300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses

**riseform** · 07-22-2016, 05:47 PM - **21 Likes**

Pygmy Owl from last weekend K1, DA 560
I've always had to photograph these aiming at the tops of trees. This was the first time I've ever seen one close to eye level

**csa** · 07-22-2016, 06:15 PM

Those hummer photos in the nest are absolutely amazing! Fantastic captures; once in a lifetime opportunity!

Kameko · 07-22-2016, 07:43 PM - **6 Likes**

Originally posted by Chris Mak

Hello Kameko,

I will be curious to see your future results with the DA560 + 1.4tc combo. In my experience, it has a high learning curve, which has to do with understanding and getting to know its limitations mainly: the focal length for me (always shooting handheld) meant rediscovering the maximum shutter time, but overall the AF limitations and the loss of light make this a pretty demanding combo to get good results with. Shooting the bare lens is a revelation after forcing myself to make use of the longer focal length of the combo. Still, you can get terrific shots with it.

Chris

I went out one day w/the DA560 + 1.4tc combo, determined to learn how to use it (in a day) and was so disappointed with the results. I've been hesitant to pair the 2 since then. AF is a non-issue for me, but the F8 really hurts unless it's a nice, sunny day. Maybe I'll try using the combo more often.

Those grebe shots are killer! They never, ever sit still for me!

Originally posted by littledrawe

Props for getting this one on the Ricoh Facebook page the other day! And get some Chacos for wading

Thanks! I wouldn't have noticed if someone hadn't commented about it on Flickr. You should see the wading shoes now, they've gone from jet black to grey

Here's one from today w/the 560

cleaverx · 07-22-2016, 08:57 PM

Originally posted by riseform

Pygmy Owl from last weekend K1, DA 560
I've always had to photograph these aiming at the tops of trees. This was the first time I've ever seen one close to eye level

Amazing shots with a great detail. I am getting K-1 next month. Can't wait to use it with my Pentax SMC 500mm f/4.5 and SMC A 400mm f/5.6.

Weevil · 07-22-2016, 10:15 PM

Originally posted by riseform

Pygmy Owl from last weekend K1, DA 560
I've always had to photograph these aiming at the tops of trees. This was the first time I've ever seen one close to eye level

Wow the details, light and color are incredible!

Sigmund · 07-23-2016, 02:04 AM - **3 Likes**

They've been cropped and enlarged 2 X.

Both from the Finke R in the Northern Territory, said to be one of the oldest rivers on the planet at c. 300 million years. Most of the time it's a string of ponds.

Whistling Kite and White-necked Heron.

Chris Mak · 07-23-2016, 03:23 AM - **9 Likes**

Originally posted by Kameko

I went out one day w/the DA560 + 1.4tc combo, determined to learn how to use it (in a day) and was so disappointed with the results. I've been hesitant to pair the 2 since then. AF is a non-issue for me, but the F8 really hurts unless it's a nice, sunny day. Maybe I'll try using the combo more often.

That sounds very similar to my initial feelings towards this combo. I almost sold the 1.4tc converter! But don't give up, you can actually get great results with the combo, and you get a reach that gets you close. Having a lot more pixels to work with also lessens the downside of the loss of light somewhat. Here are some recent shots that show you where I am at this point with the combo, although I like shooting the bare lens a lot more when out in the wild.... All were handheld as I always do.

Originally posted by Kameko

Those grebe shots are killer! They never, ever sit still for me!

JML69 · 07-23-2016, 05:21 AM - **3 Likes**

Me wants a DA560

.......But I will have to settle for the DA*300 and TC for now. A couple from last evening.

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**WPRESTO** · 07-23-2016, 05:25 AM

Originally posted by riseform

Pygmy Owl from last weekend K1, DA 560
I've always had to photograph these aiming at the tops of trees. This was the first time I've ever seen one close to eye level

That's a great set. I like the second one especially - in a great fluff.

daytona9 · 07-23-2016, 05:44 AM - **15 Likes**

Kudos to all who have posted in this thread - the variety and quality of photos never ceases to amaze me!

Some shots with the K3 and Sigma 50-500 EX DG:

1. Apostlebird
2. Azure Kingfisher
3. Welcome Swallow
4. Australasian Grebe

**rkappleby** · 07-23-2016, 07:30 AM

Originally posted by csa

once in a lifetime opportunity

That was exactly what I thought as well Carol, thanks for commenting

RockvilleBob · 07-23-2016, 08:06 AM

Originally posted by riseform

Pygmy Owl from last weekend K1, DA 560
I've always had to photograph these aiming at the tops of trees. This was the first time I've ever seen one close to eye level

[

Just terrific

**rvannatta** · 07-23-2016, 09:11 AM

Originally posted by dadipentak

Yep, maybe like a striking snake--good insight into the possible usefulness of the design.

