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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
11-27-2023, 11:09 AM
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I love this lens... i am the original poster, bought it last week, and used it over the weekend. I will be posting my thoughts elsewhere... especially in comparison to the DA 300mm but overall worth the price for those looking for the best birding Pentax birding option matched up with a K3 III.... (IMHO).
Very little practice with this lens so far, but I am happy with my 2nd day out .... a few shots attached in case you need a nudge to make the decision.
Still editing these but happy with them so far.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-30-2023, 03:30 PM
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Terry & Loyalt - Calling me out.... :)
So here are my stats:
DA* 300mm - 14,484 photos total
Without 1.4 TC - 10,797
With 1.4 TC - 3,687
(On K1 II & K3 II & K3 III)
I just went through and looked at the 350 photos that I rate 4 or higher AND I stand corrected in that I got a lot of nice keepers with the 1.4 TC - so the sharpness / bokeh / quality do not seem to be a problem.
263 without TC and 84 with TC that I rate in the 4+ category.
I LOVE the DA* 300 - just gorgeous images, but it has always left me wanting a bit more reach, quicker focusing (largely due to hunting since there is no focus limiter) - but overall I love the lens.
Also note that I do a LOT of shooting in the early a.m. - which adds a bit of challenge with light.
I think when I add the 1.4 TC, it makes things just a bit harder - and so I have tended towards shooting without the 1.4 TC. So based on this review, the weakness is largely my own challenges with handling, shutter, etc.
More to come on the 150mm - 450mm - but it's not lacking in reach AND I will try out the 1.4 TC as well.
Some photos below from the DA* 300 with the 1.4 TC to basically make me a liar...
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-27-2023, 11:34 AM
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Hey all - Picked up a 150 - 450 mm last week in my quest to up my birding game. I also bought a K3 III about 6 months ago.
I have used the following combos in the past:
K1 II / K3 III & DA* 60 - 250
K1 II / K3 III & DA* 300 & FA 300 4.5
K1 II / K3 II (not the III since my Sigma is not focusing anymore) & Sigma 120-400mm
I have been a bit hesitant to spend the $ for the 150-450, but had some unexpected $ and went for it- especially since it was $1596 on sale last week.
I generally buy used lenses, but bought new for the DA* 300 and 150-450 - as these are expensive lenses that seem to hold their value and the discount of used was not compelling enough. I got burned with a FA 300mm 4.5 and did not want the same experience with a modern lens.
I have only used the 150 - 450 for about 5 hours BUT it really rocks! I generally shoot handheld (though had a monopod on hand for a few shots when time allowed).
It definitely needs a higher shutter speed - 1/800+ is ideal but it is SHARP all the way up to 450 even wide open at 5.6. And with some bursting, I could go slower, or when I used the monopod.
It also has focus limiting - so I kept it on 6m to infinity - and that made the focus very quick. I was able to capture some inflight shots that have been very difficult with the 300mm (probably due to the focus limiter.) I generally "pre-focus" with the 300mm to get it close, but it still can search to minimum and then out again and can be frustrating. Did not feel the same problem with the 150-450.
The extra reach was great - and I found my self actually zooming - where I often just shot the Sigma at 400mm only.
Some photos posted - look at the link to the higher res shots - I will post more as I use it more - but so far VERY HAPPY. Some initial shots attached. Still working on my editing of these AND technique with the lens - so I think it can only get better from here on out.
Not yet happy with my inflight captures - but I can already tell that some excellent photos are within reach.
Feel free to post any questions about the lens and my experiences with it and the above options.
Higher Res here: Pentax 150-450
Other photos and price watch post here: Pentax 150-450 - extra $200 ($400 off!) - PentaxForums.com
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Forum: Pentax Price Watch
11-23-2023, 09:14 AM
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
03-07-2023, 11:52 AM
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Hey All - I have been a Pentax photographer since I was a kid and just supplemented my K1 II and K3 II with a K3 III.
The K3 III is awesome!
I have a lot of new and old Pentax lenses so while the idea of considering another platform (and mirrorless) for nature photography was tempting, I won some $ from work AND got a great deal on an Open Box K3 III from Adorama and went with it.
I have been using the K3 II with the 300mm for the extra reach, but quality was not as good as the K1 II for early morning low light shooting. So other option was K1 II - but 300mm (even with 1.4x) was not quite what I wanted as far as reach.
I have been out shooting early the last two mornings with the K3 III and a DA* 300 (and today with a 1.4x tele-converter) and am amazed at the image quality at high ISOs - aka 5000 and 6400. Still learning the camera but am excited to see how I progress! I plan to do some comparisons between the three cameras - but so far I am REALLY impressed.
A few shots attached - most are 4000 to 6400 - though a couple are 400 to 1000 ISO.
(You can see the originals here at higher res: Prospect Park Birds )
Jonathan
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
04-17-2023, 02:36 PM
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
04-17-2023, 02:34 PM
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I just posted in another thread that the K3 III just revived my "dead" Sigma 120-400.... Focused stopped working on K1 II and K3 II - but came back today on my K3 III. Really pretty fascinating as I had totally given up on that lens!!!
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
03-30-2023, 09:22 AM
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Pricing on these is really reasonable! Might get one or two so I don't need to move the one I have around.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
03-28-2023, 06:13 AM
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So I got a commitment from my friend to end me a Canon R5 w/ 100-500. Will try in the next week or so....
Still happily shooting the K3 III - I really like this very quick shot from this a.m.
