Last year, I had the pleasure to be part of the media crew for the Tatt's Finke Desert Race. Due to contractual obligations, I was unable to post about my use of Pentax gear at that event, but as I am shooting for myself this year, I am able to share my experiences. So here's a little write up about my opinions and thoughts on using the K-1 as a sports camera.
Of course, the best part of using any Pentax camera, is the intuitive ergonomics of both their bodies and lenses, and in this regard, the combination of the K-1 and the DFA* 70-200mm excel. The only downside to this setup is the 3kg weight of it all, but in my opinion, this doesn't constitute as a massive problem given what I had to bring with me as a pro the previous year (last years setup included three bodies; K-1, K-3ii & K-5, as well as three lenses; Tamron SP 300mm f2.8 AF, DFA* 70-200mm f2.8 & DA* 16-50mm f2.8). Therefore, I feel that in this use case, this combination is perfect.
Aside from the ergonomics, the other unique feature of Pentax camera gear is the weather resistance. In my experience, Pentax camera gear can handle almost all weather conditions, ranging from torrential rain, +40*C Central Australian summers, and sub-zero Central Australian Winters. Unfortunately there are things that Pentax cameras cannot reliably handle, namely total immersion in water, and the spray of salt water. As a third item in this list, Pentax gear cannot beat the bull dust of Central Australia. As you can imagine, the ultra fine sand of Central Australia is incredibly abrasive, and at an event such as this, plenty of it is constantly in contact with your camera. Although my gear held up better than that of many of my peers, and is still functioning perfectly, there is now, after 3 years of exposure, grit in both the focus and zoom rings. Considering the length of time I have used the DFA* 70-200mm, I believe that this isn't detrimental to the lens, but it does detract from you confidence in the weather sealing of Pentax equipment. On the otherhand, all of the other gear continues to work without problem, so this could just be a once off, and a quick run under the tap removes most of the offending dust (PS, do not run water over your camera gear, even if I do)
When it comes to setting up the Pentax K-1 for motorsports, I have found the most success setting the 'Focus Hold' setting to 'High', setting the camera up for 'Back Button Focus', setting the AF-C settings to 'Focus Priority' and making sure the shutter is set to 'Release Priority'. This combination allows me to adequately focus continually on cars and motorbikes with a high success rate, whist also maintaining complete control over the camera by allowing me to override the camera at any time. I also shoot in Hyper-Program mode 'P', or in Manual depending on if there is changing lighting where I am shooting or if the lighting is constant. Another tip, is to set the DFA* 70-200mm f2.8 to AF/M mode, as in this mode, any adjustments to the focus ring immediately cancel AF.
And before anyone start to whinge and tell me Pentax AF is terrible, in 2017 I had to take saleable photos of all 700 motorbike competitors, and 140 car competitors, a challenge that I more than adequately met despite speeds of over 200km/h at certain points of the race.
That said, you do have to work the K-1 harder than most other modern full frame cameras. In my experience working with a newspaper, their D5 has much snappier AF than the K-1. The photographer has to be constantly aware of the advantages and disadvantages of their gear, and personally, my Pentax K-1 ticks the most boxes in my use case. For example, I wouldn't be able to crop as heavily with the D4 as I do with the K-1, and the dynamic range isn't as good at low ISO. All of this wouldn't matter if the K-1 was unable to keep up, but in my experience, with practice, the K-1 makes a suitable sports camera.
Last but not least, the pleasure I get from using my Pentax equipment is worth a lot all on its own. To get a similar feel in your hands from other manufactures, you're looking at spending double the money, and in my eyes, that is just not on (aside from Olympus, but lets not muddle the story hey). In the end, the camera and lens is only as good as the photographer, and even after a few years with the k-1, it still continually exceeds my abilities, which humbles me greatly.
Anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope you managed to at least enjoy your reading and my photos. Maybe you even learnt something. I look forward to some feedback and critique. Thanks in advance. Kindest regards, Josh Abbott.
I leave you with two last samples!
Last edited by Joshua A; 06-30-2018 at 01:12 AM.