When SpaceShipOne, the first privately funded and built space vehicle was launched, the event was captured live by the Science Channel using a Fujinon . 101X telephoto zoom lens, and recorded in 24p video. The lens has a precision focus assist system and image stabilization--both of which would seem to be necessary to acquire and track a space ship launch from the ground, using such a lens.
The field of view of a 101X lens must necessarily be very small, which aggravates the effects of small movements on the lens. People who use binoculars or high-magnification telephoto lenses know that it is quite difficult to successfully hand-hold optical systems with more than 10X magnification. The 101X lens must have been on a mount, but just acquiring and tracking a distant object with a lens of such magnification is without a doubt very difficult. The result, a relatively close look at a launching spacecraft, would be an impressive viewing experience for the HD viewer.
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