prime, prime, everywhere a prime...

**nater** · 12-15-2015, 09:05 PM

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

currently, I have a DA 18-250mm (out of my hands for CLA) and a Sigma 70-300mm for my longer zooms.... but I wonder if I am missing anything in looking at a longer zoom, say out to 400mm?

I've noticed that Tokina made an 80-400mm AT-X zoom that is highly-regarded and reasonably-sized..... and I know Sigma produced several zooms up to 500mm...

again, thoughts/experience/bias are all welcomed....

I've owned a lot of zooms over the years. Mostly use the longer ones at air shows. Currently have the Pentax 55-300, Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (first AF version), Sigma 1.5x teleconverter, Sigma 50-500mm (first version). Owned the Tokina 80-400mm, loved the build and the size but quality at 400mm wasn't great (also owned the Tokina 400mm f5.6 AF but found the lack of zoom too limiting). Also owned the Sigma 135-400mm, found the range too limiting. The first Sigma 50-500mm is good at 400mm (better than the later version actually) and I've been happy with it. Good zoom range, and good quality at the focal lengths I care about.

**pepperberry farm** · 12-16-2015, 02:08 AM

Originally posted by nater

I've owned a lot of zooms over the years. Mostly use the longer ones at air shows. Currently have the Pentax 55-300, Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (first AF version), Sigma 1.5x teleconverter, Sigma 50-500mm (first version). Owned the Tokina 80-400mm, loved the build and the size but quality at 400mm wasn't great (also owned the Tokina 400mm f5.6 AF but found the lack of zoom too limiting). Also owned the Sigma 135-400mm, found the range too limiting. The first Sigma 50-500mm is good at 400mm (better than the later version actually) and I've been happy with it. Good zoom range, and good quality at the focal lengths I care about.

bingo - this is what I am looking for; I've read reviews both praising and damning the Tokina...

**Scorpio71GR** · 12-16-2015, 07:38 PM - **2 Likes**

The Tokinas are know for purple fringing. They also vary alot from copy to copy. However a 5X zoom like the Tokina is hard to build and keep sharp throughout the entire range. Those kind of lenses need to be stopped down for best results. Unfortunately Pentax does not have a large offering in this focal range. Sigma made the 100-300 f4 which works well with a TC and is a bit of a beast. Sigma also made the 170-500, the APO DG version usually got decent reviews. Sigma made the 150-500 which was just discontinued this year. I have seen many nice shots with both of those lenses. Pentax has the DA*60-250 which is extremely sharp and works the 1.4 TC to give you 350mm at 5.6. I have the current Sigma 50-500 and it is a decent lens. Like any 500mm lens it comes with a learning curve. Lastly of course is my dream lens. The DFA 150-450 which is just an excellent lens. If I sold both of my kidneys and my second car I might just have enough for FA*250-600, but probably not. So I keep trucking with my Bigma.

500mm f10 1/125 that is where OS comes in handy to keep your ISO down. Bigmas love the light and they need it. Some people say the newer one us not as sharp. I have not found that to be true yet.

500mm f8 I think this is sharp enough

**pepperberry farm** · 12-16-2015, 08:40 PM

great shots and some food for thought, Michael... thank you...

**pepperberry farm** · 12-23-2015, 03:20 AM

my vacillation continues.... I'm wondering if the LBA needs to be shelved for a bit and I should invest in a Cactus V6/RF60 combo and get serious/learn about on/off camera flash photography....

**Scorpio71GR** · 12-23-2015, 09:20 PM - **1 Like**

It never ends, never you know. I have always avoided that route. I have two Pentax AF 540 flashes, the older and newer model. I really have never mastered using them.

The prime I should really use more of, Tamaron 90mm Macro with the Tamaron 1.4TC using the Pentax AF540 flash with a soft box.

**clackers** · 12-23-2015, 11:37 PM

Love those shots, Scorpio.

**Scorpio71GR** · 12-24-2015, 05:19 AM

Originally posted by clackers

Love those shots, Scorpio.

Thank you Clackers, next year I need to try to do some more stuff like this.

**pepperberry farm** · 12-28-2015, 02:48 PM

so I bought the Cactus V6/RF60 combo, but it won't be here for another week.... but this did show up today:

I figured it will help with more than just the lightbox pics, but it seems to be pretty versatile, other than not being able to stand alone:

so an old ballhead will be pressed into service when the light isn't on a camera...

**paulh** · 12-30-2015, 03:53 PM - **1 Like**

M28/3.5

**pepperberry farm** · 01-02-2016, 02:21 PM

I've been focusing on shooting in the Single In challenges and have been using a couple of different zooms these last two months, so not much time for primes... but I was able to sneak in a couple of shots with the A400:

very quick and hand-held....

**pepperberry farm** · 01-03-2016, 06:01 PM - **1 Like**

I was lucky enough to catch some either snow or Ross's geese resting in a field about two miles from home... I couldn't get too close, but still was able to get some shots:

**pepperberry farm** · 01-08-2016, 06:52 PM

new hood arrived for the kit lens:

**luftfluss** · 01-09-2016, 11:47 AM - **1 Like**

The red ring always makes me think of Hot Wheels.

**pepperberry farm** · 01-09-2016, 12:06 PM

Originally posted by luftfluss

The red ring always makes me think of Hot Wheels.

lol - if only it showed when on the camera....

12-28-2015, 02:48 PM	#294
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,676 Original Poster	K-3 with DA 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR so I bought the Cactus V6/RF60 combo, but it won't be here for another week.... but this did show up today: I figured it will help with more than just the lightbox pics, but it seems to be pretty versatile, other than not being able to stand alone: so an old ballhead will be pressed into service when the light isn't on a camera...

