300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses

noelpolar · 01-10-2016, 07:44 PM - **8 Likes**

New Holland Honeyeater with the DFA 150-450.... finally chumped up for a decent tripod..........6.3 meg crop of K3 image.... (25 or 75% crop??)

Last edited by noelpolar; 01-11-2016 at 12:26 AM.

gifthorse · 01-10-2016, 07:55 PM

It was worth it. Nice image!

Dieseler · 01-10-2016, 08:03 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by noelpolar

New Holland Honeyeater with the DFA 150-450.... finally chumped up for a decent tripod.

One thing I like about this thread is seeing the smaller birds like finches (thanks Gary!), warblers (thanks r0ckstarr!) and cardinals (thanks Rupert!) as well as the larger, more popular, arguably easier to photograph birds like eagles, not that I am against photos of eagles in any way

.

gifthorse · 01-10-2016, 08:31 PM - **1 Like**

The only problem I have with the eagle pictures is that I'm jealous.

**Canada_Rockies** · 01-10-2016, 08:59 PM

Originally posted by gifthorse

The only problem I have with the eagle pictures is that I'm jealous.

^^^^ What he said.

**WPRESTO** · 01-11-2016, 04:43 AM - **2 Likes**

A marmot - - at leisure. Scan from a chrome so I'm uncertain which lens was used, but probably a 300 f4 Sigma APO Macro, less likely a Bigma.

**jacamar** · 01-11-2016, 08:37 AM - **2 Likes**

And now for something completely different - the island was just over 3 miles away from where I took the shot, with the K-3 and DA*300mm lens (with some cropping)

smf · 01-11-2016, 10:43 AM - **1 Like**

Experiment with old 300mm lens, 2X teleconverter and K-S2

Today saw my first use of my SMC Takumar 1:4/300 and 2x Auto-Prinz Var-I-Rim Teleconverter on my monopod-mounted K-S2. This was shot through my house's window glass, with the birds at the back of the yard. ISO 640. Processed in Viveza 2 from the Nik Collection.
I realize this is not a stellar image. However for a first attempt, considering that it was made through window glass and at considerable distance, I am moderately pleased.
I welcome comments and suggestions — especially from anyone who has used this old lens.
Best wishes,
Stu

zzeitg · 01-11-2016, 01:47 PM - **4 Likes**

Sigma 150-500

tim60 · 01-11-2016, 01:48 PM

Try using the 300/4 without the teleconverter. I think you will find it better. Easier to use, lighter weight and lighter viewfinder. Less optical degradation. I have the STak version. My best effort was reading the title on the spine of a book at 100 to 150 metres.

rvannatta · 01-11-2016, 11:07 PM - **1 Like**

I've got a serious question that I would like some thoughts on. Come June, I'm headed to Alaska for a week---Will fly up there and rent a car for a week.... I'm going to spend most of the time on the Kenai pennsula. I'm hoping
to collect some bird photos, but the real issue that I have is trying to decide What equipment to take.

I own a laundry list of equipment conductive to bird photography including:

F* 300 f/4 ------- 880 grams--- easily fit in camera bag
FA300 f/2.8 --- 2495 grams ---- comes in soft bag-- could stick in carry on suit case
A-400 f/2.8 --- 6600 grams ---- comes in trunk -- small enough to carry on
FA-600 f/4 --- 6830 grams --- comes in trunk too large to carry on airplane.

I also own several useful TC's including the new DA 1.4x, and the classic 1.4x-L and 2x-L and the 1.7X adapter all of which are usable on the last three of the lenses.

I'm a bit flustered because obviously the best bird lens in the FA-600. the logistics of getting it to Alaska and back safely seem daunting. IT seems a bit valuable to dump it in checked baggage for a $25.00 fee
and I'm not eager to but a ticket for it to fly in the seat beside me. IT is also most challenging to use without a heavy tripod. It would work well with any of the TC's although the DA 1.4x would maintain the Auto
focus function.--and you can get half baked AF with the 1.7x. adapater

I could get the classic A-400 f/2.8 to alaska either with it's carry on trunk as one of my carry on items, or out of its truck and in my carry on suit case if I don't mind leaving quite a few of my clothing items that
;my wife will want me to take (like clean underware), and I have owned this lens quite a few years, and though really heavy, I can get decent results with a monopod, and this lens is very happy with the 2x-L converter
or even stacked converters.... but it will be mostly manual focus except to the extent that use the 1.7x AF Adapter but hand hand holding and manually focusing, even when leaning on a tree can be a challenge.

