Extreme telephoto tips?

Piotrek K · 01-03-2015, 04:24 PM

I intend to use my Tokina 400/5.6 with the original Q (so it gets equivalent to 1500 mm used at APS-C camera). I never tested this lens before - was sure this one is to weak for a Q but made some initial tests yesterday on the nearby buildings and it seems to be quite OK (really poor weather so just some snaps through the window when sun appeared for a minute or two).

I intend to use it on tripod with shake reduction on (my tripod is a basic one). But would like to ask for some tips how to squeeze all the best from such a powerfull telephoto (self timer vs SR?, interval shooting for static objects?, ...). I usually use nothing longer then 300 mm on DSLR, so have really limited experience with such a extreme setup.

Any tips are welcome!

**UncleVanya** · 01-03-2015, 04:35 PM

Someone in the over 300 club posted a Q based shot at 2300mm effective focal length so you seen to be on a path that some have explored.

**jatrax** · 01-03-2015, 04:40 PM

Long Lens Techniques | OutdoorPhotographer.com
Lots of other articles out there. Long lens shooting is really different, mostly forget whatever you think you know.

I believe SR is supposed to be off if you are on a tripod, at least it is with DSLRs. Self timer or a remote is almost a must. Tripod must me rock solid, even a little breeze will be enough to soften the shot. If your tripod is lightweight, only open the first set of legs and shoot while sitting instead of standing. You might consider hanging a sand bag from the tripod. or using a sandbag as a rest instead of a tripod. Shutter speed should be higher than you think, even on a tripod.

Sandy Hancock · 01-03-2015, 04:40 PM - **3 Likes**

I use my DA*300 (sometimes with the 1.4xTC) on the Q every now and then.

I use the infra-red remote on a decent tripod (I don't even have a fancy gimbal head) and it seems to be fine. I do keep SR activated.
Mind you, I have even used it hand-held and the results weren't disastrous

**csa** · 01-03-2015, 05:14 PM

Sorry to be so dumb, but what is a "Q based shot"? I have the Tokina 400, and am curious.

-Linus- · 01-03-2015, 05:33 PM

Shot with the Pentax Q adopted to the PK tele.

-Linus-

**pearsaab** · 01-03-2015, 05:58 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Piotrek K

I intend to use my Tokina 400/5.6 with the original Q (so it gets equivalent to 1500 mm used at APS-C camera). I never tested this lens before - was sure this one is to weak for a Q but made some initial tests yesterday on the nearby buildings and it seems to be quite OK (really poor weather so just some snaps through the window when sun appeared for a minute or two).

I intend to use it on tripod with shake reduction on (my tripod is a basic one). But would like to ask for some tips how to squeeze all the best from such a powerfull telephoto (self timer vs SR?, interval shooting for static objects?, ...). I usually use nothing longer then 300 mm on DSLR, so have really limited experience with such a extreme setup.

Any tips are welcome!

Check out the Q section in the forum and the adapted lens section. I used the sigma 500mm 4.5 lens with qk adapter. I use tripod. Turn off SR and use the 2 second delay.

IMGP8519 by

reh321 · 01-03-2015, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by pearsaab

Check out the Q section in the forum and the adapted lens section. I used the sigma 500mm 4.5 lens with qk adapter. I use tripod. Turn off SR and use the 2 second delay.

Are you using the $200 qk adapter or the $20 one?

**pearsaab** · 01-03-2015, 06:14 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by reh321

Are you using the $200 qk adapter or the $20 one?

I use the 200 adapter. I think it is worth every penny. I have gotten shots that I would have never had a chance without it

Sandy Hancock · 01-03-2015, 06:21 PM

Stunning images Amy. I agree that the Pentax adaptor is worth the money.

**pearsaab** · 01-03-2015, 06:37 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Stunning images Amy. I agree that the Pentax adaptor is worth the money.

Thanks Sandy!! I think it's fun too

..your moon shot was awesome too!!

Piotrek K · 01-04-2015, 12:56 AM

Thanks for all the replies. Has Q - system its own IR remote, or the standard for Pentax will work?

Sandy Hancock · 01-04-2015, 02:03 AM

The standard Pentax remote is the one you want.

Piotrek K · 01-04-2015, 06:13 AM

What shutter speeds are on a safe side according to your experience for adapted 300 - 500 mm lenses? I know the rules but saw one beautifull photo from pearsaab - 500 mm and 1/15th of the second...

**jac** · 01-04-2015, 07:36 AM

A solid tripod and red-dot sight are the best aids. Without the sight, I'd spend so much time finding the subject that it often was two miles away in full flight before I got close to the spot it was sitting.

