[stormtech]

I came to this as a long time birder, finding it easier to record and share my experiences as digital technology and then DSLRs came along. For me there's a point at which the photographic equipment gets in the way of the agility you need for birding, use of a telescope etc. I recently graduated from the DA 55-300 zoom to the DA*300mm and 1.4x teleconverter. While I can see the advantages of greater reach that's as far as I'm prepared to go at the moment. I can't be the only conflicted birder/photographer out there!

Agreed - I stopped with the DA*300 - haven't even gone as far as the 1.4x TC.

To me beyond that point is quite a trade off - loosing 1 stop for 120mm more focal length. In my eyes there isn't a whole lot of difference from 300mm to 420mm. So at that point I embrace the challenge to get closer which is a huge challenge around here as my wildlife is truly wild and so very skittish.

[crewl1]

I hate to break it to you, but you won't be satisfied until you get a 500 f4.5. This is an EVIL place.

This !

[FreeSpirit9]

This is my first post in what I consider to be the most dangerous place on PentaxForums-good long glass is $$$$. I'm starting out on training wheels, with a DA 55-300mm HD WR used with a K-5, K-3 and Q7. Here are some shots with the K-5/K-3:

Nice photos John, well done and welcome. I too use the 55-300 sometimes with and old manual 2x TC.

I've not had much time to go out and take photos due to a change of countries. I am now in Chile and have not had an opportunity to scout out locations or learn about the birdlife here. Hopefully soon I will be able to contribute again.

[Jean Poitiers]

This is my first post in what I consider to be the most dangerous place on PentaxForums-good long glass is $$$$. I'm starting out on training wheels, with a DA 55-300mm HD WR used with a K-5, K-3 and Q7. Here are some shots with the K-5/K-3: ...

See, I told you this place was dangerous!

Welcome John and those are quite nice! TFS, J

[zzeitg]

Congrats ! I highly recommend the use of a lens support, like to RRS or the hejnar photo one (cheaper, this is the one I bought), to reduce the vibrations to its max, since the tripod mount is pretty forward on the lens. Also make sure you have a good sturdy gimbal, or video head (I switched a couple week ago to a video head, and I love it ! more freedom!)


here's a picture (before the video head)

May I ask what's the black case with connected wire (just behind lens plate). Is that a battery pack for flash or something else?

[derekkite]

May I ask what's the black case with connected wire (just behind lens plate). Is that a battery pack for flash or something else?

Looks like a wired remote shutter. Good idea.

[csa]

Want me to add the 300* and TC to the shopping cart and give you the link, or are you going to do it?



Welcome. Great photos!

"Want me to add the 300* and TC to the shopping cart and give you the link, or are you going to do it? "

For those that doubt that the members here, are not helpful; here's the proof!

[r0ckstarr]

"Want me to add the 300* and TC to the shopping cart and give you the link, or are you going to do it? "

For those that doubt that the members here, are not helpful; here's the proof!

It's going to happen sooner or later. I was just trying to help speed up the process.

[csa]

It's going to happen sooner or later. I was just trying to help speed up the process.

Plus saving the other member's keyboard from wear and tear!

[kengoh]

White Throated Kingfisher having breakfast

[johnmflores]

You folks are all so helpful lol! You should have heard me in the car yesterday using voice commands to my phone to do math:

"OK Google Now, what is 300 times 1.4 times 4.7?"
"OK Google Now, what is 250 times 1.4?"
"OK Google Now, what is 250 times 1.4 times 4.7?"

I'm actually inclined more towards the DA 60-250mm because it will be more versatile for birding and youth sports and other activities. But knowing me, I'll eventually end up with both lol.

[boriscleto]

White Throated Kingfisher having breakfast

Strangest looking fish I've ever seen

[Weevil]

May I ask what's the black case with connected wire (just behind lens plate). Is that a battery pack for flash or something else?

this is the receiver for a wireless remote shutter, like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GMVG82/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1...G8EYRHTB8M3S9N

[zzeitg]

this is the receiver for a wireless remote shutter, like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GMVG82/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1...G8EYRHTB8M3S9N

I see... I guess its range is longer compared to the standard Pentax remote shutter, right?

[swip]

White Throated Kingfisher having breakfast

Nicely done!