DA 55-300mm (Happy Happy - Joy Joy)

sewebster · 07-22-2008, 04:12 PM

Originally posted by Blue

Moon shot, hand held k200d with DA 55-300mm @ 300, 1/180 f5.6, action program, and shake reduction off. This is with no PP other than jpeg conversion and cropping with CS3.

Why no shake reduction?

Serpiente · 07-22-2008, 04:34 PM

Originally posted by ChrisA

If you're worried about its ability to capture fast moving objects, you might find a look at a few of the airshow pictures I took on Sunday interesting.

All but one of them were taken with the DA 55-300, on the K10D.

I had no problems with focus speed. The lens has a 180 degree rotation from close-up to infinity, so to go from one extreme to the other takes a little while. But judging a lens on that basis seems a bit silly to me.

I used it all day, took about 700 photos in often difficult light, and came away delighted with it.

For the price, it's very good I think. Much better than either the FAJ 75-300 or the FA 80-320.

So the lense wasnt huting too long? with the 50-200 it couldnt find a flying bird all the time.. but it could after focusinf first on something on the same distance and then focus on the bird, but some small ones are already gone by then.. but this must be the right zoom tactic then?

your pics are great.. so the panning works good with it I guess..

I see a lot of people are waiting for the Pentax DA* 60-250, but I looked for it on the internet but I think it will be more expensive than €600 or €700.. thats too much for me.. I am just a student.. But I really like the Pentax SMC DA* 300mm F4.0 ED (IF) SDM anyway when I tried it in the shop..that one is heaven (just like the price.. sky high to me)

ok.. I still think the 55-300 would be a good upgrade from the 50-200

thanks for showing the pictures

audiobomber · 07-22-2008, 07:08 PM

Originally posted by ChrisA

If you're worried about its ability to capture fast moving objects, you might find a look at a few of the airshow pictures I took on Sunday interesting.

Some great photos in there Chris.

ChrisA · 07-22-2008, 11:47 PM

Originally posted by Serpiente

So the lense wasnt huting too long? with the 50-200 it couldnt find a flying bird all the time.. but it could after focusinf first on something on the same distance and then focus on the bird, but some small ones are already gone by then.. but this must be the right zoom tactic then?

I used the 'Auto' setting for AF-point selection, which works a lot better than centre-spot AF for aircraft moving fast against a featureless sky.

If you have it set to 'spot' (which is much better for focusing on exactly what you want with static, cluttered subjects), and aren't extremely accurate with where you're pointing the camera, then as soon as it's a little off-centre (pointing at sky, effectively), then it won't find anything to focus on, so of course it will hunt, while it's looking for something to focus on.

cupic · 07-23-2008, 02:00 AM

Have had mixed results from the 55-300 but practice makes better so its a case of soldiering on

cheers

nulla · 07-23-2008, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Have had mixed results from the 55-300 but practice makes better so its a case of soldiering on

I have as well mate, but the good far outweighs the bad... learning curve like you said for sure.

Thanks as well for putting me onto B&H.

Picked up 2 more lenses there and at a far less cost than here in OZ

Serpiente · 07-23-2008, 05:21 AM

Originally posted by ChrisA

I used the 'Auto' setting for AF-point selection, which works a lot better than centre-spot AF for aircraft moving fast against a featureless sky.

If you have it set to 'spot' (which is much better for focusing on exactly what you want with static, cluttered subjects), and aren't extremely accurate with where you're pointing the camera, then as soon as it's a little off-centre (pointing at sky, effectively), then it won't find anything to focus on, so of course it will hunt, while it's looking for something to focus on.

thanks for your tips..

Indeed I put it on spot while following moving objects.. auto would be better then

I will test it this afternoon

expatCanuck · 07-28-2008, 02:43 PM

cupic · 07-29-2008, 07:07 AM

Originally posted by nulla

I have as well mate, but the good far outweighs the bad... learning curve like you said for sure.

Thanks as well for putting me onto B&H.

Picked up 2 more lenses there and at a far less cost than here in OZ

No problems

Just have to watch your LBA

cheers

Blue · 08-20-2008, 07:45 PM

Originally posted by sewebster

Why no shake reduction?