01-03-2015, 04:24 PM	#1
Piotrek K Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,384	Extreme telephoto tips? I intend to use my Tokina 400/5.6 with the original Q (so it gets equivalent to 1500 mm used at APS-C camera). I never tested this lens before - was sure this one is to weak for a Q but made some initial tests yesterday on the nearby buildings and it seems to be quite OK (really poor weather so just some snaps through the window when sun appeared for a minute or two). I intend to use it on tripod with shake reduction on (my tripod is a basic one). But would like to ask for some tips how to squeeze all the best from such a powerfull telephoto (self timer vs SR?, interval shooting for static objects?, ...). I usually use nothing longer then 300 mm on DSLR, so have really limited experience with such a extreme setup. Any tips are welcome!

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01-03-2015, 04:35 PM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,403	Someone in the over 300 club posted a Q based shot at 2300mm effective focal length so you seen to be on a path that some have explored.

01-03-2015, 04:40 PM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Long Lens Techniques \| OutdoorPhotographer.com Lots of other articles out there. Long lens shooting is really different, mostly forget whatever you think you know. I believe SR is supposed to be off if you are on a tripod, at least it is with DSLRs. Self timer or a remote is almost a must. Tripod must me rock solid, even a little breeze will be enough to soften the shot. If your tripod is lightweight, only open the first set of legs and shoot while sitting instead of standing. You might consider hanging a sand bag from the tripod. or using a sandbag as a rest instead of a tripod. Shutter speed should be higher than you think, even on a tripod.

01-03-2015, 04:40 PM - 3 Likes	#4
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	I use my DA*300 (sometimes with the 1.4xTC) on the Q every now and then. I use the infra-red remote on a decent tripod (I don't even have a fancy gimbal head) and it seems to be fine. I do keep SR activated. Mind you, I have even used it hand-held and the results weren't disastrous

01-03-2015, 05:14 PM	#5
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Sorry to be so dumb, but what is a "Q based shot"? I have the Tokina 400, and am curious.

01-03-2015, 05:33 PM	#6
-Linus- Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Münsterland Posts: 139	Shot with the Pentax Q adopted to the PK tele. -Linus-

01-03-2015, 05:58 PM - 1 Like	#7
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900	Originally posted by Piotrek K I intend to use my Tokina 400/5.6 with the original Q (so it gets equivalent to 1500 mm used at APS-C camera). I never tested this lens before - was sure this one is to weak for a Q but made some initial tests yesterday on the nearby buildings and it seems to be quite OK (really poor weather so just some snaps through the window when sun appeared for a minute or two). I intend to use it on tripod with shake reduction on (my tripod is a basic one). But would like to ask for some tips how to squeeze all the best from such a powerfull telephoto (self timer vs SR?, interval shooting for static objects?, ...). I usually use nothing longer then 300 mm on DSLR, so have really limited experience with such a extreme setup. Any tips are welcome! Check out the Q section in the forum and the adapted lens section. I used the sigma 500mm 4.5 lens with qk adapter. I use tripod. Turn off SR and use the 2 second delay. IMGP8519 by

01-03-2015, 06:06 PM	#8
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by pearsaab Check out the Q section in the forum and the adapted lens section. I used the sigma 500mm 4.5 lens with qk adapter. I use tripod. Turn off SR and use the 2 second delay. Are you using the $200 qk adapter or the $20 one?

01-03-2015, 06:14 PM - 1 Like	#9
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900	Originally posted by reh321 Are you using the $200 qk adapter or the $20 one? I use the 200 adapter. I think it is worth every penny. I have gotten shots that I would have never had a chance without it

01-03-2015, 06:21 PM	#10
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Stunning images Amy. I agree that the Pentax adaptor is worth the money.

01-03-2015, 06:37 PM	#11
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Stunning images Amy. I agree that the Pentax adaptor is worth the money. Thanks Sandy!! I think it's fun too ..your moon shot was awesome too!!

01-04-2015, 12:56 AM	#12
Piotrek K Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,384 Original Poster	Thanks for all the replies. Has Q - system its own IR remote, or the standard for Pentax will work?

01-04-2015, 02:03 AM	#13
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	The standard Pentax remote is the one you want.

01-04-2015, 06:13 AM	#14
Piotrek K Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,384 Original Poster	What shutter speeds are on a safe side according to your experience for adapted 300 - 500 mm lenses? I know the rules but saw one beautifull photo from pearsaab - 500 mm and 1/15th of the second...

01-04-2015, 07:36 AM	#15
jac Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Clyde River, Nunavut, Canada Posts: 2,364	A solid tripod and red-dot sight are the best aids. Without the sight, I'd spend so much time finding the subject that it often was two miles away in full flight before I got close to the spot it was sitting.