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jawsy · 08-08-2018, 02:30 AM

I'm going to an airshow in a few months taking a DA300 on a K-3ii. I used to use a Sigma 70-200 and decided some time ago to go longer for the vertical shots.

Has anyone had any experience with the DA1.4x teleconverter on the DA300 at fast jet airshows?

I normally shoot F8 at 1/800 in clear skies so it seems as though the combination is technically OK. I'm curious as to whether AF tracking or CA's become an issue.

As for the DA300, I haven't tried it at airshows just yet, but it's been a stellar performer at my daughter's soccer matches. The weather sealing has been brilliant too.

**tcwilson** · 08-08-2018, 06:16 AM - **1 Like**

I shot an R/C plane show last weekend using just the DA300mm, without the teleconverter without any problem, if that helps. The planes are smaller, but also much closer than in a regular airshow. I brought the TC with me in case I needed it, but it got too close for me to keep up with the planes.

grispie · 08-08-2018, 06:22 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jawsy

Has anyone had any experience with the DA1.4x teleconverter on the DA300 at fast jet airshows?

i did some time ago, by accident. I was standing on a balcony & there was an airshow quite far away. So i used the TC & still had to crop too much to get really nice shots. But nevertheless they were sharp & AF worked fine. I've seen no CA.

**jpzk** · 08-08-2018, 06:39 AM - **1 Like**

If you shoot with great available light, no clouds, fog, etc ...) it shouldn't be a problem but you might loose a bit in AF "speed" and some IQ loss (minimal?).
As for "tracking" ... the K3 series is OK but don't expect miracles.
The DA*300/4 on its own will do very well for this type of shooting.

grispie · 08-08-2018, 06:49 AM

Originally posted by jpzk

As for "tracking" ... the K3 series is OK but don't expect miracles.

tracking worked quite ok, but it was against a very clear sky...

**jpzk** · 08-08-2018, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by grispie

tracking worked quite ok, but it was against a very clear sky...

Exactly! ... quite "OK" and with lots of good light !

**mirocal** · 08-08-2018, 03:41 PM - **1 Like**

300mm X 1.4 might be overkill for a decent vantage point to an airshow. Especially for shooting planes formation or contrails describing aerobatics, I have found DA 200mm f/2.8 (on FF) is a better option.

08-08-2018, 02:30 AM	#1
jawsy Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 422	Pentax DA300 + 1.4x Teleconverter for Airshows I'm going to an airshow in a few months taking a DA300 on a K-3ii. I used to use a Sigma 70-200 and decided some time ago to go longer for the vertical shots. Has anyone had any experience with the DA1.4x teleconverter on the DA300 at fast jet airshows? I normally shoot F8 at 1/800 in clear skies so it seems as though the combination is technically OK. I'm curious as to whether AF tracking or CA's become an issue. As for the DA300, I haven't tried it at airshows just yet, but it's been a stellar performer at my daughter's soccer matches. The weather sealing has been brilliant too.

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08-08-2018, 06:16 AM - 1 Like	#2
tcwilson Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Photos: Gallery Posts: 70	I shot an R/C plane show last weekend using just the DA300mm, without the teleconverter without any problem, if that helps. The planes are smaller, but also much closer than in a regular airshow. I brought the TC with me in case I needed it, but it got too close for me to keep up with the planes.

08-08-2018, 06:22 AM - 1 Like	#3
grispie Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 1,199	Originally posted by jawsy Has anyone had any experience with the DA1.4x teleconverter on the DA300 at fast jet airshows? i did some time ago, by accident. I was standing on a balcony & there was an airshow quite far away. So i used the TC & still had to crop too much to get really nice shots. But nevertheless they were sharp & AF worked fine. I've seen no CA.

08-08-2018, 06:39 AM - 1 Like	#4
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	If you shoot with great available light, no clouds, fog, etc ...) it shouldn't be a problem but you might loose a bit in AF "speed" and some IQ loss (minimal?). As for "tracking" ... the K3 series is OK but don't expect miracles. The DA*300/4 on its own will do very well for this type of shooting.

08-08-2018, 06:49 AM	#5
grispie Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 1,199	Originally posted by jpzk As for "tracking" ... the K3 series is OK but don't expect miracles. tracking worked quite ok, but it was against a very clear sky...

08-08-2018, 06:53 AM	#6
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Originally posted by grispie tracking worked quite ok, but it was against a very clear sky... Exactly! ... quite "OK" and with lots of good light !

08-08-2018, 03:41 PM - 1 Like	#7
mirocal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Washington, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 85	300mm X 1.4 might be overkill for a decent vantage point to an airshow. Especially for shooting planes formation or contrails describing aerobatics, I have found DA 200mm f/2.8 (on FF) is a better option.

Pentax DA300 + 1.4x Teleconverter for Airshows

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