Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 
Log in or register to remove ads.

Showing results 1 to 25 of 279 Search:
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-03-2024, 11:48 AM  
FA20 Possible Flare?
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 13
Views: 557
I have the FA20/2.8 lens. Unfortunately it has a lot of coma, so it is not good for wide-angle Milkyway photos. I use the Samyang/Rokinon 14/2.8 for Milkyway astro shots. It is great if you get a good copy; there are some bad copies out there. (I got the FA 20 because I wanted an autofocus ultra wide for landscapes. For that it is a nice lens.)
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-21-2024, 08:46 PM  
Astro lens recommendations wanted
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 13
Views: 623
I use the Samyang/Rokinon 14/2.8 for Milkyway photos. I have used it on my K-5, K-1 and K-3iii. I have the O-GPS1 for the K-5. I can usually get good 60-90 second shots with Astrotracer, but with good dark sky, I can get 15-30 second exposures without Astrotracer at about 1600-3200 ISO. With my lens, I need to stop down to f/3.5 to avoid “blooming” of bright stars. If you get a good copy of the lens, the stars in the Milkyway are incredible.

I have also got some decent shots with the old Pentax DA 10-17 fisheye with Astrotracer. You may not get as fine detail, but the coma isn’t bad and you can get good shots of large constellations like the Big Dipper. The 10-18 is also just a fun lens because of the gigantic field of view. (Very easy to get your foot or tripod leg in the photo by accident.)
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-08-2024, 07:48 PM  
Help with lens selection
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 16
Views: 686
I use the 18-135 for travel. I think the 16-85 is a little sharper, but the 16-85 is larger and heavier. I use the 16-85 closer to home.
Forum: General Photography 01-09-2024, 04:55 PM  
Portable SSd drive travel
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 7
Views: 714
I was using the SanDisk Extreme Pro 2TB SSD V2, but got nervous after seeing the reports of drive failures. Around Christmas I bought a Lacie 2TB Rugged USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C. I haven’t used the drive much, but the USB-C port gives it a nice speed boost. Not quite as fast as the Sandisk but close. Feels very rugged with a built-in rubber case.
Forum: Pentax K-3 III 01-04-2024, 06:38 PM  
Pentax K-3 III has anything improved over time?
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 38
Views: 3,117
I had the K-5, then I upgraded to the K-1 and bought the K-3 iii when it came out. I do a lot of astrophotography, so the improvement in low-light color rendering was incredible going from the K-5 to the K-1.

The K-3 iii was an incremental increase over the K-1, giving me a full f-stop improvement in noise reduction with the same image quality. I would get the same image quality and noise at ISO 1600 on the K-3 as I would get at ISO 800 on the K-1.

I didn’t mind the reformatting of the menu layouts. What I find annoying is that the K-3 iii won’t let you change settings unless they are applicable to your current shooting mode. For example, if you are in single photo mode, you can’t modify any movie settings in the menus. On the K-5 and K-1, you could go through setting all your preferences menu by menu all at once. The K-3 iii will grey-out some settings that aren’t relevant to your current shooting mode so you can’t change them. (And the camera doesn’t tell you why they are frayed-out either!) Very annoying!

If you are currently shooting with the K-5, you won’t miss the articulating rear LED screen. However, on the K-1, the articulating screen is very nice. (I am fine with the fixed screen on the K-3 iii because it makes the camera smaller and lighter for travel photography.)

I don’t do many action photos, so I can’t say much about AF improvements, but definitely better than the K-5.
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 12-24-2023, 08:24 AM  
16 Bit Versus 8 Bit Processing
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 21
Views: 1,237
Where I have run into problems using 8-bit post processing is when I am trying to adjust the tonal range of something like a blue sky using Levels or Curves in Photoshop. With 8-bit, you have fewer levels of color, so you can end up with banding instead of smooth gradients. If there are clouds or smaller patches of sky, it is less of a problem. Sometimes I wouldn’t notice the banding on the monitor, but it would be very pronounced in the printouts.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 11-21-2023, 07:55 PM  
Picked up a K1000 to get back in touch with composistion
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 18
Views: 652
When I started taking pictures, I had a 35 mm Pentax P30t and a Yashica twin lens reflex that used 120 film. Shooting with the 35 mm was a breeze, almost as easy as using a mobile phone. However, the Yashica was 12 shots per roll and harder to load film into—you really didn’t want to waste shots!

