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10-03-2010, 08:05 PM   #976
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Not much else is hand-holdable JP, so here you go... See my post above for the Sigma 500/4.5 images.

Dressed for work - FA* 300/2.8:


I've used the FA* 300/2.8 + 1.7x AF TC with some nice results!

My long lens option is the FA* 250-600/5.6 - a very flexible FL lens. Some recent image posts taken with the lens:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/116133-nature-feeding-ti...mingbirds.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/115033-nature-hummingbir...600-5-6-a.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/115795-nature-hummingbir...%40-600mm.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/106716-nature-hummingbir...1-250-sec.html

Still holding a bunch of images in reserve - hopefully saving the best for last! Plus I haven't gone through the several hundred images taken on the last few weekends.

Cheers,
Marc

10-03-2010, 08:07 PM   #977
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QuoteOriginally posted by Marc Langille Quote
Hi Lee,

What, no love for the Sigma 500/4.5?

FWIW, the A* 400/2.8 is not even 0.5 lbs (200g) heavier than my FA* 250-600/5.6. It's 6000g vs. 5800g. I do like the zoom and PZ function though!

Cheers,
Marc
I have love for all lenses...just more for the once-a-year sighting of big Pentax glass. The Sigma gains me a stop over my da*300+AF1.7x so its hard to get too excited but then I have never seen one. That could change my hormone levels.

PZ and zoom as well as AF? Wouldn't hurt my feelings to have those. My most fun combo is the 400/2.8 + AF1.7x TC but it typically stays home and sends the da*300 + 1.7x. Not sure how the 250-600 gets along with the 1.7x. I bet the 1.4xL works sweet on it though.

So, when do we trade lenses for a month? I bet we would both insist on armed guards handcuffed to the lens before it left our sight.
10-03-2010, 08:10 PM   #978
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QuoteOriginally posted by imtheguy Quote
I sure hope the A*600/5.6 listed as "Buy Now" on the bay goes before I break down. Either that or I need someone to lock me in the closet and convince me its not a great lens just because it weighs 1/2 of my A*400/2.8.

If no one rescues me I can't be responsible for what happens to that lens in the next 24 hours!
What's the big deal. You don't like the 800 mm versions???? There are 3 of them and one is cheap at under three big ones. Ok so they are for the 6x7 but you can put on your DSLR. I Want One. Ok I would settle for, uh drool over the 600 mm too. Does a temper tantrum help??? I think I will dream tonight.
10-03-2010, 08:10 PM   #979
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QuoteOriginally posted by Marc Langille Quote

Dressed for work - FA* 300/2.8:

Cheers,
Marc
Marc, i have been trying to buy a lenscoat to fit my 400/2.8 and emailed the company but no response. How did you find one to fit the 300/2.8 since they don't advertise the sizes for the "other" lenses? don't tell me you sew too!

10-03-2010, 08:15 PM   #980
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QuoteOriginally posted by kacansas03 Quote
What's the big deal. You don't like the 800 mm versions???? There are 3 of them and one is cheap at under three big ones. Ok so they are for the 6x7 but you can put on your DSLR. I Want One. Ok I would settle for, uh drool over the 600 mm too. Does a temper tantrum help??? I think I will dream tonight.
I would like to have just one big lens i could CARRY! I never considered the 6x7 or 645 lenses actually, assuming they would not be lighter than equivalent A or FA.

You can TRY a tantrum and see if the 600 magically gets sent to you.
10-03-2010, 08:20 PM   #981
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QuoteOriginally posted by jpzk Quote
Ok now you guys ... you've just awakened a deep seated case of long-lens LBA.

Apart from my dear ol' DA*300/4 (with a 1.7X Pentax TC), what is truly portable and hand-useable out there for someone who does most of his shots hand-held?
JP
Not a thing wrong with the da*300+AF1.7x combo. Its about a big as you can easily carry and hand hold all day and its 510mm with great IQ. Whats not to like? Oh yeah, that f9-10 equivalent aperture (f5.6 for sharp + 1.5 stops) kind of gets in the way of those 1/1000 shutter speeds doesn't it? So in comes the K-5 where we all shoot clean at iso3200 JUST BECAUSE WE CAN!
10-03-2010, 08:21 PM   #982
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@ Marc,

I saw your humming bird image on Pentax's Facebook page. Congrats. bigthumbsup

10-03-2010, 08:28 PM   #983
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QuoteOriginally posted by jpzk Quote
Coming to the rescue ... !

This is a very l o o o o o n n n n ...g lens!
It is ugly!
It is so long you'll need a specially made tripod.
It is black and ugly!
It won't fit on your car back seat.

Cheers!

JP
No, not black, dirty creme like my 400mm. Certainly not the classy paint Marc enjoys on the 250-600.

Wait, you know this approach of yours just makes me love it more.

