Tested K-5 w/ my current lenses. Next steps..

jaywes · 07-23-2013, 09:46 AM

SO if you read my previous post (https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5/231563-k-5-just-arrived.html), I just received by k-5 last week and couldn't be happier with it's performance.

I have been given a new venture in my office. We specialize in restoration architecture, mainly exterior but some interior also. I am the resident photog, and have been enlisted to start documenting the before during and after photos of projects we are and will be doing. I don't mind it as I would like more experience with this type of photography plus I can travel the city shooting.

My first task was yesterday, somewhat short notice but I went with what I had. A late 1800s ornate corner building in Manhattan which we recently completed the restoration for. I have to say my K-5 performed amazingly. All the new features over the K-r were nice. Didn't miss a step. Felt good using it.

My bag looked like this:
K-5 (main)
K-r (back-up)
M50mm 1.4
F70-210 4-5.6
tam 17-50 2.8
tam 55-300mm (didn't use)
tam 10-24mm 3.5-4.5
Manfrotto tripod

Process:
Manual
2sec shutter release
iso @ 80
raw +
tripod use for all shots

Tamron 10-24:
I was not happy at all at the performance of this lens. My 1st attempt was somewhat successful with this lens for interior real estate. Worked well enough with long exposures. But the 2nd (automotive) and now 3rd (architectural) try, I just cannot seem to get it to take sharp photos outside. Still questioning keeping this lens. My wide angle shots suffered a great deal not getting this to shoot properly. This was in addition to the corrections I knew I'd have to do in PP.

Tamron 17-50:
Worked well but wasn't wide enough for the whole building but wasn't long enough for close-ups. This usually is my work horse lens but for this application it wasn't used much.

M50:
Suberb quality with 50 but wasn't wide enough or long enough to really use. I made some errors on my part and photos were not focused correctly.

F70-210:
This surprisingly produced the sharpest photos. Obviously this was what I used for close-up detail shots but I am pleased with these very much. I was going to sell this off but I won't do such a thing until I get a suitable replacement.

Tamron 55-300:
I was skeptical on the performance of this lens so I did not even take it out. My previous experience was not the best when I have used this for documenting various damaged facades hand held. I now know I should have at least attempted a few shots with this.

Manfrotto tripod:
This was a cheap(er) tripod I bought on a whim. I am glad I had it but it didn't allow me angle up enough to shoot the cornice. I need a "real" tripod. I will be on the look for one soon.

Bottomline:
I am looking to replace my tamron 10-24 with a sigma 8-16mm or a 15mm ltd. Leaning on the 15 ltd. Also a better zoom for close-up details like da* 50-135mm. I will need to revamp some of my gear if I am doing it often but a start will be lenses and a new tripod. Learned alot yesterday and hope to have my photo skills improve as I do more shooting.

COMMENTS? ADVICE?

ALL PHOTOS CAN BE SEEN HERE: 907 Broadway - a set on Flickr

A FEW PHOTOS ARE ATTACHED:

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

schj · 07-23-2013, 09:58 AM

Mmm. I have no problems with my tamron 10-24. I did notice that you used F13 for the shot above with the 10-24. That may cause some loss of sharpness due to diffraction.

**TER-OR** · 07-23-2013, 10:03 AM

It may be worth sending the Tamron in for inspection.

Interesting work, and well-worth documenting - particularly for your company's own marketing purposes.

**pearsaab** · 07-23-2013, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by jaywes

SO if you read my previous post (https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5/231563-k-5-just-arrived.html), I just received by k-5 last week and couldn't be happier with it's performance.

I have been given a new venture in my office. We specialize in restoration architecture, mainly exterior but some interior also. I am the resident photog, and have been enlisted to start documenting the before during and after photos of projects we are and will be doing. I don't mind it as I would like more experience with this type of photography plus I can travel the city shooting.

My first task was yesterday, somewhat short notice but I went with what I had. A late 1800s ornate corner building in Manhattan which we recently completed the restoration for. I have to say my K-5 performed amazingly. All the new features over the K-r were nice. Didn't miss a step. Felt good using it.

