|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-03-2024, 09:18 AM
|
| |
Hi. I agree that the SDM version is a good lens optically. Criticisms of some softness, chromatic aberration, and flare were correct, but I think those problems were relatively minor in comparison to the very good color and contrast.
Having said that, the PLM version is noticeably better, at least for my purposes, particularly wide open. And with more accurate and quicker focusing, I can more confidently shoot wide open and not have to narrow the aperture, and raise the ISO in already low light instances. This helps to ensure the proper depth of field to get the action in focus at the lowest ISO as possible.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-02-2024, 07:49 PM
|
| |
Hi. I had the SDM version for several years. It needed to be repaired twice and then I finally sold it (disclosed past repairs). My 50-135 SDM also needed its autofocus to be repaired. As did my 60-250 SDM.
Optically, the 16-50 SDM had nice color and "rendering," and it was sharp enough, but the PLM version, which I use with my K3iii is better in every way. Size, weight, handling, all are excellent. The focusing is super quick. If any lens/camera combination is going to compete with Nikon/Canon/Sony for autofocus speed and accuracy this is the one (and perhaps the 55-300 PLM, which I also have). Sharpness, color, contrast, etc., on the 16-50 PLM are excellent. I use the lens to photograph Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Strongman tournaments. It is a great lens in every way and is excellent at 2.8.
I have many lenses, perhaps too many. I have the 31, 43, 77 and several others. The 31 and the 16-50 PLM are my favorite lenses and they make using my Pentax cameras a lot of fun. The 16-50 PLM is not inexpensive, but for me it was definitely worth the purchase price.
I would add that I went through two prior copies of the 16-50 PLM and I now believe the autofocus problems I had were my fault. After I cleaned my autofocus sensor on my K3iii the autofocus has been spot on.
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
02-18-2024, 12:41 AM
|
| |
Hi. I apologize for the delay in getting back to everyone. I spent a few evenings post processing all of the RAW images I have been able to find. There certainly is an improvement in high ISO and dynamic range over the K3iii color. Whether it is worth the cost is another issue. The other matter I had not fully considered is shooting without any color filters, such as a yellow filter to improve contrast, or perhaps an orange one. Attaching a filter, at least for my purposes, will cause some light loss, and require me to boost the ISO thereby reducing some of the noise benefit of the monochrome.
I typically shoot MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu matches indoors. As such, skies and portraits are not what I am focusing on, but of course I am photographing people. Has anyone been using the K3iii monochrome without filters and been satisfied with the true monochrome output? Any post processing tips to enhance skin tones without a filter or is that simply not possible? Although I post process most of my pictures to "black and white," that really is a misnomer since I am using some color toning and the image is not truly black and white. I usually use a few NIK Silver Efex custom presents that I have developed over the years, as well as Exposure X6 custom presents (occasionally DXO Filmpack, but I do not use it very often).
Thank you all again, particularly for the thoughtful and detailed responses.
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
02-07-2024, 08:03 PM
|
| |
This is the video comparing the monochrome and color versions. It also contains a link to the RAW images.
You Tube
|
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g3PHPNz4Q9Q?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
|
Here is his review, also with a link to the RAW images:
You Tube
|
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-9E49dEkPvE?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
|
I have been on a quest over the last several years to eek out as much image quality as I can achieve given the lighting difficulties I normally run into. I often live around ISO 6400. That may not be terribly high ISO, but with cropping and boosting shadows I often lose quite a bit of detail. Noise reduction helps, but it can be easy to introduce artifacts or simply smear detail. So, I appreciate every bit of additional image quality I can get.
I will spend some time this weekend (work has been crazy this week) reviewing the posts you all have made (thank you!) and playing around with the RAW images in the above video.
I don’t mind a bit of noise. I often add some grain to my photos. My post processing style, for good or bad, tends to be hard on image quality/integrity. So, I try to start off with as much image quality as possible.
I am very interested in hearing about the differences between the k3iii monochrome and b&w with the K1. I have the K1 and K1ii and love the images from them, but their autofocus and frames per second give me some difficulty when I am at competitions or fights. I have the K3iii and I love it, particularly the advanced autofocus and speed and the 16-50 PLM is wonderful. I would love to use it on the monochrome if I end up getting it.
Back to work!
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
02-05-2024, 07:31 PM
|
| |
I haven’t had the opportunity to get to my desktop computer. When I have a chance, I’ll post links to a photographer who I just found conducted fairly substantial testing of the color and the monochrome versions of the camera. The pictures he took comparing the ISO values are of a bookshelf, but they are useful.
