just as well. I think if you do some searches on this forum in this Panasonic area, you will find how to attach the TCON-17 to a Lumix.
I think the answer is yes to both replies - the subjects were disappointingly fuzzy, but also small. I do try to resist the temptation to use the mamximum zoom because I know however good the pictures might appear at the time they're not v. good once on the PC.
Not surprised that part of the problem might be me rather than the equipment but it's easier to buy a bit of kit than become a better photographer overnight!
Sue
Not surprised that part of the problem might be me rather than the equipment but it's easier to buy a bit of kit than become a better photographer overnight!
Sue
RAH
Well-known member
Sue,
The most important thing is to not get discouraged. And, if you're going to use a super-zoom camera, the next most important thing is to use a tripod (or else you might get discouraged). It's not your fault if you get blurry pictures if you shoot handheld with a high zoom. Everyone does. Any movement is greatly exaggerated by the magnification of the lens. So, you really need to get used to using a tripod. Then you can use the maximum zoom, add a teleconverter, and go crazy with the magnification.
The most important thing is to not get discouraged. And, if you're going to use a super-zoom camera, the next most important thing is to use a tripod (or else you might get discouraged). It's not your fault if you get blurry pictures if you shoot handheld with a high zoom. Everyone does. Any movement is greatly exaggerated by the magnification of the lens. So, you really need to get used to using a tripod. Then you can use the maximum zoom, add a teleconverter, and go crazy with the magnification.
RAH said:
Thanks for the encouragement. I did decide that I should take the camera somewhere where there will be fairly unchallenging subjects & have a proper experiment. Looking through the gallery I can see that people have taken really stunning shots with the camera so I know what to aim for!
Sue
Sue
I see 3 potential problems none of which are insurmountable.
Firstly, as RAH states, a tripod (or a bean bag ie some form of support) would help at high zooms. The image stabilisation is good but is not infallible and will struggle at high zoom particularly in less than bright light. Using the TCON adapter will make it worse.
Secondly I assume you are using fully programmable mode , if so I would recommend using aperture priority for long zooms so as to minimise shutter speed.
Thirdly and the most likely cause, there is little depth of field at max zoom and, say f2.8 aperture. When photographing birds with the FZ20 you have to set the autofocus to spot (and metering also to spot). Then practice in your garden or wherever taking bird shots at 6-10 metres preferably with trees/bushes behind. From my experience with the FZ20, this ain't easy at first as you have to hold the camera reasonably steady (tripod or bean bag again) for the A/F to fix on to the desired object. Other wise you will get a fuzzy bird with background leaves or branches being in focus.
I had a quite a few of the latter when first using the FZ20 so do not despair. I have had superb shots since once I mastered the spot auto-focussing
rgds david
I see 3 potential problems none of which are insurmountable.
Firstly, as RAH states, a tripod (or a bean bag ie some form of support) would help at high zooms. The image stabilisation is good but is not infallible and will struggle at high zoom particularly in less than bright light. Using the TCON adapter will make it worse.
Secondly I assume you are using fully programmable mode , if so I would recommend using aperture priority for long zooms so as to minimise shutter speed.
Thirdly and the most likely cause, there is little depth of field at max zoom and, say f2.8 aperture. When photographing birds with the FZ20 you have to set the autofocus to spot (and metering also to spot). Then practice in your garden or wherever taking bird shots at 6-10 metres preferably with trees/bushes behind. From my experience with the FZ20, this ain't easy at first as you have to hold the camera reasonably steady (tripod or bean bag again) for the A/F to fix on to the desired object. Other wise you will get a fuzzy bird with background leaves or branches being in focus.
I had a quite a few of the latter when first using the FZ20 so do not despair. I have had superb shots since once I mastered the spot auto-focussing
rgds david
IanF
Moderator
I have the FZ20 which I use with the Tcon-17 and sometimes the Tcon-14. The camera is actually quite good producing some decent results. Most often mine is used at full opitcal zoom and even on occasion with a slight amount of digital zoom. So long as the sun is behind you, the camera works very well. If the sun is from the front then CA can become a big problem.
