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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
10-14-2015, 05:07 PM
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Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some advice about trialling or buying a super telephoto prime.
I currently use my K5IIs with A*200/2.8 and F*300/4.5 handheld for long telephoto shooting (getting really lovely results) but have been looking to learn to use some heavier, longer equipment and practice using and carrying a heavy tripod. I understand at longer lengths and greater weights it can be a steep learning curve but I enjoy getting to know equipment and trying new things.
How difficult would it be to find, say, an A*400/2.8 in Australia (based in Sydney and Canberra) to borrow or buy? What are rough reasonable prices on the classic Pentax supertelephoto primes? I've stored up a bit of money so buying and selling is an option but I wouldn't want to overpay and get caught out.
Given the 300/4.5 covers my portable compact needs very well, I'm happy to go for difficult and heavy to learn a new skill and a new focal length.
Sorry for the vague question but I know a lot of people here have experience and might have some tips for a university student who's working hard to improve photography skills (particularly nature and natural light photography).
Thanks and let me know if there's more detail I can add. :)
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
09-12-2015, 06:29 AM
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Wow, that really makes me think... so lovely.
I appreciate those moments when photographs represent feelings I have about the world. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks everyone else too for the photos - something about sunrises always makes me smile. I'll need to get out and take some more myself.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-12-2015, 06:16 PM
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Think I've got 8 primes now.
Still have my original zoom but don't really use it.
Pentax lenses are a lot of fun all round - from trying to find them, to learning how to get the best out of them.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-12-2015, 06:04 PM
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Hmm, quite difficult.
I once solely used the Super-Takumar 50/1.4 for over a year to practice my skills and learn composition. What a wonderful lens and special experience!!
I'll always have a soft spot for that lens.
I'm also a big fan of the FA43. Pentax has a long history of excellent normals.
Hope my K135/2.5, F*300, FA77 and FA*24 don't feel left out. :)
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Forum: Pentax Forums Giveaways
12-14-2014, 07:54 PM
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This is a popular thread!! Good luck everyone :)
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
12-10-2014, 09:56 PM
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Thanks, noelcmn! Very interesting area. Would be nice to get to see many areas in Southern Africa if I get the chance some day. :)
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
11-20-2014, 08:32 PM
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noelcmn, could you describe this shot for me? (Post 99). Very interesting... :)
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
10-23-2014, 01:35 AM
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Thank you so much DSims, noelpolar and everyone!
I followed the instructions and gave it a hard twist in the right direction and it finally came loose.
All working functionally now!
I hope you all enjoy the F*300 very much. I certainly am, and now can use the hood too.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
10-22-2014, 09:31 PM
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Thanks everyone for the instructions.
I've tried twisting the hood, but it doesn't seem to be budging. Which direction is it supposed to be twisted?
And if it's not moving, is it dangerous if I manhandle it a bit?
Thanks again!
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
10-21-2014, 10:43 PM
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Hi guys,
Sorry for being a bother with a question like this, but I just wanted to get a specific description of the hood operation on the F* 300mm f4.5 lens.
It's a real beauty, but for some reason I haven't managed to figure out how to use the in-built hood.
Pushing/pulling/twisting don't seem to move anything, but perhaps I'm doing it wrong.
This is by no means a complaint (from what I've heard, the hood operation is easy and most useful), just wanted to figure it out.
Thanks!
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Forum: Sold Items
10-10-2014, 05:45 AM
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-24-2014, 05:52 AM
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Hey everyone,
Sorry I've been gone from the forum for quite a while, things got busy with end of high school / start of university. I'll try to keep a bit more up to date.
Don't worry though, I'm still an avid Pentax user, and I try to explain my choices to all those people who ask, "Pentax...?".
I've got a question (I hope this is the right place for it).
I've found a Tokina AT-X 90mm f2.5 Macro, a brilliantly special lens which I've always wanted to try, but was disappointed to find that it is Olympus O/OM mount. From what I've read, working the Olympus mount with Pentax is not worth trying.
This lens deserves more than sitting on my shelf going unused, though. It's even got its macro extender and pouch with it. I good glass enough to really want this to be used.
Is there a way I would be able to use this with my K20D? Or, if not - I do have an old Olympus film camera lying around too. Would this lens be worth getting into film for? (Side note: If I was to get back into film, I'd probably prefer to be using my K2).
Alternatively, what are the odds that I could find the right person to take care of and protect this lens? Could I find a trade for something similar in K-mount?
Or must I resign myself to selling it off and buying something in exchange?
Sorry to be a bother, but it seems like a bit too nice to just give up on.
Thanks for any advice, and for being here!
M
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-27-2011, 08:18 PM
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My Super Tak 50/1.4 has easily replaced my 18-200 as my standard lens. Hasn't come off the camera since June (except for extension tubes).
K20D makes a great combination with it. Limited (actually no) zoom range is nothing to worry about. Any prime user will make that clear.
For me, it's a bonus. Anyway, enjoy your manual lenses, everyone!
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
06-26-2011, 03:13 PM
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I checked the histogram on that last one. Looks fine except the blue colour channel is running right up on the left side (ie the left wall is up to top with a blue strip). Have I failed to record some information somehow?
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
06-26-2011, 05:27 AM
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Quite simply stunning. Makes me feel fresh and crisp like the focus.
