"Test" shots with my new DA*60-250 f4

*Lance B* · 06-17-2009, 08:51 PM

Hi all,

I thought I would post some photos from my new DA*60-250 f4 for anyone who is interested. These are not the brick wall or test chart type test photos, but reasonably "real world" photos of subjects that we may all like to take photos of.

I went down to a local lake and took photos of some local birdlife and these are the results. If anyone is loking for a lens around this zoom range, then the DA*60-250 f4 is superb, IMO. Excellent sharpness, bokeh (for a zoom), colour rendition and the handling is very good.

I have the DA*50-135 f2.8 and the FA*80-200 f2.8 as well, and I think that both of them will rarely get used now that I have this lens and some people know how much I love my FA*80-200 f2.8!!. I can save 1.1kg in weight by only having the DA*60-250 and also a spot in my camera bag!

There is no doubt that the FA*80-200 f2.8 is a stellar lens, but the DA*60-250 f4 looks like it may be able to match it.

Highly recommended.

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 88mm, 1/25sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 250mm, 1/125sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 170mm, 1/160sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 250mm, 1/100sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 250mm, 1/400sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 250mm, 1/200sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 250mm, 1/100sec, ISO400

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 200mm, 1/100sec, ISO400

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 250mm, 1/80sec, ISO400

Crop of the photo above. How good is this!!!

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 180mm, 1/125sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 180mm, 1/200sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 180mm, 1/160sec, ISO200

**Ole** · 06-17-2009, 08:59 PM

Thanks for posting. Lens aside, I really like the backlit shot of the pelican with the beak on fire! Great shot!

_who_ · 06-17-2009, 09:14 PM

Thanks for posting these. It looks like this might be one of my lens choices once I've moved into the DSLR world.

m42geo · 06-17-2009, 09:16 PM

Any post process done or just as it was came out from camera?

*Lance B* · 06-17-2009, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by m42geo

Any post process done or just as it was came out from camera?

All shot RAW, converted in Capture One 4 Pro and resized and sharpened in Photoshop using Power Reouche.

In Capture One 4 Pro, all I do is a basic curves, small amount of saturation and if and where necessary an exposure and WB adjustment.
That is basically it.

Once in Photoshop, all I do is resize for web view and then do a mild sharpen using Power Retouche plug in.

*Lance B* · 06-17-2009, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by Ole

Thanks for posting. Lens aside, I really like the backlit shot of the pelican with the beak on fire! Great shot!

Thank you very much, Ole.

I thought these might be of use to those considering purchase of this lens.

*Lance B* · 06-17-2009, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by _who_

Thanks for posting these. It looks like this might be one of my lens choices once I've moved into the DSLR world.

No problem. It is a brilliant lens, IMO.

m42geo · 06-17-2009, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by Lance B

All shot RAW, converted in Capture One 4 Pro and resized and sharpened in Photoshop using Power Reouche.

In Capture One 4 Pro, all I do is a basic curves, small amount of saturation and if and where necessary an exposure and WB adjustment.
That is basically it.

Once in Photoshop, all I do is resize for web view and then do a mild sharpen using Power Retouche plug in.

I 100% will save up money for this lens, I just got my 50-135 a week ago and I am not 100% happy about it.

How do you campare the IQ with this lens with the 50-135?

How much did you get your 60-250 for? and where did you purchase it?

**Marc Langille** · 06-17-2009, 09:46 PM

Well, I am disappointed that you broke the mold and photographed living subjects...

Looks quite nice to me Lance - great colors and certainly look sharp! Do they hold up well in the crop? Hmmm... what to do.... darn LBA.

Regards,
Marc

*RawheaD* · 06-17-2009, 10:41 PM

I'm buying this lens soon, like, real soon.

Were all shots from on a tripod, or is there any handheld shots in there?

*Lance B* · 06-18-2009, 12:47 AM

Originally Posted by m42geo

I 100% will save up money for this lens, I just got my 50-135 a week ago and I am not 100% happy about it.

How do you campare the IQ with this lens with the 50-135?

How much did you get your 60-250 for? and where did you purchase it?

As a seat of the pants judgement, and I stress this is a seat of the pants judgement, I think that the IQ is better than the DA*50-135.

I will contact you directly about where I got it and for how much.

*Lance B* · 06-18-2009, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by Marc Langille

Well, I am disappointed that you broke the mold and photographed living subjects...

LOL. I know it is a sad day when test shots are actually of proper subject matter.

Looks quite nice to me Lance - great colors and certainly look sharp! Do they hold up well in the crop? Hmmm... what to do.... darn LBA.

Look at the crop of the ugly ducks head, photo 10 is the original and photo 11 is the crop. Looks pretty bloody good to me!

I am *very* impressed by the IQ of this lens.

*Lance B* · 06-18-2009, 12:51 AM

Originally Posted by RawheaD

I'm buying this lens soon, like, real soon.

Were all shots from on a tripod, or is there any handheld shots in there?

No tripod, all handheld, SR on. Most at ISO200 some at ISO400.

robjmitchell · 06-18-2009, 01:10 AM

Thanks for posting these shots here lance! You always seem to bring out the best in a new lens!
Hey do you know if the Da 15 is in Aus yet?
Cheers

*Lance B* · 06-18-2009, 01:25 AM

Originally Posted by robjmitchell

Thanks for posting these shots here lance! You always seem to bring out the best in a new lens!

Thank you for your very nice comments, Rob. Much appreciated.

Hey do you know if the Da 15 is in Aus yet?
Cheers

I haven't heard yet. As I am not after this lens, I haven't asked my sources. I will ask him.