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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
10-09-2011, 10:25 AM
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Arise, my thread, arise. Hopefully this is not considered really bad form here.
Anyway, I finally posted some pictures of my trip to Costa Rica on flickr.
Costa Rica Set by 2aron, on Flickr
In the end, I took four lenses with me. I received a 15mm for Christmas, and bought a DA* 50 - 135. I added my 50mm macro and my DA*300. I also took my fgz360 flash. I ended up with nothing in the normal range, but my wife had a Pentax waterproof camera, which covered the snapshot area. Given that we were on a vacation and not a real photo expedition, the 50mm macro was likely not necessary, and I would have done better with a 35mm. I had a lowpro slingbag (the 200 I think) which was fine for most hiking. A backpack would have allowed me to bring more lenses, but for a vacation, the slingbag worked well. I stuffed 6 of the silica gel packs in the bag to keep the moisture off.
The weather was good for the most part, so I was not restricted in shooting. And when it did rain, I kept the 300mm on the k-7 and had no issues. I really wish I had a waterproof and strong flash, and not long after I returned I upgraded to a Metz 58 for the greater flash power. My one big issue was I bought some less expensive memory card, and two died during the trip. One for good, and one did come back after a few days. I only lost a few picture, but had to spend the last couple of days shooting in jpegs to save space. Next time higher quality cards.
Thanks again for all the advice, and if you have any questions, I would be happy to answer.
Aaron
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-02-2010, 10:00 PM
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I voted 28, but I agree with other posters that a 135 f2 (or faster) would be my choice.
Aaron
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-02-2010, 09:49 PM
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Thank you to everyone who replied. I have some ideas and plenty to think about.
That is an interesting idea. I was looking at the K-5 to replace my K-7 for its low light abilities. However, getting a K-x as a backup give me low light and lets me keep the K-7, which I like.
Need to remember this. Hate to lose a lens due to humidity or worse.
Thanks again. I will let everyone know how it goes and post pictures when I get back.
Aaron
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-29-2010, 07:26 PM
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Thanks for the replies. Just to clarify, weather sealing is not a must, if it is not required. Just seemed logical.
Wow, that would be an expensive kit. :) Unless the extra stop was truly needed, I would likely skip the DA*50-135.
Between the DA*200 and DA*300, any thoughts on whether the extra reach would be better than the extra stop? (I have the 300, but I can likely borrow the 200 if the stop would be more useful.)
There were a few threads on dpreview. And TCOM took some excellent pictures in Africa.
Aaron
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-29-2010, 06:18 PM
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So I am heading off to Costa Rica in a couple months and am wonder what lenses to bring to take photos in the rainforest? My initial thoughts were fast, since it is dark, weather sealed. Anyone who has taken photos in a rain forest (or anyone else) have some advice? My personal collection is limited, but can use this trip as an excuse to get some other glass. (Now honey, you would not want me to miss that once in a lifetime shot of ....) I have a K-7 for a body.
Thank you for any and all thoughts.
Aaron
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-12-2010, 07:51 PM
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Forum: Lens Clubs
10-15-2010, 07:02 PM
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iFoto,
Nice pictures of the Lynx. I especially like the third one.
mikem,
The Redhead is a very good shot. Nice and sharp.
I also have the Kenko 1.5 paired with the DA*300 and I too find that it hunts quite a bit more for focus than with the 300 alone. I have not gotten anything I am 100% happy with yet with the combo. They seem just less sharp than I expected.
This is probably the best I have with the combo.
Aaron
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
09-29-2010, 05:42 PM
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Forum: Lens Clubs
09-25-2010, 07:05 AM
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imtheguy, thanks for the comments. I was very surprised the hawk let me get so close to get that shot. Most times they fly away long before. And I cannot believe I never thought to remove the branch. Bugs, dust spots, but not the branch. :o
Your eagle shot is quite amazing. With that look, I think he is sizing you up for photographer dinner.
smc, thank you for the kind words. Glad to be here.
Aaron
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Forum: Lens Clubs
09-23-2010, 08:57 PM
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Wow I can't compete with the either the quality of the pictures or the size of the lenses on this thread. My DA* 300 looks tiny compared to some of these beasts!!
Nonetheless, I thought I would share a couple of pictures
The first here is tight crop of a hawk (juvenile Cooper's Hawk I believe) that I took pictures of for week hanging out a pond near my house. Took bad about the branch sticking out of his head. :o
In the pond is an island with this giant light stand. Never seen it turned on, but the Cormorants have been using it for a few years. I normally do not capture sunsets with a 300mm, but on this day was all I had.
Finally, a greedy jay trying to get another peanut in his mouth before his mates came back. And he was just going to hide them both anyway. Good thing it is too cold for peanuts up here. I have enough maple sprouts growing in my yard without adding peanut forgotten by jays.
I have been very impressed with the DA* 300 since I bought it. When I manage to get a good shot they are very sharp with no fringing that I notice. Certainly far better than the Sigma 100-300 I was using before.
Aaron
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Forum: Lens Clubs
08-27-2010, 07:51 PM
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It has been a while since I attached a camera to my telescope, but I have two adapters.
1) k-mount to telescope adapter: This looks like a thick k to m42 adapter for old lenses. (In fact, it works on m42 lenses, but like there is a short extension.) This can be screwed directly onto my telescope so the telescope becomes a lens. This may not work for all telescopes. Mine it a refractor telescope, which is just like regular camera lens. Reflecting (mirror) telescopes may be different.
2) Variable-projection camera adapter (according to the box): This screws into the adapter and then you can attach it to the telescope just like a regular eyepiece. You can also insert an eyepiece into the adapter for greater magnification.
Neither adapter is from Pentax. The first is unknown while the second is from Meade.
There are likely other adapters you can get as well; I am far from an expert. I did find this site: DIGITAL CAMERA ADAPTERS FOR TELESCOPES - Largest Selection!
Here is a sample picture of the moon with the camera directly attached to the telescope:
The telescope is 1000 mm and the picture taken with my k7.
Hope that helps.
Aaron
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
08-26-2010, 07:54 PM
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Hello all,
Here is my introduction to the forum, which I have been following without posting for a while now. I am from Edmonton, Alberta Canada. I have been a Pentax user for many years, starting with the mx, which I still have. Currently I am using the K7.
I spend most of photo time with macros and birds.
Aaron
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