Special tripod? Its only half the weight of my current lens so i plan on handholding it. Maybe just with one hand while I text with the other.
10-03-2010, 08:35 PM - 2 Likes   #984
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QuoteOriginally posted by imtheguy Quote
Marc, i have been trying to buy a lenscoat to fit my 400/2.8 and emailed the company but no response. How did you find one to fit the 300/2.8 since they don't advertise the sizes for the "other" lenses? don't tell me you sew too!
I checked the Sigma 300/2.8 LensCoat specs - I bought it and as I surmised it was close enough... I'd suggest the same for yours - check the Canon/Nikon/etc. 400/2.8 models to decide. BTW, it's $199 for a custom LensCoat job. I inquired on the FA* 250-600/5.6.


HOWEVER, you can opt for a much cheaper option - it's similar to vet wrap, used for guns, etc. AND comes in camo!

Sportsman's Guide - Discount Hunting Gear, Discount Hunting Boots, Discount Shoes, Discount Ammunition, Discount Ammo, Discount Boots, Military Surplus, Outdoor Gear at The Sportsman's Guide




Summary:
  • Heavyweight fabric provides instant camo protection
  • Sticks to itself, conforms to any object
  • Conceals, protects, silences gear, reduces glare, increases grip, provides padding / insulation
  • Weatherproof adhesion, not affected by rain
  • For guns, gear, optics, ammo clips, more.
  • Each roll is 2"w. x 12'l.
4 rolls for $19.99. I bought a set of 4, sent 2 rolls to Jason Edwards, the Nat. Geo photographer who shoots Pentax.

Cheers,
Marc
10-03-2010, 08:38 PM - 1 Like   #985
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QuoteOriginally posted by Blue Quote
@ Marc,

I saw your humming bird image on Pentax's Facebook page. Congrats. :bigthumbsup:
Thank you sir!

QuoteOriginally posted by imtheguy Quote
No, not black, dirty creme like my 400mm. Certainly not the classy paint Marc enjoys on the 250-600.

Wait, you know this approach of yours just makes me love it more.

Special tripod? Its only half the weight of my current lens so i plan on handholding it. Maybe just with one hand while I text with the other.
Here you go - FA* 250-600/5.6 ready for shooting:
10-03-2010, 08:39 PM   #986
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QuoteOriginally posted by Marc Langille Quote
I checked the Sigma 300/2.8 LensCoat specs - I bought it and as I surmised it was close enough... I'd suggest the same for yours - check the Canon/Nikon/etc. 400/2.8 models to decide. BTW, it's $199 for a custom LensCoat job. I inquired on the FA* 250-600/5.6.


HOWEVER, you can opt for a much cheaper option - it's similar to vet wrap, used for guns, etc. AND comes in camo!
4 rolls for $19.99. I bought a set of 4, sent 2 rolls to Jason Edwards, the Nat. Geo photographer who shoots Pentax.

Cheers,
Marc

+1
thanks for the pointers Marc. i will skip the custom coat and look into vet wrap for protecting the paint if I can find out the Canikon 400's will not work.

Last edited by imtheguy; 10-04-2010 at 07:20 AM.
10-03-2010, 08:47 PM   #987
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QuoteOriginally posted by Marc Langille Quote
Not much else is hand-holdable JP, so here you go... See my post above for the Sigma 500/4.5 images.

Dressed for work - FA* 300/2.8:


I've used the FA* 300/2.8 + 1.7x AF TC with some nice results!

My long lens option is the FA* 250-600/5.6 - a very flexible FL lens. Some recent image posts taken with the lens:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/116133-nature-feeding-ti...mingbirds.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/115033-nature-hummingbir...600-5-6-a.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/115795-nature-hummingbir...%40-600mm.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/106716-nature-hummingbir...1-250-sec.html

Still holding a bunch of images in reserve - hopefully saving the best for last! Plus I haven't gone through the several hundred images taken on the last few weekends.

Cheers,
Marc
That is great shooting, Marc! Very nice.
10-04-2010, 07:06 AM   #988
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Got Lucky

This guy showed up briefly during one of the few sunny interludes yesterday morning and I was there with the smc 1000mm f/8 "Black Dragon".

10-04-2010, 08:15 AM   #989
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QuoteOriginally posted by dadipentak Quote
This guy showed up briefly during one of the few sunny interludes yesterday morning and I was there with the smc 1000mm f/8 "Black Dragon".
Hey Dave,

Managed a not-so-great shot of a Sharp-Shinned Hawk the other day as well.



Just time for a quick snap or two.

Tom G
10-04-2010, 08:30 AM   #990
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QuoteOriginally posted by imtheguy Quote
+1
thanks for the pointers Marc. i will skip the custom coat and look into vet wrap for protecting the paint if I can find out the Canikon 400's will not work.
The tape works nicely. I use it on my 500/4.5 and also on an older tripod. It has no sticky adhesive and also makes the lens comfortable to hold when cold and has a nice grip.

Ben
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