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Forum: Post Your Photos!
06-11-2022, 12:39 AM
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My experience with this is a mixed bag...but not for the low light reasons.
On my K5, I found the IQ degradation to be absolutely minimal, and in many cases, I was hard pressed to find any difference with or without the TC in use.
I also found that focusing at F8 wasnt an issue in most cases. I spent a good deal of time at bird refuges this past winter, trying to learn to shoot birds in flight. I would stay until the sun started to set. I never had an issue with the lens struggling to focus, granted YMMV.
On my new K3III, the TC back focuses so much that I cant correct it in body. The images with a -10 dialed in are so bad, its not worth using the TC at all. My past experience with having equipment serviced tells me that in addition to the TC, they would want the body, and lens to test and calibrate and that is a bit much for me to ship off to calibrate a TC. So at the moment, the TC is enjoying its time on a shelf doing nothing...until possibly a firmware update is released for the K3III that may help correct this.
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Forum: Ricoh Theta 360° Cameras
05-21-2022, 09:20 PM
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I had always wondered what I could capture with a Theta if I could mount one on a drone and take images way up off the ground. While it doesnt seem super common, some people have tried it with larger drones with varying degrees of success and there are a few YouTube vids showing such. I have always wanted a drone, but figured Id start small to learn how to pilot the drone before investing in something larger that would carry extra weight.
I ordered a DJI Mini 2. I figured that a smaller drone like this wouldnt be able to carry much of a payload at all - I was wrong. Apparently that little sub 250g drone is capable of carrying a payload of 240g. The Theta SC2 weighs 104g. Before I had even given the drone a test flight, I ordered a mount to hook the Theta SC2 onto the drone. The 3D printed mount weight just 16g
Right from take off, it was pretty clear that the drone had no problem lifting the combined 120g of the Theta and the mount...but moving the drone around was rather shaky. Sticking a 4" column on the top of the drone made the drone significantly less aerodynamic and made the maneuvering tricky - BUT - taking things slow and the drone was able to handle it.
Because of the mild breeze outside (probably adding to the shakiness of the drone with the Theta mounted), I wasnt going to push it much, but I did fly straight up about 50 ft and snagged a shot, then converted into a little planet image:
Im excited to see what kinds of new photo opportunities the Theta and Mini 2 provide!
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
04-30-2022, 06:37 PM
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Random question -
Im currently under clouds virtually every night, so I havent tested it myself, but has anyone tested Astrotracer Type 3 while shooting the moon?
There is a lunar eclipse coming up in May, and having shot several in the past, there is very little light reflected off the surface of the moon during totality. While I dont expect much, even a 3-5 sec trace will allow me to get sharp shots at a proper exposure, so Im keen to give it a go.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
03-20-2022, 09:25 PM
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This is exactly the point where I believe that an upgrade to the K-70 is unlikely.
Pentax however does painfully need to introduce something between the K-70 at ~$700 regular cost, and the K-3III at $2000, and IMO long before a K-1 mkIII. The K-70 can stay on the market so long as pentax is making enough of a profit to make it worthwhile until that segment of the market disappears entirely (its getting there). In the meantime, I suspect that we may see something along the lines of a KP mkII with the following changes:
Latest 24mp sensor
7 FPS, with a buffer increased to handle ~15-21 images (2-3 sec worth of burst...more than the KP up to a buffer similar to K-3 III. More than that would cannibalize K-3 III sales)
Eye Tracking
SAFOX 11+...same 27 selectable AF points as the KP, with an additional number of unselectable points bringing the total to around ~60. Think K-3III yet slimmed down.
Same standard pentaprism (not the one in the K-3III).
Built in Flash, GPS, etc. No Astrotracer 3 mode.
Some level of articulating screen.
$1199-$1399 ($1399 being more likely).
This will give 3 APSC models, rather equally spaced in pricing, with differentiating features that dont cannibalize the other models. This continues until the "intro" market as completely evaporated in which the K-70 will be canned. In 2023/24, I can see Pentax doing a K-1 III that takes refined elements of the K-3 III and putting them into play. The K-1 II would still be sold and this would leave Pentax with a 4 body lineup - 2 APSC and 2 FF.
Just my 2 cents...