He posted links to the RAW images and I downloaded them. I’m going to process the images a few different ways to see if I can determine how much of an improvement there is an image quality. If I have to look too closely to tell the difference, then I probably will skip the purchase, but if I can see a meaningful difference in quality, particularly at about 6400, and essentially get clean images with perhaps a little bit of noise reduction, I may go for it.
The difficulty with the kind of photography that I do is that I tend to crop a fair amount, since I’m not always in the best position as the competitors and fighters move around a tournament mat or the cage. And, I often have to lift the shadows quite a bit so the effective ISO is often much higher in those areas. Plus, I like getting clean detail of facial features, hair, and the athletes’ builds since all of these features stand out in this kind of photography.
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
02-05-2024, 06:30 AM
|
| |
Greyscale and nonpigliounoshoot,
I am at an appointment and wrote a long reply on my phone and lost the text!
I’ll reply later tonight when I am in front of my computer!
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
02-04-2024, 12:42 AM
|
| |
Thank you greyscale and robski.
One other concern I had regards the need to be careful to preserve highlights. I do sometimes shoot in bright, but very uneven lighting. By dialing exposure back a bit to retain highlights am I sacrificing some of the high ISO capability because I then have to boost exposure and/or shadows or does this not add much noise?
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
02-03-2024, 01:47 PM
|
| |
Hi. Are there any K3iii Monochrome users who shoot at moderately high ISOs (3200 to 6400) who have compared the Monochrome's images to a K1 or K1ii (I have both)?
I shoot MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu events and usually convert to black and white. The lighting at events often is low and/or uneven. I also tend to have to raise shadows quite a bit due to the uneven lighting.
I have played around with the RAW Monochrome images I have found online, but it has been a challenge to find images or reviews which have directly compared the Monochrome to the K1/K1ii using "real world images." I would like to have the speed and improved focusing of the K3iii with the Monochrome (I also have the "regular" K3iii), especially if the image quality is on par or ahead of the K1 at about ISO 6400.
The Pentax Forums review is helpful, but still limited.
Also, in terms of noise reduction I see that the images are not supported by DXO Photolab and Adobe Bridge (both of which I have). I use Topaz Photo AI and the few RAW Monochrome images I have used with Photo AI images have been improved, but I am wondering if it and perhaps On1 NoNoise AI (I have it, but rarely use it) are the most commonly used noise reduction programs for the Monochrome.
Thanks so much in advance.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-04-2023, 05:20 PM
|
| |
Thank you. I was a bit sneaky keeping the “reveal” buried in a single paragraph.
The lens worked extremely well. And, the PLM, plus the snappiness of the K3iii, made focusing very fast. The speed of the lens really stands in contrast to the D FA 24-70, which is a very nice lens optically and not particularly slow.
The 16-50 PLM is also sharp at 2.8, which is where I kept it just about the whole time.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-04-2023, 01:40 PM
|
| |
I am sending the lens back for a refund.
I took it to a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament this weekend. After spending a lot of time taking pictures around my house and calibrating the lens, I discovered the autofocus sensor must have been dirty. I used a Giottos Rocket Blower and then "re-micro-focus calibrated" the autofocus. Almost every single picture at the tournament was in focus and sharp...at f/2.8. Umm, wait a minute, perhaps I shall keep the lens! Yeah, that's better! It performed extremely well. The lighting was not so great. So, I was in ISO 5000 to 6400 most of the time, but I shoot RAW and use DXO Photolab 6 and Topaz AI, depending on the picture (plus Adobe Bridge if things are not too noisy). After I work on a few I will post them here and then post more in the K3iii pictures section. I also used my K1 and K1ii and cleaned the AF sensors on them, too, and they were much more accurate.
Always learning! Thanks again for everyone's feedback and help.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-01-2023, 05:17 AM
|
| |
Hi everyone. Thanks so much again for the feedback. I’ll spend some more time with the lens this weekend. I may bring it to a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament tomorrow I am shooting.
Rondec, I think that may be the same sound and am glad you hear it, too.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-31-2023, 04:00 AM
|
| |
Gatorguy, thanks so much for checking. I am concerned that you both are unable to hear the “gear turning” (for lack of a better description) sound.
I’ll redo the Micro Focus Adjustment this weekend and use that the lens around the house and make a decision whether to keep it.
