[csa]

Mike, thank you! It wasn't a good day for photography, as it was very dark with heavy overcast also. Being handheld with this combo, to me is a fantastic combination! Also even though the 300 is hefty, it balances very nicely when handholding it!

If I remember correctly, I only paid about $100 for the Tamron TC!

[lesmore49]

They're not primes but they are my telephotos. I have a 55-300 and a Sigma 150-500. I like the zoom because of the focal length variance. Both these lenses have served me well. I use the time tested recipe of focus on the eye of the subject, use enough shutter speed and realize these lenses are day time lenses.

[csa]

I have a zoom going to 300, but wanted a prime. Really glad I did!

[KC0PET]

They're not primes but they are my telephotos. I have a 55-300 and a Sigma 150-500. I like the zoom because of the focal length variance. Both these lenses have served me well. I use the time tested recipe of focus on the eye of the subject, use enough shutter speed and realize these lenses are day time lenses.

Another option I have been watching is the Sigma 170-500 APO DG. I have seen one on the 'bay in K mount and it went fast. I tend to prefer primes, but a long zoom is not out of the question. I'm sure when all of the stars line up I will know what to get.

---------- Post added 01-19-18 at 07:06 PM ----------

That combination is the birder on a budget's dream. I would have gone for it, but I couldn't find an A*300. Where else are you going to get 510mm ƒ4.5 for less than $1000 with a useful but limited AF function? . You aren't. I don't care what brand you choose, what kind of old glass you dig up, from what company. All the above mentioned cheeper options from other companies won't touch this combo in IQ or capability. A no brainer if there ever was one. It is one of the regrets of my life that I never found this lens at a decent price.

Can you land an A*300 f/2.8 that low? I can see the A*300 f/4 and a TC for under $1000.

---

Last edited by KC0PET; 01-19-2018 at 06:07 PM.

[normhead]

Another option I have been watching is the Sigma 170-500 APO DG. I have seen one on the 'bay in K mount and it went fast. I tend to prefer primes, but a long zoom is not out of the question. I'm sure when all of the stars line up I will know what to get.

---------- Post added 01-19-18 at 07:06 PM ----------



Can you land an A*300 f/2.8 that low? I can see the A*300 f/4 and a TC for under $1000.

I'm pretty sure the ones I looked at were over $1000, maybe more. It was a long time ago.

[luftfluss]

Can you land an A*300 f/2.8 that low? I can see the A*300 f/4 and a TC for under $1000.

I'm pretty sure the ones I looked at were over $1000, maybe more. It was a long time ago.

Adorama has one for $1600...

[luftfluss]

They're not primes but they are my telephotos. I have a 55-300 and a Sigma 150-500. I like the zoom because of the focal length variance. Both these lenses have served me well. I use the time tested recipe of focus on the eye of the subject, use enough shutter speed and realize these lenses are day time lenses.

Don't discount what our amazing cameras and software can do! I shot this after the sun dipped below the treeline and at a well-shaded part of the river. K-5 II + A 400/5.6, ISO 1600 + pushed a stop in PP...



I shoot quite a bit in sub-optimal light, and if we are willing to accept the kind of quality that will make a fine 8x10 but not a 30 inch print, we have a lot of opportunities for wildlife photos.

[lesmore49]

Don't discount what our amazing cameras and software can do! I shot this after the sun dipped below the treeline and at a well-shaded part of the river. K-5 II + A 400/5.6, ISO 1600 + pushed a stop in PP...



I shoot quite a bit in sub-optimal light, and if we are willing to accept the kind of quality that will make a fine 8x10 but not a 30 inch print, we have a lot of opportunities for wildlife photos.

Excellent photograph. You're quite right in your assertion.

I do take photographs during night sometimes. I find my K1 really good at fairly high ISO, my K-5 is good to about 1600...still not bad at 3200...my K10D....800 is good, 1600 it's max...the grain is showing.

[csa]

Here is that Sigma beauty with the Tamron 1.4xTC on my K3. It's setup that I can slip it on my Nest Gimbal very quickly if I need to.

[csa]

I'm going to try to come up with some sort of cover/padding for the bar; to make it easier on the hands when holding, and also to protect the edges so that it continues to slide into the Nest Gimbal smoothly. Any suggestions?

[normhead]

This is making me wonder what it would be like going out with my A-400 and 1.4. I haven't used that lens much lately. I'm not sure I ever used it with the 1.4.

[onlineflyer]

I'm going to try to come up with some sort of cover/padding for the bar; to make it easier on the hands when holding, and also to protect the edges so that it continues to slide into the Nest Gimbal smoothly. Any suggestions?

Just wrap some foam around it and hold on with a couple of rubber bands.

[monochrome]

I'm going to try to come up with some sort of cover/padding for the bar; to make it easier on the hands when holding, and also to protect the edges so that it continues to slide into the Nest Gimbal smoothly. Any suggestions?

Old thin mousepads are essentially the same Neoprene custom lens coats are made from. You could cut strips and sew or glue them to make a fitted sleeve.

[UncleVanya]

Water pipe foam insulation.

[csa]

I found a padded camera strap that I had. I just cut off the length needed, and secured it on the bottom of the bar with a strip of Velcro wrapped around it. Easy on/off!