300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses

Ducatigaz · 09-09-2021, 04:02 AM - **15 Likes**

A few recent shots. K-3ii/Sigma 800mm F5.6 APO EX/RRS BH-55/Kirk window mount.

On a tripod.

Pentaxians · 09-09-2021, 05:29 AM

Originally posted by K2 to K50

What a superb capture!!!!

Thank you.

**DonV** · 09-09-2021, 06:20 AM

Originally posted by MossyRocks

I'm kind of iffy on using even the really good SMC A 2X-L converter so I'm not sure about the 645 2X how it stacks up but if I get a Q I will at least give it a try. I also have the SMC A 1.4X-L converter which is fantastic when paired with the A* 400/2.8 so even if I am only at about 2600-3000mm equivalent (400/2.8 +1.4x converter) with at Q it would still be fun especially being able to run wide open at f/4 or stopped down to like f/5.6. That is a lot of light for planetary imaging. At those equivalent focal lengths doing a stitched sacked moon shot should show some impressive detail.

The wife might not be happy about yet another camera appearing in the house but they are small and as you say inexpensive.

The 645 2x by Pentax is an outstanding converter; though my "testing" is not scientific- I can't see any degradation when using it on the 645D or an apsc body.

It's been cloudy/hazy here with few clear nights for a couple months- maybe I'll catch a break soon.

And compared with your other gear, the Q will pass as a "toy" !

dlhawes · 09-09-2021, 07:31 AM

"Woodstock"

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**MossyRocks** · 09-09-2021, 08:48 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Spock

I had a Q7 and a genuine K to Q adapter. Unfortunately I found it was VERY hard to get good focus with long lenses and the results were actually not as good as cropped images taken with the same lens on a K3 (Mark1) I had then. The Q screen is low resolution and it's often hard to even see what you're taking a picture of at high magnifications - especially in low light.

For astro shooting I will point the setup at a really bright star and then use a bahtinov mask to get perfect focus so I should be able to nail the focus. Also today I did see a nice astro shot of the sun using the original Q and a 300mm that isn't as good as the A* 400/2.8 so it looks like using a Q for some aspects of astro shooting may produce some fairly good results.

**MossyRocks** · 09-09-2021, 08:52 AM

Originally posted by DonV

The 645 2x by Pentax is an outstanding converter; though my "testing" is not scientific- I can't see any degradation when using it on the 645D or an apsc body.

That is good to hear. I have no experience with that converter but I suppose that anything 625 format would be high quality as it was/is a system targeted as pros.

Originally posted by DonV

And compared with your other gear, the Q will pass as a "toy" !

I have an auto 110 and like that little thing. It is a fun little camera and does pass as a toy by comparison so a Q wouldn't be lonely.

**Lowell Goudge** · 09-09-2021, 09:16 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Spock

I had a Q7 and a genuine K to Q adapter. Unfortunately I found it was VERY hard to get good focus with long lenses and the results were actually not as good as cropped images taken with the same lens on a K3 (Mark1) I had then. The Q screen is low resolution and it's often hard to even see what you're taking a picture of at high magnifications - especially in low light.

With respect to the Q and long lenses, did you use focus peaking? Also there is a hack for using a Nikon P&S shade and magnifying eye cup to make viewing the screen easier in daylight.

Focus peaking is indispensable for accurate focusing with the Q. Also look for manual lenses with 270 degree or more focus throw, the slower the helix the easier it is to get good focus

normhead · 09-09-2021, 10:33 AM - **2 Likes**

K-1, Tamron 300 2.8 AF+F1.7x AF adapter (510mm)
ISO 400, ƒ/5.6 AV

Juvenile White Throated Sparrows This year was the biggest year for young White Throated Sparrows ever. At least 8 young ones.

One of the the adults in the group.

Aaron28 · 09-09-2021, 06:24 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Ducatigaz

A few recent shots

nice set.....is that a U-2??? haven't seen one since being at sigonella nas......was purdy cool to see them ride a convertible camaro with a guy holding a wing when the u-2 landed.....never seen a plane disappear so fast into the distance......amazing

Aaron28 · 09-09-2021, 06:26 PM - **9 Likes**

a stranger in a strange land.....quite odd to have a roseate spoonbill in north alabama......K-3ii...sigma 150-500os

Pentaxians · 09-09-2021, 10:45 PM - **6 Likes**

Nice to see some feather friends visiting Singapore, despite the pandemic situation.

Lesser Sand-Plover arrived few weeks ago.

Ducatigaz · 09-10-2021, 01:41 AM

Originally posted by Aaron28

nice set.....is that a U-2??? haven't seen one since being at sigonella nas......was purdy cool to see them ride a convertible camaro with a guy holding a wing when the u-2 landed.....never seen a plane disappear so fast into the distance......amazing

Yes, it's a U-2, still going strong after all this time.

**termy** · 09-10-2021, 07:10 AM - **9 Likes**

'Sleepy head'.

K33 with DFA 150-450.

**jacamar** · 09-10-2021, 12:36 PM - **8 Likes**

A bit of migration action at the park this morning (north shore of lake Ontario).

Red-eyed Vireo

Magnolia Warblers (hatched this year)

Saddlebags dragonfly (either a Red or a Carolina) - also on migration

Pentax K3-III, DA* 300mm lens, DA 1.4x TC

**Des** · 09-10-2021, 07:36 PM - **8 Likes**

What a showcase this thread is. @Noelpolar @RobG @Pentaxians @Ducatigaz @Normhead @Aaron28 @Termy @Jacamar - fine images all.

