Hi! I am finally one of the family! :-)

Jennasis · 07-13-2013, 04:27 PM

Just registered and wanted to say hello to you all - I got my Pentax K-5 II a couple of weeks ago and am really enjoying it!

Have taken a few photos thus far, a few of which I have stuck on Flikr and on my website.

Flikr Photos with K-5 II

Look forward to learning from all you guys and girls and sharing the sights I see with you!

Kind Regards

Jenn

Silent Skies

**ramseybuckeye** · 07-13-2013, 05:43 PM

Welcome to the family! This is a great place to share and learn.

**patrick9** · 07-13-2013, 05:43 PM

Welcome to the Forums Nice set of photos. especially the doggie

Jennasis · 07-14-2013, 01:16 AM

Thanks!

Another great day for taking photos today! It's been boiling hot here in Manchester for the past week or so!

Happy you like the pics and yes, that doggie is the sweetest lil thing, even if he is the ugliest gremlin of a dog you have ever seen hihi :-) (he has one brown eye, one bright blue eye and jowls like a troll, but all he wants to do is play fetch and cuddle)

MarkJerling · 07-14-2013, 01:38 AM

Originally posted by Jennasis

Thanks!

Another great day for taking photos today! It's been boiling hot here in Manchester for the past week or so!

Happy you like the pics and yes, that doggie is the sweetest lil thing, even if he is the ugliest gremlin of a dog you have ever seen hihi :-) (he has one brown eye, one bright blue eye and jowls like a troll, but all he wants to do is play fetch and cuddle)

Nice photos Jenna. Welcome to the forum!

Jennasis · 07-14-2013, 01:56 AM

Originally posted by MarkJerling

Nice photos Jenna. Welcome to the forum!

Thank you Mark! :-)

Class A · 07-14-2013, 02:07 AM

Welcome to the forum, Jenn.

Some very nice captures on your stream!

With which lens did you take this shot?

carrrlangas · 07-14-2013, 02:10 AM

welcome!

Jennasis · 07-14-2013, 02:20 AM

Originally posted by Class A

Welcome to the forum, Jenn.

Some very nice captures on your stream!

With which lens did you take this shot?

Thanks!

Most of the ones in that set (this one included) were taken with the 55-300mm, handheld around our local nature trail - that one was taken at 300mm.

I'd really like to get a long range macro lens to improve on fine detail, but my budget at the mo is rather tight and I've not seen any positive reviews of the cheaper 100mm+ lenses, so think I am holding out until I can borrow one to test, then will perhaps save for the 100mm WR, if it's worth it

Any recommendations?

Jenn

Jennasis · 07-14-2013, 02:21 AM

Originally posted by carrrlangas

welcome!

Thank you! :-)

**Kerrowdown** · 07-14-2013, 06:52 AM

Welcome aboard, you have some good images there in your flickr.

Class A · 07-14-2013, 07:06 AM

Originally posted by Jennasis

Any recommendations?

I have the Sigma 70/2.8 EX and it is great.

I wrote about the Sigma 70/2.8 EX a while ago praising its virtues.
I specifically wanted a 70mm lens because I wanted to take portraits with it as well.
I think that 100mm is already too long for portraits (on APS-C).

If you want a macro lens only, then going for the equally excellent Sigma 105/2.8 EX lens or even the Sigma 180/3.5 EX would make a bit more sense because the longer the focal length, the higher the stand-off distance. In other words, the lower the focal length, the closer you have to get to the subject to achieve 1:1 magnification and some critters will be scared by you approaching.

It is hard to find a bad macro lens so there are a lot of options.

If you want a Pentax 100/2.8 macro, I'd go for the WR version.

P.S.: Can't believe you took those shots with the 55-300!

**ramseybuckeye** · 07-14-2013, 07:45 AM

Originally posted by Jennasis

Thanks!

Most of the ones in that set (this one included) were taken with the 55-300mm, handheld around our local nature trail - that one was taken at 300mm.

I'd really like to get a long range macro lens to improve on fine detail, but my budget at the mo is rather tight and I've not seen any positive reviews of the cheaper 100mm+ lenses, so think I am holding out until I can borrow one to test, then will perhaps save for the 100mm WR, if it's worth it

Any recommendations?

Jenn

It is an excellent lens, I had one that I sold because I just didn't do enough macro pics and used it more of a telephoto, and once I got the DA18-135WR it covered at WR telephoto length with a little more versatility. I do miss it though.

