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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-20-2013, 03:23 PM
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Regarding the f2.8 images, Photo A is the F28 and Photo B is the FA31. As many have suggested, there is a noticable difference at f2.8. I have not attempted to calibrate the F28 with my K5 but will do so and see what difference it makes.
Al
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-17-2013, 04:24 PM
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Regarding the f11 photos above:
Photo A was taken with the F28
Photo B was taken with the FA31
In retrospect, my cropping may have thrown many of you. My intention was to obtain similar fields but obviously didn't succeed. Sorry about that.
Also of note, I exposed -1EV to preserve highlights and brought exposure back up in PP. The FA31 is +1EV and the F28 is +0.5EV.
Thanks for all the comments!
@chickenavocado: $1k isn't chump change in my book. There are times when I'd rather not risk it, like a trip to the amusement park.
Now, here are two photos taken this evening at f2.8. One with the F28 and one with the FA31. This time I have done nothing in PP except convert to jpeg. I did try to frame them similarly.
Particulars:
K5
f2.8
iso200
1/500(F28) 1/750(FA31) light was changing and in Av mode
0EV
Photo A
Photo B
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-16-2013, 04:08 PM
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@Matt: Good point regarding f11. I'll have to compare some at larger aperture.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-16-2013, 02:27 PM
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I recently purchased a used F28 2.8 lens and have been contemplating how it compares to my FA31. The easiest way for me is to take photos and look at them side by side. I have posted them below. As we discuss the images please keep in mind my motiviation for purchasing the F28:
1. Size. The FA31 is bigger and heavier than what I want to lug around all day. The F28 is roughly 1/2 the size.
2. Price. I have the FA31 but there are times when I don't want to take a $1k+ lens along with me. In a sense, I don't have to worry so much about the F28.
3. Image Quality. The performance of the F28 is fairly well regarded and has all auto for times when that is necessary. It's not a limited so would I be happy?
4. Perspective. 28mm is great normal perspective for family candids.
The images below were taken this past saturday morning at my son's soccer game using my K5(f11, 1/350, -1EV, iso 200). Light was at a fairly low angle and was challenging at times. Post processing was done in Darktable and limited to adjusting exposure, shadows and highlights, and cropping. Clearly these are just a couple of snaps so artistic value is not high.
In order to avoid introduction of bias, I will wait to label which image is which(of course the exif info is there if you must).
Without further ado:
A:
B:
I am very interested in comments regarding these photos from a lens comparison perspective. Ultimately, I am trying to answer the question "is the F28 good enough for my purposes?"
Regards,
Al
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
08-29-2013, 06:50 PM
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Rupert,
Do you still like the x20? I have a K5 with various lenses and am getting tired of lugging them all around.
I've been thinking about what I want to do with photography:
1. Document in an interesting way family and friends
2. Use equipment that produces technically high image quality regardless of my effort at composition
3. Retain enough control to capture moments of inspiration - Aperture, shutter, and ISO
I've also been thinking about what I don't like about how I am currently doing it:
1. Lugging a big heavy camera and multiple lenses around
2. Using equipment my wife doesn't really know how to use
3. Allowing the photography take over the activity I am documenting
4. Did I mention lugging big heavy equipment around?
I am only interested in cameras with an optical view finder and my research into alternatives has lead me to the X20. Some have complained about noise in iso higher than 800. What has your experience been? Do you still think it is a worthy alternative to a dslr?
Thanks,
Al
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Forum: Sold Items
06-13-2012, 11:22 AM
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sold. thanks to all who expressed interest!
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Forum: Sold Items
06-12-2012, 08:10 PM
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Here is an update on the photos. I've been told the links in the original post were not working.
The last 2 photos show the scuffs on the cap.
Joel
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Forum: Sold Items
06-11-2012, 08:10 PM
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PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing
Item for Sale
SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited
Asking Price
425
Item Location
Cincinnati OH (United States)
Item Description
For sale is a lightly used SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited in like Excellent condition. The lens cap has been dropped and is scuffed. I did not use this lens as much as I expected to. A warranty repair was performed on this lens to replace the cam ring. Apparently, this was a factory issue with the DA 21mm. I will provide documentation from C.R.I.S. upon request.
Lens, both caps, original box and documentation, including copy of repair receipt.
I will ship worldwide only with full declaration of contents via USPS.
Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes
Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling
Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent
Shipping Destinations
Worldwide
Shipping Charge
Actual based on buyer's preference
Shipping Services
USPS(US and International) UPS and Fed Ex(US only)
Accepted Payment Types
PayPal
Return Policy & Additional Details
Item may be returned if buyer contacts seller within 48 hours of receipt via PentaxForums PM and mutually agreeable arrangements are made. Purchase price will be returned upon seller's receipt of the lens in same condition as sold. Shipping and transaction fees (Paypal) will be paid by buyer.
Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-23-2011, 10:18 AM
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All,
I have a question regarding an effort to do some fluorescence photography. Using dichroic filters and a blue led light source, I intend to photograph Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). To the best of my knowledge and google's search abilities, the dichroic filters come in 50mmx50mm or 25mm diameter. The closest I come to a filter holder is Cokin A at 67mm. As I see it, the only option available is to create a secondary filter frame to build out the 50x50 to 67x67. Does anyone have any alternative suggestions on how this might be accomplished? Thoughts on creation of the secondary filter holder?
Some pertinent details:
Camera - K-5
Lens - A50, or DA21
GFP emission lamda (max) - 510nm
Emission dichroic filter - Edmunds Optics nt52-544
abstract describing effort I am trying to emulate - Botany 2010 - Abstract Search
other relevant efforts - GFP Stereoscope
Thanks,
Al
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
12-03-2011, 08:01 PM
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I just received my k5 and the level is stuck @ -5 regardless. Send it back or wait a while and repair under warranty?
Ok, I feel silly. Electronic level was turned off, lens cap was on. The camera was correct,it needed a lot more light. Turned on level and seems to be ok.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-18-2011, 01:09 PM
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just reread my response. sorry to sound so short with you.:D
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-18-2011, 08:19 AM
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-18-2011, 08:17 AM
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Thanks, I know that. I owned it. I was referring to the 17-50 f2.8 EX which does have HSM.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-18-2011, 06:41 AM
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thanks.
It 's certainly something that can be lived with but won't sell well.
Al
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-18-2011, 06:39 AM
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All,
It is interesting to see all of the support for the Tamron products. Most are driven by value (good optics for the price.) Again, lower price while maintaining very good optics is a strong argument for the brand. However, having had examples of both Tamron (pentax da 18-250) and Sigma (70mm EX Macro), I am drawn to the Sigma because of the excellent build quality, image quality, and HSM. Of course, I need to decide if these are worth an extra $200 or so.
The 21 is a lens that I have never felt strongly about, so it is definitely out at this point. The 43 is also likely out.
Thanks to all for your opinions on this matter. You have been most helpful.
Al
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-18-2011, 06:36 AM
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Roger,
Thanks for the input. The K5 price is way down but is still not cheap so hanging on to the K7 is somewhat attractive. Your opinion regarding high iso on the K-7 seems contrary to others expressed here and general sentiment on this subject elsewhere. Can you post a before and after example that demonstrates this? Also, while I am not afraid to PP and I shoot 95% RAW, dealing with noise is one more step that I would rather not have to do.
Al
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-16-2011, 10:49 AM
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I am curious why you suggest the Nokton over the A50. Looks like the nokton is really nice, but I feel the A50 1.4 is an excellent lens.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-16-2011, 10:47 AM
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Thanks for alerting me to your post. The images are impressive! Perhaps the high iso will work for the 55-300. That would really change the fiscal equation. I haven't considered the K-r as I think I can swing this without "downgrading" on the body and stretching the acquisitions over a period of time and gift giving occasions. One nice thing about aging is you get give yourself gifts or at least choose what others will give you (especially if they are using your money in the first place.)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-16-2011, 10:43 AM
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Regarding the 2.8 and the pageants, yes, why not? I am sure you have wonderful pics of a great time in life. My biases/jealousies have been exposed. I will consider your suggestion on the used lens.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
11-16-2011, 09:02 AM
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All,
My K7's viewfinder display is failing. It only displays portions of the numbers/bars/icons. Has anyone else had this issue? If so, what's the fix and how much did it cost?
Thanks,
Al
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-16-2011, 07:25 AM
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Thanks to all for the feedback. Ideally, I would get the K5 first and see how I like the various lenses before I decide how to proceed. Is the K5 that much better for low light? I haven't thought of the k5 as such a capability upgrade.
I am in agreement with the FA31 sentiment but it could finance much of this transition. According to my latest reading of my bank account, I can't put much money in at this time but will be looking to sell and then buy.
I had not seriously considered the tamrons because I like the build quality of the sigma ex lenses (I had the 70 macro for a while) and the HSM but I will take another look. I also once owned the Pentax 18-250 which I liked a lot but the build was nowhere near the sigma's.
Size/weight of the 2.8 zooms is a concern. Am I really going to go my daughter's Christmas concert and pull out a monster lens for a few shots to record the moment? Seems like overkill and I have always been a bit suspect of the folks who do.
Anyway, current thinking is to start with selling the FA21 to help float the purchase of the k5 and go from there.
Al
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-15-2011, 07:44 PM
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All,
I am considering a major kit change as my kids are growing up and shooting demands appear to be changing. First of all, my current lineup:
DA 21
FA 31
FA 43
A 50 1.4
DA 70
DA 55-300
K7
This has been an enjoyable set for the last several years. It has been ideal for candids and relatively close ambient light photography. Most situations have been fairly relaxed allowing time to switch lenses as needed. I have really enjoyed the relative small size of all of these lenses (except 31 and 55-300). These lenses just make good photographs when I don't screw it up. I also realize that these are very high quality and in the case of the FAs (both made in Japan) may not present themselves again. My kids are growing up and have begun sports and various types of indoor low-light performances. I feel that this may not be the ideal kit for my evolving situation.
I am considering overhauling to the following:
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM
A 50 1.4
DA 70
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM
K5
The main axis of this change is the K5-Sigma70-200. The upgrade to the capabilities of the K5 is obvious, particularly for the high iso. Sports and indoor light performances will be the main use of the 70-200. I have been very happy with the DA 55-300 when there is adequate light but it just isn't fast enough for the indoor stuff. The sigma is significantly larger than the 55-300 with less reach but I am assuming the increased speed will be an acceptable trade-off. The 17-50 appears to be the best zoom of its range. I am concerned about the size of this lens as well. This will allow me to essentially be a 2 zoom kit and concentrate on taking photos and enjoying the event rather than changing lenses. I'll keep the A 50 and DA 70 as they make sweet photos. It seems I can't go wrong anytime the DA 70 is on the camera. I don't expect miracles out of the zooms. However, I do not want to be in a situation where I am unhappy with the performance of the zooms and wish I had my primes back.
In summary, my mental argument is between small size and high quality of current lineup and the low light quality, reach, and convenience of the proposed lineup. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions any of you have on my decision. I am sure others have been here before and I would like to know how you proceeded and whether you are happy with your decisions in hind sight.
Thanks,
Al
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-10-2011, 08:09 PM
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I've been following this thread and it has really stimulated a bit of introspection. Primes are part of my kit but I haven't thought of them as travel lenses, more special purpose rather than multi-purpose. This may simply be a reflection of where I am at as a picture taker. For travel the DA18-250 has always been my main lens along with the FA31ltd and the combo hasn't let me down.
I am now thinking about taking the 21/43/70 combo to Disney World at the end of this month. The thing is, I have never been a big fan of the 21, in fact it is my least used lens. I was looking through photos taken with the 21 over at pbase and realized that the images I was least impressed with were wide open. They lacked detail, color, and contrast, which of course, makes a lot of sense.
For those of you who love the 21, does this observation hold for you? Suggestions for the getting the most satisfying images from the 21?
Thanks to all for their comments. This thread is a good one...
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Forum: Sold Items
03-01-2011, 04:02 PM
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Forum: Sold Items
02-18-2011, 05:16 PM
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anyone care to make an offer?
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