The first consideration was whether it was even worth hauling out the twin reflex and getting it set up on the tripod and screwing in the shutter release.. (It was a hard camera to handhold for photos.)

Second, because you didn’t have many shots per roll AND you don’t have any preview with film, you would spend extra time checking all the settings, framing the scene and confirming manual focus.

The difference was that with the 35 mm, I would take lots of shots and get 3-4 good shorts per 36 exposure roll. The Yashica would have something like. 50% rate if “keepers” because I only used it for the best scenes and I took more time when I did use it.
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 10-21-2023, 03:35 PM  
When buying a used lens what should we assume
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 20
Views: 1,591
I have bought used lenses from B&H and KEH and haven’t had a problem. I do immediately test the lens when I get it so I can return it if there is a problem.

Another option is to rent a lens from lensrentals,com with the option to buy it. I don’t know if they let you buy any of the lenses, but I rented a DFA 15-30 and the price to buy it was pretty reasonable.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 10-06-2023, 05:26 AM  
Lens Re-Think
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 49
Views: 2,413
I have both the DA 18-135 and the DA 16-85. I agree with others that the 16-85 is a bit sharper, but the 18-135 is still pretty good IMO. The 16-85 is a bit bigger and heavier than the 18-85, so I take the 18-135 if I am flying somewhere instead of the 16-85.

My light kit is the 18-135, DA 10-17 fisheye and the DA 55-300. I do occasionally shoot wildlife, which is why I take the 55-300. The DA 10-17 is small and light. At the longer end the distortion isn’t too bad and at the 10 mm end you can get some fun and funky shots with lines bending everywhere!
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals 09-28-2023, 06:03 PM  
Equipment rental company recommendations
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 5
Views: 743
I had good luck with lensrentals.com, although I’ve only used them once. I believe they have a policy that you have to sign for your lens delivery in person, so I had it delivered to work.
Forum: Pentax Full Frame 09-09-2023, 08:27 AM  
From APSC to FF - questions about (very) subjective experience
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 65
Views: 3,153
I started with Pentax film cameras, then shifted to APS-C with the *istDL and K-5, then bought the K-1 when it came out. I still use both my APS-C camera (now the K-3iii) and full-frame K-1.

What I have is a set of “comparable” lenses for each camera. For example, my 18-135 for my K-3 is similar to my 28-105. I have the DA 10-17 for my K-3 and a 14/2.8 and FA 20/2.8 for the K-1.

Other lenses have different purposes on the different cameras. My FA 35/2 is a wide-angle on my K-1 and a “normal” lens on my K-3. My 50 mm is a normal lens on my K-1 and a portrait lens on my K-3.

