DA* 11-18mm Full Frame Compatibility Tested

A look at vignetting and dark corners on full frame

By PF Staff in Hands-On Tests on Sep 15, 2019

The HD Pentax-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 is the latest addition to Pentax's lineup of premium APS-C lenses.  With an ultra-wide zoom range, a fast aperture of F2.8 throughout, and the latest in optical and lens technology, it's the perfect lens for demanding wide-angle shooters.

As a DA-series lens, the 11-18mm is of course designed for APS-C cameras.  But, can it also double as a wide-angle lens on full-frame?  You may recall that we recently posted a comprehensive test of all DA lenses on full frame.  Today, it's time to add the 11-18mm to the list of tested lenses!

Celestron AVX Product Review

Accurate Tracking with your 500mm

By K David in Hands-On Tests on May 4, 2018

B&H Photo Video loaned us a Celestron AVX tracking mount specifically to test with a 500mm f/4.5 Takumar telephoto lens. We wanted to get some close-up, tracked galaxy images for the Astrophotography Series, and this mount seemed like the best option for delivering those images. The mount test afforded us an opportunity to provide in-depth information about an uncommon, niche piece of photography equipment largely unknown outside of telescope photography circles. We elected to use a fast 500mm telephoto lens in lieu of a telescope because the process would be more recognizable to photographers not familiar with the specialized language used for describing telescopes. This article discusses the AVX mount with a telephoto lens and some of the incredible advantages it provides, some limitations, and some drawbacks.

Celestron AVX, Takumar 500mm f/4.5, and Pentax MZ-S

LightCraft Rapid ND Review

A variable neutral density filter

By mattb123 in Hands-On Tests on Nov 10, 2014

Neutral density filters are popular with landscape and nature photographers for slowing shutter speeds to produce blurring effects with clouds or moving water. Portrait and product photographers use them to run wider apertures for a short depth of field when there is lots of light, either naturally or from flashes. ND filters and especially the variable type are also popular with filmmakers who want to have more control over depth of field during daylight. 

In this review we will be taking a look at the Rapid ND filter from LightCraft, primarily from a landscape photography perspective. 

Pentax 18-135mm Performs Exceptionally

Pentax's new walkaround zoom delivers unprecendented AF speed and more

By PF Staff in Hands-On Tests on Nov 25, 2010

Pentax's new 18-135mm zoom lens started shipping early last week, and stock sold out quickly!  Both Adorama and B&H have sold their entire stock of the lens; at this time, they are still taking pre-orders for their next shipments.

We were fortunate enough to receive our copy today, and have nothing but good things to say about this lens!  First of all, it seems that Pentax might be moving away from the "SDM" acronym in favor of "DC".  The new autofocus motor in the 18-135mm, advertised as "DC", seems to be much faster than the SDM in previous lenses, and is nearly inaudible. In other words, the AF aspect of this new lens was a very big positive surprise!  Mounted on the K-5, this lens autofocuses just as accurately as the expensive star lenses that we have tested (the accuracy is almost too good to be true).

Physically, the lens was a bit smaller than expected, but it does feel quite dense in your hands.  It features internal focusing, but not internal zooming, and thus extends to about twice its normal length at 135mm. The zoom range is fairly long, and as such there is significant throw when zooming.  The focusing ring doesn't have a distance scale, and has relatively short throw (it also allows for "quick-shift" manual focusing).

Through preliminary image tests, it appears that this lens has fantastic color reproduction.  The sharpness is excellent, though not quite as good as that of star lenses.  Thus, we can conclude (for now) that this lens will be appealing to the serious amateur photographer looking for a flexible walkaround lens with above-par image quality and focusing speed.

How Qute is the Pentax Q?

The smallest interchangeable lens camera in the world!

By PF Staff in Hands-On Tests on Oct 11, 2011

It can be difficult to comprehend how small the new Pentax Q is unless you see it side by side with some familiar objects. So here you have the Q with its standard prime lens next to a smart phone leaning against an FA 31mm Limited lens pouch! Yes, the Q with lens would fit in the lens pouch with room to spare!

So, we can safely conclude that the Pentax Q is "Qute"!