My bag looked like this:
K-5 (main)
K-r (back-up)
M50mm 1.4
F70-210 4-5.6
tam 17-50 2.8
tam 55-300mm (didn't use)
tam 10-24mm 3.5-4.5
Manfrotto tripod

Process:
Manual
2sec shutter release
iso @ 80
raw +
tripod use for all shots

Tamron 10-24:
I was not happy at all at the performance of this lens. My 1st attempt was somewhat successful with this lens for interior real estate. Worked well enough with long exposures. But the 2nd (automotive) and now 3rd (architectural) try, I just cannot seem to get it to take sharp photos outside. Still questioning keeping this lens. My wide angle shots suffered a great deal not getting this to shoot properly. This was in addition to the corrections I knew I'd have to do in PP.

Tamron 17-50:
Worked well but wasn't wide enough for the whole building but wasn't long enough for close-ups. This usually is my work horse lens but for this application it wasn't used much.

M50:
Suberb quality with 50 but wasn't wide enough or long enough to really use. I made some errors on my part and photos were not focused correctly.

F70-210:
This surprisingly produced the sharpest photos. Obviously this was what I used for close-up detail shots but I am pleased with these very much. I was going to sell this off but I won't do such a thing until I get a suitable replacement.

Tamron 55-300:
I was skeptical on the performance of this lens so I did not even take it out. My previous experience was not the best when I have used this for documenting various damaged facades hand held. I now know I should have at least attempted a few shots with this.

Manfrotto tripod:
This was a cheap(er) tripod I bought on a whim. I am glad I had it but it didn't allow me angle up enough to shoot the cornice. I need a "real" tripod. I will be on the look for one soon.

Bottomline:
I am looking to replace my tamron 10-24 with a sigma 8-16mm or a 15mm ltd. Leaning on the 15 ltd. Also a better zoom for close-up details like da* 50-135mm. I will need to revamp some of my gear if I am doing it often but a start will be lenses and a new tripod. Learned alot yesterday and hope to have my photo skills improve as I do more shooting.

COMMENTS? ADVICE?

ALL PHOTOS CAN BE SEEN HERE: 907 Broadway - a set on Flickr

A FEW PHOTOS ARE ATTACHED:

sounds like a fun job!!!

jaywes · 07-23-2013, 11:30 AM

Originally posted by schj

Mmm. I have no problems with my tamron 10-24. I did notice that you used F13 for the shot above with the 10-24. That may cause some loss of sharpness due to diffraction.

I did several at f8, f11 and f13. Those weren't much better. The depth of field is necessary tho. Idk.

Originally posted by TER-OR

It may be worth sending the Tamron in for inspection.

Interesting work, and well-worth documenting - particularly for your company's own marketing purposes.

Yup. We do alot of highend buildings in and around city. Some built, as far back like this one, in the 1860-1900.

Originally posted by pearsaab

sounds like a fun job!!!

Yup. It has it's pros and cons. Photo work in addition to my architectural projects I design & manage. Makes for a fun-filled day for sure!

**ebahle** · 07-23-2013, 01:11 PM

wow, my 10-24 has served me well. Id see if you could try another copy and check your results

schj · 07-24-2013, 04:15 AM

"I did several at f8, f11 and f13. Those weren't much better. The depth of field is necessary tho. Idk."

Ok, Sounds weird. May indeed be a problem with the lens.... Would be shame, as it is really a very useful lens for this kind of work.. Maybe try to get it exchanged for another copy,

jaywes · 07-24-2013, 01:41 PM

It seems to be the lens that is at fault (correct me if I am wrong), then I am leaning on getting a 15mm ltd. I figure the IQ will be better even VS a great copy of a tamron 10-24. Agree?

I know I will loose the 10-14 range tho which could be critical.

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07-23-2013, 09:58 AM	#2
schj Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Amsterdam Photos: Gallery Posts: 43	Mmm. I have no problems with my tamron 10-24. I did notice that you used F13 for the shot above with the 10-24. That may cause some loss of sharpness due to diffraction.

07-23-2013, 10:03 AM	#3
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	It may be worth sending the Tamron in for inspection. Interesting work, and well-worth documenting - particularly for your company's own marketing purposes.

