300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses

**swip** · 04-28-2014, 08:59 AM

Originally posted by Weevil

Great photos everyone!

Nice Travis, I should go out more often in the rain, the ambiance is great !

Went to a GBH Nesting area today...

Herons were maybe ~200~250 ft away (at least)
although it was cloudy, I tested a couple of vintage TC's with my big FA* 250-600 f5.6 lens, since the subject were pretty static... (pics not cropped, except maybe those on in Portrait mode, but they were just cropped on the sides...All photos PP in LR5 as I use to do...)

Sc

Very nice. Where are the GBH pics taken?

traderdrew · 04-28-2014, 09:36 AM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by Cold Iron

Very nice. I have been researching adding a beamer and flash. Right now I only have on board flash of my K-3. Interesting enough I shot a Ruby crowned kinglet also, but with the on board flash and DA*300 with DA 1.4tc earlier this week when it was grey and cloudy to see if it would help. My first shot worked well

And it really brought out the color of the eyes and I believe feather detail. Most of my other shots were over exposed, it is going to take some work. It is something that I am definitely interesting in pursuing now.

The flash definitely brings out more feather details. Using my Pentax flash on TTL and underpowering it on that setting works pretty well. I suspect using multi white balance on flash seems to help keep that flash look down. If the steely eye bothers you, I use the burn highlights & midtones and cloning tools in combination in Photoshop Elements. Enlarge the eye until it fills up a good part of the screen and operate with the tools on various strengths. Other people have ways of dealing with the steely eye in the field.

Here is a shot I edited:

K-3 with a Pentax flash and beamer

kengoh · 04-28-2014, 10:04 AM - **1 Like**

Crimson Rumped Waxbill

**marcusBMG** · 04-28-2014, 01:00 PM - **1 Like**

The jackdaws like to scavenge amongst the fishing tackle on the quayside. jpg, minimal pp in faststone. Handheld with my ~~tamron adaptall-2 54B~~ correction - my Tamron Adaptamatic 300mm, thats why the +3ev exp comp - on my K-r.

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

Last edited by marcusBMG; 04-28-2014 at 03:35 PM.

**crewl1** · 04-28-2014, 07:30 PM

Originally posted by Greyser

Nice shooting, Larry. Are they taken with Q7?

Thanks these are with K-3.

**Weevil** · 04-28-2014, 11:09 PM

Originally posted by swip

Very nice. Where are the GBH pics taken?

Thanks !
St-Timothee marsh, near Valleyield, QC

6878dodge · 04-29-2014, 01:46 AM

Originally posted by pacerr

That's an often overlooked factor in tele lens performance -- especially the older M42, K-, M-, A- version lenses.

Thank you for that info pacerr, it makes alot of sense but I'm still a bit disappointed that my "new" A*300 is not as good as I had hoped. so I have decided to buy another lens (not right away though) I have been looking (online) at some Sigma reviews and Pentax reviews,
I would like something close to 300, I think a zoom would be more versatile for me So I'm thinking I'll probably go with a DA*60-250 f4. I would like an f2.8 aperture though which seem to be more common to the Sigmas.
I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions on which lens would be the better lens to go with (I know you are all bias! haha), I have to say I'm pretty blown away by the quality of alot of the photos on here, some are super sharp, that's what I want to acheive. anyway, I'm keen to hear your thoughts.. thank you!

**swip** · 04-29-2014, 07:29 AM

Originally posted by traderdrew

The flash definitely brings out more feather details. Using my Pentax flash on TTL and underpowering it on that setting works pretty well. I suspect using multi white balance on flash seems to help keep that flash look down. If the steely eye bothers you, I use the burn highlights & midtones and cloning tools in combination in Photoshop Elements. Enlarge the eye until it fills up a good part of the screen and operate with the tools on various strengths. Other people have ways of dealing with the steely eye in the field.

Here is a shot I edited:

K-3 with a Pentax flash and beamer

Very nice.

---------- Post added 04-29-14 at 10:30 AM ----------

Originally posted by dane.dawg

A few more from today.