My understanding of evolution suggests that nearly every feature of critters either serves or has served some purpose, and when looking as cosmetic appearance
it seems likely that coloring has to do with increasing reproductive opportunity or obtaining food, or avoiding being food.

**marquis1955** · 07-23-2016, 09:25 AM

Originally posted by daytona9

Kudos to all who have posted in this thread - the variety and quality of photos never ceases to amaze me!

Some shots with the K3 and Sigma 50-500 EX DG:

1. Apostlebird
2. Azure Kingfisher
3. Welcome Swallow
4. Australasian Grebe

Nice set !

biz-engineer · 07-23-2016, 11:46 AM - **10 Likes**

Common pheasant in vineyard. Pentax K3, DFA150-450 + TC @ 630mm

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07-22-2016, 05:47 PM - 21 Likes	#22591
riseform Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: WA, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 341	Pygmy Owl from last weekend K1, DA 560 I've always had to photograph these aiming at the tops of trees. This was the first time I've ever seen one close to eye level

07-22-2016, 06:15 PM	#22592
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 9,797	Those hummer photos in the nest are absolutely amazing! Fantastic captures; once in a lifetime opportunity!

07-22-2016, 07:43 PM - 6 Likes	#22593
Kameko Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: White Rock Photos: Albums Posts: 450	Originally posted by Chris Mak Hello Kameko, I will be curious to see your future results with the DA560 + 1.4tc combo. In my experience, it has a high learning curve, which has to do with understanding and getting to know its limitations mainly: the focal length for me (always shooting handheld) meant rediscovering the maximum shutter time, but overall the AF limitations and the loss of light make this a pretty demanding combo to get good results with. Shooting the bare lens is a revelation after forcing myself to make use of the longer focal length of the combo. Still, you can get terrific shots with it. Chris I went out one day w/the DA560 + 1.4tc combo, determined to learn how to use it (in a day) and was so disappointed with the results. I've been hesitant to pair the 2 since then. AF is a non-issue for me, but the F8 really hurts unless it's a nice, sunny day. Maybe I'll try using the combo more often. Those grebe shots are killer! They never, ever sit still for me! Originally posted by littledrawe Props for getting this one on the Ricoh Facebook page the other day! And get some Chacos for wading Thanks! I wouldn't have noticed if someone hadn't commented about it on Flickr. You should see the wading shoes now, they've gone from jet black to grey Here's one from today w/the 560

07-22-2016, 08:57 PM	#22594
cleaverx Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Washington Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 267	Originally posted by riseform Pygmy Owl from last weekend K1, DA 560 I've always had to photograph these aiming at the tops of trees. This was the first time I've ever seen one close to eye level Amazing shots with a great detail. I am getting K-1 next month. Can't wait to use it with my Pentax SMC 500mm f/4.5 and SMC A 400mm f/5.6.

07-22-2016, 10:15 PM	#22595
Weevil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: Near Montréal, Québec Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,172	Originally posted by riseform Pygmy Owl from last weekend K1, DA 560 I've always had to photograph these aiming at the tops of trees. This was the first time I've ever seen one close to eye level Wow the details, light and color are incredible!

07-23-2016, 05:25 AM	#22599
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 46,901	Originally posted by riseform Pygmy Owl from last weekend K1, DA 560 I've always had to photograph these aiming at the tops of trees. This was the first time I've ever seen one close to eye level That's a great set. I like the second one especially - in a great fluff.

07-23-2016, 07:30 AM	#22601
rkappleby Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Crowsnest Pass Alberta Posts: 648	Originally posted by csa once in a lifetime opportunity That was exactly what I thought as well Carol, thanks for commenting

07-23-2016, 08:06 AM	#22602
RockvilleBob Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Lewes DE USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,777	Originally posted by riseform Pygmy Owl from last weekend K1, DA 560 I've always had to photograph these aiming at the tops of trees. This was the first time I've ever seen one close to eye level [ Just terrific

07-23-2016, 09:11 AM	#22603
rvannatta Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Apiary, Oregon Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,181	Originally posted by dadipentak Yep, maybe like a striking snake--good insight into the possible usefulness of the design. My understanding of evolution suggests that nearly every feature of critters either serves or has served some purpose, and when looking as cosmetic appearance it seems likely that coloring has to do with increasing reproductive opportunity or obtaining food, or avoiding being food.

07-23-2016, 09:25 AM	#22604
marquis1955 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Lometa, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 403	Originally posted by daytona9 Kudos to all who have posted in this thread - the variety and quality of photos never ceases to amaze me! Some shots with the K3 and Sigma 50-500 EX DG: 1. Apostlebird 2. Azure Kingfisher 3. Welcome Swallow 4. Australasian Grebe Nice set !

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