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
03-06-2022, 01:06 AM
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I think part of it was how I went about testing the lens. Shooting at building a good 200 ft away means that each value on the AFFA will visually mean a very minor adjustment. While this may not be an ideal way of calibrating the lens, I went about it this way, because for me, this is likely the most common way I would use this lens (birds in flight, wildlife, etc). Shooting a focus chart can be a lot easier...especially when your focal length isnt effectively 630mm.
Ive used focus charts in the past to check lenses. I did it when I first bought the original DA* 16-50 lens. Tested it with focus charts, flat brick walls, etc. I felt like the lens was decentered, but wasnt 100% certain. Had my camera at a family gathering, and took some small group shots of family members. As soon as I pulled them up on my computer to edit them, I was able to see with absolute certainty that the lens was decentered - Everyone on the right 1/3 of the frame was so soft that they almost appeared out of focus, while the center 1/3 and even the right 1/3 was in focus and sharp. Sent the lens to Pentax for servicing and it was replaced.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
03-04-2022, 03:43 PM
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Im pleased to report that with the 150-450 and TC, my results shooting a brick building across the street seem to be VASTLY improved with FW 1.41.. So much so that it was hard to find much difference in test images shot between AFFA -2 and +2 (Ill leave it at 0 for now). Ill need to do some "real world" shooting to ensure the results are acceptable, cause in all honesty the combination of the 150-450 and TC is not exactly a very convenient combo to test with focus charts etc.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
03-03-2022, 12:31 AM
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Hopefully this firmware behaves better with the 1.4x TC too. Id never felt that my lenses needed an AFFA until I had my 150-450 with the TC on and after an afternoon of shooting found hundreds of soft images. After calibration...that combo needed a -6.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
02-27-2022, 07:57 PM
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Thank you for all your hard, detailed work on the matter.
They definitely seem to be much better now, however I need to put it through a good field test to make sure.
This definitely threw me for a loop. When I get a new lens, or move to a new body (which is more rare) I usually do a few test shots to make sure everything is good and then start shooting! On my K-5 everything looked great...sharp, focused, and I was able to get shots of BIF that Ive never been able to do before with the reach of the 150-450 and 1.4x TC. When I mounted that combo on the K-3iii, everything was slightly soft, even using AFS with a just the center focus point. Your post was incredibly helpful in (hopefully) solving the problem.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
02-27-2022, 05:02 PM
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Ive never had to deal with AFFA until this week. I just got a K-3iii. The first thing I did was to update to FW 1.31. Got the camera all set up and went out shooting snow geese yesterday with the 150-450 lens at 1.4x TC. EVERY shot appeared slightly OOF. Spent several hours today testing (shooting a brick building across the street) and found out the TC was the culprit. Had to dial in a -6 with the TC and that lens to get proper focus.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
02-23-2022, 08:37 PM
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I have been using this combo on my K-5 for the last couple months learning to shoot birds in flight, and its been nothing but amazing. Ive really snagged some great pics learning, and find that I have no issue with AF save for my own faults (some of those birds move quick!)
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Forum: Ricoh Theta 360° Cameras
02-10-2022, 10:50 PM
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Its a fascinating device but one Ill never own. To me, it has one glaring flaw - No RAW support.
Its one thing to not have RAW support on the SC2, as its a much cheaper device, but $799 with no RAW support seems a little criminal these days.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-30-2022, 10:09 PM
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I did order the AM-284 kit (legs and K-20X head) as I got one for $204. Ill definitely keep an eye on mine.
I looked through that post - glad to see that you didnt suffer any camera damage.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
01-26-2022, 10:49 PM
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The Deal Finder on this site is what led me to the phenomenal pricing. Both the 1.4x TC and the DFA 150-450 showed up as the "Deal of the Day". The 1.4x TC sale lasted 4 or 5 days, purchased through Amazon Global Store UK was $308.94 after sales tax (that one they shipped for free), BNIB. The DFA 150-450 was purchased on Amazon through a seller listed as "JP to US Global Store", which caused me to be concerned at first. After digging into the sellers details, I come to find out, thats just the Amazon site name for Amazon Global Store Japan. It was already discounted, and furthermore was on a flash sale, so after sales tax, priority global shipping, and import fees, the final cost was $1363.49 BNIB.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
01-24-2022, 08:20 PM
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This has been a fantastic month! After finding stellar deals on a brand new DFA 150-450 lens (and DA 1.4x TC) I went out to shoot some wildlife when I came across this great horned owl enjoying his time up in a tree (half asleep, half watching me). I rarely see owls in the wild, so this was a real treat for me! This lens is nothing short of stunning!