Nice series.

---------- Post added 04-29-14 at 10:31 AM ----------

Originally posted by Cold Iron

Very nice. I have been researching adding a beamer and flash. Right now I only have on board flash of my K-3. Interesting enough I shot a Ruby crowned kinglet also, but with the on board flash and DA*300 with DA 1.4tc earlier this week when it was grey and cloudy to see if it would help. My first shot worked well

And it really brought out the color of the eyes and I believe feather detail. Most of my other shots were over exposed, it is going to take some work. It is something that I am definitely interesting in pursuing now.

These little birdies are very difficult to capture. Good job.

**dadipentak** · 04-29-2014, 08:13 AM

Originally posted by 6878dodge

Thank you for that info pacerr, it makes alot of sense but I'm still a bit disappointed that my "new" A*300 is not as good as I had hoped. so I have decided to buy another lens (not right away though) I have been looking (online) at some Sigma reviews and Pentax reviews,
I would like something close to 300, I think a zoom would be more versatile for me So I'm thinking I'll probably go with a DA*60-250 f4. I would like an f2.8 aperture though which seem to be more common to the Sigmas.
I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions on which lens would be the better lens to go with (I know you are all bias! haha), I have to say I'm pretty blown away by the quality of alot of the photos on here, some are super sharp, that's what I want to acheive. anyway, I'm keen to hear your thoughts.. thank you!

I agree about the A*300: it's very compact but not * good, imho. Obviously, you should get an FA*300/2.8 or (if you don't have that sort of cash lying around) maybe a Tamron Adaptall 300/2.8. If you're willing to sacrifice the f2.8 (and with advances in NR technology, it's reasonable to do so), the DA*300/4 is your best bet. In the zoom category, the Sigma 100-300/4 is also great but they're scarce (I'm getting unsolicited offers for mine--which is not for sale, btw)

That's what I think.

Ducatigaz · 04-29-2014, 10:58 AM - **9 Likes**

Here are some shots from today

**dadipentak** · 04-29-2014, 02:00 PM

Originally posted by Ducatigaz

Here are some shots from today

Impressive!

**marquis1955** · 04-29-2014, 02:09 PM

Great shots Ya'll !

**Weevil** · 04-29-2014, 02:35 PM

Originally posted by 6878dodge

Thank you for that info pacerr, it makes alot of sense but I'm still a bit disappointed that my "new" A*300 is not as good as I had hoped. so I have decided to buy another lens (not right away though) I have been looking (online) at some Sigma reviews and Pentax reviews,
I would like something close to 300, I think a zoom would be more versatile for me So I'm thinking I'll probably go with a DA*60-250 f4. I would like an f2.8 aperture though which seem to be more common to the Sigmas.
I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions on which lens would be the better lens to go with (I know you are all bias! haha), I have to say I'm pretty blown away by the quality of alot of the photos on here, some are super sharp, that's what I want to acheive. anyway, I'm keen to hear your thoughts.. thank you!

You may be in luck, there is a Sigma 100-300mm f4 that just appeared in the marketplace right now....
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/259359-sal...00-f4-apo.html

dane.dawg · 04-29-2014, 04:35 PM

Amazing Gary, I need to start using a Flash for wildlife!
The last photos background is surreal.
Does anyone know which Better Beamer fits Metz af50 or af52?

Cold Iron · 04-29-2014, 06:23 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by dane.dawg

Amazing Gary, I need to start using a Flash for wildlife!
The last photos background is surreal.
Does anyone know which Better Beamer fits Metz af50 or af52?

I can not directly answer your question but have been reading quite a bit about them. One of the resources I have been using is Secrets of Digital Bird Photography by W.H. Majoros of Duke University. He has a good read on flash extenders. Further in to the online book he has an article on how to make a monster and supposedly an even better beamer.

Which is the way I will likely go. Once I purchase a Sigma 500mm, gimbal head, sturdier tripod, external flash, sighhh.....

Rainy mixed with snow cold grey day here today. Once again learning how important light is, the blue and stripped squill in my yard is starting to push through and flower.