I have it easy - colourful birds in my yard that pose obligingly! Crimson Rosella. KP + FA*300 f4.5

09-10-2021, 07:36 PM - 8 Likes	#36885
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,422	What a showcase this thread is. @Noelpolar @RobG @Pentaxians @Ducatigaz @Normhead @Aaron28 @Termy @Jacamar - fine images all. I have it easy - colourful birds in my yard that pose obligingly! Crimson Rosella. KP + FA300 f4.5 Last edited by Des; 09-10-2021 at 07:49 PM.*

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09-09-2021, 04:02 AM - 15 Likes	#36871
Ducatigaz Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Blunsdon,Wiltshire, UK Posts: 1,500	A few recent shots. K-3ii/Sigma 800mm F5.6 APO EX/RRS BH-55/Kirk window mount. On a tripod.

09-09-2021, 05:29 AM	#36872
Pentaxians Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 733	Originally posted by K2 to K50 What a superb capture!!!! Thank you.

09-09-2021, 06:20 AM	#36873
DonV Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Near Charlotte NC Photos: Albums Posts: 693	Originally posted by MossyRocks I'm kind of iffy on using even the really good SMC A 2X-L converter so I'm not sure about the 645 2X how it stacks up but if I get a Q I will at least give it a try. I also have the SMC A 1.4X-L converter which is fantastic when paired with the A* 400/2.8 so even if I am only at about 2600-3000mm equivalent (400/2.8 +1.4x converter) with at Q it would still be fun especially being able to run wide open at f/4 or stopped down to like f/5.6. That is a lot of light for planetary imaging. At those equivalent focal lengths doing a stitched sacked moon shot should show some impressive detail. The wife might not be happy about yet another camera appearing in the house but they are small and as you say inexpensive. The 645 2x by Pentax is an outstanding converter; though my "testing" is not scientific- I can't see any degradation when using it on the 645D or an apsc body. It's been cloudy/hazy here with few clear nights for a couple months- maybe I'll catch a break soon. And compared with your other gear, the Q will pass as a "toy" !

09-09-2021, 08:48 AM - 1 Like	#36875
MossyRocks Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,982	Originally posted by Spock I had a Q7 and a genuine K to Q adapter. Unfortunately I found it was VERY hard to get good focus with long lenses and the results were actually not as good as cropped images taken with the same lens on a K3 (Mark1) I had then. The Q screen is low resolution and it's often hard to even see what you're taking a picture of at high magnifications - especially in low light. For astro shooting I will point the setup at a really bright star and then use a bahtinov mask to get perfect focus so I should be able to nail the focus. Also today I did see a nice astro shot of the sun using the original Q and a 300mm that isn't as good as the A* 400/2.8 so it looks like using a Q for some aspects of astro shooting may produce some fairly good results.

09-09-2021, 08:52 AM	#36876
MossyRocks Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,982	Originally posted by DonV The 645 2x by Pentax is an outstanding converter; though my "testing" is not scientific- I can't see any degradation when using it on the 645D or an apsc body. That is good to hear. I have no experience with that converter but I suppose that anything 625 format would be high quality as it was/is a system targeted as pros. Originally posted by DonV And compared with your other gear, the Q will pass as a "toy" ! I have an auto 110 and like that little thing. It is a fun little camera and does pass as a toy by comparison so a Q wouldn't be lonely.

09-09-2021, 09:16 AM - 1 Like	#36877
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by Spock I had a Q7 and a genuine K to Q adapter. Unfortunately I found it was VERY hard to get good focus with long lenses and the results were actually not as good as cropped images taken with the same lens on a K3 (Mark1) I had then. The Q screen is low resolution and it's often hard to even see what you're taking a picture of at high magnifications - especially in low light. With respect to the Q and long lenses, did you use focus peaking? Also there is a hack for using a Nikon P&S shade and magnifying eye cup to make viewing the screen easier in daylight. Focus peaking is indispensable for accurate focusing with the Q. Also look for manual lenses with 270 degree or more focus throw, the slower the helix the easier it is to get good focus

09-09-2021, 10:33 AM - 2 Likes	#36878
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	K-1, Tamron 300 2.8 AF+F1.7x AF adapter (510mm) ISO 400, ƒ/5.6 AV Juvenile White Throated Sparrows This year was the biggest year for young White Throated Sparrows ever. At least 8 young ones. One of the the adults in the group.

09-09-2021, 06:24 PM - 1 Like	#36879
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	Originally posted by Ducatigaz A few recent shots nice set.....is that a U-2??? haven't seen one since being at sigonella nas......was purdy cool to see them ride a convertible camaro with a guy holding a wing when the u-2 landed.....never seen a plane disappear so fast into the distance......amazing

09-09-2021, 06:26 PM - 9 Likes	#36880
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	a stranger in a strange land.....quite odd to have a roseate spoonbill in north alabama......K-3ii...sigma 150-500os

09-09-2021, 10:45 PM - 6 Likes	#36881
Pentaxians Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 733	Nice to see some feather friends visiting Singapore, despite the pandemic situation. Lesser Sand-Plover arrived few weeks ago.

09-10-2021, 01:41 AM	#36882
Ducatigaz Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Blunsdon,Wiltshire, UK Posts: 1,500	Originally posted by Aaron28 nice set.....is that a U-2??? haven't seen one since being at sigonella nas......was purdy cool to see them ride a convertible camaro with a guy holding a wing when the u-2 landed.....never seen a plane disappear so fast into the distance......amazing Yes, it's a U-2, still going strong after all this time.

09-10-2021, 12:36 PM - 8 Likes	#36884
jacamar Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Toronto Photos: Albums Posts: 3,443	A bit of migration action at the park this morning (north shore of lake Ontario). Red-eyed Vireo Magnolia Warblers (hatched this year) Saddlebags dragonfly (either a Red or a Carolina) - also on migration Pentax K3-III, DA* 300mm lens, DA 1.4x TC

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