Seattle - lens for whale watching

noelpolar · 05-15-2014, 11:27 PM

I regularly take 1-2 minute grabs of video whilst taking photos at events or on holiday with my K5II and then put together a 4-10 minute combined video of stills and video grabs incorporating some music etc using "iMovies". Everybody loves it.

huskerfan · 05-16-2014, 11:14 AM

Thank you everyone for the help...much appreciated

**RGlasel** · 05-16-2014, 01:04 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Having plenty of reach is key!

And don't forget luck. Spent a full day on the Port Hardy-Prince Rupert ferry and this shot at 210mm was the best shot of the day.

huskerfan · 05-23-2014, 10:53 AM

Originally posted by Adam

I'd take a 55-300mm or something along those lines. Having plenty of reach is key!

I purchased the Pentax HD 55-300 WR, I went to the local camera shop to purchase a circular polarizing filter....they wanted $149.00 for one. Too much for my budget, she said it was made specifically for DSLR cameras. Any suggestions for a less expense one?

Thanks for the help!

Parallax · 05-23-2014, 11:13 AM

I can't imagine what the store was trying to sell you. B&W are about as good as you can get, and their most expensive is $103.00.

This one or this one should do you just fine.

Just remember that the worst quality piece of glass between your subject and the sensor is going be the limiting factor as to how good your image can be. This isn't the place to try and get off too cheap.

lukulele · 05-23-2014, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by Parallax

I can't imagine what the store was trying to sell you. B&W are about as good as you can get, and their most expensive is $103.00.

This one or this one should do you just fine.

Just remember that the worst quality piece of glass between your subject and the sensor is going be the limiting factor as to how good your image can be. This isn't the place to try and get off too cheap.

Parallax is right, but if you have a good brick and mortar see if they have used 58mm circular polarizers such as the B&W, Marumi, or even some of the better Hoyas. Be sure and check the play/slop in the rotation and whether the glass itself fits the frame tightly as well as the scratches and internal dust. Our local B&M has an entire aisle of used filters in Tupperware containers and I've found from 27mm to 77mm and never paid more than $15 except for a nearly new 67mm B&W for $25. Don't be afraid to negotiate, you'll be surprised what you can do.

05-23-2014, 11:13 AM	#20
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,333	I can't imagine what the store was trying to sell you. B&W are about as good as you can get, and their most expensive is $103.00. This one or this one should do you just fine. Just remember that the worst quality piece of glass between your subject and the sensor is going be the limiting factor as to how good your image can be. This isn't the place to try and get off too cheap. Last edited by Parallax; 05-23-2014 at 11:18 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Whale watching : Tips and suggestion	jaikumarr18	Pentax K-30 & K-50	19	10-09-2013 05:52 PM
Whale watching	neil1	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	6	02-29-2012 04:43 PM
Whale Watching	skinja	Post Your Photos!	4	08-02-2009 01:00 AM
Whale Watching in San Diego	Timtast1c	Post Your Photos!	5	01-19-2009 02:16 AM
From a whale watching trip.....	Heinrich Lohmann	Post Your Photos!	18	12-16-2008 01:55 PM

05-15-2014, 11:27 PM	#16
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	I regularly take 1-2 minute grabs of video whilst taking photos at events or on holiday with my K5II and then put together a 4-10 minute combined video of stills and video grabs incorporating some music etc using "iMovies". Everybody loves it.

05-16-2014, 11:14 AM	#17
huskerfan New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Thank you everyone for the help...much appreciated

05-23-2014, 10:53 AM	#19
huskerfan New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam I'd take a 55-300mm or something along those lines. Having plenty of reach is key! I purchased the Pentax HD 55-300 WR, I went to the local camera shop to purchase a circular polarizing filter....they wanted $149.00 for one. Too much for my budget, she said it was made specifically for DSLR cameras. Any suggestions for a less expense one? Thanks for the help!

05-23-2014, 11:35 AM	#21
lukulele Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Blue Ridge Escarpment, North Carolina, US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,850	Originally posted by Parallax I can't imagine what the store was trying to sell you. B&W are about as good as you can get, and their most expensive is $103.00. This one or this one should do you just fine. Just remember that the worst quality piece of glass between your subject and the sensor is going be the limiting factor as to how good your image can be. This isn't the place to try and get off too cheap. Parallax is right, but if you have a good brick and mortar see if they have used 58mm circular polarizers such as the B&W, Marumi, or even some of the better Hoyas. Be sure and check the play/slop in the rotation and whether the glass itself fits the frame tightly as well as the scratches and internal dust. Our local B&M has an entire aisle of used filters in Tupperware containers and I've found from 27mm to 77mm and never paid more than $15 except for a nearly new 67mm B&W for $25. Don't be afraid to negotiate, you'll be surprised what you can do.