12800 ISO! Got the eye super sharp. Processed in DXO Photolab 6....
(Link to higer res: Robin 12800)
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Forum: Pentax K-3 III
03-27-2023, 03:39 PM
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I am definitely not a churner..... Have had the K1 for at least 3 years and the K3 well before that. I bought the K3 III after struggling with Birds this year a bit - my photos are not all that bad, but was looking to improve and get better use out of my 300mm....
I got some extra cash from an unexpected work bonus and decided to go for the K3 III - was considering switching to a Canon and lens, but felt like a much bigger purchase since I have A LOT of Pentax lenses.
I appreciate the validation of trying out the friend's Canon and will post my results! And agree there will be a learning curve - so will hopefully pick up tips from my friend who is REALLY good at all aspects of photography.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
10-22-2020, 06:40 AM
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6 months later! I wanted to compare my photos from 4/2020 to now. Curious if I have improved in my processing, lens usage, etc.
All taken with with Sigma 120-400 or Pentax 60-250 with K1 MKII or K3 II.
Gentle Criticism appreciated.
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
01-02-2021, 05:55 PM
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I would like to nominate this photo
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
12-28-2020, 11:09 AM
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My 911 by the ocean in Maine! Take in 2016 on a visit to my parents. Was actually the longest trip I had taken in the car - from PA to ME via VT!
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Forum: Weekly Photo Challenges
12-09-2020, 01:28 PM
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Good challenge. No interesting bench shots in my library so I shot this bench this morning at sunrise on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY.
10 second exposure using FA 28-105 at 31mm, F 8.0 at ISO 1600. I had a Hoya ND filter (9 stops) though I probably could have gotten away without it....
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Forum: Weekly Photo Challenges
12-09-2020, 03:18 PM
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So I think I found the source of your heat loss....
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Forum: Weekly Photo Challenges
12-09-2020, 01:36 PM
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Ventured out early Friday morning. Photo from DUMBO Brooklyn using Tamron 70-200 ISO 800, F8.0 at 1/500. I really like taking Telephoto Landscape shots...
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Forum: Weekly Photo Challenges
12-05-2020, 03:21 PM
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I have been doing a lot of Bird photography in the last few months but decided to shift a bit recently.
Photos are:
- Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise a few days back (K1 MkII, Tamron 70-200, 200mm @ 7.1)
- My dog (Bree) who my daughter is making into an Instagram sensation. I set up a studio in my office (K1 MkII, FA 28-105, 28mm @ 9.0)
- Some leaves I caught on a recent photo walk (K1 MkII, DA-50 1.8, 50mm @ 8.0)
- I always love cranes (the non-bird kinds) and these are a few blocks from my house (K1 MkII, Pentax 85mm 2.0 M or K, 85mm)
- A seagull as I really like the foreground in this shot (K1 MkII, Sigma 120-400mm, 400mm @ 8.0)
- A Tufted Titmouse (my favorite bird as they look so proud with their chests and crests) (Tamron 70-200mm, 77.5mm @ 3.5)
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Forum: Weekly Photo Challenges
11-30-2020, 01:52 PM
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Thanks ramseybuckeye for hosting last week's challenge and choosing my photo!
This week I am looking for photos of lost or discarded objects. I have been doing a lot of photo-walks lately and am always intrigued by the things people have lost or discarded. Every object seems to tell a story and I can't wait to see yours!
The challenge will close on Monday, December 7th at Noon GMT. (7:00 AM EST in Brooklyn where I live.)
Every week, a new theme is picked and judged by the winner of the previous week.
Rules
1. Post ONE photo.
2. The photo must portray an interpretation of the theme.
3. Post your single picture in this thread and explain what motivated you to take the picture and/or how you feel it represents the weekly theme (especially if it's not obvious).
4. The challenge is interactive. Any response is welcome.
5. The judge will pick the WINNERS and choose one of them to be the judge for the next week.
6. This challenge runs for 7 days plus an additional day for the judge to choose the winners.
7. Any Pentax camera can be used.
8. Pictures can be from any time frame, not just within the week of the current theme.
9. In case the winner of a challenge is unable to become the judge for the next challenge, they will PM the #2 winner for that person to be the judge.
Examples from my most recent walks:
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
11-23-2020, 12:57 PM
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Forum: Weekly Photo Challenges
11-30-2020, 01:30 PM
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Thanks @ramseybuckeye for picking my photo and for such a thorough review of all of the contestants! It will be tough to follow this up but I will do my best!
@SimonC - I think this is actually from the late 1800's! My house (about 10 blocks away was built in 1895).
This was my first entry and now I am hooked!
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Forum: Weekly Photo Challenges
11-28-2020, 09:01 AM
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I took this photo a few weeks back on a photo walk. I was looking for interesting angles and strong contrast. I really like the way these buildings were created based on the space available. This is in Brooklyn, NY and since space is expensive, I expect the architect did whatever was necessary to maximize the footprint with aesthetics as a secondary consideration. I also chose to process in B&W to emphasize the range of textures.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
10-20-2020, 03:25 PM
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Pentax LX with 50mm 1.2 and K1 with 77mm Limited.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
10-29-2020, 10:27 AM
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I wanted to represent waiting for about 2 hours in the rain today to vote.
Had to do this quick... as it is still a workday.
Used Superglue, LightPad, two flashes and my "new" Panagor 90mm Macro....
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
10-27-2020, 05:25 PM
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@Blacknight659 Thanks for the line by line instructions. My 50-135 is back in auto-focus!
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
10-21-2020, 05:37 PM
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Koniflex TLR (from 1955) on Kodak Porta 800 film
The first shot is my son on the subway and the second an accidental double (triple?) exposure of my daughter.
Something going on with the winding mechanism on occassion (or it might just be me) but I like the "accidents"
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