Originally posted by normhead A few weeks ago I ran some image tests, and found neither of my 2 18-55s gave me a decent image, even manually focussed. The most likely culprit to my way of thinking would be the lens used. I have lots of good images taken with these lenses over the years, but I'm not just not convinced it's as resistant to every day use as it should be.
So what would be a good lens for general shooting?
I have the 50mm Pentax lens. (A buck and change on amazon).
And use a 18-250mm Tamron, which is my default lens for general shooting.
As well as the old (came with the K100D) 50-200.
And the Big Ma, Sigma 50-500mm, also an older version. Used rarely.
I would still expect the 18-55 to out perform the point and shoot family of boxes out there.
Realize that I may make 8x10 prints with little cropping.
---------- Post added 08-12-2015 at 03:07 PM ----------
Originally posted by Rupert
What could be wrong?
Better knowledge of the camera settings, better lens, some lithium batteries in the 360 Flash unit....reading the manual once in a while...and understanding what it all means......
There are so many factors involved that no one answer will suffice. The K5 is an excellent camera, and the 360 Flash has served me very well...in fact better than my 540 unit.
My K5IIs is tons better than my old K5 but if you don't use it to its full advantage, no better than the K5. You only have to look at the K5 photo threads here or the K5iiS photo threads to know that you are doing something wrong?
There are plenty here to help you, take advantage of it!
Best Regards!
Rupert,
I am not exactly new to photgraphy! I have used everything to Speed graphics, TLR, 35mm for many years.
And yes I have read the manuals, not cover to cover but certainly a fair amount of times.
For all 3 of my Pentaxes.
Also my closing comment was what was I doing wrong. I must have overlooked something obvious!
I have tried many different setting over time with little joy.
Also I should mention I use the Anti-Shake almost all the time!!!! (I'm old and vibrate significantly...).
A hint of where to start may help!. I use the P mode most of the time Green when I am lazy!
Thanks....
---------- Post added 08-12-2015 at 03:15 PM ----------
Hi again,
Tonight I MAY have an opportunity to take some baby pictures!
I will post results if there are any. I will be using the AF360.... with a diffuser and fresh eneloops.
either on or off camera.
K5 with 18-55 ALII.
(This was the lens that was tested as being a major improvement over the original 18-55 AL, that I got with K-100D.)
Thank God for spell check!
R