It's big. It's heavy. But it does an awesome job. I have to carry this lens around for a whole day at a time, and by the end of the day it's tiring. But, it's the only lens that does what I need. Low light hand held, quality images. The f2.8 combined with IS mean I can handhold for just about all my shots. No blur even down to 1/60 second at full 200mm.The included lens hood adds a lot to the length, but it works very well. It's held in place with a simple "push and turn" lock, so it won't fall off, even if you knock the lens against something. It will also keep the rain off the front lens (unless it's being blown straight at you, but then nothing works, does it?)The autofocus has 2 settings. One for only when you are shooting at distance, and the other for closer work. I only use the longer setting. This is meant to speed up autofocussing if you know you will not be coming in close. Also, once you have locked in with autofocus, you can just turn the focus ring to over-ride autofocus. No fiddling with buttons on the camera, or having to always use manual focus (although that is an option). I frequently use auto to get close, then quickly adjust manually to get the final exact result I want.One negative is the minimum focus distance. From memory, it's about 1.4m (or about 4 to 5 feet). It's not a problem for me, but check this limit if you need to come in close.The tripod support bracket is easily removeable if you only do handheld. Saves a little on the weight, and also makes for a much easier lens to hold and operate.So, if you need a fast lens with good image quality, just get this lens. If size/weight/$$$ are issues, then look to the non-IS or f4.Happy shooting :)

The views are very clear and bright. I dont believe you will find a better set anywhere near this price. Im very pleased with the performance.They are huge binoculars though and heavier than I had imagined. I almost want to say that a tripod is a must because its nearly impossible to hold them steady enough to tell what youre seeing at night. The problem with the tripod though is that while an adapter is included and is fairly bulky/sturdy looking, it is not sturdy and allows the binoculars to wobble back and forth like a spring . I will be looking for some sort of metal tripod mount which should resolve the issue. I really wish the tripod adapter would have been made out of a material that didnt allow them to spring back and forth.As Ive said - the optics are great and especially at this price, you wont find a better pair for twice the money or more than twice. Just understand they are heavier than they look which makes viewing overhead in longer sessions uncomfortable without a tripod. Also keep in mind the tripod adapter included is not sturdy and you must use force to hold them onto the tripod to try to stabilize them some whereas other pairs Ive used did not have this problem and while the others would shift around while adjusting focus, etc - they didnt bounce around like these. The mount helps but its not much help.The focus knob is easy to adjust and is easily accessible. I can see where some reviews said its easy to move the focus on accident but for me, I move across the sky and frequently adjust it anyway. I didnt notice this as a problem. You can adjust these to fit your eyes and you can adjust the focus of each eye independently so that when adjusting the main focus, both eyes can see clearly if one eye isnt exactly the same as the other.

I just got it and so far so good. It doesn't focus very close, you need to be about two feet away from the subject. The color is a bit muted but it looks much better once you add some saturation and contrast. The video quality it excellent so far. I'm excited to see what it can do!

Works good up close. Any further than about 5 feet from the camera it can't focus.

Part 1 - Minolta MD to Sony NEX adapterTechnically, it slightly overshoots infinity but the issue is easily corrected by dialing back the focus ring just a tad --- Not exact but clearly better than not-at-all.Although very light due to extensive aluminum usage, the build quality and fit-and-finish of the adapter is superb. Connections on the lens and camera mount sides are tight and precise --- absolutely, zero slop. The top of the lens release button is flattened making the lens removal process very easy and comfortable.Other notes:- There are no electrical connections so focus and zoom must be done manually on the lens itself- When mounting the lens, turn the adapter clockwise till you hear a "click"- Tested with a Minolta 85mm f/1.7 Rokkor-X MD lens mounted to a Sony a6000 camera-----------------------Part 2 - Nikon Ai to Sony NEX adapterEdit: Based on my positive experience with the Minolta MD adapter, I also purchased the Nikon Ai adapter later.As with the Minolta MD adapter, the Nikon Ai version focuses beyond infinity a tiny bit. Fortunately, the same solution applies - dial back the focus ring and the horizon will become crystal clear. The build quality is impeccable and the finish is smooth and clean of burrs or machine marks. Connections on both sides are taut and precise with zero play.Additional notes for Nikon Ai adapter:- No electrical connections present so focus and zoom must be done manually on the lens.- Unlike the Minolta MD adapter, mounting the lens for Nikon adapter requires a counter-clockwise turn until you hear the "click" of the locking mechanism- Tested with a Nikon Micro Nikkor 55m f/2.8 Ai-S MF lens mounted to a Sony a6000 camera

Works great with old manual focus Minolta lenses on a Sony A3000 camera. Fit of adapter to camera and fit of lens to adapter are both precise.

I love that it gives great depth in close ups. You’re limited on how close up you can get because you can’t focus like a lens can. It’s more like a jewelers glass, you just have to find that sweet spot where it’s clear and snap.

This projector is one of the best purchase I have ever made in recent times. Being able to focus it when it’s either close or far away from where you’re projecting it is amazing.They should add in the description that in order to connect an iPhone to it you will need a lightning to HDMI cable.