01-02-2016, 02:21 PM	#296
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,676 Original Poster	K-3 with SMC A 400 f5.6 I've been focusing on shooting in the Single In challenges and have been using a couple of different zooms these last two months, so not much time for primes... but I was able to sneak in a couple of shots with the A400: very quick and hand-held....

01-03-2016, 06:01 PM - 1 Like	#297
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,676 Original Poster	K-3 with SMC A 400 f5.6 I was lucky enough to catch some either snow or Ross's geese resting in a field about two miles from home... I couldn't get too close, but still was able to get some shots:

01-08-2016, 06:52 PM	#298
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,676 Original Poster	K-3 with DA 50mm f1.8 new hood arrived for the kit lens:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Gone a little prime crazy	StevenMatchett	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	22	09-23-2013 05:49 AM
Nature A four (prime) lens walk	normhead	Post Your Photos!	12	05-16-2013 07:08 AM
Prime m -> prime ii	RonHendriks1966	Pentax K-30 & K-50	4	05-23-2012 10:38 AM
K Prime vs. M Prime	multiweb	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	28	02-23-2012 03:32 PM
Pentax prime vs Nikon prime	ladybug	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	58	09-19-2010 01:03 PM

12-15-2015, 09:05 PM	#286
nater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New England Photos: Albums Posts: 706	Originally posted by pepperberry farm currently, I have a DA 18-250mm (out of my hands for CLA) and a Sigma 70-300mm for my longer zooms.... but I wonder if I am missing anything in looking at a longer zoom, say out to 400mm? I've noticed that Tokina made an 80-400mm AT-X zoom that is highly-regarded and reasonably-sized..... and I know Sigma produced several zooms up to 500mm... again, thoughts/experience/bias are all welcomed.... I've owned a lot of zooms over the years. Mostly use the longer ones at air shows. Currently have the Pentax 55-300, Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (first AF version), Sigma 1.5x teleconverter, Sigma 50-500mm (first version). Owned the Tokina 80-400mm, loved the build and the size but quality at 400mm wasn't great (also owned the Tokina 400mm f5.6 AF but found the lack of zoom too limiting). Also owned the Sigma 135-400mm, found the range too limiting. The first Sigma 50-500mm is good at 400mm (better than the later version actually) and I've been happy with it. Good zoom range, and good quality at the focal lengths I care about.

12-16-2015, 02:08 AM	#287
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,676 Original Poster	Originally posted by nater I've owned a lot of zooms over the years. Mostly use the longer ones at air shows. Currently have the Pentax 55-300, Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (first AF version), Sigma 1.5x teleconverter, Sigma 50-500mm (first version). Owned the Tokina 80-400mm, loved the build and the size but quality at 400mm wasn't great (also owned the Tokina 400mm f5.6 AF but found the lack of zoom too limiting). Also owned the Sigma 135-400mm, found the range too limiting. The first Sigma 50-500mm is good at 400mm (better than the later version actually) and I've been happy with it. Good zoom range, and good quality at the focal lengths I care about. bingo - this is what I am looking for; I've read reviews both praising and damning the Tokina...

12-16-2015, 07:38 PM - 2 Likes	#288
Scorpio71GR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,005	The Tokinas are know for purple fringing. They also vary alot from copy to copy. However a 5X zoom like the Tokina is hard to build and keep sharp throughout the entire range. Those kind of lenses need to be stopped down for best results. Unfortunately Pentax does not have a large offering in this focal range. Sigma made the 100-300 f4 which works well with a TC and is a bit of a beast. Sigma also made the 170-500, the APO DG version usually got decent reviews. Sigma made the 150-500 which was just discontinued this year. I have seen many nice shots with both of those lenses. Pentax has the DA60-250 which is extremely sharp and works the 1.4 TC to give you 350mm at 5.6. I have the current Sigma 50-500 and it is a decent lens. Like any 500mm lens it comes with a learning curve. Lastly of course is my dream lens. The DFA 150-450 which is just an excellent lens. If I sold both of my kidneys and my second car I might just have enough for FA250-600, but probably not. So I keep trucking with my Bigma. 500mm f10 1/125 that is where OS comes in handy to keep your ISO down. Bigmas love the light and they need it. Some people say the newer one us not as sharp. I have not found that to be true yet. 500mm f8 I think this is sharp enough

12-16-2015, 08:40 PM	#289
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,676 Original Poster	great shots and some food for thought, Michael... thank you...

12-23-2015, 03:20 AM	#290
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,676 Original Poster	my vacillation continues.... I'm wondering if the LBA needs to be shelved for a bit and I should invest in a Cactus V6/RF60 combo and get serious/learn about on/off camera flash photography....

12-23-2015, 09:20 PM - 1 Like	#291
Scorpio71GR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,005	It never ends, never you know. I have always avoided that route. I have two Pentax AF 540 flashes, the older and newer model. I really have never mastered using them. The prime I should really use more of, Tamaron 90mm Macro with the Tamaron 1.4TC using the Pentax AF540 flash with a soft box.

12-23-2015, 11:37 PM	#292
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Love those shots, Scorpio.

12-24-2015, 05:19 AM	#293
Scorpio71GR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,005	Originally posted by clackers Love those shots, Scorpio. Thank you Clackers, next year I need to try to do some more stuff like this.

12-30-2015, 03:53 PM - 1 Like	#295
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,262	M28/3.5

01-09-2016, 11:47 AM - 1 Like	#299
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	The red ring always makes me think of Hot Wheels.

01-09-2016, 12:06 PM	#300
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,676 Original Poster	Originally posted by luftfluss The red ring always makes me think of Hot Wheels. lol - if only it showed when on the camera....