You're a great ambassador for the D-FA 100/2.8 macro. It's good to see it works so well in combinations as well. Very exciting work.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
06-26-2011, 05:04 AM
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Sorry... Confusion as I already put them in Bokeh club earlier today. Here I've just direct pasted them in. Hope it works.
The Tak has a really characteristic rendering of thick vegetation at 1.4. I'm starting to see it here and there.
EDIT: First 2 are at 1.4, next two are at 5.6 if I remember.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
06-25-2011, 11:17 PM
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Cross-posted in Bokeh Club which I just started reading.
I recently acquired this great little lens which spends most of its time on my camera now. Toured the outskirts of a soccer field while my brother was playing a game. Straight camera JPEG's, reduced size.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-25-2011, 11:13 PM
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Just got this lens, and having much fun with it. Here's a few from touring the outskirts of a park where my brother was playing soccer.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-24-2011, 02:41 AM
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This is very logical and although FL preferences might differ a little person to person, your logic is echoed in most of us I would think.
Have you tried looking at the K30/2.8 for the middle? Not very fast, but optically surprises many. Then again, you find autofocus helpful, so maybe we're just waiting out on a 28/2 to come out once again here? That's up to Hoya. For now, I guess we continue discussing what else there is.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-21-2011, 11:55 PM
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I see what you mean. A digital equivalent of the FA 20/2.8 (or just a full-frame camera) would be very popular. Not quite 10-12mm, but wider than the 15.
It seems that this range is dominated by 2x wideangle zooms. I read about the Nikon 14-24/2.8, and I know it's not Pentax or lightweight, but its IQ seems to be just unchallenged by primes. Unfortunately, the DA 14 just isn't sharp enough to compete with some zooms. But then we get into a price/size unfair comparison, don't we?
I would be very interested in a very sharp 12mm f3, or the like.
Landscapes always attract the best equipment, especially with professionals (not me!).
Until then, I'm going with the DA15. Very small, very popular.
Sorry I'm late to reply!
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Forum: Lens Clubs
06-18-2011, 04:51 AM
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-17-2011, 05:57 AM
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Thanks for the advice. I'm pretty well decided on the 15/4, maybe even only for size and FL which win me over.
My questions for the trip continue however:
- I am realising I need filters. Polarizing and 2-stop GND seem to be the ones I would want, but on B&H at 49mm these are $40 each. I think they are worth it but I would like to hear some opinions, especially with regard to a ski trip.
- Tripod: I won't have opportunity to take a real one, but is it worth it taking a little one for landscapes? I know it depends on style, but I think long-exposures can be great for landscapes.
- Protection: Thanks to m42man for the advice. I am wondering about how people take their lightweight kit physically up the slopes with them... Some kind of mini-tight backpack?
Thanks for the help. I look forward to getting the 15 and going!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-15-2011, 01:53 AM
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I just did an exposure plot of my material from the last few months. In digital equivalents, in the 18-100 (small prime) range, the standouts were:
18mm- 340+ uses
45-55mm- 360
100mm- 210
30mm- 160
The 45-55 height is probably due to 50mm being my only prime.
There were significant lows (very few uses) between 18 and 30mm, and lower usage between the other FL's mentioned.
The 15mm seems like a great option, but I do hear that the 21 FL is more generally useful and easier for composition.
I think I would do well with a 15-30 pair (if I can get the K30 after all my time hunting!). A 43-50-55 somewhere in there I think would also work well.
Is 30-50mm too short for the longer end of a travel kit?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-14-2011, 03:25 AM
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I know it could be by this title another "what lens should I buy" sequence.
Frankly, I know the glass that's out there and I just would like to hear some opinions from people who actually own that glass.
So here's the situation: I have a K20D, Sigma 18-200 and recently bought a Super Tak 50/1.4.
I am going for the first time out of Australia/USA in my life in about 2.5 weeks, on a 1 week trip to New Zealand, and I feel that I would like to get a new lens in that time.
Of course much emphasis will be on landscape ( I would rather shoot than ski but I'll do a mixture), and I already know I love small primes (as some of you may know by now), confirmed by my recent 50/1.4 purchase.
So back to lens specifics: I would rather any 2-prime combo to my zoom, which I am not particularly fond of, and the 50mm could be one of these. I also know that it seems there are two (to generalise) types of landscape: wide and non-wide. Particularly, in the way of Pentax lenses, it seems these groups are well represented by the 15/21 on one end and the 70/100 on the other.
It is possible (but not certain) that I could get my hands on a K30/2.8 before the trip, but I would not rely on that possibility to make a decision.
So, after yet another pentaxforums.com block of text, I get to the point: I would like to hear advice regarding the use of Pentax primes in landscape-specific conditions, for the lenses aforementioned or any others that people deem appropriate.
To stop this reeling off into a DAvsFAvsZoom etc thread, as I have much of this knowledge readily available on the site already, I ask that we keep the discussion I hope will ensue to a purely travel/landscape/purchaseable in 2 weeks concept. I will be pleased to hear people's personal experiences with their own selection of lenses, and any advice for me.
Alright, after that I'm feeling a bit selfish in that I ask purely for my own benefit... Let's call it a discussion on lanscape-appropriate lenses for all.:)
Thanks everyone.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
06-12-2011, 09:16 PM
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Yes, it has been cropped very well. Keeping that top left cloud intact was a good choice.
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