07-23-2013, 11:04 AM	#4
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900	Originally posted by jaywes SO if you read my previous post (https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5/231563-k-5-just-arrived.html), I just received by k-5 last week and couldn't be happier with it's performance. I have been given a new venture in my office. We specialize in restoration architecture, mainly exterior but some interior also. I am the resident photog, and have been enlisted to start documenting the before during and after photos of projects we are and will be doing. I don't mind it as I would like more experience with this type of photography plus I can travel the city shooting. My first task was yesterday, somewhat short notice but I went with what I had. A late 1800s ornate corner building in Manhattan which we recently completed the restoration for. I have to say my K-5 performed amazingly. All the new features over the K-r were nice. Didn't miss a step. Felt good using it. My bag looked like this: K-5 (main) K-r (back-up) M50mm 1.4 F70-210 4-5.6 tam 17-50 2.8 tam 55-300mm (didn't use) tam 10-24mm 3.5-4.5 Manfrotto tripod Process: Manual 2sec shutter release iso @ 80 raw + tripod use for all shots Tamron 10-24: I was not happy at all at the performance of this lens. My 1st attempt was somewhat successful with this lens for interior real estate. Worked well enough with long exposures. But the 2nd (automotive) and now 3rd (architectural) try, I just cannot seem to get it to take sharp photos outside. Still questioning keeping this lens. My wide angle shots suffered a great deal not getting this to shoot properly. This was in addition to the corrections I knew I'd have to do in PP. Tamron 17-50: Worked well but wasn't wide enough for the whole building but wasn't long enough for close-ups. This usually is my work horse lens but for this application it wasn't used much. M50: Suberb quality with 50 but wasn't wide enough or long enough to really use. I made some errors on my part and photos were not focused correctly. F70-210: This surprisingly produced the sharpest photos. Obviously this was what I used for close-up detail shots but I am pleased with these very much. I was going to sell this off but I won't do such a thing until I get a suitable replacement. Tamron 55-300: I was skeptical on the performance of this lens so I did not even take it out. My previous experience was not the best when I have used this for documenting various damaged facades hand held. I now know I should have at least attempted a few shots with this. Manfrotto tripod: This was a cheap(er) tripod I bought on a whim. I am glad I had it but it didn't allow me angle up enough to shoot the cornice. I need a "real" tripod. I will be on the look for one soon. Bottomline: I am looking to replace my tamron 10-24 with a sigma 8-16mm or a 15mm ltd. Leaning on the 15 ltd. Also a better zoom for close-up details like da* 50-135mm. I will need to revamp some of my gear if I am doing it often but a start will be lenses and a new tripod. Learned alot yesterday and hope to have my photo skills improve as I do more shooting. COMMENTS? ADVICE? ALL PHOTOS CAN BE SEEN HERE: 907 Broadway - a set on Flickr A FEW PHOTOS ARE ATTACHED: sounds like a fun job!!!

07-23-2013, 11:30 AM	#5
jaywes Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: New York, USA Posts: 235 Original Poster	Originally posted by schj Mmm. I have no problems with my tamron 10-24. I did notice that you used F13 for the shot above with the 10-24. That may cause some loss of sharpness due to diffraction. I did several at f8, f11 and f13. Those weren't much better. The depth of field is necessary tho. Idk. Originally posted by TER-OR It may be worth sending the Tamron in for inspection. Interesting work, and well-worth documenting - particularly for your company's own marketing purposes. Yup. We do alot of highend buildings in and around city. Some built, as far back like this one, in the 1860-1900. Originally posted by pearsaab sounds like a fun job!!! Yup. It has it's pros and cons. Photo work in addition to my architectural projects I design & manage. Makes for a fun-filled day for sure!

07-23-2013, 01:11 PM	#6
ebahle Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 364	wow, my 10-24 has served me well. Id see if you could try another copy and check your results

07-24-2013, 04:15 AM	#7
schj Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Amsterdam Photos: Gallery Posts: 43	"I did several at f8, f11 and f13. Those weren't much better. The depth of field is necessary tho. Idk." Ok, Sounds weird. May indeed be a problem with the lens.... Would be shame, as it is really a very useful lens for this kind of work.. Maybe try to get it exchanged for another copy,

07-24-2013, 01:41 PM	#8
jaywes Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: New York, USA Posts: 235 Original Poster	It seems to be the lens that is at fault (correct me if I am wrong), then I am leaning on getting a 15mm ltd. I figure the IQ will be better even VS a great copy of a tamron 10-24. Agree? I know I will loose the 10-14 range tho which could be critical.