Thank you so much again.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-30-2023, 05:30 PM
|
| |
Rondec, thank you. On another forum, a user seemed to suggest that the PLM, and perhaps the new optics, have to be readjusted in a way that is audible when the camera is on. I will do another micro-focus adjustment this weekend and test the lens again around the house to make sure focus is dialed in. It is just an unexpected sound, although it does not sound like anything is broken. I have the 55-300 PLM and will see if I hear the same sound. I have just been swamped at home and work. I'll check things out this weekend.
Thank you again.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-29-2023, 02:51 PM
|
| |
Thank you. It is a very low level noise, slight, but audible, almost like hearing the sound of a gear turning. And, it only happens when the camera is powered on and I zoom. Nothing seems loose or otherwise out of place, but I had not heard it with other lenses.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-29-2023, 02:17 PM
|
| |
Hi. Just checking in to see if I can get feedback regarding the noise I mentioned at the end of my last post.
Thanks so much in advance!
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-26-2023, 06:46 PM
|
| |
Hi all.
I used the Giottos Rocket Blower and it does seem to have addressed much of the the focus inconsistency. There still is some slight back focusing indoors (I hope I am using this term correctly--meaning focusing behind the intended point of focus, i.e., closer to me), but the focus is very close even in those pictures and the missed shots may be a result of shooting at 50mm on an APS-C camera at f/2.8 at no greater than 10-15 feet (and often at 5-10 feet) inside my house (spot focus, single center point). Outdoors the focus seemed just about spot on.
I must confess I have never cleaned my camera imaging sensors or the AF sensors. I have a K5ii, K3, K3iii, K1 and K1ii. Never cleaned any until the K3iii today. I think I'll clean the other AF sensors with the blower since a few of my other cameras have some slight AF irregularities (enough to notice and be a pain). I do think I will leave the imaging sensors alone, though. I have never noticed any spots in my pictures, even at f/8 and I rarely shoot narrower than f/8.
I am a bit embarrassed now since this appears to have done the job.
When I have time later this week I will do another AF micro-adjustment and another round of pictures.
I am selling a couple of lenses that I do not frequently use in order to pay for this lens. So, I want to be sure I am all set.
I do have one question, though. When I zoom the lens it almost sounds as if a gear is turning and I do not hear this in my other zoom lenses. It is only when the camera is powered on. It is very very slight and it does not sound like anything is broken. Is this normal for this lens?
Thank you again all for your input!
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-25-2023, 06:09 AM
|
| |
Thank you all for your thoughts and advice.
Today I will have time to use the lens and will use a Giottos Rocket Blower to clean the AF sensor on my K3iii.
I have used the 16-50 PLM both with a high quality UV filter (Rodenstock) and without any filter. I have taken pictures in regular daylight outside and in our home.
I can get sharp photos, but the issue is accurate focus, as well as consistent accurate focus. The lens does seem to be more prone to error at or near infinity focus, but it regularly mis-focuses at relatively close focus, such as 10-15 feet. I did some centering testing during the day and it looks fine (flat surface, but I will do a star test tonight if the weather is clear).
I'll go ahead and check live view, at least to try to eliminate the optics, but I do not have the same inconsistency with other lenses using shutter or back button focus.
I do hope I can keep the lens. I shoot Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA and while it often is a bit dim and prefer the full frame K1 for the noticeable improvement at higher ISOs, the K3iii is often useful and I'd really like to have a high quality standard zoom (I have the D FA 24-70 and it is a nice lens, but I lose the wide end on the K3iii and it is not as responsive as the 16-50 PLM).
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-23-2023, 08:14 PM
|
| |
Hi. Thanks so much for the reply.
I’d post pictures, but they are just “unremarkables” that are either front or back focused, as well as some in focus.
It’s the inconsistency that is much the same as the prior two copies, which is why I was thinking perhaps I am doing something wrong.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-23-2023, 05:26 PM
|
| |
Hi:
I hope everyone is well.
I am on my third copy of the 16-50 PLM lens. I tried two last year and a third now. I am having the same problems.
And, quite frankly, I am concerned the problem is me.
Essentially, even after micro-focus adjustment (with this copy of the lens its +6) I still get inconsistent focus results. The lens will often, but not always, back or front focus (usually front). I recognize there may be some error now and again, particularly if I press the shutter button before the K3iii locks on, but the lens is very inconsistent. I have tried shutter and back button focus. I have not tried live view. I do not shoot that way and when I micro adjusted on a tripod I did two rounds and the +6 in natural light was the same each time. I have tested the lens slowly, on static objects and our children, in and around our house. Some shots with natural light, some with indoor artificial lighting, and I get the same general inconsistency.
