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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-21-2013, 01:38 PM
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Definitely. I will be going back to sea for around 6 weeks shortly so will be able to see how the handling and autofocus of the D7100 stands up to the K30 with regards to seabirds in flight, and hopefully have some more photos to post!
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-21-2013, 01:00 AM
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Regarding my original post, I made the decision to switch to Nikon, and bought a D7100 new a few days ago. I felt the switch was further validated when I picked up a second hand Nikon 70-200/2.8 VR1 for $1500NZD, and have also seen (for example) a Nikon AF-s 300/4 going second hand for as low as $1200. I have yet to see any quality long secondhand Pentax lenses on the same trading site. As some previous posters have mentioned, the cost of switching system is limiting factor, but luckily I had only invested around $1900NZD in all my Pentax gear, and was able to sell this second hand without too great a loss. Also, the availability of second hand Nikon lenses will likely counter this loss in the long run.
With regards to getting closer to the subject rather than getting a longer lens, there are times when this is simply not possible. For example, I work at sea, and if I tried to get much closer to the albatrosses I would probably end up in the trawl net :). In saying that, I agree that the 'get closer' argument will be applicable as many times as not.
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Forum: Travel, Events, and Groups
06-13-2013, 12:52 AM
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Hi guys, I have just posted my K-30 + accessories on TM if anyone is interested. Thought I would have more luck posting here as kiwis wouldn't be as likely to scroll through the mostly US items in the marketplace. If this breaks forum rules, then please let me know.
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
06-13-2013, 12:41 AM
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I am using a SanDisk Extreme 32GB card with my K-30 and have never experienced any issues.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-12-2013, 10:59 PM
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Both good points there, especially with the WR. While I like having at least one WR lens, it is not the main factor in choosing a long lens - if it's raining then I'm not going to be out on deck or in the bush trying to get a long shot. With this in mind I was looking into the Sigma lenses, and they are also much cheaper than the DA*300, for example. When I'm choosing a lens I want something with a degree of flexibility, hence the 50-500 or 100-300.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-12-2013, 06:45 PM
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Thanks for all the feedback, much appreciated.
One particular alternative to the Sigma 50-500 I was looking at was the discontinued Sigma 100-300 F/4, which is available in NZ for slightly less than the 50-500, and not available in Pentax mount.
You are correct, it is the occasional snapshot at this stage, although I can see myself getting more serious and hence wish to future proof myself before I invest more money in a system that I may go on to sell at a greater loss. I would rather not spend more money on long Pentax lenses only to go on to find that the D7100 would better suit my needs.
The only other body that I have found that seems to suit my needs is the D7100, which offers weather sealing.
With regards to hiring the Nikon before purchasing, this will be a little difficult as I am at sea for ~6 weeks straight, and that would be the best test of whether the camera suits my needs - in lieu of testing it how I will be using it, I will likely have to resort to mere red billed gulls, rather than royal albatross.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-12-2013, 04:19 PM
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I have owned my K-30 with 18-135 for around 5 months, and have thoroughly enjoyed it as a first DSLR with regards to ease of use, construction and image quality. However, the vast majority of my photos are wildlife (particularly bird) related. I have been looking into getting a Sigma 50-500mm lens to help with extra reach, which I have found lacking - all my wildlife photos have been taken at full zoom and cropped. I work on deep sea fishing vessels, so spend most of my time photographing seabirds in flight and on the water. This requires a long zoom lens and ideally
This got me seriously thinking about if I want to stick with Pentax, as other systems seem to have more variety in terms of long lenses (such as the 100-300) available, and less issues sourcing these long lenses in New Zealand. I have done some research, and it seems like the Nikon D7100 is the way to go if I do decide to switch - more precise focus which is key for the BIF shooting I do, longer battery life which is handy, weather sealing, and no major drawbacks - I imagine I could make the switch without losing more than several hundred $.
My question is, am I crazy to be considering a switch based on these factors? I am considering it now, rather than later when I will have more Pentax lenses and therefore higher cost of switching.
Thanks in advance!
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
06-12-2013, 02:06 PM
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I agree - would have been a beaut if I managed to include the whole reflection. I haven't cropped the bottom of the reflection, it was just such a fast reflex shot that it was horribly framed. I'm surprised that the camera managed to focus so quickly, it was taken as the albatross was flying past the boat and I was already fully zoomed in so had no time to adjust.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-12-2013, 02:02 PM
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Funny you should mention that, after seeing the 100-300 and having to wait up to 4 weeks to get a Pentax mount 50-500 I am wondering if I made the wrong choice going with Pentax - The vast majority of my photography revolves around wildlife and birds such as albatross, so tracking AF and longer lenses are quite key. I've had my K-30 for about 5 months and love it, but considering swapping to Canon or Nikon before I invest too much in a system which may not be as fully supported in the long lens department in the future.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-12-2013, 03:30 AM
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Thanks for the quick reply boriscleto - back to the drawing board it is!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
06-12-2013, 03:17 AM
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Hi there, I have just spotted a good deal on a used Sigma 100-300 F4 APO DG HSM lens. I am in the process of trying to track down a Sigma 50-500 lens in New Zealand to use for birding, but if it is possible to get the 100-300 working then I could save a fair bit of coin and maybe even get better IQ (thoughts?). Is it possible to get the 100-300 working on my K-30, or will I need to get back to hunting down a 50-500?
TIA
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
06-11-2013, 07:03 PM
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
04-01-2013, 04:26 PM
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I like the look of the silver one! When I got my K-30 in Jan I was only aware of the three colour options, but I'm happy with my choice of black.
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Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50
03-31-2013, 12:52 PM
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