A for the FA 300 f/2.8 --- it will go in the carry on suit case -- with a few more pairs of clean shorts than the 400.--- and is much more nimble but still on the heavy side It is really happy with the DA 1.4x TC which
fully protect the auto focus function.

As for the F* 4.5 --- It's gonna go anyway in my carry on Camera Bag and the DA 1.4x TC will be there as well.

Or a wild card---- leave it all home and go buy a DFA 150-450

Any thoughts or wisdom of what should go and what should stay home......

skierd · 01-12-2016, 01:11 AM

I'd personally rent the DFA 150-450 based on the testing I've seen posted here, but buying is always the more fun option! Bring the 1.4x too, assuming it's compatible, and use the saved space for lots and lots of bug dope.

Unless you're coming for fishing too, try to avoid the start of King Salmon season, or any of the starts of the salmon runs honestly, and start thinking about booking rooms now.

Rupert · 01-12-2016, 03:28 AM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by rvannatta

Any thoughts or wisdom of what should go and what should stay home......

I think a lot of us would love to have such a tough decision coming our way!

I have a few little Woodies (Otis calls them "Head-Peckers") around here. I cringe when I see one on the cedar fence. Last year I was aiming in on a young one just like this one, in the same spot. As I looked through the Bigma and locked focus a big yellow cat jumped up and grabbed him. I could see it all so clearly and it was all right there in living color in my viewfinder. It was so shocking I didn't even snap, just put down the camera and rushed out to try and save the Woody, but it was too late, the cat was 60-70 feet away with his catch and heading into the woods.

Now I survey the area before I focus on any Woodies.

Woodies need to stay up in trees where they are safer.

Regards!

daytona9 · 01-12-2016, 05:52 AM - **14 Likes**

Great photos Everyone! It's always a treat to see wildlife pics from different parts of the world.

Some shots from last weekend, using the K3 and the old Bigma - Royal Spoonbill, Great Egret, and a couple of dragonflies:

**WPRESTO** · 01-12-2016, 06:31 AM - **1 Like**

Turnstones almost blend with the rocks and debris.

01-11-2016, 04:43 AM - 2 Likes	#19296
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,137	A marmot - - at leisure. Scan from a chrome so I'm uncertain which lens was used, but probably a 300 f4 Sigma APO Macro, less likely a Bigma. Last edited by WPRESTO; 01-29-2016 at 12:33 PM.

01-12-2016, 06:31 AM - 1 Like	#19305
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,137	Turnstones almost blend with the rocks and debris. Last edited by WPRESTO; 01-29-2016 at 12:33 PM.

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01-10-2016, 07:44 PM - 8 Likes	#19291
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	New Holland Honeyeater with the DFA 150-450.... finally chumped up for a decent tripod..........6.3 meg crop of K3 image.... (25 or 75% crop??) Last edited by noelpolar; 01-11-2016 at 12:26 AM.

01-10-2016, 07:55 PM	#19292
gifthorse Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Nevada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,945	It was worth it. Nice image!

01-10-2016, 08:03 PM - 1 Like	#19293
Dieseler Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Western Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 351	Originally posted by noelpolar New Holland Honeyeater with the DFA 150-450.... finally chumped up for a decent tripod. One thing I like about this thread is seeing the smaller birds like finches (thanks Gary!), warblers (thanks r0ckstarr!) and cardinals (thanks Rupert!) as well as the larger, more popular, arguably easier to photograph birds like eagles, not that I am against photos of eagles in any way .

01-10-2016, 08:31 PM - 1 Like	#19294
gifthorse Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Nevada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,945	The only problem I have with the eagle pictures is that I'm jealous.

01-10-2016, 08:59 PM	#19295
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by gifthorse The only problem I have with the eagle pictures is that I'm jealous. ^^^^ What he said.

