How does the Novoflex 400 5.6 Follow Focus compare with Telyt 6.8? Thanks, Jack

-- Jack Swickard (jnswickard@attbi.com), May 25, 2002

Answers

My experience with the Novoflex was several years ago with a used model. IMHO the Novoflex is a bit steadier hand-held but the optical quality was not up to the standard set by the Telyt; contrast and color quality in particular. It's also significantly heavier and the spring-loaded grip, while very quick to operate, leave my hand fatigued in a few minutes, while the Telyt can be used all day comfortably. BTW, I'm a 6'1" triathlete.

When photographing animals from a blind (UK: hide) or when otherwise using a tripod the older f/5.6 Telyt with the Televit rapid-focus grip is a better choice.

-- Douglas Herr (telyt@earthlink.net), May 25, 2002.

I have both, mostly because I found a novaflex for $150 and could not pass on it. they are two different lenses, with two different personalties. the 400 f6.8 telyt, is the more portable and probably better. the 400 5.6 novaflex is a tripod or monopod lens. in my opinion along with a cable release, it is the fastest focusing 400mm around. I can focus it faster than a 400mm nikon. it can take a substantial amount of abuse. i would not trade it for my 400 f6.8 though.

-- greg mason (gmason1661@aol.com), May 27, 2002.