First shots - K5IIs.. hmmmm

JayX2A · 03-09-2013, 01:44 PM

So today was my first day using the K5IIs. I have been out of photography for about a year and wanting to get back in to it.

Firstly, shots with the 18-135wr. Was overcast and getting slightly dark and using auto ISO.. these shots are at 6400.

I'm not convinced by them, i'm pretty sure that the K5 and 50-200wr I borrowed produced better. Then again, that was a lighter day, so maybe i'm just over thinking things.

The following were taken with the Sigma 30mm f1.4. Again, not blown away, but hoping that practice and playing with settings will help.

I think I was expecting to be blown away with the quality of shots compared to my previous Olympus E620. Then again, maybe I am just being too hard on myself as this is first time using the camera.

Any thoughts and tips would be great.

VoiceOfReason · 03-09-2013, 01:57 PM

Get it off of auto ISO. In fact use the lowest ISO you can.

JayX2A · 03-09-2013, 02:01 PM

I know I shouldnt have had it on Auto - but with faster shutter speeds I think it needed to be high. Practice practice practice I think!

VoiceOfReason · 03-09-2013, 02:07 PM

Use the built in light meter and manual mode is your friend. The only thing I have is auto white balance and autofocus on mine. On my K5 classic that is. The K5ii s will be even better for that!

Adam · 03-09-2013, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by JayX2A

i'm pretty sure that the K5 and 50-200wr I borrowed produced better.

Well you're not going to get much (if anything) out of the 's' when using the 18-135mm. And the 50mm is a bit better at certain FLs...so this makes sense

But yeah, I'd recommend turning down your ISO. During the day there's really no reason to shoot above 400 or 800 at worst.

Trapezoid645 · 03-09-2013, 02:26 PM

My first reaction - Substandard lenses for K-5IIs (18-135wr & Sigma) will not take an advantage of what it can give and than only "glum" light available, helping to kill expected contrast.

Perhaps borrow or rent a star PENTAX glass (forget 3rd party stuff), wait for some sun and start your session. Since you appear to expect a PRO results, some time MUST be invested to a PP treatment as well.

Than you might score some memorable "time stamps" (pictures) to put a smile on your face. Good luck hunting, dear photo-friend...

JayX2A · 03-09-2013, 02:33 PM

I thought the sigma was meant to be quite high quality TBH. I'm not expecting pro results using the 18-135 but did think it would get pretty good pics all the same.

Brazeal · 03-09-2013, 02:40 PM

Originally posted by Trapezoid645

My first reaction - Substandard lenses for K-5IIs (18-135wr & Sigma) will not take an advantage of what it can give and than only "glum" light available, helping to kill expected contrast.

Perhaps borrow or rent a star PENTAX glass (forget 3rd party stuff), wait for some sun and start your session. Since you appear to expect a PRO results, some time MUST be invested to a PP treatment as well.

Than you might score some memorable "time stamps" (pictures) to put a smile on your face. Good luck hunting, dear photo-friend...

Wow, I just learned that my Sigma 30, 70 macro, 105 macro, and 50-150 are substandard!

bvg · 03-09-2013, 02:42 PM

Good results for ISO6400, gloomy weather and such lens I think.

JayX2A · 03-09-2013, 02:53 PM

Sadly I am no position for star lenses. I can however sell the 18-135 for an alternative set up. Not sure what else is out there for this kind of range and price.

panoguy · 03-09-2013, 02:55 PM

Originally posted by JayX2A

I thought the sigma was meant to be quite high quality TBH. I'm not expecting pro results using the 18-135 but did think it would get pretty good pics all the same.

The Sigma is pretty good, and your photos reflect that. Look at the amount of detail in the horse's head in the comparable shots!

One thing to consider is just what is not "good" about your shots compared to what you were getting with the previous gear. Is it the color? The contrast? Maybe overall saturation, or warmth?

JayX2A · 03-09-2013, 03:06 PM

Mainly the sharpness. The old oly and 45-150 didn't even go up to ISO 6400 so maybe that was my biggest problem today.

I so nearly bought the DA 40mm ltd instead of the sigma. Not sure i chose right yet!!

**TER-OR** · 03-09-2013, 03:31 PM

It's just lack of contrast to my eye. You should be able to boost your blacks or use another adjustment in post processing to make them more attractive. The gray day background isn't going to change, though....

VoiceOfReason · 03-09-2013, 03:46 PM

Originally posted by JayX2A

I thought the sigma was meant to be quite high quality TBH. I'm not expecting pro results using the 18-135 but did think it would get pretty good pics all the same.

I'd keep the 18-135. You would be surprised at what you can do with it. In fact there is a thread on here about it. Really, that high of ISO was blowing your dynamic range.

