300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses

normhead · 07-31-2018, 08:27 AM - **8 Likes**

Eastern Comma Moth on Pansies

K-3 and DA 55-300 PLM
ISO 200, ƒ6.3, AV

It really does feel like cheating using this lens. It's 300mm, but it's light and easy to carry, with nice balance on the camera. It's sharp enough for close ups, Pentax engineers seem to have figured out exactly where sharpness becomes an issue and designed to that spec. The speed of AF and quietness i pretty much unmatched. With a bit tighter tolerances in the glass elements, this lens could have even more lights out than it is. But fast accurate auto focus makes up for a lot.

Last edited by normhead; 07-31-2018 at 08:32 AM.

siva.ss.kumar · 07-31-2018, 09:11 AM - **14 Likes**

Couple more from DA 560
Red wattled lapwing

Rock eagle owl

**TER-OR** · 07-31-2018, 11:03 AM - **7 Likes**

Variagated Fratillery butterfly via DA300 on K5.

Green Darner, I was lucky to find it perched. DA300 on K5.

robtcorl · 07-31-2018, 01:11 PM - **4 Likes**

I'm not sure if I'll ever capture a hummer that completely pleases me.
All with the 300*, some also with the 1.4 TC, all heavily cropped.

**Weevil** · 07-31-2018, 01:49 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by robtcorl

I'm not sure if I'll ever capture a hummer that completely pleases me.
All with the 300*, some also with the 1.4 TC, all heavily cropped.

You should try with a flash that does Hi speed sync(like the AF-540-FGZ)... and a Flash extender you'd be surprised how it freeze the action!

cmohr · 07-31-2018, 02:03 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Des

More images from the whale-watching cruise off Phillip Island, Victoria. K-3 + DA 55-300 PLM.

This is a young male Humpback whale breaching. Imagine the force of this: he's about 13 metres long and weighs about 25 tonnes. I've never seen this before. Definitely one of the most remarkable things I've ever seen.

We had been following him and his companion for about half an hour. When he dived this time, the crew of the boat said that it was a deep dive and he might breach, but there was no telling where he would emerge. So I didn't zoom in too far (108mm as it happened) and relied on the fast AF, fast shutter (1/1250th), decent DOF (f9) and some cropping to get the result. Fortunately, it worked pretty well. At a guess, he emerged about 70 metres away.

I hope you'll excuse the images being well short of 300mm. I can safely say that it won't happen again.

Sensational Images.

So hard to get them just popping out of the water, you did an excellent job catching this guy.

Again, Sensational.

Thanks for sharing

cmohr

Arrrrrrrrr

**alfa75ts** · 07-31-2018, 02:05 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by robtcorl

I'm not sure if I'll ever capture a hummer that completely pleases me.

I'm rather glad we don't have them here, I'd spend months trying to get a better shot.

Pardalotes are bad enough.

**Des** · 07-31-2018, 02:18 PM

Originally posted by dadipentak

Yeah, you could say that.I'd say something like "Oh, yeah--shot of a lifetime AND NAILED IT!!! WooHoo!!!!"

I was saying something like that inside, Dave!

Originally posted by Canada_Rockies

I need to take a bunch of stomach relief pills. I'm totally hyper envious of the great luck, and the great photos.

Many thanks Albert. Yes, what an experience. And I doubt I could have got the shots without the PLM lens. Hooray for Pentax.

Originally posted by cmohr

Sensational Images. So hard to get them just popping out of the water, you did an excellent job catching this guy. Again, Sensational.
Thanks for sharing
cmohr
Arrrrrrrrr

Many thanks indeed. If you pop down to Byron Bay you'll see the Humpbacks going past. Have a good look in Moreton Bay. Then up to Hervey Bay to watch the calves frolicking. You've got some great sites around S-E Qld!

I've been whale watching (on shore and off shore) at the head of the Bight, Victor Harbour, Warrnambool, Wilson's Prom, Phillip Island (numerous times), Eden, Jervis Bay, Byron Bay, Hervey Bay, and Mission Beach. I figure that the more often you go, the better your chances. And they are all beautiful locations. And plenty of other great sites in Oz too:
https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/the-best-places-to-go-...-in-australia/
https://news.experienceoz.com.au/top-10-whale-watching/
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/wildlife/2016/06/top-10-whale-...s-in-australia

robtcorl · 07-31-2018, 02:19 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Weevil

You should try with a flash that does Hi speed sync(like the AF-540-FGZ)... and a Flash extender you'd be surprised how it freeze the action!