DA*300 with DA 1.4tc.

04-28-2014, 09:36 AM - 4 Likes	#12122
traderdrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 640	Originally posted by Cold Iron Very nice. I have been researching adding a beamer and flash. Right now I only have on board flash of my K-3. Interesting enough I shot a Ruby crowned kinglet also, but with the on board flash and DA300 with DA 1.4tc earlier this week when it was grey and cloudy to see if it would help. My first shot worked well And it really brought out the color of the eyes and I believe feather detail. Most of my other shots were over exposed, it is going to take some work. It is something that I am definitely interesting in pursuing now. The flash definitely brings out more feather details. Using my Pentax flash on TTL and underpowering it on that setting works pretty well. I suspect using multi white balance on flash seems to help keep that flash look down. If the steely eye bothers you, I use the burn highlights & midtones and cloning tools in combination in Photoshop Elements. Enlarge the eye until it fills up a good part of the screen and operate with the tools on various strengths. Other people have ways of dealing with the steely eye in the field. Here is a shot I edited: K-3 with a Pentax flash and beamer Last edited by traderdrew; 04-28-2014 at 10:02 AM.*

04-29-2014, 02:35 PM	#12133
Weevil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Near Montréal, Québec Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,445	Sigma EX 100-300mm f4 APO in the Marketplace... Originally posted by 6878dodge Thank you for that info pacerr, it makes alot of sense but I'm still a bit disappointed that my "new" A300 is not as good as I had hoped. so I have decided to buy another lens (not right away though) I have been looking (online) at some Sigma reviews and Pentax reviews, I would like something close to 300, I think a zoom would be more versatile for me So I'm thinking I'll probably go with a DA60-250 f4. I would like an f2.8 aperture though which seem to be more common to the Sigmas. I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions on which lens would be the better lens to go with (I know you are all bias! haha), I have to say I'm pretty blown away by the quality of alot of the photos on here, some are super sharp, that's what I want to acheive. anyway, I'm keen to hear your thoughts.. thank you! You may be in luck, there is a Sigma 100-300mm f4 that just appeared in the marketplace right now.... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/259359-sal...00-f4-apo.html

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04-28-2014, 08:59 AM	#12121
swip Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,825	Originally posted by Weevil Great photos everyone! Nice Travis, I should go out more often in the rain, the ambiance is great ! Went to a GBH Nesting area today... Herons were maybe ~200~250 ft away (at least) although it was cloudy, I tested a couple of vintage TC's with my big FA* 250-600 f5.6 lens, since the subject were pretty static... (pics not cropped, except maybe those on in Portrait mode, but they were just cropped on the sides...All photos PP in LR5 as I use to do...) Sc Very nice. Where are the GBH pics taken?

04-28-2014, 10:04 AM - 1 Like	#12123
kengoh Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,787	Crimson Rumped Waxbill

04-28-2014, 07:30 PM	#12125
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by Greyser Nice shooting, Larry. Are they taken with Q7? Thanks these are with K-3.

04-28-2014, 11:09 PM	#12126
Weevil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Near Montréal, Québec Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,445	Originally posted by swip Very nice. Where are the GBH pics taken? Thanks ! St-Timothee marsh, near Valleyield, QC

04-29-2014, 01:46 AM	#12127
6878dodge Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Auckland, New Zealand. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 55	Originally posted by pacerr That's an often overlooked factor in tele lens performance -- especially the older M42, K-, M-, A- version lenses. Thank you for that info pacerr, it makes alot of sense but I'm still a bit disappointed that my "new" A300 is not as good as I had hoped. so I have decided to buy another lens (not right away though) I have been looking (online) at some Sigma reviews and Pentax reviews, I would like something close to 300, I think a zoom would be more versatile for me So I'm thinking I'll probably go with a DA60-250 f4. I would like an f2.8 aperture though which seem to be more common to the Sigmas. I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions on which lens would be the better lens to go with (I know you are all bias! haha), I have to say I'm pretty blown away by the quality of alot of the photos on here, some are super sharp, that's what I want to acheive. anyway, I'm keen to hear your thoughts.. thank you!

