Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-25-2024, 03:35 PM
|
|
Not to directly answer your question, but I felt I needed to defend the 300mm just a bit. I used it with the K3-iii at an airshow a few years ago (one of the few times both the USAF Thunderbirds and the USN Blue Angels performed at the same show). It did a generally fine job as I captured the jets. The pictures were pretty fantastic. Where the 300 stumbled was if it lost focus for any reason (usually due to me not tracking the jets accurately). It would run to near focus and proceed out towards infinity instead of from infinity inwards. Some shot opportunities were missed as a result. While it was frustrating when this refocusing process happened, the pictures were exactly what I'd hoped for.
I just went back and looked at those pictures again. They were even better than I had remembered!
The defense rests...
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-25-2024, 09:43 AM
|
|
Have you considered adding a 1.4TC to your kit? Not too expensive, ($400 at B&H new), only very minor degradation in image quality, takes that 55-300 out to 420mm, and is pretty darned small. I've got one to extend the reach as necessary on my 300mm F4. Works great!
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-21-2024, 08:02 AM
|
|
I suggest taking a hard look at the Rokinon 14mm f2.0. I've been rather successful taking Milky Way shots with it on the KP. Its wide field of view makes it unsuitable for stars/nebula though. The budget lens I like for this is the Samyang 135mm f2. In my opinion, there is better glass out there, but not for less $.
|
Forum: General Photography
02-14-2024, 05:30 PM
|
|
I was watching a rerun of the old TV series "Northern Exposure" and ran across something I had never seen before. One of the characters was out looking for birds with a long telephoto lens. He had the camera/lens mounted on a rifle stock and he brought up the combo just like shooting a rifle. It appeared that he had the "rifle" trigger set up to activate the shutter release. Soooo... Is this just TV nonsense or has anyone actually tried this? If so, how well does it actually work?
|
Forum: Photographic Technique
12-31-2023, 04:57 PM
|
|
Pikes Peak at Midnight, New Years. Tripod. 60-250mm f4. (EDIT: It turns out that the EXIF data is there! f6.7 and 1600 ISO)). 6 second exposure. I set it up to keep snapping and sat back and enjoyed the show.
|
Forum: Pentax KP
12-02-2023, 06:42 AM
|
|
It depends on where I'm going and how big the lens is. Cotton carrier for where the going is rough. Black Rapid for most carries.
|
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
11-23-2023, 12:19 PM
|
|
|
Forum: General Photography
11-23-2023, 12:18 PM
|
|
My son has a small collection of old cameras from both his grandfathers. Its in a display case and now includes the pentaprism.
|
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
11-23-2023, 12:08 PM
|
|
I found an F50mm f1.4 in almost perfect condition for $50. I got my wife a K-30 (its a white one so she calls it the Stormtrooper) w/ 18-135 lens for $300. Both were at retail camera shops selling used/consignment gear. It pays so be a pentaxian when the retailer wants to clear his inventory.
|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-23-2023, 11:59 AM
|
|
To me, its all about the glass. All else being equal, a great camera with a lousy lens will produce lesser images.
|
Forum: General Photography
11-23-2023, 11:56 AM
|
|
Lots to like.
1) User reviews and lens database
2) Specific lens clubs -ability to see how other use the gear.
3) Indepth staff reviews
4) Lets not forget the K-3iii Users Manual!!!
|
Forum: Lens Clubs
11-23-2023, 10:50 AM
|
|
For landscapes it works fine and like I said, the starbursts are really nice, so if no one wants it, I'll still find an occasional use for it.
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-23-2023, 10:46 AM
|
|
Nope, I had gotten it from KEH. The SDM motor failed shortly after, so I had it fixed under warranty. It failed again about a year later and was basically sitting on my shelf gathering dust. I saw a limited time offer on the Pentax site where they would buy back certain lenses for credit towards a new one. It seemed like a no-brainer to me. Since I'm generally moving away from Zooms to Primes, it was a great fit!
|
Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
11-23-2023, 09:52 AM
|
|
There is a Polaris Facebook page where many questions can get answered. I was an original Kickstarter supporter of the Polaris. I love the concept and have seen some amazing pictures, but sadly I have had difficulty getting the thing to become friends with Pentax. It currently occupies shelf space while I play with the capabilities of some new lens acquisitions. It seems much better with my wife's Fuji...
|
Forum: General Photography
11-22-2023, 04:59 PM
|
|
My cameras sit in P mode so that if I find a pop-up shot, at least I get something close. If time and conditions permit, I get progressively closer to manual, first by using hyper modes, then to full Manual. I really love that capability in our cameras.
|
Forum: Pentax KP
11-22-2023, 08:31 AM
|
|
|
Forum: General Photography
11-22-2023, 08:29 AM
|
|
I received a boxed pentaprism from Pentax after purchasing a K-3iii. Could it be that?
|
Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
11-21-2023, 08:46 AM
|
|
Here I am! First time ever. Not much of a poster, I prefer to listen vs talk and I learn lots from you all!
|
Forum: Lens Clubs
11-21-2023, 08:43 AM
|
|
I have a Sigma 35mm Art, my only Sigma lens. It really generates fantastic starbursts. I want to love it, but unfortunately I don't. It consistently misfocuses when near f1.4. I have the dock and have played with it, usually to the detriment of image quality. I'm VERY close to selling it and saving up for the Pentax 31mm limited.
|
Forum: Lens Clubs
11-21-2023, 08:34 AM
|
|
I actually like it alot![COLOR="Silver"]
|
Forum: General Photography
11-21-2023, 08:23 AM
|
|
I went from the Pentax SF-1 (film) directly to the K-5iis. Yep, I tend to hold on to stuff...
|
Forum: General Photography
11-21-2023, 08:21 AM
|
|
I have a Benro travel tripod and its nice, but my son has the Peak Designs one. Its nicer, packs smaller and works great even with his big telephoto. If I had to do it over again....
|
Forum: General Photography
11-21-2023, 08:19 AM
|
|
|
Forum: General Photography
11-21-2023, 08:16 AM
|
|
Same here. Pentax SF-1 was my first, bought at JC Penny's outlet sale with a couple of fairly cheap Pentax zoom lenses. Now I am deep into the Pentax Universe and have no interest in moving!
|