I got an FA* 300/4.5 about 2 weeks ago and have been trying my hand at some bird shots. It will take a ton of practice to get better. A work in progress but fun trying. It's this years project to get more species and better at capturing them. I can see a Sigma 500mm f4.5 EX in the future.

All of these were shot with the K10D, 300/4.5 and AF 1.7TC.

Singing his heart out

Landing.






Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

[JCSullivan]

Great shots Peter - I am afraid of what you're gonna come-up with.
Tip: Put more transparency in your watermark and make it less visible.

[channeler]

Nice shots Peter. I especially like the colours in those Blue Jays. I too get cravings for the Sigma 500mm, though after lugging around 300mm+TC+monopod yesterday the extra lbs in weight are a consideration apart from the money of course. Still working on the monopod technique but I found the position you suggested for using a monopod quite stable compared to some of the other options.

Paul

[Ole]

Great shots, focus spot on. And it's a great lens, not too heavy to use hand held, and tack sharp!

[daacon]

Very Good Peter - those are sharp. The Birdman of the Island - should make for a great summer.

[borno]

I like 'em Peter, the first one is my favorite. that looks like a sharp combination

[J.Scott]

Great work Peter! I especially like the Heron on the run and the focus on the Blue Jays is perfect. The little Song Sparrow in the first one is obviously singing his hear out.

I'd love a 500mm lens, too. But they sure aren't cheap. You are making the best of the 300mm.

Thanks for sharing.

[rparmar]

I love the first one of the little fellow singing. Something about the angle of the shot... nice!

[Peter Zack]

Thanks everyone for the nice comments and having a look. I like the combo and I picked up Buddha's Tamron 1.4 TC so it basically gives me 300, 420 and 510mm's with the one lens.

There's a drop off in quality when the TC is added but mostly in the bokeh if it's busy or confused, the central subject holds up quite well. I'm really surprised how fast it will focus with the TC. With the Tamron, you'd never know a TC was added. With the Pentax, it's a little slower because of the MF aspect and takes some practice. You have to manually focus the lens to a close distance and the TC takes over. Of course if your shooting around infinity, MF isn't necessary.

I think it's a good option for anyone that wants a sharp 300-500 combo. Lets hope Pentax introduces another 1.7 TC of some sort.

The Sigma 500/4.5 is a dream but maybe someday. With the 2 TC's it would be a killer setup for wildlife shooting. Of course I could sell my car and get the Sigma 800 f5.6 EX

[Eastern Shore Charlie]

Nice shots nice timing on the Blue Jays....

[mtnbearhug]

Great shots Peter!!!

I really like the first one of the little bird singing its heart out!! Very sweet.... But perhaps just a bit of a crop would make him stand out a bit more???

I like the Crane pic as well but he seems to blend into the water to much for me.. sorry.

Love the jays.. Great Color!!! and the last one is a wonderful capture..

Great job Peter!! Thanks for sharin... Kim

[codiac2600]

Gorgeous new shots Peter. I've seen some decent stuff with this lens and looks like you've gotten yourself a good copy.

I'm still debating whether or not to get the DA* 300 f4 after testing it.... one day lol!

[ve2vfd]

Peter, those are awesome shots!

My personnal favorite are the blujays... thats National Geographic calibre!

Pat

[button]

Peter- glad to see you are putting the 300 to good use. Great shots!

John

[roentarre]

Wow, Peter. Congradulation on the new lens and you make pentax lens proud!

1st and 3rd shots are my favorite. Great details and clever composiiton. All appear artistic in deed.