Canon FD 800 5.6L

[JV Noriega]

Ka Romy named it "Frankenlens", this retro-monster from the past. It is properly known as the "New FD 800 5.6L".

I will be updating this thread for info, tips and more sample pics taken with this lens attached to different bodies just for fun and reference for the forum.

Specifications

Canon FD Resources - Super Telephoto lenses
New FD 800mm f/5.6L Lens

This is one of the fastest lens of its class in the world. It utilized an Ultra low-dispersion optical glass element in its design to hold the secondary spectrum to a minimum and to prevent deterioration in picture quality from chromatic aberration. This lens also incorporates the light and smooth Rear-group focusing system in which only the rearmost lens element moves internally for focusing. Thus, good balance of the lens is maintained when using a tripod. This lens also comes with a device for fine adjustment of focusing torque and the focus can be locked. A revolving mechanism to facilitate format changing when using a tripod is incorporated as well.



Canon FD 800mm f/5.6 L

Specification:

Focal length: 800mm
Aperture ratio: 1:5.6
Lens construction: 6 groups, 7 elements (including 1 protective glass and 1 UD glass)
Coating: S.S.C (super spectra coating)
Angle of view: Diagonal: 3° 06' Vertical: 1° 40' Horizontal: 2° 35'
Distance Scale: (m) 14 (magnification 0.06X) to 100.OO (ft) 45 to 300 oo
Focusing: Rear-group focusing
Minimum aperture: f/32.A (large size aperture ring with numerals in two places)
Diaphragm: Automatic
Filter Type. Rear section filter holder, drop-in type (with 48mm exclusive filter. Regular 1X)
Hood: Built-in type. Extension hood can be attached.
Tripod holder: Built-in type
Cap: Bag Type (CF2-0636)
Function: Auto Aperture, Full aperture metering (AE operation when used with ALL Canon automatic SLR cameras.
Length x max. diameter: 577mm x 154mm
Weight: 4,270g



Here are some pics of Frankenlens.

The FD800 5.6L stylishly outfitted with my custom diy lens coat


A nude portrait of the lens during its first day out in the field at UPD


Compared to the Sigma AF 500 f4.5 (Jp's former lens that i adopted)

[Bobby Kintanar]

An apt name for such a monstrous creation! This lens will test your LLT for sure. :-)

[Romy Ocon]

Wow.... so that's how huge it is! What's the black knob at the tripod collar - is that for focusing (manually)?

[JV Noriega]

Yes, it is a focusing knob, pretty much patterned after a focus-assist system used in cinematography. Canon says they designed it in such a way as to make the lens lighter, eliminating an internal focus mechanism and allowing the lens to be designed shorter. The knob can be turned on both sides, so left handed shooters can press a cable release with their left hand and focus with their right hand. The lens does not extend as it is focused, and underneath the focus knob is a lock and damper lever to keep the focus where you want it while shooting.

[JV Noriega]

Doc Chito was so kind to lend me his FD-Eos adapter so i could mount it on my 50D. I got so thrilled to finally see the images from the huge glass! Thanks Doc!

The lens with its built-in sliding (with twist-lock) lens hood retracted.


The FD shooters club. At left, Doc Chito with his FD300 2.8L + 2xtc


This is how to carry this giant baby...

[Tonji Ramos]

JV thats a really big lens. Wow.

[Romy Ocon]

Large Glass Trivia. There are only 4 members of the PBP 800 f/5.6 club - Ely T and Pao (800 IS), Ixi (Sigmonster) and now JV (FD 800). There are associate members too, birdnuts who have to use a TC to get to 800 f/5.6 - Nilo and Neon (600 f4 + 1.4x) and myself (400 2.8 + 2x).

[Edu Lorenzo Jr]

WOW!!!! That's a lot of glass JV!!! COngrats!

[JV Noriega]

thanks Bobby, Ka Romy, Tonji and Edu, it takes a lot of practice (and muscles) just to carry the lens from the car and set it up, more so, to shoot it.. but at least my wife is happy that i am actually saving money by using the lens a couple of times in a week -- no need to go to the gym!

[Romy Ocon]

JV, this thread can be an excellent resource for people interested in FD long glass. When you get to capture more bird images, it will be ideal if you can post downressed/processed versions + 100% crops so others can see what the optics are capable of.

Can't wait for your first HD footage from this baby!

[Ivan Sarenas]

Whoa! Where did you even find this monster? I am likewise excited to see the images this thing is capable of. From the reviews of setups using the FD-EOS adapter, I gather that the optic element of the adapter degrades IQ somewhat.
Congrats JV!

[JV Noriega]

Thats very true Ivan, i still have to try the naked lens on a micro 4/3 body, specifically a Lumix GH1. But my personal tests with a good quality FD-Nikon glass adapter on a D700 seems to give me very acceptable IQ at F/7.1-9, as long as i am able to shoot at 1/500 sec and faster. I will also be testing the lens on an E3 as soon as i get my Nikon-OLy 4/3 adapter. The much needed stabilization for such a long lens stopped down to f/8 might give me better results. Thanks for viewing and congrats for bagging first in last month's contest! the moment i saw your entry, i knew it was going to be a winner! Great work!

[JV Noriega]

Ok Mastah, will do that, i still have to try to sweeten the use if this lens by mounting it on a stabilized body. Cant wait for the Oly and Pentax K mount adapters... what's next? part of the fun of using this lens is trying to get the most out of its capabilities... but it entails a lot of experimenting with different formats... until it finally finds its digital soulmate...

[Ivan Sarenas]

Thanks JV! If I was'nt so busy I'd pay you a visit with my GH1. Also unfortunately I only have an m4/3-eos mount adapter, which would mean using that optical converter again. If you're able to get a m4/3-FD adapter, pm me around October and I think we can play with it.

[JV Noriega]

Thanks for the kind gesture Ivan, i have an FD-M4/3 adapter and a Nikon M4/3 adapter.. just haven't gone around finding a GH1 yet...
... but i just know the combo is going to be good.., and was Mastah Romy's initial recommendation when i consulted him upon acquiring the lens... i'm starting to shoot some hd video footage with the 800-nikon d300s combo in the meantime... and i think the video IQ is quite acceptable. I will edit and upload some clips as soon as i gather enough footage to make a sensible clip.. thanks!