I just saw your question. I made several shots including with an without SR. This one just happened to be without SR.

ajuett · 08-20-2008, 08:01 PM

Here is a 300mm shot hand-held and wide open f/5.8, 1/30s, 200ISO;

audiobomber · 08-21-2008, 04:42 AM

Here are a couple of deer photos taken under challenging conditions with the K100DS and 55-300mm @ 300mm, f/5.8, ISO 800, 1/80s handheld.

This is a 2/3 crop:

This is a 50% crop:

bsierens · 10-30-2008, 09:03 AM

Originally posted by ChrisA

If you're worried about its ability to capture fast moving objects, you might find a look at a few of the airshow pictures I took on Sunday interesting.

All but one of them were taken with the DA 55-300, on the K10D.

I had no problems with focus speed. The lens has a 180 degree rotation from close-up to infinity, so to go from one extreme to the other takes a little while. But judging a lens on that basis seems a bit silly to me.

I used it all day, took about 700 photos in often difficult light, and came away delighted with it.

For the price, it's very good I think. Much better than either the FAJ 75-300 or the FA 80-320.

I just looked at your pictures on picasa. They are amazingly good considering that these are taken with a 300 lens. How much did you crop the shots? 100%? Thanks to these pictures you have convinced me to buy a K200D instead of the sony A200 with the 70-300 SSM (€700).

Blue · 11-02-2008, 09:14 PM

Since this thread is active again, I decided to post some shots taken from up high at the FSU stadium.

nulla · 11-03-2008, 02:30 AM

Great shots from the stand

Nice horse.

Neil

07-28-2008, 02:43 PM	#53
expatCanuck Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: New England, USA Posts: 56	some 55-300 shots Here are some recent Galapagos shots from the 55-300, all hand-held: http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/galapagos1/day2pm/poeHeron.JPG http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/galapagos1/day2pm/pelican.jpg http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/galapagos1/day3am/hawk1.JPG http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/galapagos1/day2pm/chillIguana.JPG http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/galapagos1/day2pm/iguanaWithAnAttitude.jpg http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/galapagos1/day1pm/galapagosMockingbird.jpg http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/galapagos1/day4am/randyFrigateFlight2.JPG http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/galapagos1/day4am/redEye.JPG http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/galapagos1/day4am/frigateJuvenile.JPG and significantly cropped: http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/galapagos1/day4am/frigateFracas.JPG - Richard P.S. - I can provide specifics (f-stop, exposure, focal length) if anyone would like.

08-20-2008, 08:01 PM	#56
ajuett Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 1,100	Here is a 300mm shot hand-held and wide open f/5.8, 1/30s, 200ISO; Last edited by ajuett; 08-22-2008 at 07:00 PM.

08-21-2008, 04:42 AM	#57
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Here are a couple of deer photos taken under challenging conditions with the K100DS and 55-300mm @ 300mm, f/5.8, ISO 800, 1/80s handheld. This is a 2/3 crop: This is a 50% crop: Last edited by audiobomber; 08-21-2008 at 05:38 AM.

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07-22-2008, 04:12 PM	#46
sewebster Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 544	Originally posted by Blue Moon shot, hand held k200d with DA 55-300mm @ 300, 1/180 f5.6, action program, and shake reduction off. This is with no PP other than jpeg conversion and cropping with CS3. Why no shake reduction?

07-22-2008, 04:34 PM	#47
Serpiente Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 154	Originally posted by ChrisA If you're worried about its ability to capture fast moving objects, you might find a look at a few of the airshow pictures I took on Sunday interesting. All but one of them were taken with the DA 55-300, on the K10D. I had no problems with focus speed. The lens has a 180 degree rotation from close-up to infinity, so to go from one extreme to the other takes a little while. But judging a lens on that basis seems a bit silly to me. I used it all day, took about 700 photos in often difficult light, and came away delighted with it. For the price, it's very good I think. Much better than either the FAJ 75-300 or the FA 80-320. So the lense wasnt huting too long? with the 50-200 it couldnt find a flying bird all the time.. but it could after focusinf first on something on the same distance and then focus on the bird, but some small ones are already gone by then.. but this must be the right zoom tactic then? your pics are great.. so the panning works good with it I guess.. I see a lot of people are waiting for the Pentax DA* 60-250, but I looked for it on the internet but I think it will be more expensive than €600 or €700.. thats too much for me.. I am just a student.. But I really like the Pentax SMC DA* 300mm F4.0 ED (IF) SDM anyway when I tried it in the shop..that one is heaven (just like the price.. sky high to me) ok.. I still think the 55-300 would be a good upgrade from the 50-200 thanks for showing the pictures

