Last night.... Near disaster

[jgs001]

Well, it started out clear, at 1930, so kids in bed, I lugged out the scope, powerpack, and went to fetch the camera. Having carefully fitted the CLS filter to the nosepiece, I removed the 55-250 lens, started to fit the T adapter, and watched as my prized and most used lens fell, in slow motion, crashing to the floor . I gingerly picked it up, half expecting bits of glass to come spitting out the end. Thankfully, the body didn't even appear marked, so I put the caps back on and securely put it back in the bag. Went back out, attached the camera and started the power up and align (I figured in true mastermind style, I'd started so I'd finish). Anyway, as I was slewing to Mirfak, the clouds moved in, in force. I packed up again. Shame as I could, before the clouds moved in, faintly see the ribbon of the milky way passing overhead.

After all was back inside, I popped the 55-250 lens back on and started testing. I've done more testing this morning, and it appears to have survived unscathed. Phew...

A word of caution... Make sure everything is secure before moving onto something else...

Having capture a shot this morning with the dropped lens, through the kitchen window, I can safely say it's working fine.

[Stephen Green]

Hi John you seem to have had a lucky escape nice picture

Stephen

[ChrisEdu]

I've been watching the wildlife out in my garden today. So far I've seen the following:

Blue t*ts, great t*ts, sparrows, pigeons, robins, magpies, green finches, dunnocks, wren, blackbirds, squirrels and a rat!

[jgs001]

Thanks Stephen, I really don't want to try that escape again. Sounds good Chris Did you get any shots ?

[ChrisEdu]

I got one of a blue t*t, but it wasn't as good as I'd like. I was going to have a shot at the rat, but, unfortunately, my brother no longer has a gun.

[brendant]

Lady luck was on your side John, good to hear all is well.

Stunning image you captured, excellent focus.

Brendan

[Greg]

Glad all is ok .. I had my Canon D60 fall out of the back of my scope last year and bounce on the patio.. :shock:

It survived

Tough cameras these canons

[jgs001]

thanks all. That they are Greg. The lens is an all plastic body and mount, and it was that, that had me really worried... I really don't want to be doing that again in a hurry

[philsail1]

Phew! someone was looking down at your there John.

Stunning picture!

Best wishes,

philsail1

[jgs001]

Thanks Phil, that they were indeed.

[Sam]

That was lucky John, I wouldn't make a habit of it!

[jgs001]

Thanks Sam, I really don't intend to. Once was enough.

[Naz]

Had a similar experience recently, dropped my D70 with the 18 - 70 mm lens attached onto a gravelled drive :crybaby: :crybaby: :crybaby: :crybaby: When I picked it up, I expected to see a lot of damage. Very surprised to find that the only damage was a broken lens hood, it had taken most of the shock of the fall. Camera is still working fine, no marks on the body of the lens or camera

Archie

[jgs001]

OW Archie... Glad your's is ok too.

[Naz]

So far, fired about another shots through it, so far OK Have been looking for a replacement hood, but not readily available here in France, good camera shops are few and far between, Warehouse express list them, but on back order, haven't tried fleabay yet.

Archie

[jgs001]

I was suggested by a photography forum to shoot frames at a variety of apertures across the entire zoom range at different focus points to ensure that all worked properly. I also deliberatly forced the shutter speed low to test the IS. Good luck on finding the lens hood.