Jennasis · 07-14-2013, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by kerrowdown

Welcome aboard, you have some good images there in your flickr.

Thank you! Am happy that you like them! I have just been out to take some more pics ;-) Couldn't resist in this weather!

Originally posted by Class A

I have the Sigma 70/2.8 EX and it is great.

I wrote about the Sigma 70/2.8 EX a while ago praising its virtues.
I specifically wanted a 70mm lens because I wanted to take portraits with it as well.
I think that 100mm is already too long for portraits (on APS-C).

If you want a macro lens only, then going for the equally excellent Sigma 105/2.8 EX lens or even the Sigma 180/3.5 EX would make a bit more sense because the longer the focal length, the higher the stand-off distance. In other words, the lower the focal length, the closer you have to get to the subject to achieve 1:1 magnification and some critters will be scared by you approaching.

It is hard to find a bad macro lens so there are a lot of options.

If you want a Pentax 100/2.8 macro, I'd go for the WR version.

P.S.: Can't believe you took those shots with the 55-300!

I was comparing the 55-300mm and 18-135mm for macro today and having the extra range really helps with the small insects! The one thing that both lack, to some extent, is detailed fine focus at the long end (or perhaps I am being a little too demanding?) and I feel that a long macro might do this a lot better. Thank you for the suggestion of the Sigma 180, had not come across this one - I will take a look! I was also looking at an AF extension tube set on ebay for £40 and was wondering if these would have any significant disadvantages, such as vignetting?

Thanks for your expertise! :-)

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

It is an excellent lens, I had one that I sold because I just didn't do enough macro pics and used it more of a telephoto, and once I got the DA18-135WR it covered at WR telephoto length with a little more versatility. I do miss it though.

I really love the 18-135 due to it's wide angle at the bottom end, but I always feel I need more range when I use it, largely I suppose because I am stuck in a city and there isn't much to see here unless you go into the macro world! I think the 18-135 will come into it's own for me when I can finally escape to the lakes or peaks :-)

ChristianRock · 07-16-2013, 10:31 AM

Great pictures, Jenna. I want a K-5 II and you make me want one even more

07-13-2013, 04:27 PM	#1
Jennasis Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Manchester Posts: 40	Hi! I am finally one of the family! :-) Just registered and wanted to say hello to you all - I got my Pentax K-5 II a couple of weeks ago and am really enjoying it! Have taken a few photos thus far, a few of which I have stuck on Flikr and on my website. Flikr Photos with K-5 II Look forward to learning from all you guys and girls and sharing the sights I see with you! Kind Regards Jenn Silent Skies

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07-13-2013, 05:43 PM	#2
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,291	Welcome to the family! This is a great place to share and learn.

07-13-2013, 05:43 PM	#3
patrick9 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Murfreesboro Tennessee Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,458	Welcome to the Forums Nice set of photos. especially the doggie

07-14-2013, 01:16 AM	#4
Jennasis Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Manchester Posts: 40 Original Poster	Thanks! Another great day for taking photos today! It's been boiling hot here in Manchester for the past week or so! Happy you like the pics and yes, that doggie is the sweetest lil thing, even if he is the ugliest gremlin of a dog you have ever seen hihi :-) (he has one brown eye, one bright blue eye and jowls like a troll, but all he wants to do is play fetch and cuddle)

07-14-2013, 01:38 AM	#5
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,405	Originally posted by Jennasis Thanks! Another great day for taking photos today! It's been boiling hot here in Manchester for the past week or so! Happy you like the pics and yes, that doggie is the sweetest lil thing, even if he is the ugliest gremlin of a dog you have ever seen hihi :-) (he has one brown eye, one bright blue eye and jowls like a troll, but all he wants to do is play fetch and cuddle) Nice photos Jenna. Welcome to the forum!

07-14-2013, 01:56 AM	#6
Jennasis Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Manchester Posts: 40 Original Poster	Originally posted by MarkJerling Nice photos Jenna. Welcome to the forum! Thank you Mark! :-)

07-14-2013, 02:07 AM	#7
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Welcome to the forum, Jenn. Some very nice captures on your stream! With which lens did you take this shot?

07-14-2013, 02:10 AM	#8
carrrlangas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Joensuu (Finland) Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,761	welcome!