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-22-2022, 03:15 PM
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So Ive been continuing research to help narrow down options, and was curious to get any feedback on these:
Sirui AM-284 with K-20X ball head - https://store.sirui.com/collections/tripod-with-heads/products/traveler-seri...ll-head-k-20x?
The legs here are about 48" tall, which is approximately the same height as the legs on the tripod I use now. A center column extension can be purchased for $30 https://store.sirui.com/products/sirui-sl-200-carbon-telescopic-center-colum...sirui-tripods? which would bring the maximum height (if needed) to the same as the unit I have now (which has a center column on a crank). The K-20X ball head seems to be well regarded by the reviews here. The legs + ball head weigh no more than my current kit (with a lot more metal involved) and collapsed down are 3-4" shorter. With the ball head removed, the legs alone for travelling collapse down to <18". This setup also fits right in the aforementioned budget (which is semi-flexible).
Additionally, Sirui makes what looks to be a good set of table top legs as well - https://store.sirui.com/products/sirui-am-223-power-dwarf-tripod-carbon-with...0k-am2-series? This set of legs would also work out well with the same center column attachment, and does come with a second ball head (smaller and lighter - but should be fine when Im not using the 150-450 lens, although it may work well for that lens too).
Both a primary tripod, as well as table top legs are going to be purchased (in some form or another). My thought is if I go with a good carbon fiber set for the main legs, I may as well get a solid similar set for the table top legs.
Thoughts?
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-19-2022, 09:46 PM
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I appreciate that! The 150-450 is the biggest reason for a new tripod. Ive wanted to get a better tripod for a while now, but Im a bit of a practical person - the existing unit worked and supported any bit of kit that was mounted on it, so I held off.
Eventually, I can see getting and using both a gimbal and a ball head depending on what Im shooting (there isnt much I wont try my hand at). Since the eclipse/trip is approximately 2 years out, I have time to explore, do some research, and wait for a good discount/sale on the chosen gear. The feedback so far has given me a lot of good ideas - seeing a tabletop tripod working with a larger lens is very promising. Additionally, I would have never given a gimbal any thought for this, and it looks to be a fantastic idea.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-18-2022, 06:49 PM
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THANK YOU for this! After seeing the pics I also believe this setup would work. I already had in mind to pick up a set of tabletop legs, and this has only strengthened that desire. It also looks like a gimbal may be the better option in this case.
The 2017 eclipse was the event for my close friends and I that spawned the idea to travel to Mexico in 2024 to shoot that one (plus I need a vacation pretty bad). I managed to find quite a bit of success shooting that eclipse (I have a pic in my pentaxforums gallery) shooting on a tripod, but that capture was done with a film era rebranded Sigma 70-300. My only concern with a tracking mount is the size/weight, since we will be flying to the destination. Heck, I even thought about using the astrotracer - but then remembered that while I am generally satisfied with the astrotracer and its results, it can be testy to obtain and hold a solid signal, and solar eclipse totality isnt long enough to waste time fighting with a piece of gear.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-17-2022, 10:29 PM
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Approximately 68-70 degrees from horizon, so its going to be pretty high.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-17-2022, 04:01 PM
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I appreciate the input so far!
LOL...I struggled with trying to find a way to say 'I need a tripod that I can travel with...but need something a bit more than a "travel tripod"'. With the current unit - 24" folded length isnt really small and that length has shown to be an issue when travelling/hiking with it. Ultimately, something that breaks down to around 18" length is what Im looking/hoping for.
I I dont intend to go "cheap" but I also dont need the Cadillac of tripods. I was able to use my current tripod with the K-5/grip and the 150-450 w/ TC attached to get perfectly sharp images of the moon when I tested the lens the day I got it. While it worked, it became pretty clear that the existing tripod (especially the head) was not up to the task of everyday use with this combination.
Ill definitely keep the gimbal in mind.