I've thought about something like that, but decided I like some blur on the wings, seems more natural and gives the feeling of action, at least to me.

**alfa75ts** · 07-31-2018, 02:23 PM - **9 Likes**

Speaking of Pardalotes, uncropped or cropped?

Chris Mak · 07-31-2018, 02:56 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by siva.ss.kumar

Couple more from DA 560
Red wattled lapwing

Rock eagle owl

Great shot of the Lapwing!

Chris

cmohr · 07-31-2018, 04:09 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Des

Many thanks indeed. If you pop down to Byron Bay you'll see the Humpbacks going past. Have a good look in Moreton Bay. Then up to Hervey Bay to watch the calves frolicking. You've got some great sites around S-E Qld!

I've been whale watching (on shore and off shore) at the head of the Bight, Victor Harbour, Warrnambool, Wilson's Prom, Phillip Island (numerous times), Eden, Jervis Bay, Byron Bay, Hervey Bay, and Mission Beach. I figure that the more often you go, the better your chances. And they are all beautiful locations. And plenty of other great sites in Oz too:
The Best Places To Go Whale Watching in Australia
10 Best Whale Watching Spots in Australia | Experience Oz
Top 10 whale-watching spots in Australia - Australian Geographic

Yes, I am hopefully getting up to Rainbow beach for the New Moon, to do some Milkyway shots up there, and really hoping to see some Whale action during the days, maybe up on the cliffs at Double Island.

Thanks for the links I'll have a look there too.

cmohr

**Canada_Rockies** · 07-31-2018, 06:35 PM

Originally posted by alfa75ts

Speaking of Pardalotes, uncropped or cropped?

Yes. Both are good. I'm preferential to the cropped version, but by a minuscule margin. The first one is very nice with the surroundings.

Mike L · 07-31-2018, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by alfa75ts

Speaking of Pardalotes, uncropped or cropped?

Cropped is my pick but I'd be happy with either one.

**alfa75ts** · 07-31-2018, 07:24 PM - **2 Likes**

A lot of help you guys are

Have another.

More housekeeping:

07-31-2018, 02:18 PM	#29288
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by dadipentak Yeah, you could say that.I'd say something like "Oh, yeah--shot of a lifetime AND NAILED IT!!! WooHoo!!!!" I was saying something like that inside, Dave! Originally posted by Canada_Rockies I need to take a bunch of stomach relief pills. I'm totally hyper envious of the great luck, and the great photos. Many thanks Albert. Yes, what an experience. And I doubt I could have got the shots without the PLM lens. Hooray for Pentax. Originally posted by cmohr Sensational Images. So hard to get them just popping out of the water, you did an excellent job catching this guy. Again, Sensational. Thanks for sharing cmohr Arrrrrrrrr Many thanks indeed. If you pop down to Byron Bay you'll see the Humpbacks going past. Have a good look in Moreton Bay. Then up to Hervey Bay to watch the calves frolicking. You've got some great sites around S-E Qld! I've been whale watching (on shore and off shore) at the head of the Bight, Victor Harbour, Warrnambool, Wilson's Prom, Phillip Island (numerous times), Eden, Jervis Bay, Byron Bay, Hervey Bay, and Mission Beach. I figure that the more often you go, the better your chances. And they are all beautiful locations. And plenty of other great sites in Oz too: https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/the-best-places-to-go-...-in-australia/ https://news.experienceoz.com.au/top-10-whale-watching/ http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/wildlife/2016/06/top-10-whale-...s-in-australia Last edited by Des; 07-31-2018 at 02:39 PM.

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07-31-2018, 08:27 AM - 8 Likes	#29281
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Eastern Comma Moth on Pansies K-3 and DA 55-300 PLM ISO 200, ƒ6.3, AV It really does feel like cheating using this lens. It's 300mm, but it's light and easy to carry, with nice balance on the camera. It's sharp enough for close ups, Pentax engineers seem to have figured out exactly where sharpness becomes an issue and designed to that spec. The speed of AF and quietness i pretty much unmatched. With a bit tighter tolerances in the glass elements, this lens could have even more lights out than it is. But fast accurate auto focus makes up for a lot. Last edited by normhead; 07-31-2018 at 08:32 AM.

07-31-2018, 09:11 AM - 14 Likes	#29282
siva.ss.kumar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chennai, India Photos: Albums Posts: 534	Couple more from DA 560 Red wattled lapwing Rock eagle owl

07-31-2018, 11:03 AM - 7 Likes	#29283
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Variagated Fratillery butterfly via DA300 on K5. Green Darner, I was lucky to find it perched. DA300 on K5.

