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09-23-2009, 07:31 AM   #16
Nubi
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I would buy a prime.

09-23-2009, 07:36 AM   #17
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Little bit late for this discussion, dude.
09-23-2009, 07:46 AM   #18
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Wow, can of worms opened.

I ordered lens, I sold lens, I'm waiting for lens. I'm happy.
09-23-2009, 07:48 AM   #19
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QuoteOriginally posted by Nubi Quote
I would buy a prime.
I'd buy a monopod...

Even with SR, at 300mm, it's very difficult to do an HH shot that's steady enought to prevent motion blur.

Great lens though... You made a good decision. It's my nature walk-around lens during late Fall, Winter, and early Spring. I'll be very surprised, if you do not love it.

Cheers...

09-23-2009, 07:50 AM   #20
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QuoteOriginally posted by Lowell Goudge Quote
the aperture is actually continuously varaible, and not changing in steps. the steps reported only correspond to steps in the 1/2 f stop indexing used by pentax in thier mount. I would be willing to bet, that the exposure actually changes within the constant F stop range and is really only accurate at the middle focal length within the range. In this way the 1/2 stop steps become +/- 1/4 stop deviations from correct (i.e. perfect) exposure.
You're correct about aperture being constantly variable. I did a test on this awhile ago. I set the zoom ring as far as it would go and still report 190mm and f4.5. Then I nudged it a tiny amount so that it read 210mm and F5.6. The shutter speed and ISO didn't change, so clearly the aperture didn't step from 4.5 to 5.6.

My response above about the camera readings being stepped was to explain why people often say "the 55-300 is f4.5 below 210mm" or "the 55-300 is f4.5 @ 200mm". It's because that's what the camera shows.

QuoteQuote:
Also note that on many zooms (but more dominant on super zooms) focal length changes with focus distance. Focal length is only accurate at infinity.
I also tested this. The 55-300 is close to the same FOV as my 100mm prime at about 100mm, and is slightly wider than my FA 50mm at minimum zoom (55mm). Note that even two primes with the same FL show FOV variances, so I don't think that FL is off with this particular zoom. I suspect that the lenses which show large variances between infinity and close focus, or show a noticeably different FL compared with FOV are internal focus designs. The 18-250 is IF and shows wild swings in FOV when going from infinity to close focus at any given FL. The 55-300 does not.

Last edited by audiobomber; 09-25-2009 at 04:51 AM.
09-23-2009, 08:11 AM   #21
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QuoteOriginally posted by Michaelina2 Quote
I'd buy a monopod...

Even with SR, at 300mm, it's very difficult to do an HH shot that's steady enought to prevent motion blur.
I disagree, while a monopod is always a good thing, please see the attached shot. 100% crop, shot at 1/40th using a 510mm equivelent focal length (SMC-300mmF4 plus SMC-F 1.7X AF TC)
Clearly shake reduction and good technique will do a lot to stop blurr
09-23-2009, 08:29 AM   #22
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QuoteOriginally posted by Michaelina2 Quote
Even with SR, at 300mm, it's very difficult to do an HH shot that's steady enought to prevent motion blur.
What kind of shutter speed are you using? I routinely shoot 300mm at 1/160s and I haven't had any particular trouble. I did buy a monopod recently, but with wildlife you still have to keep the shutter speed up to avoid motion blur from subject motion.

09-23-2009, 09:28 AM   #23
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Wow, great shot HH!
09-23-2009, 10:20 AM   #24
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QuoteOriginally posted by audiobomber Quote
constantly variable
09-24-2009, 04:36 PM   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by gnaztee Quote
Little bit late for this discussion, dude.
Dude,
never too late to buy a nice prime or two.
09-24-2009, 04:52 PM   #26
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QuoteOriginally posted by Nubi Quote
Dude,
never too late to buy a nice prime or two.
And what (nice) or two) Pentax prime would that be?. Dude, get real, "55-300 rips it in and SR holds it steady" and all this without breaking the bank..

Cheers. Mike.
09-24-2009, 04:58 PM   #27
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I know it is not quite realistic, but 31 and 77 ltd. If you need a long telephoto DA*300. Yes that would break most banks, but for me I would rather have these than a zoom. I just don't like zoom lenses. For whatever reasons I can frame better walking around instead of staying in one place and zooming in and out. Zooms just don't do it for me, although I do think that DA*50-135 is a fine lens. Probably the best zoom ever. 17-70's IQ is also fine but not quite bright enough because I am quite shakey with from all the boozing.

Last edited by Nubi; 09-24-2009 at 05:00 PM. Reason: Because I just had diarrhea
09-24-2009, 05:13 PM   #28
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Primes are fine, I can only afford zooms, cheap ones at that.

Cheers. Mike.
09-24-2009, 05:35 PM   #29
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QuoteOriginally posted by gnaztee Quote
I've owned both (currently only the 55-300). I can't see a reason to keep the 50-200 (unless you have the WR version). If you're like me, you'll always take the 55-300 along instead of the 50-200 in case you need the longer reach (the IQ is better too). But who knows? Maybe you're not like me

Todd
I am late in reading this; since I got my 55-300mm it is my goto lens whenever I go on a trip or hiking. It is a great lens to have and can easily pick out birds in fair distance where the 200mm is not going to give you a good shot. The 50-200mm is now in cold storage, unless of course if it is a WR version, it may be used instead of the 55-300mm.
09-24-2009, 05:52 PM   #30
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To the OP, 55-300 should keep you entertained for a while. I like mine a lot.
I also have access to 50-200, can`t remember the last time I used it.

Cheers. Mike.
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