|
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-20-2017, 06:28 AM
|
| |
All lenses produced so far for K-mount are compatible with APS class cameras like K-3II. The reverse may not be true because lenses designed specifically for APS usually have smaller image circle and so not compatible with FF cameras like K-1.
While K-1 has a larger sensor, it is not necessarily a better camera for all situations when weight of combined camera and lenses is taken into account. I find that K-3Ii (w/ battery grip) along with a Sigma 17-50, Sigma 8-16, Pentax 50-135 and a travel tripod is about the weight limit that I want to carry. The FF equivalent set will likely be heavier (and larger), meaning that I will not carry everything and will miss out on opportunities. It is true that fixed focal length (aka prime) lenses are smaller and I do have a good set, but I hate changing lenses; it is a personal preference.
Another point to consider is that APS class cameras like K-3II with good lens can already produce phenomenal quality. FF is only incremental based on my limited and brief experience with a Nikon D800 and on subjects of interest to me. The difference in cost between a K-3II and K-1 is enough to get one or two nice lenses. Finally, all these are just tools and nothing more.
|
|
Forum: Post-Processing Articles
08-10-2017, 06:29 AM
|
| |
Thank you for the detailed description of this very interesting work. I think you clearly showed that one can tweak via profile to minimize differences between the two types of sensor. It does not appear, to me anyway, that CCD is inherently superior to CMOS in terms of color. I had a K10 but found that even a K-x was far better for my type of photography. However, I am still the limiting factor.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
07-05-2017, 10:08 AM
|
| |
I have both Pentax 16-85 and Sigma 17-50. I have no reservation as far as IQ is concerned for either lens. The Sigma is extremely sharp in the center while the Pentax is more even across the frame. And the Sigma is f/2.8 which has some advantages in some situations. You can get the Sigma at a lower price than the Pentax. But Pentax is WR, wider 16 mm, and longer FL.
I also had 18-135 that was replaced by the 16-85, my copy is significantly better than 18-135.
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-20-2017, 05:12 AM
|
| |
I hope K-3II behaves the same as K-3, which is listed.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-22-2017, 06:51 AM
|
| |
I have tested a Tamron 1.4X TC with a number of zoom lenses, the HD 55-300 and Sigma 100-300 f/4 were included. K-5IIs was used as the camera. Under very controlled condition, results were unexpectedly good based on my (fading) memory. The degradation in IQ was negligible with the Sigma 100-300 at all focal length; the 55-300 was only a touch worse at the long end. AF was much worse for both lenses. I have yet to used either combo in a real situation and doubt I would do that. I bought the TC because of LBA, not because of need. Besides, I am more interested in WA or UWA than tele.
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-28-2017, 07:00 AM
|
| |
I want to know if DR is better or same as K-3II.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-25-2017, 06:20 AM
|
| |
I agree M135 f/3.5 is a good contender. I paid $50 for my copy (used) last century when I was still shooting film. It is not that sharp wide open but can still be very nice for portrait I suppose; portraiture is not my interest, however. When I did use it, it is typically stopped down.
|
|
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-10-2017, 08:16 AM
|
| |
Even though it is a good sign that Pentax may release a new flagship in the near future, I just bought a K-3II last June. It is unlikely that I will jump on this new model but certainly intrigue by what NEW features this body will bring. My plan for this year is new lens, not new camera body. But like most plans, it will be changed.
|
|
Forum: Pentax Full Frame
11-03-2016, 12:40 PM
|
| |
I am more interested in news of APS-C format.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
12-08-2016, 06:49 AM
|
| |
I have some of the lenses on your list. I had thought about selling the older SMC fixed focal length lenses, but fortunately I did not. My observations are based on K-3II. These older SMC fixed can be excellent when stopped down to f/8 to f/11, sharp from edge to edge. All versions of 50's (M, A, FA, f/1.4 & f/1.7) are fine. I also have a 55 f/1.8 but have not tried it on K-3 yet; it has a special character that I am still learning how to take full advantage. My copy of Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 was a little weak (may be a bad copy), but Sigma 8-16 is superb on K-3II. The Rokinon 8mm is a fantastic and fun lens if you like UWA. The 55-300 WR (optically same as DA-L) is a great performer. DA 18-135 was good as a general lens on K-5 but I replaced it with 16-85 which is great on K-3II. My workhorse lens is Sigma 17-50 when I don't need WR. My experience with macro lenses (70 & 100) is that they are super sharp and should not have any issue keeping up with K-3.
|
|
Forum: Pentax Full Frame
12-08-2016, 03:55 PM
|
| |
Well, a friend lent his D800 along with the trinity set of lenses to me for a few days quite a few years back. Sure, the pictures are nice but not WOW. I was not impressed by the IQ for subject matters I was interested in. I was "impressed" by the weight increase though. I just cleaned up my old full manual film camera and bought some slow speed film.
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
10-31-2016, 05:49 AM
|
| |
In terms of equipment, lenses are more important than camera body. However, the importance of equipment pales in comparison to skills. Skillful photographers are often not limited by equipment. Photography is an expensive hobby, there is no way to get around it. You will be trading up even if you buy the "best" camera today. If you only "focus" on equipment, you will likely to trade up even faster because you think "better" equipment is the solution to mediocre results. In short, you are far better off improving your skills than chasing the latest and greatest because they will be obsolete in 12 to 18 months.
There also seems to be an implicit assumption that flagship models have features that cheaper models inherently don't or flagship models are more difficult to use than lesser ones. Camera features follow the trickle-down philosophy. For example, pixel-shift is available in K-70 (current mid-tier model) and K-3II (current APS flagship) while not available in K-3 & K-5 series (older flagship models). Using K-70 is not much different from K-3 or K-5 series.
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-16-2016, 07:14 AM
|
| |
I have two batteries - one in the body and one in the grip - because there were times that I exhausted the one in grip but did not have time to change. I also have two more spare batteries in my bag. May be an overkill, but I never want to be short on battery power.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-09-2016, 07:01 AM
|
| |
I have a small collection of SMC-M fixed FL lenses - 28 f/2.8, 50 f/1.4 & f/1.7, 55 f/1.8, 135 f/3.5. I don't normally use them as I am primarily a zoom user. However, I picked this bad habit of pursuing high resolution as a result of using Pixel Shift on my K-3II, I played with the above lenses just to see what they can offer. With aperture in the range of f/8 and f/11, these old SMC-M are unbelievably good. The best part is that the edges and corners are completely sharp with no distortion. I don't know if the performance is due to FF design or these old lenses are simply this good.
|
|
Forum: Winners' Showcase
09-02-2016, 04:34 AM
|
| |
Saw this intriguing pattern in St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC. Took the picture hand held.
|
|
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
09-29-2016, 10:35 AM
|
| |
I believe mirrorless will eventually be the norm. The mirror itself is a source of many issues. Vibration is a big one, for me at least. The mirror mechanism is an art form in mechanical design; ie, unnecessary complication. That space may be better used for some other functions. I am very interested in the possibility of build-in filter (polarizer & ND). PDAF is not the same as focus on the sensor; hence, we need focus adjustment.
I think mirrorless is not quite matured yet at this time. Quite a few companies (Panasonic, Olympus, etc) see the future and push the frontier. I do have an Olympus m43 along with the primary Pentax system. The Pentax is very user friendly, but the m43 is not difficult to use either.
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-09-2016, 06:10 AM
|
| |
One of the best lens in my collection is the 50-135 which is a joint effort between Pentax and Tokina. I will never sell this lens.
|