The IS is very effective and I´ve never had to resort to using a tripod with this camera. Most often if there´s enough light I use Aperture priority mode for f8 depth of field but only so long as I can maintain at least 1/60 shutter speed. Else I use it on Shutter priority at f2,8. Once you get the hang of the controls it´s pretty easy to start adjusting them yourself.
Here´s some examples with this camera - most are with at least the Tcon-17 attached.
Panasonic FZ20 photos
The IS is very effective and I´ve never had to resort to using a tripod with this camera. Most often if there´s enough light I use Aperture priority mode for f8 depth of field but only so long as I can maintain at least 1/60 shutter speed. Else I use it on Shutter priority at f2,8. Once you get the hang of the controls it´s pretty easy to start adjusting them yourself.
Here´s some examples with this camera - most are with at least the Tcon-17 attached.
Panasonic FZ20 photos
Keith Reeder
Watch the birdie...
The answer to that question is on this very thread, Nikovich!
Try post no. 9...
Try post no. 9...
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IanF
Moderator
A bit brief Keith but spot on! You need a lens adapter or ´armour´and then a step down ring (or resize ring) to reduce thread size from the adapter to whatever converter you´re using. It´s 55mm for the Tcon-17 hence the PA55H.
The adapter I leave in place all of the time a it looks as if it came with the camera and offers protection for the extending zoom lens. The original lens cap still fits, though to be honest I mostly also leave the Tcon-17 in place with it´s lens cap as I take few photos without it.
The adapter I leave in place all of the time a it looks as if it came with the camera and offers protection for the extending zoom lens. The original lens cap still fits, though to be honest I mostly also leave the Tcon-17 in place with it´s lens cap as I take few photos without it.
demojohn
DEMOJOHN
Fz20
Hi Sue.
RAYNOX DCR-2020PRO lens extends the focal length of DMC-FZ20/FZ10 camera lens to 920mm Super telephoto ! (35mm film equivalent) It's a completely new high definition lens made of the high index optical lens with a 2-group/4-element formula.
260 lines/mm resolution power at center (MTF30%)
Model RT5264P Lens Holder Tube and RA6252 adapter ring are required for use with the DCR-2020PRO.
Minimum focusing distance : 10m
Mounting threads : 62mm
Front filter size : 82mm
RT5264P lens holder is Not Included.
RA6258 and RA6252 adapter rings are Included.
Specifications
Model RT5264P Lens Holder Tube and RA6252 adapter ring are required for use with the DCR-2020PRO.
Please note the RT5264P is in fact 52-62mm and with the rings that come with the lens 52-62mm will fit the tube, and enable you to fit the lens to camera. The DCR-2020PRO lens will fit the FZ30 with a 55-62mm stepup ring, No tube is needed.
Hears 2 pic's one with; and one without,
The one without was 12x zoom.
Pic 2 was max telephotoDCR-2020PRO.
D.J.
Hi Sue.
RAYNOX DCR-2020PRO lens extends the focal length of DMC-FZ20/FZ10 camera lens to 920mm Super telephoto ! (35mm film equivalent) It's a completely new high definition lens made of the high index optical lens with a 2-group/4-element formula.
260 lines/mm resolution power at center (MTF30%)
Model RT5264P Lens Holder Tube and RA6252 adapter ring are required for use with the DCR-2020PRO.
Minimum focusing distance : 10m
Mounting threads : 62mm
Front filter size : 82mm
RT5264P lens holder is Not Included.
RA6258 and RA6252 adapter rings are Included.
Specifications
Model RT5264P Lens Holder Tube and RA6252 adapter ring are required for use with the DCR-2020PRO.
Please note the RT5264P is in fact 52-62mm and with the rings that come with the lens 52-62mm will fit the tube, and enable you to fit the lens to camera. The DCR-2020PRO lens will fit the FZ30 with a 55-62mm stepup ring, No tube is needed.
Hears 2 pic's one with; and one without,
The one without was 12x zoom.
Pic 2 was max telephotoDCR-2020PRO.
D.J.
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