I am shooting RAW, manual, and spot autofocus, and have tried try auto area, too. I do not have the same inconsistency with my other lenses. I upgraded to the latest firmware (1.8, although I also tested it on 1.7 before upgrading to 1.8, and then tested it on 1.8). Is there anything different about the 16-50 PLM that I should know? Any setting I am missing on the K3iii?
I ordered a Giottos Rocket Blower and it should be here this weekend. I will try blowing the AF sensor.
Also, and I did not notice this before, but when I zoom I hear what sounds like a gear being turned. It's very slight, but I do hear it. Is that the PLM motor that gets manually engaged when zooming? It's not something I have noticed on the D FA 24-70 or D FA 70-200.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
|
|
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
02-07-2022, 09:23 PM
|
| |
Hi:
I just purchased a Metz 44-AF-1 from B&H during a flash sale. I have two Metz 58s and they are 10 years old and still work extremely well. I have not checked the firmware version that came with the 44. Are there any new features or bug fixes?
Thank you in advance.
|
|
Forum: General Talk
07-02-2021, 05:54 PM
|
| |
My Omega Speedmaster Professional (The Moon Watch) is in the shop getting serviced and I cannot wait to get it back on my wrist. I bought it many years ago when I could not afford it, but I love it and take care of it. I also wear my late father's Omega Seamaster (which belonged to his late father).
The Moon Watch is not practical. It is a manual. So, I need to wind it regularly. Also, while it may take the rigors of outer space one does need to be careful not to be too rough with it here on Earth. It is simple, though, and both sporty and dressy at the same time.
|
|
Forum: Pentax Price Watch
01-27-2021, 01:16 PM
|
| |
Thank you Adam.
The link, however, does not appear to be working right now.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-25-2020, 06:34 PM
|
| |
Normhead it was not my intention to be anything but factual. If my post went off track or off topic I apologize.
I would note, respectfully, that I appreciate others who provide good and bad experiences, both optically and ergonomically, as well as regarding reliability.
It can be difficult to know how widespread the problem with SDM was given people tend to post negative experiences more frequently than positive ones.
I rely on this forum for a lot of information. I do not post as often as I would like, but I do try to be helpful when I can.
The 60-250 I had was a good lens optically. I used it mostly to take pictures of our boys' baseball / T-Ball games when they were little. Slowish to focus, but more than acceptable.
I take Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu photos generally now and I sold the 60-250 to buy a Sigma 70-200, which was ok. When full frame came about for Pentax I bought the D FA 70-200. A beast, but a little sharper I found than the 60-250 and a stop faster.
In any event, I do think knowing as much about a lens, particularly one which may be purchased used, and even if gently used, could present a problem which unfortunately did seem to affect a meaningfully significant number of people (albeit in an unscientific sampling).
Having said the above, I really do enjoy reading your posts. You are very knowledgeable and your posts, along with that of a few particular other forum members, are ones I look forward to reading.
Hope you are well and staying safe.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-25-2020, 12:54 PM
|
| |
My 16-50 needed two SDM repairs. One in warranty and one out of the warranty period a little, but Pentax covered it (this is several years ago). My 60-250 SDM also failed after about 9 months. Had it fixed under warranty. Sold both (with full disclosure).
I really liked both lenses. I know the 16-50 has a number of "so-so" reviews optically, but I liked the colors and it was sharp enough for me.
I also had a K-5 with oil spots easily visible at f/8 in portraits. Had that replaced.
So, I was not a happy camper for a while, but I "stayed" and I have not really had any problems with my many other Pentax lenses or cameras.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-10-2019, 05:56 AM
|
| |
I live right near the downtown. Not exactly a large city, but I think I know what you're looking for.
I'm happy to take some pictures for you so you can get a sense of the distortion at 17 mm. Of course, there's always going to be some barrel distortion, as others have noted, with wide angle zooms and if you correct for it through software you'll typically lose a little bit of the width or you'll end up stretching the sides. So, it depends upon what you're comfortable with.
I use Capture One Pro for my raw conversions, although occasionally I'll use DXO Photolab or Adobe Camera Raw.
I typically find that I correct for barrel distortion very little, although to be fair, I tend not to shoot shoot very wide all that often.
I find that the lens profiles in software for wide-angle primes and zooms corrects the wide-angle by stretching things too much. Instead, I will manually correct for the distortion to taste.
|
