Nikkor-P 1200mm + 5D + EF 2X II

Though the first test was a success, the experiment left me wondering if I could take it one step further and throw my Canon EF 2X II extender into the mix to get an effective 2400mm combination to work.

Canon EF 2x II
Canon EF 2x II Extender

Earlier this month I discussed my preliminary experiment with the Nikkor-P 1200mm f/11 lens on a Canon EOS 5D using a third-party adapter. Though the first test was a success, the conditions under which I took my first photographs of the moon with this combination were less than ideal. High humidity and intermittent cloud cover from our annual monsoon season in Tucson affected the clarity of the images, and I was left to wonder what the results would be under better conditions. Also, the last experiment left me wondering if I could take the test one step further and throw my Canon EF 2X II extender into the mix to get an effective 2400mm combination to work.
Continue reading “Nikkor-P 1200mm + 5D + EF 2X II”


Nikkor-P 1200mm on a Canon EOS 5D: Are you kidding me?

Nikkor-P 1200mm mounted on tripod
Nikkor-P 1200mm mounted on tripod
On my latest trip to Colorado, my father sent me home with his old Nikkor-P 1200mm f/11-f/64 lens, as well as a monster tripod to support the beast. Here are the specs on the lens from the original manual:

  • Picture Angle: 2°
  • Construction: 5 elements in 5 groups
  • Aperture Diaphragm: Manual
  • Minimum Aperture: f/64
  • Distance Scale: Graduated down to 143ft (43m)
  • Filter: 122mm screw-in
  • Dimensions: 135mm x 732mm, 922mm long with focusing unit
  • Weight: 3.1kg, 4.3kg with focusing unit

Additionally, it has built-in telescoping lens hood, and came with a 135mm slip-on feather front cap, a slip-on leather rear cap, the focusing unit, and a wooden case. According to Malaysian Internet Resources, “this used to be the longest regular-type Nikkor super telephoto lens for 35mm photography. Magnification is an amazing 24 times that of the 50mm normal lens. The lens was used to be highly useful in photojournalism, sports, wildlife and other types of photography during those days.” Continue reading “Nikkor-P 1200mm on a Canon EOS 5D: Are you kidding me?”