The big difference is that you can’t easily use your favorite lens on the K-1 to get the same shot on your APS-C. My biggest adjustment was going from film to APS-C because my 24 mm was no longer wide-angle. Conversely, if you use a telephoto lens a lot, you might be unhappy because you lose some magnification going to K-1. (But you will have more pixels to crop in post processing.)
Forum: General Photography 09-06-2023, 05:17 AM  
Gloves and working in cold temperatures
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 13
Views: 926
Having lived in Maine and Colorado, from my experience, the inner glove liner and a thinsulate fleece outer mitten where the end of the mitten end flips back out of the way works well. The mitten is important to keep your fingers together to keep them warm. One key is finding a wind-proof glove liner. They are hard to find thin wind-proof liners—read the reviews or try them on to see if they are flexible enough to use your camera. I don’t know what brand I have.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 09-04-2023, 09:19 AM  
Upgrade advice??
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 27
Views: 1,519
The K-5 was my travel camera up until the K-3iii came out. Any of the cameras in that series are probably good. If you aren’t doing much cropping, the K-5 has enough MP in my opinion; not as good when you start cropping. Above about 1600 ISO you need to do some post processing to reduce noise, but it can look good. So I would expect K-5ii and K-3 to be better.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 09-01-2023, 05:14 PM  
Pee-wee football questions..
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 21
Views: 927
Nice rodeo shots!
Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing 08-31-2023, 03:00 PM  
Who Does/Doesn't Post Process Their Digital Photos And To What Degree?
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 124
Views: 5,599
First, I do not post process all my pictures—just the ones I want to print or share with other enthusiasts or semi-pros that will appreciate the extra effort. In my film days, my Dad used to say, “If you get 1 or 2 really good pictures per roll, you are doing well.”

On a week-long trip, I might come back with 400-500 pictures. Some are good and I’ll post process them and frame the good ones. Some are just of interesting things like an interesting window or an example of the view from our hotel. I probably won’t PP those because they are more for “information” purposes and not for their art significance. Most are just trash that never get touched again.

When I do PP, adjusting white balance and exposure are the main things I fix or improve. Then I remove any distracting items like reflections or bright spots in an otherwise dark background. (Quite common with trees and leaves.). Hopefully the image is sharp out of the camera so not much sharpening is required. For portraits that will be published or framed (like a family picture), I carefully go through every inch of the picture carefully dealing with blemishes or removing crumbs from a person’s shirt and soften skin.
Forum: General Photography 08-17-2023, 03:50 PM  
How Pentax and its most common kit lens saved me as a photographer
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 50
Views: 5,054
One reason the Pentax 18-55 may have got a bad rep is because the original 18-55 AL was less sharp than the 18-55 AL II. Pentax changed the optics and for me there was a noticeable difference and the reviews at the time noted the improvement in the AL II.

My original 18-55 AL came with my *istDL2. I noticed the pictures weren’t quite as sharp as I liked. I did research and upgraded to the AL II. I was very happy with that lens for a long time and eventually graduated to the 18-135 which was a little sharper and gave me more range on the longer end.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-13-2023, 04:33 AM  
I Thought It Was Settled - But Now I am Torn Between Two Lenses
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 35
Views: 1,442
The 18-135 is my travel lens. I don’t have the 16-50. I have the 16-85, which is slightly sharper than the 18-135, but also a little bigger and heavier. So I use the 16-85 when I am driving somewhere but the 18-135 if I am flying or hiking. I also take the DA 10-17 for wider shots.
Forum: General Photography 08-11-2023, 03:57 PM  
Perseids and your choice of lens
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 9
Views: 636
I agree you want the widest lens that gives sharp stars. That gives you more chance of catching a meteor no matter where it is in the sky. For me it’s the Samyang 14/2.8.

I shoot at f2.8 or 3.5 to get lots of light for the stars and meteors. Unlike the stars, the meteors are only in the sky for a few seconds, so you need to use a high ISO. I use 1600.

You will want to manually focus at infinity, on a bright star, or a distant light, then don’t touch the focus again. But occasionally zoom in on one of you pictures to make sure it is still in focus.

I like to use Astrotracer because I can get a 3-minute exposure, and often get multiple meteors in the same shot. I just start my 3-min exposure and cross my fingers!
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-03-2023, 06:35 PM  
Best budget way to increase range
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 39
Views: 1,400
Many years ago, I bought a Tele-Astranar 400mm f/6.3 Manual-focus lens with a Pentax-K adapter on it. I have used it with a monopod to shoot soccer games and for pictures of the moon using a tripod. I bet I only paid about $50 for it, but it takes some good pictures. Outdoors it works well. Indoors you really need to increase the ISO to use it.