Funny you should mention that because Ive been looking at that option to, but for a double purpose - my Theta SC2. A good set of tabletop legs strong enough to support a DSLR, but flexible enough to attach an extension or monopod to capture images (with minimal cleanup) with my Theta. A tabletop tripod is going to be purchased regardless of a full tripod replacement. It may work in this case?
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-16-2022, 11:23 PM
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Some friends and I are planning on a trip to Mexico in April of 2024 to photograph the eclipse. I recently obtained the Pentax 150-450mm lens and the 1.4x HD DA teleconverter for the trip (and the fact that Ive been lusting after those things since they were announced), so now Im saving for a new K3 mkIII as a replacement for my K-5.
After playing around with the 150-450 and TC (and being FLOORED at the wonderful IQ from that combination), Ive quickly learned that my tripod isnt really up to the task. My current unit is a Quantaray QSX-9002D (aka Sunpak 9002DX https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/610394-REG/Sunpak_620_6464CC_9002DX_T...981&), and while the legs are decently stable, the pan/tilt head (fixed to the tripod legs) is really taxed by the weight load, and is a bit of a pain to use with such a large body/lens combo.
As such, Im looking for advice on a solid tripod and ball head that can handle a K-5 w/grip (and eventually a K-3 mkII w/grip) with a 150-450 mounted. I would like to find something that is a bit more compact than my Quantary/Sunpak (about 24" folded down, and weighing 3.5lbs), so I can take it with me on my eclipse trip to Mexico. I have hiked several times with my current tripod (the pain we put ourselves through for the perfect shot), so I dont need ultralight and ultracompact, but would prefer something that is definitely shorter than 24" folded.
Budget for this is semi flexible. Id love to get one around $150-200, but am willing to go up to $300 for the right unit. Based on user feedback on here, two of the most popular units seem to be the MeFoto RoadTrip S and the Sirui T-25SK, but would love to hear from experience from other forum members on tripod solutions they use for their 150-450mm lens (or similar large Pentax/Sigma/Tamron lenses)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-12-2022, 05:31 PM
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It was like Christmas again today! Both my 1.4x TC AND the 150-450 lens showed up today! Couldnt ask for better timing either as I am off work this coming Monday so Ill be able to take a these new toys out for some play time.
I also plan to do a bit of a shoot out between the Quantaray/Sigma 70-300, the Pentax 55-300 WR, and the Pentax 150-450 all with and without the 1.4x TC, to see how they fair against each other and against themselves with the TC mounted. Ill be sure to post the results!
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Forum: Ricoh Theta 360° Cameras
01-11-2022, 09:42 PM
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I eventually got the camera to connect to the new phone. I end up reinstalling every app, updating everything, and it still took several attempts to get it to connect. However, after the initial pairing/connection, it seems to connect everytime I use it without incident.
/shrug.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-07-2022, 01:11 AM
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Well, I did a thing.
The deal finder on this site is rather handy. It definitely convinced me that getting the TC at that price was a steal. Unfortunately for my credit card...it also showed me tonight an unheard of price for a new 150-450 on Amazon. It was a flash deal (with very little time left). I dug into the deal and found out that it was sold by the Amazon Global Store - Japan this time. I had to decide fast, (Ive mentioned my hesitation with expensive intl/gray market buys) but since it was Amazon, and I could return it without any issues if I was unsatisfied...I jumped.
After import fees, taxes and shipping (I opted for the faster option with this one), it was $1363.49!
(My 1.4x TC has cleared customs in the US and is on its way to me!)
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Forum: Pentax Q
01-05-2022, 09:10 PM
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I have both the original Q, and the Q-S1. My vote would be for the Q-S1. As the newest body, youll have the best IQ and the most tech advancements of the Q line. If you are absolutely sold on the ergonomics of the Q10, then Id hunt for a Q7 for the larger sensor alone - it does make a significant difference in the IQ.
These cameras are so tiny, that I dont know that the overall ergonomics make as much of an impact as they would on a full size DSLR. My hands arent very large though, so YMMV.
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
12-29-2021, 09:11 PM
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My guess is no, and that it carries some international warranty (gray market). I could be wrong...I guess Ill find out sometime around Jan 21, as I ordered one. The price is far too good not to!
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