07-22-2008, 07:08 PM	#48
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by ChrisA If you're worried about its ability to capture fast moving objects, you might find a look at a few of the airshow pictures I took on Sunday interesting. Some great photos in there Chris.

07-22-2008, 11:47 PM	#49
ChrisA Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: London Posts: 393	Originally posted by Serpiente So the lense wasnt huting too long? with the 50-200 it couldnt find a flying bird all the time.. but it could after focusinf first on something on the same distance and then focus on the bird, but some small ones are already gone by then.. but this must be the right zoom tactic then? I used the 'Auto' setting for AF-point selection, which works a lot better than centre-spot AF for aircraft moving fast against a featureless sky. If you have it set to 'spot' (which is much better for focusing on exactly what you want with static, cluttered subjects), and aren't extremely accurate with where you're pointing the camera, then as soon as it's a little off-centre (pointing at sky, effectively), then it won't find anything to focus on, so of course it will hunt, while it's looking for something to focus on.

07-23-2008, 02:00 AM	#50
cupic Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Australia-NSW Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,824	Have had mixed results from the 55-300 but practice makes better so its a case of soldiering on cheers

07-23-2008, 02:37 AM	#51
nulla Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,560	Quote: Have had mixed results from the 55-300 but practice makes better so its a case of soldiering on I have as well mate, but the good far outweighs the bad... learning curve like you said for sure. Thanks as well for putting me onto B&H. Picked up 2 more lenses there and at a far less cost than here in OZ

07-23-2008, 05:21 AM	#52
Serpiente Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 154	Originally posted by ChrisA I used the 'Auto' setting for AF-point selection, which works a lot better than centre-spot AF for aircraft moving fast against a featureless sky. If you have it set to 'spot' (which is much better for focusing on exactly what you want with static, cluttered subjects), and aren't extremely accurate with where you're pointing the camera, then as soon as it's a little off-centre (pointing at sky, effectively), then it won't find anything to focus on, so of course it will hunt, while it's looking for something to focus on. thanks for your tips.. Indeed I put it on spot while following moving objects.. auto would be better then I will test it this afternoon

07-29-2008, 07:07 AM	#54
cupic Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Australia-NSW Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,824	Originally posted by nulla I have as well mate, but the good far outweighs the bad... learning curve like you said for sure. Thanks as well for putting me onto B&H. Picked up 2 more lenses there and at a far less cost than here in OZ No problems Just have to watch your LBA cheers

08-20-2008, 07:45 PM	#55
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by sewebster Why no shake reduction? I just saw your question. I made several shots including with an without SR. This one just happened to be without SR.

10-30-2008, 09:03 AM	#58
bsierens Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Aalst, Belgium Posts: 16	Originally posted by ChrisA If you're worried about its ability to capture fast moving objects, you might find a look at a few of the airshow pictures I took on Sunday interesting. All but one of them were taken with the DA 55-300, on the K10D. I had no problems with focus speed. The lens has a 180 degree rotation from close-up to infinity, so to go from one extreme to the other takes a little while. But judging a lens on that basis seems a bit silly to me. I used it all day, took about 700 photos in often difficult light, and came away delighted with it. For the price, it's very good I think. Much better than either the FAJ 75-300 or the FA 80-320. I just looked at your pictures on picasa. They are amazingly good considering that these are taken with a 300 lens. How much did you crop the shots? 100%? Thanks to these pictures you have convinced me to buy a K200D instead of the sony A200 with the 70-300 SSM (€700).

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11-02-2008, 09:14 PM	#59
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Since this thread is active again, I decided to post some shots taken from up high at the FSU stadium.

11-03-2008, 02:30 AM	#60
nulla Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,560	Great shots from the stand Nice horse. Neil