Total Noob Lens Question: EF lens recos for Alaska cruise

[GRAYWOLF69]

I have used various P&C digital cameras, but I have minimal experience with a DSLR. I am going on a cruise to Alaska in a few months.
I am looking to rent a Rebel T7i. I am wanting to try to get some shots of wildlife and other interesting sights from the ship. Basically looking for how to pick the right telephoto lens. I do not understand how the numbers translate into anything meaningful.

*I did try to search, but only got a post about matching lens and camera, not about decoding lens labels.

[ebiggs1]

Nice find and very cool you got some old family photos back as a bonus. First 300mm is still going to be too short for my liking but it may do all you want. That's your decision.

"There is dust on the lens ..."

Never rub a lens any lens with something totally dry. No matter if it your eyeglasses or a camera lens. Get a real lens cleaning solution.

"is leaving a black goo on my fingers when I touch it. Is there a way to clean it, or replace the rubber?"

I doubt it but you can try 90% alcohol on a Q-tip. You might be able to completely remove the rubber coating.

[ebiggs1]

BTW, this find is much better than renting. Plus make sure you have some extra 1GB CF cards for your trip. I would get five at least. One a day is a good idea.

[GRAYWOLF69]

I have a 256GB card on order. Not sure how many pictures it will hold, but I am hoping it will be enough...at least a day's worth so I can move them off to the laptop to clean it up.

@$75, it is the best $/GB card I found.

[GRAYWOLF69]

Thanks for everyone's help.
Now, time to start playing with the camera to get used to using it!

[GRAYWOLF69]

This seems like a "too good to be true" deal...What am I missing?
Amazon has this lense for $140:

Ultimaxx 650-1300mm (w/ 2X Teleconverter 1300-2600mm) Telephoto Zoom Lens Set for Canon

[Ron888]

Be aware these are about the worst possible lenses you can buy!!
Image quality is extremely bad - https://www.flickr.com/groups/2855541@N25/pool/with/51208759821/
They also lie about retaining 'full automation' .It's true your camera can meter with this lens, but focus and aperture are fully manual.Actually this one looks like it has no aperture?!

In the past i tried many cheap tele lenses.In my opinion the only usable ones were the old 'preset' types.They came in many different brand names and were either 400mm f6.3 or 500mm f8 designs. You may want to try those?

The image below was taken with a 500/8 lens and is unprocessed so can be sharpened somewhat.Click on the download link to see full size

 The next one is from a 400/6.3 lens,also unprocessed. Notice the gentle contrast which is typical of these lenses.

Note- avoid anything sold as new or looks like it was made in the last,say 20 years.There were many slightly inferior designs selling on ebay about 17 years ago.They weren't terrible but you'll be much happier with the older ones.
Here's an example of what to look for on ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/356282054767?_skw=500mm+lens&itmmeta=01JF1H6WY5YJK7V0WT28AGRSMX&hash=item52...
Be sure to buy one with clean optics. Some dust specs are acceptable, fungus or lens separation are not.
Also,these are all "T mount" lenses.The mount unscrews from the back and can be swapped to suit any camera.
A minor note: when buying a mount get the "T2" type which has rotation adjustment

[ebiggs1]

I would not buy that lens but it is what you want and not any of us. The IQ will be in the toilet and it will be a totally manual lens. Some Rebel models will not even know the lens is attached. There is a setting that allows releasing the shutter without a lens and that is what you will need to do. Consult the manual.

[GRAYWOLF69]

Thanks (again) guys...Like I said...it seemed it was "too good to be true"...

Well, I broke down today and bought a used T5i (came with 2 Canon lenses 18-55 & 75-300) for $350. I figure, if I get in to this and want to get a higher level camera I can sell this for most of what I paid for it (or give it to one of the kids) and upgrade.

Took this tonight just playing around with it. cropped it and cleaned it up a little.

Comparing it to Ron888's image, I really want a lot higher power lens, now.

[Ron888]

You can actually get close to my example shot with your kit 😀 .All you need are some minor tweaks.
Zoom the lens to 300mm.Set aperture between f8 to f11 for best sharpness.
Set ISO to a low number for lowest noise.From memory i think i used ISO200 or 400?The moon is quite bright so no need to use a high ISO.
Now set the shutter speed for best exposure.Your photo above is way too bright and has blown out the detail.To get this right,take a shot then magnify the image so you can see the result.Keep adjusting shutter speed until it looks good.
Now set the camera on a tripod.If you don't have one,hold the camera against a solid object(with padding obviously).
Now fire away.Take many shots! Refocus occasionally.Some will be affected by slight motion blur and some will be slightly missfocused.This is normal
You have to do all these things to get the clearest image possible.
One last hint.A half moon looks far sharper on screen than full moon!