"Test" shots with my new DA*60-250 f4

Lance B · 06-17-2009, 07:51 PM

Hi all,

I thought I would post some photos from my new DA*60-250 f4 for anyone who is interested. These are not the brick wall or test chart type test photos, but reasonably "real world" photos of subjects that we may all like to take photos of.

I went down to a local lake and took photos of some local birdlife and these are the results. If anyone is loking for a lens around this zoom range, then the DA*60-250 f4 is superb, IMO. Excellent sharpness, bokeh (for a zoom), colour rendition and the handling is very good.

I have the DA*50-135 f2.8 and the FA*80-200 f2.8 as well, and I think that both of them will rarely get used now that I have this lens and some people know how much I love my FA*80-200 f2.8!!. I can save 1.1kg in weight by only having the DA*60-250 and also a spot in my camera bag!

There is no doubt that the FA*80-200 f2.8 is a stellar lens, but the DA*60-250 f4 looks like it may be able to match it.

Highly recommended.

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 88mm, 1/25sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 250mm, 1/125sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 170mm, 1/160sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 250mm, 1/100sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 250mm, 1/400sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 250mm, 1/200sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 250mm, 1/100sec, ISO400

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 200mm, 1/100sec, ISO400

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 250mm, 1/80sec, ISO400

Crop of the photo above. How good is this!!!

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 180mm, 1/125sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 180mm, 1/200sec, ISO200

K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 180mm, 1/160sec, ISO200

Ole · 06-17-2009, 07:59 PM

Thanks for posting. Lens aside, I really like the backlit shot of the pelican with the beak on fire! Great shot!

_who_ · 06-17-2009, 08:14 PM

Thanks for posting these. It looks like this might be one of my lens choices once I've moved into the DSLR world.

m42geo · 06-17-2009, 08:16 PM

Any post process done or just as it was came out from camera?

Lance B · 06-17-2009, 08:22 PM

Originally posted by m42geo

Any post process done or just as it was came out from camera?

All shot RAW, converted in Capture One 4 Pro and resized and sharpened in Photoshop using Power Reouche.

In Capture One 4 Pro, all I do is a basic curves, small amount of saturation and if and where necessary an exposure and WB adjustment.
That is basically it.

Once in Photoshop, all I do is resize for web view and then do a mild sharpen using Power Retouche plug in.

Lance B · 06-17-2009, 08:22 PM

Originally posted by Ole

Thanks for posting. Lens aside, I really like the backlit shot of the pelican with the beak on fire! Great shot!

Thank you very much, Ole.

I thought these might be of use to those considering purchase of this lens.

Lance B · 06-17-2009, 08:23 PM

Originally posted by _who_

Thanks for posting these. It looks like this might be one of my lens choices once I've moved into the DSLR world.

No problem. It is a brilliant lens, IMO.

m42geo · 06-17-2009, 08:26 PM

Originally posted by Lance B

All shot RAW, converted in Capture One 4 Pro and resized and sharpened in Photoshop using Power Reouche.

In Capture One 4 Pro, all I do is a basic curves, small amount of saturation and if and where necessary an exposure and WB adjustment.
That is basically it.

Once in Photoshop, all I do is resize for web view and then do a mild sharpen using Power Retouche plug in.

I 100% will save up money for this lens, I just got my 50-135 a week ago and I am not 100% happy about it.

How do you campare the IQ with this lens with the 50-135?

How much did you get your 60-250 for? and where did you purchase it?

**Marc Langille** · 06-17-2009, 08:46 PM

Well, I am disappointed that you broke the mold and photographed living subjects...

Looks quite nice to me Lance - great colors and certainly look sharp! Do they hold up well in the crop? Hmmm... what to do.... darn LBA.:ugh:

Regards,
Marc

RawheaD · 06-17-2009, 09:41 PM

I'm buying this lens soon, like, real soon.

Were all shots from on a tripod, or is there any handheld shots in there?

Lance B · 06-17-2009, 11:47 PM

Originally posted by m42geo

I 100% will save up money for this lens, I just got my 50-135 a week ago and I am not 100% happy about it.

How do you campare the IQ with this lens with the 50-135?

How much did you get your 60-250 for? and where did you purchase it?