I have the Pentax DAL 55-300 and it does a decent job. It is loud and I miss quick shift focus on it, but optically it is decent.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 07-28-2023, 12:37 PM  
Telephoto for vaca in rocky mtn nat'l pk?
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 19
Views: 1,027
I agree. I took my 55-300 to RMNP.
and it did fine. The elk are often close to the road so you can get a good shot. I have a 500mm mirror lens, but it’s not all that sharp. I pull it out when there is no other option. I have a 400mm lens similar to what Wasp shows above. Nice for shooting sports around home but not worth space in a suitcase.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 07-24-2023, 05:10 PM  
Better color
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 13
Views: 905
If you are shooting RAW, I found adjusting white point and black point manually in post processing can make a world of difference in how vibrant the colors are.
Forum: Photographic Technique 07-06-2023, 07:02 PM  
Understanding Astrotracer.
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 37
Views: 1,809
GUB, Really great shot! The K-1 does a great job showing all the individual stars. I personally love the starburst effect on the bright stars.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 07-06-2023, 11:59 AM  
How do I check a new lens ?
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 9
Views: 638
Also check to make sure the infinity stop is correct. I had a Rokinon 14/2.8 that hit the stop before it focused at infinity so I could not take good astro photos. I didn’t figure it out until it was too late to return it. However, I was able to adjust it myself and now it works great! (I check infinity by going to a river and taking shots of boats, trees or buildings along the opposite shore.)
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 07-01-2023, 07:53 PM  
Wide angle for Astro recommendations
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 10
Views: 796
I have the Rokinon version of the 14/f2.8; same thing as the Samyang. If you get a good copy, it is extremely sharp. Mine had an incorrectly set infinity stop. I was able to adjust it myself and now it works great. I usually shoot f/3.5 to prevent “blooming” or bleeding of the bright stars.

As others pointed out, Astrotracer is not perfect. You will get some radial star trails in the corners due to lens distortion. It will be less of a problem on the K70 crop sensor compared to the K-1. Note you get this same distortion with the Irix 15 mm or the Pentax 15-30. However, I believe if you use an equatorial mount you won’t get the distortion. If you can do short exposures without Astrotracer (<20 sec), you also avoid the corner distortion but need to do a lot more post processing.

The Rokinon/Samyang lenses tend to have low coma, so you get pinpoint stars and no triangular wings. For comparison, I have a Pentax FA 20/2.8 and the coma is bad… most starts even in the middle are triangular or gave bat wings. The lens is great in daylight but useless for astro.
Forum: Photographic Technique 06-28-2023, 02:20 PM  
How to Take consistently good Car Photos?
Posted By MaineNative
Replies: 32
Views: 1,999
One of my issues at car shows is having a wide enough field of view, so a 15-24 mm focal length on a crop sensor can help. If you try to use a 35 or 50 mm, you can be waiting a long time for people to get out of you way to take a picture. The short focal length makes it easier to get the whole car in the frame. The short focal lengths also work well taking pictures through car windows. I use my DA 16-85 and take my DA 10-17 for extremely wide fisheye shots.

I tend to like pictures taken looking from the from front corner of a car, so I get the front, side and roof of the car. If you go to Flickr, you can do a search for “car” and get some composition ideas and see what focal lengths and apertures people used.

As far as reflections go, I think the key is to consciously look at where the reflections are in harsh conditions and see if you can adjust your position a little to eliminate the reflection or place the reflection somewhere that it isn’t distracting. Same thing with light and shadows—avoid having bright shots and shadows right next to each other on a hood or fender. You often don’t notice these spots until you look at the photo in the camera… you may not notice spots or flares taking the picture, but if you review the photo on the LCD, you may see it. (On a computer screen it is glaringly obvious… pun intended.)
Search took 0.01 seconds | Showing results 1 to 25 of 279

 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:39 PM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top