Things like the Tamron 17-50 and Sigma 17-50 compare well with the DA*16-50. Go look at the reviews of the different lenses, and keep what you have. there are good aftermarket ones that have good sharpness, and there are some older Pentax lenses that are nice and sharp too without breaking the bank.

goubejp · 03-09-2013, 04:03 PM

Iso 6400 is much too high, you shouldn't exceed 800 iso to get a good image sharpness; above that noise reduction eats details

03-09-2013, 01:44 PM	#1
JayX2A Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 120	First shots - K5IIs.. hmmmm So today was my first day using the K5IIs. I have been out of photography for about a year and wanting to get back in to it. Firstly, shots with the 18-135wr. Was overcast and getting slightly dark and using auto ISO.. these shots are at 6400. I'm not convinced by them, i'm pretty sure that the K5 and 50-200wr I borrowed produced better. Then again, that was a lighter day, so maybe i'm just over thinking things. The following were taken with the Sigma 30mm f1.4. Again, not blown away, but hoping that practice and playing with settings will help. I think I was expecting to be blown away with the quality of shots compared to my previous Olympus E620. Then again, maybe I am just being too hard on myself as this is first time using the camera. Any thoughts and tips would be great.

03-09-2013, 02:17 PM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by JayX2A i'm pretty sure that the K5 and 50-200wr I borrowed produced better. Well you're not going to get much (if anything) out of the 's' when using the 18-135mm. And the 50mm is a bit better at certain FLs...so this makes sense But yeah, I'd recommend turning down your ISO. During the day there's really no reason to shoot above 400 or 800 at worst. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-09-2013, 02:42 PM	#9
bvg Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Queensland, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 340	Good results for ISO6400, gloomy weather and such lens I think. Last edited by bvg; 03-09-2013 at 02:58 PM.

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03-09-2013, 01:57 PM	#2
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Get it off of auto ISO. In fact use the lowest ISO you can.

03-09-2013, 02:01 PM	#3
JayX2A Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 120 Original Poster	I know I shouldnt have had it on Auto - but with faster shutter speeds I think it needed to be high. Practice practice practice I think!

03-09-2013, 02:07 PM	#4
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Use the built in light meter and manual mode is your friend. The only thing I have is auto white balance and autofocus on mine. On my K5 classic that is. The K5ii s will be even better for that!

03-09-2013, 02:26 PM	#6
Trapezoid645 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Santa Barbara Photos: Albums Posts: 60	My first reaction - Substandard lenses for K-5IIs (18-135wr & Sigma) will not take an advantage of what it can give and than only "glum" light available, helping to kill expected contrast. Perhaps borrow or rent a star PENTAX glass (forget 3rd party stuff), wait for some sun and start your session. Since you appear to expect a PRO results, some time MUST be invested to a PP treatment as well. Than you might score some memorable "time stamps" (pictures) to put a smile on your face. Good luck hunting, dear photo-friend...

03-09-2013, 02:33 PM	#7
JayX2A Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 120 Original Poster	I thought the sigma was meant to be quite high quality TBH. I'm not expecting pro results using the 18-135 but did think it would get pretty good pics all the same.

03-09-2013, 02:40 PM	#8
Brazeal Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Forney, TX Posts: 277	Originally posted by Trapezoid645 My first reaction - Substandard lenses for K-5IIs (18-135wr & Sigma) will not take an advantage of what it can give and than only "glum" light available, helping to kill expected contrast. Perhaps borrow or rent a star PENTAX glass (forget 3rd party stuff), wait for some sun and start your session. Since you appear to expect a PRO results, some time MUST be invested to a PP treatment as well. Than you might score some memorable "time stamps" (pictures) to put a smile on your face. Good luck hunting, dear photo-friend... Wow, I just learned that my Sigma 30, 70 macro, 105 macro, and 50-150 are substandard!

03-09-2013, 02:53 PM	#10
JayX2A Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 120 Original Poster	Sadly I am no position for star lenses. I can however sell the 18-135 for an alternative set up. Not sure what else is out there for this kind of range and price.

03-09-2013, 02:55 PM	#11
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327	Originally posted by JayX2A I thought the sigma was meant to be quite high quality TBH. I'm not expecting pro results using the 18-135 but did think it would get pretty good pics all the same. The Sigma is pretty good, and your photos reflect that. Look at the amount of detail in the horse's head in the comparable shots! One thing to consider is just what is not "good" about your shots compared to what you were getting with the previous gear. Is it the color? The contrast? Maybe overall saturation, or warmth?

03-09-2013, 03:06 PM	#12
JayX2A Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 120 Original Poster	Mainly the sharpness. The old oly and 45-150 didn't even go up to ISO 6400 so maybe that was my biggest problem today. I so nearly bought the DA 40mm ltd instead of the sigma. Not sure i chose right yet!!

03-09-2013, 03:31 PM	#13
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	It's just lack of contrast to my eye. You should be able to boost your blacks or use another adjustment in post processing to make them more attractive. The gray day background isn't going to change, though....

03-09-2013, 03:46 PM	#14
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Originally posted by JayX2A I thought the sigma was meant to be quite high quality TBH. I'm not expecting pro results using the 18-135 but did think it would get pretty good pics all the same. I'd keep the 18-135. You would be surprised at what you can do with it. In fact there is a thread on here about it. Really, that high of ISO was blowing your dynamic range. Things like the Tamron 17-50 and Sigma 17-50 compare well with the DA*16-50. Go look at the reviews of the different lenses, and keep what you have. there are good aftermarket ones that have good sharpness, and there are some older Pentax lenses that are nice and sharp too without breaking the bank.

03-09-2013, 04:03 PM	#15
goubejp Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: France Photos: Albums Posts: 804	Iso 6400 is much too high, you shouldn't exceed 800 iso to get a good image sharpness; above that noise reduction eats details