07-14-2013, 02:20 AM	#9
Jennasis Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Manchester Posts: 40 Original Poster	Originally posted by Class A Welcome to the forum, Jenn. Some very nice captures on your stream! With which lens did you take this shot? Thanks! Most of the ones in that set (this one included) were taken with the 55-300mm, handheld around our local nature trail - that one was taken at 300mm. I'd really like to get a long range macro lens to improve on fine detail, but my budget at the mo is rather tight and I've not seen any positive reviews of the cheaper 100mm+ lenses, so think I am holding out until I can borrow one to test, then will perhaps save for the 100mm WR, if it's worth it Any recommendations? Jenn

07-14-2013, 02:21 AM	#10
Jennasis Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Manchester Posts: 40 Original Poster	Originally posted by carrrlangas welcome! Thank you! :-)

07-14-2013, 06:52 AM	#11
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,816	Welcome aboard, you have some good images there in your flickr.

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07-14-2013, 07:06 AM	#12
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by Jennasis Any recommendations? I have the Sigma 70/2.8 EX and it is great. I wrote about the Sigma 70/2.8 EX a while ago praising its virtues. I specifically wanted a 70mm lens because I wanted to take portraits with it as well. I think that 100mm is already too long for portraits (on APS-C). If you want a macro lens only, then going for the equally excellent Sigma 105/2.8 EX lens or even the Sigma 180/3.5 EX would make a bit more sense because the longer the focal length, the higher the stand-off distance. In other words, the lower the focal length, the closer you have to get to the subject to achieve 1:1 magnification and some critters will be scared by you approaching. It is hard to find a bad macro lens so there are a lot of options. If you want a Pentax 100/2.8 macro, I'd go for the WR version. P.S.: Can't believe you took those shots with the 55-300!

07-14-2013, 07:45 AM	#13
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,291	Originally posted by Jennasis Thanks! Most of the ones in that set (this one included) were taken with the 55-300mm, handheld around our local nature trail - that one was taken at 300mm. I'd really like to get a long range macro lens to improve on fine detail, but my budget at the mo is rather tight and I've not seen any positive reviews of the cheaper 100mm+ lenses, so think I am holding out until I can borrow one to test, then will perhaps save for the 100mm WR, if it's worth it Any recommendations? Jenn It is an excellent lens, I had one that I sold because I just didn't do enough macro pics and used it more of a telephoto, and once I got the DA18-135WR it covered at WR telephoto length with a little more versatility. I do miss it though.

07-14-2013, 08:22 AM	#14
Jennasis Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Manchester Posts: 40 Original Poster	Originally posted by kerrowdown Welcome aboard, you have some good images there in your flickr. Thank you! Am happy that you like them! I have just been out to take some more pics ;-) Couldn't resist in this weather! Originally posted by Class A I have the Sigma 70/2.8 EX and it is great. I wrote about the Sigma 70/2.8 EX a while ago praising its virtues. I specifically wanted a 70mm lens because I wanted to take portraits with it as well. I think that 100mm is already too long for portraits (on APS-C). If you want a macro lens only, then going for the equally excellent Sigma 105/2.8 EX lens or even the Sigma 180/3.5 EX would make a bit more sense because the longer the focal length, the higher the stand-off distance. In other words, the lower the focal length, the closer you have to get to the subject to achieve 1:1 magnification and some critters will be scared by you approaching. It is hard to find a bad macro lens so there are a lot of options. If you want a Pentax 100/2.8 macro, I'd go for the WR version. P.S.: Can't believe you took those shots with the 55-300! I was comparing the 55-300mm and 18-135mm for macro today and having the extra range really helps with the small insects! The one thing that both lack, to some extent, is detailed fine focus at the long end (or perhaps I am being a little too demanding?) and I feel that a long macro might do this a lot better. Thank you for the suggestion of the Sigma 180, had not come across this one - I will take a look! I was also looking at an AF extension tube set on ebay for £40 and was wondering if these would have any significant disadvantages, such as vignetting? Thanks for your expertise! :-) Originally posted by ramseybuckeye It is an excellent lens, I had one that I sold because I just didn't do enough macro pics and used it more of a telephoto, and once I got the DA18-135WR it covered at WR telephoto length with a little more versatility. I do miss it though. I really love the 18-135 due to it's wide angle at the bottom end, but I always feel I need more range when I use it, largely I suppose because I am stuck in a city and there isn't much to see here unless you go into the macro world! I think the 18-135 will come into it's own for me when I can finally escape to the lakes or peaks :-)

07-16-2013, 10:31 AM	#15
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Great pictures, Jenna. I want a K-5 II and you make me want one even more