04-29-2014, 07:29 AM	#12128
swip Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,825	Originally posted by traderdrew The flash definitely brings out more feather details. Using my Pentax flash on TTL and underpowering it on that setting works pretty well. I suspect using multi white balance on flash seems to help keep that flash look down. If the steely eye bothers you, I use the burn highlights & midtones and cloning tools in combination in Photoshop Elements. Enlarge the eye until it fills up a good part of the screen and operate with the tools on various strengths. Other people have ways of dealing with the steely eye in the field. Here is a shot I edited: K-3 with a Pentax flash and beamer Very nice. ---------- Post added 04-29-14 at 10:30 AM ---------- Originally posted by dane.dawg A few more from today. Nice series. ---------- Post added 04-29-14 at 10:31 AM ---------- Originally posted by Cold Iron Very nice. I have been researching adding a beamer and flash. Right now I only have on board flash of my K-3. Interesting enough I shot a Ruby crowned kinglet also, but with the on board flash and DA*300 with DA 1.4tc earlier this week when it was grey and cloudy to see if it would help. My first shot worked well And it really brought out the color of the eyes and I believe feather detail. Most of my other shots were over exposed, it is going to take some work. It is something that I am definitely interesting in pursuing now. These little birdies are very difficult to capture. Good job.

04-29-2014, 08:13 AM	#12129
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	Originally posted by 6878dodge Thank you for that info pacerr, it makes alot of sense but I'm still a bit disappointed that my "new" A300 is not as good as I had hoped. so I have decided to buy another lens (not right away though) I have been looking (online) at some Sigma reviews and Pentax reviews, I would like something close to 300, I think a zoom would be more versatile for me So I'm thinking I'll probably go with a DA60-250 f4. I would like an f2.8 aperture though which seem to be more common to the Sigmas. I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions on which lens would be the better lens to go with (I know you are all bias! haha), I have to say I'm pretty blown away by the quality of alot of the photos on here, some are super sharp, that's what I want to acheive. anyway, I'm keen to hear your thoughts.. thank you! I agree about the A300: it's very compact but not good, imho. Obviously, you should get an FA300/2.8 or (if you don't have that sort of cash lying around) maybe a Tamron Adaptall 300/2.8. If you're willing to sacrifice the f2.8 (and with advances in NR technology, it's reasonable to do so), the DA300/4 is your best bet. In the zoom category, the Sigma 100-300/4 is also great but they're scarce (I'm getting unsolicited offers for mine--which is not for sale, btw) That's what I think.

04-29-2014, 10:58 AM - 9 Likes	#12130
Ducatigaz Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Blunsdon,Wiltshire, UK Posts: 1,504	Here are some shots from today

04-29-2014, 02:00 PM	#12131
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	Originally posted by Ducatigaz Here are some shots from today Impressive!

04-29-2014, 02:09 PM	#12132
marquis1955 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Lometa, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 403	Great shots Ya'll !

04-29-2014, 04:35 PM	#12134
dane.dawg Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,436	Amazing Gary, I need to start using a Flash for wildlife! The last photos background is surreal. Does anyone know which Better Beamer fits Metz af50 or af52?

04-29-2014, 06:23 PM - 1 Like	#12135
Cold Iron Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Mn. Posts: 111	Originally posted by dane.dawg Amazing Gary, I need to start using a Flash for wildlife! The last photos background is surreal. Does anyone know which Better Beamer fits Metz af50 or af52? I can not directly answer your question but have been reading quite a bit about them. One of the resources I have been using is Secrets of Digital Bird Photography by W.H. Majoros of Duke University. He has a good read on flash extenders. Further in to the online book he has an article on how to make a monster and supposedly an even better beamer. Which is the way I will likely go. Once I purchase a Sigma 500mm, gimbal head, sturdier tripod, external flash, sighhh..... Rainy mixed with snow cold grey day here today. Once again learning how important light is, the blue and stripped squill in my yard is starting to push through and flower. DA*300 with DA 1.4tc.