As a seat of the pants judgement, and I stress this is a seat of the pants judgement, I think that the IQ is better than the DA*50-135.

I will contact you directly about where I got it and for how much.

Lance B · 06-17-2009, 11:50 PM

Originally posted by Marc Langille

Well, I am disappointed that you broke the mold and photographed living subjects...

LOL. I know it is a sad day when test shots are actually of proper subject matter.

Quote:

Looks quite nice to me Lance - great colors and certainly look sharp! Do they hold up well in the crop? Hmmm... what to do.... darn LBA.:ugh:

Look at the crop of the ugly ducks head, photo 10 is the original and photo 11 is the crop. Looks pretty bloody good to me!

I am *very* impressed by the IQ of this lens.

Lance B · 06-17-2009, 11:51 PM

Originally posted by RawheaD

I'm buying this lens soon, like, real soon.

Were all shots from on a tripod, or is there any handheld shots in there?

No tripod, all handheld, SR on. Most at ISO200 some at ISO400.

robjmitchell · 06-18-2009, 12:10 AM

Thanks for posting these shots here lance! You always seem to bring out the best in a new lens!
Hey do you know if the Da 15 is in Aus yet?
Cheers

Lance B · 06-18-2009, 12:25 AM

Originally posted by robjmitchell

Thanks for posting these shots here lance! You always seem to bring out the best in a new lens!

Thank you for your very nice comments, Rob. Much appreciated.

Quote:

Hey do you know if the Da 15 is in Aus yet?
Cheers

I haven't heard yet. As I am not after this lens, I haven't asked my sources. I will ask him.

06-17-2009, 07:51 PM	#1
Lance B Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 593	*"Test" shots with my new DA60-250 f4** Hi all, I thought I would post some photos from my new DA60-250 f4 for anyone who is interested. These are not the brick wall or test chart type test photos, but reasonably "real world" photos of subjects that we may all like to take photos of. I went down to a local lake and took photos of some local birdlife and these are the results. If anyone is loking for a lens around this zoom range, then the DA60-250 f4 is superb, IMO. Excellent sharpness, bokeh (for a zoom), colour rendition and the handling is very good. I have the DA50-135 f2.8 and the FA80-200 f2.8 as well, and I think that both of them will rarely get used now that I have this lens and some people know how much I love my FA80-200 f2.8!!. I can save 1.1kg in weight by only having the DA60-250 and also a spot in my camera bag! There is no doubt that the FA80-200 f2.8 is a stellar lens, but the DA60-250 f4 looks like it may be able to match it. Highly recommended. K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 88mm, 1/25sec, ISO200 K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 250mm, 1/125sec, ISO200 K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 170mm, 1/160sec, ISO200 K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 250mm, 1/100sec, ISO200 K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 250mm, 1/400sec, ISO200 K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 250mm, 1/200sec, ISO200 K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 250mm, 1/100sec, ISO400 K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 250mm, 1/100sec, ISO400 K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 200mm, 1/100sec, ISO400 K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f6.3, 250mm, 1/80sec, ISO400 Crop of the photo above. How good is this!!! K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 180mm, 1/125sec, ISO200 K20D + DA60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 180mm, 1/200sec, ISO200 K20D + DA*60-250 f4 @ f5.6, 180mm, 1/160sec, ISO200

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Debug Mode Question about "AF Test Area" values	brecklundin	Pentax DSLR Discussion	1	06-16-2010 04:46 PM
Does DA 18-250 need "thin" filters	bdphoto	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	0	08-29-2008 11:02 AM
"Hunger for a DA50-135?" or "The DA50-135 as a bird lens!" or "Iron age birds?"	Douglas_of_Sweden	Post Your Photos!	4	08-13-2008 06:09 AM
Pentax K20D's "road test"	flyer	Pentax DSLR Discussion	5	06-24-2008 03:50 PM
Vivitar "Series1" 70-210 f/3.5 Test shots	hinman	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	11	02-06-2008 09:04 PM

06-17-2009, 07:59 PM	#2
Ole Administrator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,408	Thanks for posting. Lens aside, I really like the backlit shot of the pelican with the beak on fire! Great shot!

06-17-2009, 08:14 PM	#3
_who_ Banned Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Pogoland Posts: 43	Thanks for posting these. It looks like this might be one of my lens choices once I've moved into the DSLR world.

06-17-2009, 08:16 PM	#4
m42geo Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London Posts: 103	Any post process done or just as it was came out from camera?

06-17-2009, 08:22 PM	#5
Lance B Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 593 Original Poster	Originally posted by m42geo Any post process done or just as it was came out from camera? All shot RAW, converted in Capture One 4 Pro and resized and sharpened in Photoshop using Power Reouche. In Capture One 4 Pro, all I do is a basic curves, small amount of saturation and if and where necessary an exposure and WB adjustment. That is basically it. Once in Photoshop, all I do is resize for web view and then do a mild sharpen using Power Retouche plug in.

06-17-2009, 08:22 PM	#6
Lance B Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 593 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ole Thanks for posting. Lens aside, I really like the backlit shot of the pelican with the beak on fire! Great shot! Thank you very much, Ole. I thought these might be of use to those considering purchase of this lens.

06-17-2009, 08:23 PM	#7
Lance B Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 593 Original Poster	Originally posted by _who_ Thanks for posting these. It looks like this might be one of my lens choices once I've moved into the DSLR world. No problem. It is a brilliant lens, IMO.

06-17-2009, 08:26 PM	#8
m42geo Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London Posts: 103	Originally posted by Lance B All shot RAW, converted in Capture One 4 Pro and resized and sharpened in Photoshop using Power Reouche. In Capture One 4 Pro, all I do is a basic curves, small amount of saturation and if and where necessary an exposure and WB adjustment. That is basically it. Once in Photoshop, all I do is resize for web view and then do a mild sharpen using Power Retouche plug in. I 100% will save up money for this lens, I just got my 50-135 a week ago and I am not 100% happy about it. How do you campare the IQ with this lens with the 50-135? How much did you get your 60-250 for? and where did you purchase it?

06-17-2009, 08:46 PM	#9
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710	Well, I am disappointed that you broke the mold and photographed living subjects... Looks quite nice to me Lance - great colors and certainly look sharp! Do they hold up well in the crop? Hmmm... what to do.... darn LBA.:ugh: Regards, Marc

06-17-2009, 09:41 PM	#10
RawheaD Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: MA, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 831	I'm buying this lens soon, like, real soon. Were all shots from on a tripod, or is there any handheld shots in there?

06-17-2009, 11:47 PM	#11
Lance B Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 593 Original Poster	Originally posted by m42geo I 100% will save up money for this lens, I just got my 50-135 a week ago and I am not 100% happy about it. How do you campare the IQ with this lens with the 50-135? How much did you get your 60-250 for? and where did you purchase it? As a seat of the pants judgement, and I stress this is a seat of the pants judgement, I think that the IQ is better than the DA*50-135. I will contact you directly about where I got it and for how much.

06-17-2009, 11:50 PM	#12
Lance B Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 593 Original Poster	Originally posted by Marc Langille Well, I am disappointed that you broke the mold and photographed living subjects... LOL. I know it is a sad day when test shots are actually of proper subject matter. Quote: Looks quite nice to me Lance - great colors and certainly look sharp! Do they hold up well in the crop? Hmmm... what to do.... darn LBA.:ugh: Look at the crop of the ugly ducks head, photo 10 is the original and photo 11 is the crop. Looks pretty bloody good to me! I am very impressed by the IQ of this lens.

06-17-2009, 11:51 PM	#13
Lance B Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 593 Original Poster	Originally posted by RawheaD I'm buying this lens soon, like, real soon. Were all shots from on a tripod, or is there any handheld shots in there? No tripod, all handheld, SR on. Most at ISO200 some at ISO400.

06-18-2009, 12:10 AM	#14
robjmitchell Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Aus Posts: 1,776	Thanks for posting these shots here lance! You always seem to bring out the best in a new lens! Hey do you know if the Da 15 is in Aus yet? Cheers

06-18-2009, 12:25 AM	#15
Lance B Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 593 Original Poster	Originally posted by robjmitchell Thanks for posting these shots here lance! You always seem to bring out the best in a new lens! Thank you for your very nice comments, Rob. Much appreciated. Quote: Hey do you know if the Da 15 is in Aus yet? Cheers I haven't heard yet. As I am not after this lens, I haven't asked my sources. I will ask him.