07-31-2018, 01:11 PM - 4 Likes	#29284
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	I'm not sure if I'll ever capture a hummer that completely pleases me. All with the 300*, some also with the 1.4 TC, all heavily cropped.

07-31-2018, 01:49 PM - 1 Like	#29285
Weevil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Near Montréal, Québec Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Originally posted by robtcorl I'm not sure if I'll ever capture a hummer that completely pleases me. All with the 300*, some also with the 1.4 TC, all heavily cropped. You should try with a flash that does Hi speed sync(like the AF-540-FGZ)... and a Flash extender you'd be surprised how it freeze the action!

07-31-2018, 02:03 PM - 1 Like	#29286
cmohr Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Brisbane. Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,824	Originally posted by Des More images from the whale-watching cruise off Phillip Island, Victoria. K-3 + DA 55-300 PLM. This is a young male Humpback whale breaching. Imagine the force of this: he's about 13 metres long and weighs about 25 tonnes. I've never seen this before. Definitely one of the most remarkable things I've ever seen. We had been following him and his companion for about half an hour. When he dived this time, the crew of the boat said that it was a deep dive and he might breach, but there was no telling where he would emerge. So I didn't zoom in too far (108mm as it happened) and relied on the fast AF, fast shutter (1/1250th), decent DOF (f9) and some cropping to get the result. Fortunately, it worked pretty well. At a guess, he emerged about 70 metres away. I hope you'll excuse the images being well short of 300mm. I can safely say that it won't happen again. Sensational Images. So hard to get them just popping out of the water, you did an excellent job catching this guy. Again, Sensational. Thanks for sharing cmohr Arrrrrrrrr

07-31-2018, 02:05 PM - 1 Like	#29287
alfa75ts Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,356	Originally posted by robtcorl I'm not sure if I'll ever capture a hummer that completely pleases me. I'm rather glad we don't have them here, I'd spend months trying to get a better shot. Pardalotes are bad enough.

07-31-2018, 02:19 PM - 2 Likes	#29289
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	Originally posted by Weevil You should try with a flash that does Hi speed sync(like the AF-540-FGZ)... and a Flash extender you'd be surprised how it freeze the action! I've thought about something like that, but decided I like some blur on the wings, seems more natural and gives the feeling of action, at least to me.

07-31-2018, 02:23 PM - 9 Likes	#29290
alfa75ts Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,356	Speaking of Pardalotes, uncropped or cropped?

07-31-2018, 02:56 PM - 1 Like	#29291
Chris Mak Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 639	Originally posted by siva.ss.kumar Couple more from DA 560 Red wattled lapwing Rock eagle owl Great shot of the Lapwing! Chris

07-31-2018, 04:09 PM - 1 Like	#29292
cmohr Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Brisbane. Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,824	Originally posted by Des Many thanks indeed. If you pop down to Byron Bay you'll see the Humpbacks going past. Have a good look in Moreton Bay. Then up to Hervey Bay to watch the calves frolicking. You've got some great sites around S-E Qld! I've been whale watching (on shore and off shore) at the head of the Bight, Victor Harbour, Warrnambool, Wilson's Prom, Phillip Island (numerous times), Eden, Jervis Bay, Byron Bay, Hervey Bay, and Mission Beach. I figure that the more often you go, the better your chances. And they are all beautiful locations. And plenty of other great sites in Oz too: The Best Places To Go Whale Watching in Australia 10 Best Whale Watching Spots in Australia \| Experience Oz Top 10 whale-watching spots in Australia - Australian Geographic Yes, I am hopefully getting up to Rainbow beach for the New Moon, to do some Milkyway shots up there, and really hoping to see some Whale action during the days, maybe up on the cliffs at Double Island. Thanks for the links I'll have a look there too. cmohr

07-31-2018, 06:35 PM	#29293
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by alfa75ts Speaking of Pardalotes, uncropped or cropped? Yes. Both are good. I'm preferential to the cropped version, but by a minuscule margin. The first one is very nice with the surroundings.

07-31-2018, 07:18 PM	#29294
Mike L Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,472	Originally posted by alfa75ts Speaking of Pardalotes, uncropped or cropped? Cropped is my pick but I'd be happy with either one.

07-31-2018, 07:24 PM - 2 Likes	#29295
alfa75ts Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,356	A lot of help you guys are Have another. More housekeeping: