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Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-15-2013, 07:49 PM
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Sooooo, I'm sitting on my deck Monday morning when I notice my first hummingbird visitor for the year. It's a female, and she's collecting spider webs from my kitchen windows. I witness this event annually and always try to follow the females when they leave...never, however, discovering their final destination. (Hummingbirds use spider webs as the glue to hold their quarter-sized nests together :) )
Until this time... :)
She flew away and I didn't see where she had gone, but then returned a few minutes later for more building materials. This time I watched as she flew up to perch on a limb just outside my 2nd floor bedroom window. Cool, I thought...her nest must be somewhere close by. I then watched as she flew back down and gathered some more spider webs...and returned to the same perch.
Hmmmm...maybe I should go get the binoculars and investigate further...or better, still...my camera
You may have figured it out by now, but this may turn out to be one of my favorite hummingbird seasons ever.
Located on a branch, extending from neighbor's locust tree, approximately 8 feet from my bedroom window, I now have my first documented Ruby-throated Hummingbird nest under construction and in my yard! I'm hoping I'll be able to record and share much of what happens here over the next few weeks.
Here's what I have so far...
"Under Construction"
"Camouflaged"
From below...
From my convenient 2 nd floor observation point ;)
Thanks for looking!!
Bud
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
05-01-2013, 10:04 PM
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Polaroid One step. Man, the pictures just pop out of a slot in front. That is so badass...and futuristic.
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
04-22-2013, 11:32 AM
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LOL.
Sounds like you like to date the "bridesmaids" and not the "Bride".
K5/K5II/K5IIs are the crème de la crème as are the more expensive lenses from Pentax.
:lol:
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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras
02-11-2013, 11:45 PM
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Hey everyone,
I shoot the TCSTV videos, and Chris and I are both big Pentax fans. As our rebuttal to the terrible CNET review, we present our own MX-1 video:
Youtu.be
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src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jPozdKEAix4?controls=1" allowfullscreen>
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I look forward to your feedback and questions!
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
02-05-2013, 01:02 PM
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Yes, very easy. Unless you want to do it right. Then it gets more complicated.
I won't critique your attachments but they do show that you don't really understand landscape photography as much as you think you do. Get into it a bit and learn a bit before you dismiss what others work very hard at as easy.
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
01-29-2013, 07:55 AM
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Many people put full or large sized images on Flickr, and besides it doesn't need to be viewed anywhere near 1:1 to give you a rough idea on how a lens/camera can perform.
Once you've looked at enough of them or have enough experience of your own, sure, but I always found this helpful information when I was first learning. It gives you instant access to what happens under a wide range of settings without having to the the leg work with equipment you might not even have yet, or new shooting situations you might be preparing for. There's no substitute for trying stuff out on your own, but a big database to look at in advance can be helpful.
Making the exif available doesn't make people mindlessly obsessed with the numbers, they probably started that way or had nothing better to do. Again, it's great to be able to inspect an image, make an educated guess at the settings, and then be able to check how close you were.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
01-28-2013, 11:46 AM
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...furry-tailed rats. But, they're CUTE furry-tailed rats!! :) Note the ISO on these. :cool:
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
01-17-2013, 03:34 AM
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-16-2013, 09:01 AM
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I think I got a knockoff...
Mine says it's "Whether Sealed" -- Must be from China.
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Forum: Visitors' Center
01-10-2013, 07:45 PM
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Ok, I just read through the k-30 manual. This is not definitive because I have k-5 not k-30 but it appears you are partially correct. According to the manual the IR remote and bracketing are separate functions. That seems to imply they cannot be used at the same time.
However, the wired remote is not a menu item and just substitutes for the regular mechanical shutter button. On the k-5 you have the option to use bracketing with the IR remote, but I never use that. I always use a wired remote in regular bracketing mode, not remote bracketing mode. You should set "one push bracketing" to ON so all you need is one button push and you will get all three brackets.
One other difference is k-5 allows up to 5 brackets, k-30 only 3.
But it does appear that this will work, just with a wired remote. Try that when you get the camera, if it doesn't work then the k-5 is other option.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-05-2013, 01:47 PM
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I was originally going to post this in the K5 section of the forums, but considering this is more about the setup and such rather then the camera I added it here. The K5/II/IIs, K30 and such all have basically the same sensor anyhow. This is my first Astro image with the K5IIs outside of the city.
So let's start, often the most common question I get is what kinda camera/lens I'm using. So I'll include my setup as best as I can.
Imaging
Camera: Pentax K5IIs (previously used K5)
Telescope: Orion 8" Astrograph 8" F3.9 Newtonian.
8" f/3.9 Newtonian Astrograph Reflector Telescope | Orion Telescopes
Guiding / Tracking
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro. I had this mount with my old telescope before I did much imaging and incorporated into my imaging setup. When I bought a new scope I was tempted to get the 10" Newt, but because of weight issues I decided to aim under and save myself the $ on purchasing a new mount.
TELESCOPE SUPPLIERS - SKY-WATCHER TELESCOPE
Auto guider: I use Orion's "Magnificent Mini AutoGuider Package". I honestly not sure how such a small scope and the software can keep the stars so clean on a 800mm-1500mm scope but it works and that's the main part. The software used is PHD Guiding. It's free which is always nice. I believe it also came with the Autoguider package as well.
Auto Guider: Orion Magnificent Mini AutoGuider Package | Orion Telescopes
PHD Guiding: PHD Guiding
Stacking Software
DeepSkyStacker is my primary image stacking software as it is free and it works well. However for this particular image I used PixInsight as I'm using the one month free trial and I have to say I quite like the program. the below image is without flats, and it removed the vignetting in basically a 2 step process. Either or are great programs. There are many more out there thou, and one of those may work for you as well.
DeepSkyStacker: DeepSkyStacker - Free
PixInsight: PixInsight — Pleiades Astrophoto
Other
While I've yet to get into narrow band filter setups there are a couple accessories I do like to use.
Laser Collimator: I use Hotech 2"/1.25" SCA Laser Collimator, any will do to start tho. No matter how much I adjust the mirrors indoors, once I ride out of the city and its sitting in -15C or colder, it always needs readjustments due to contraction.
Hotech 2"/1.25" SCA Laser Collimator
Coma Corrector: Baader RCC1 Coma Corrector.
Baader Planetarium Rowe Coma Corrector - OPT Telescopes
Intervalometer: I've ordered this one but have yet to get it due to Christmas backorder. However this will help a bit as I won't have to stand outside in said -15C to -25C weather with the basic pentax wireless remote for each frame.
Don's Photo | Product no longer available[name]=H%C3%A4hnel-Giga-T-Pro-II-Wireless-Timer-Remote-Control-for-Canon-remote&catalog[product_guids][0]=823995
Here's a picture of the setup after a hour and a half before I took it apart due to clouds.
And the final result...well I'll probably tinker with the raw data for some time and see what I can push out of it.
Exposure Data:
4 x 480s Exposures
9 x 300s Exposures
Total 77 Minutes
No Flats/Darks/Bias
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-05-2013, 09:03 AM
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Well it's asking for the focal length doesnt it, don't over think it ;)
focal length is a lens property and it does not change by the sensor size of the camera.
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
01-04-2013, 06:04 AM
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I've done away with mine altogether, it just gets in the way. I find handling improves no end without the strap in the way.
(But...on the occasions that I do use a strap, I use a neoprene one that I clip/unclip when necessary. )
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Forum: Pentax K-01
01-03-2013, 08:15 AM
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Someone with these cameras on flickr should post a question to flickr's technical support.
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
12-18-2012, 04:54 PM
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I saw a quick post on this late last night on another site. I did do a quick glance at their TOS, and what I find really amazing is that you need to be at least 13 years old to subscribe. You also have to indicate that you have your parents permission. So, when was the last time that a 13 year old could sign a legally binding contract giving up their rights and assigning the use of their property to some one else.
I find that quite amazing.....
:cool:
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Forum: General Talk
03-09-2012, 01:42 PM
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Personally I think the best version would be Google Chrome. ;)
I used to like FF a lot, but it's turned into bloatware and want's you to update just about every time you use it. Why ?
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
03-07-2012, 11:24 AM
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Hello hello
I was out shooting last weekend and decided to get some cool train captures. I always loved the trains since i was a young boy and they still fascinate me as i get "older" :D
This is my favourite of what came out that day. Hope you enjoy it.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-04-2012, 08:11 PM
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You should always use the lens hood for protection; it will also improve contrast on your photos.
Unless there is a clear danger like a sand storm or salt spay on the beach, there is no reason to use "protection" on your lens. Any piece of glass or plastic in front of the lens will degrade quality to some degree.
If you still wary about damaging the lens you can always buy insurance. That way even if someone steals the lens you get it replaced.
Take off the filter and enjoy your lens the way it meant to be ;)
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Forum: Pentax K-5 & K-5 II
02-27-2012, 11:36 AM
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Who cares? It's PCMagazine.
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Forum: Photographic Technique
02-19-2012, 10:34 AM
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I found the article and photos interesting. Wouldn't it be great to find a niche market like this and make $875/pop
Dog plus ball equals game of fetch.
Add water to the equation and it unleashes Fido’s inner beast — a canine return to a more primal chase-and-capture instinct captured through Seth Casteel’s submerged camera in backyard pools.
“It’s an opportunity for them to explore their wild instincts,” says dog owner Casteel, a 31-year-old animal “lifestyle” photographer based in California.
article: Toronto News: Diving dogs underwater through Seth Casteel?s camera - thestar.com
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-17-2012, 08:29 AM
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You cannot go wrong with the 15 Ltd and the 70 Ltd. They are both amazing in my opinion.
My favorite lens might be the 40 Ltd. The 40 Ltd was known as a "pancake" before the newer lens came out. I don't know much about the new one, but I believe it is designed specifically for the K-01. I will leave that issue up to Pentaxians more knowledgable on the the issue.
As usual, which lenses to purchase depends on your shooting style. But my two most used landscape lenses are the 15 and the 40 (I use the 70 primarily for portraits). If I was to start out with 2 lenses, I would choose the 15 and 40 (the 70 doesn't see as much time on the K5 due to my shooting style - which is mostly street, landscape, and travel). If budget allows, I wouldn't hesitate to get all three - it makes an awesome combo.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-16-2012, 09:33 AM
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Hi Guys...
I thought I'd share my 5 minute DIY project.
After having seen how expensive the Pentax K-AC86 PSU cost I thought I would do my own.
I found out the genuine PSU was 6.5v 3A so figured I'd get something close to this. I picked up a PSU from my CCTV dept at work. Regulated 5v 2.6A. Seeing I was using rechargables it would be OK. If anything less chance of blowing up my camera. Cost: Nothing. I then got from eBay 2 x AAA to AA converters. Cost: £2.50. I also got a CCTV female DC Pigtail. Again from eBay. Cost: £1.00.
The PSU has a male DC central positive pin which was 2.1mm. It is important to make sure it will fit your pigtail (also 2.1mm). I positioned the Converters into the battery housing making note where I'd drill the holes to feed the cables through. I drilled the holes. I knocked out the contact pins and fed the cables through the ends and stripped them and jammed the bare cables back with the contact pins on the Converters.
It fitted the battery housing nicely. Note: The positive terminal is at the top and the negative at the bottom. Ensure you connect the polarity of the wires correctly. Plug the PSU into the mains and switch on the camera. Note the battery level indicator (top right) is green! It works and it cost me peanuts.
Now I can do some astrophotography with less worry.
Jacques.
Btw... if you do this and you mess up your camera I take no responsibility for your mess - You can easily fry your camera if you use the wrong PSU and mess up the cabling.
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Forum: General Talk
08-04-2010, 02:19 PM
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-10-2010, 12:05 PM
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Hey bigdog, we were there on Saturday too. Your shots certainly came out much better than mine. Did you stay for the Thunderbirds? We did and I have the sunburn to prove it. Must have been at least 110 pm the runway.
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