01-11-2016, 08:37 AM - 2 Likes	#19297
jacamar Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Toronto Photos: Albums Posts: 3,443	And now for something completely different - the island was just over 3 miles away from where I took the shot, with the K-3 and DA*300mm lens (with some cropping)

01-11-2016, 10:43 AM - 1 Like	#19298
smf Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Midland, MI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,083	Experiment with old 300mm lens, 2X teleconverter and K-S2 Today saw my first use of my SMC Takumar 1:4/300 and 2x Auto-Prinz Var-I-Rim Teleconverter on my monopod-mounted K-S2. This was shot through my house's window glass, with the birds at the back of the yard. ISO 640. Processed in Viveza 2 from the Nik Collection. I realize this is not a stellar image. However for a first attempt, considering that it was made through window glass and at considerable distance, I am moderately pleased. I welcome comments and suggestions — especially from anyone who has used this old lens. Best wishes, Stu

01-11-2016, 01:47 PM - 4 Likes	#19299
zzeitg Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: South Bohemia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,017	Sigma 150-500

01-11-2016, 01:48 PM	#19300
tim60 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 8,755	Try using the 300/4 without the teleconverter. I think you will find it better. Easier to use, lighter weight and lighter viewfinder. Less optical degradation. I have the STak version. My best effort was reading the title on the spine of a book at 100 to 150 metres.

01-11-2016, 11:07 PM - 1 Like	#19301
rvannatta Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Apiary, Oregon Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,181	I've got a serious question that I would like some thoughts on. Come June, I'm headed to Alaska for a week---Will fly up there and rent a car for a week.... I'm going to spend most of the time on the Kenai pennsula. I'm hoping to collect some bird photos, but the real issue that I have is trying to decide What equipment to take. I own a laundry list of equipment conductive to bird photography including: F* 300 f/4 ------- 880 grams--- easily fit in camera bag FA300 f/2.8 --- 2495 grams ---- comes in soft bag-- could stick in carry on suit case A-400 f/2.8 --- 6600 grams ---- comes in trunk -- small enough to carry on FA-600 f/4 --- 6830 grams --- comes in trunk too large to carry on airplane. I also own several useful TC's including the new DA 1.4x, and the classic 1.4x-L and 2x-L and the 1.7X adapter all of which are usable on the last three of the lenses. I'm a bit flustered because obviously the best bird lens in the FA-600. the logistics of getting it to Alaska and back safely seem daunting. IT seems a bit valuable to dump it in checked baggage for a $25.00 fee and I'm not eager to but a ticket for it to fly in the seat beside me. IT is also most challenging to use without a heavy tripod. It would work well with any of the TC's although the DA 1.4x would maintain the Auto focus function.--and you can get half baked AF with the 1.7x. adapater I could get the classic A-400 f/2.8 to alaska either with it's carry on trunk as one of my carry on items, or out of its truck and in my carry on suit case if I don't mind leaving quite a few of my clothing items that ;my wife will want me to take (like clean underware), and I have owned this lens quite a few years, and though really heavy, I can get decent results with a monopod, and this lens is very happy with the 2x-L converter or even stacked converters.... but it will be mostly manual focus except to the extent that use the 1.7x AF Adapter but hand hand holding and manually focusing, even when leaning on a tree can be a challenge. A for the FA 300 f/2.8 --- it will go in the carry on suit case -- with a few more pairs of clean shorts than the 400.--- and is much more nimble but still on the heavy side It is really happy with the DA 1.4x TC which fully protect the auto focus function. As for the F* 4.5 --- It's gonna go anyway in my carry on Camera Bag and the DA 1.4x TC will be there as well. Or a wild card---- leave it all home and go buy a DFA 150-450 Any thoughts or wisdom of what should go and what should stay home......

01-12-2016, 01:11 AM	#19302
skierd Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Fairbanks, AK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,472	I'd personally rent the DFA 150-450 based on the testing I've seen posted here, but buying is always the more fun option! Bring the 1.4x too, assuming it's compatible, and use the saved space for lots and lots of bug dope. Unless you're coming for fishing too, try to avoid the start of King Salmon season, or any of the starts of the salmon runs honestly, and start thinking about booking rooms now.

01-12-2016, 03:28 AM - 4 Likes	#19303
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Originally posted by rvannatta Any thoughts or wisdom of what should go and what should stay home...... I think a lot of us would love to have such a tough decision coming our way! I have a few little Woodies (Otis calls them "Head-Peckers") around here. I cringe when I see one on the cedar fence. Last year I was aiming in on a young one just like this one, in the same spot. As I looked through the Bigma and locked focus a big yellow cat jumped up and grabbed him. I could see it all so clearly and it was all right there in living color in my viewfinder. It was so shocking I didn't even snap, just put down the camera and rushed out to try and save the Woody, but it was too late, the cat was 60-70 feet away with his catch and heading into the woods. Now I survey the area before I focus on any Woodies. Woodies need to stay up in trees where they are safer. Regards!