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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 08-10-2014, 01:44 PM  
New to forums_Considering K3 (from Nikon D7000)
Posted By tx_roadie
Replies: 28
Views: 3,679
Thanks all for the insights and opinions - definitely giving me somethings to consider.

@Rawr - great photo examples of the setup capabilities. Very clean and clearly action oriented. Well done!

@Interested_Observer: Yes, one of the issues I've read about was the notion of accurate keepers, with the edge towards Pentax...one of the reasons I am considering a switch within the DX format; also the buffer load/unload. I am selective in my shots - I'll set to the highest given FPS, but even then, my bursts are usually only 2-3 frames, wait...2-3 frame burst, wait..repeat as necessary; however, even that eventually clogs and paralyzes the camera system if the action of interest occurs over a 20-30 second time frame (or even longer with cycling road races/criteriums). Some sports it doesn't matter (i.e. most rodeo action occurs in 8-second events).

As others have mentioned, yes, it is a dilemma in switching brand systems, and the K-mount lens pipeline is decreased relative to other brands. However, there are really only two lenses I would need for this setup - a 70/80 - 200mm f2.8, and a 300mm lens, preferably f2.8 that can be used with at least a 1.4TC (preferably 2TC). The new retail pipeline (at f2.8) is abit limited, though I'm not averse to buying dependable used lenses (my Sigma 120-300 f2.8 is the only lens I've ever purchased brand new...everything else was Ebay, Craigslist, or KEH). If the K3 body is a well-performer, I only need two lenses for this specific application - and the used market seems to support my lens needs. The K3 specs have enough qualities that get my attention for use as a specific DX sport shooter (and who knows, maybe I'm subconciously trying to get back to my Spotmatic and ZX-50 days, ironic, since with those cameras, once you filled the buffer, the unload time was the time to rewind the film and load a new roll...how spoiled we've become!!!).

Thanks again all.
Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 08-10-2014, 10:21 AM  
New to forums_Considering K3 (from Nikon D7000)
Posted By tx_roadie
Replies: 28
Views: 3,679
Hi all. First off- Thanks for the replies so far, this is a very helpful forum. In terms of the camera comparisons, I'm specifically looking at the points of comparison of the K3 to D7000 - the buffer capacity of the D7100 is why I'm not in the market for the D7100 (despite the better AF tracking vs the D7000). There was (several months ago) an ill-fated rumor for a D7200, but that rumor seems dead, and the rumor leaks for Photokina indicate Nikon is moving forward with another Fx body (rumored).

My main sport lenses are the older Nikon 80-200 f2.8 ED and the second-generation Sigma 120-300 f2.8 +/- 2xTC. I also have a Nikon D610 (used for just about everything else, as well as low-light/evening/indoor sports). My subject matter is as close as 10-15 feet away, upwards of 100-120 meters away (depending on where I set my tripod and where the surfers line up, so a "foot-zoom" is not always a practical solution). I will be keeping my Nikon system, but I am contemplating if maybe - as a DX system, the Pentax K3 (and the Tamron 70-200 and Sigma 300mm) is a sensible option during bright, daytime events. If the K3 AF-system is at least as good as my D7000, with better buffer capacity...I might give it a go (If the true lateral comparison is the K3 vs D7100, that is very promising).

I can rent the K3 body to try out (and I will), the issue is renting either the Tamron or Sigma lenses, since that is the body/lens systems I will be specifically using on the K3. I can rent the Pentax 50-135mm, which will give the FOV of an 80-200 on FF, but I would like to take full advantage of the crop-sensor FOV by using fx-type lenses on the K3. Also - I can rent the Pentax 300mm f4; while that aperture is fine, especially during the day, I've always instinctively mounted my bigger 120-300 f2.8 (and not my smaller Sigma 120-300mm f4) to my Nikon. I'm obviously moderated vested in Nikon-mount glass, but overall I'm not averse to investing in a non-Nikon system - the new body is somewhat of a moot point, since I'm in the market for a DX body anyway, be it Nikon (again), or Pentax, or another; the lenses...$800 for the Tamron is reasonable, if the lens IQ is good. At 300mm+, that will require some contemplation if I go to the Pentax system.

Also - forgot to mention...most of my Nikon lenses are the older "D" series lenses which require the camera body to drive the AF, and I'm quite used to this system for sports/action photography. I actually like to feel the "kickback" these lenses give when they hit their focus. Audible noise of screw-drive motors isn't really an issue, since this system will be used outdoors.

Thanks again all for the replies thus far. Please - if any other thoughts, chime in.
Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II 08-10-2014, 07:47 AM  
New to forums_Considering K3 (from Nikon D7000)
Posted By tx_roadie
Replies: 28
Views: 3,679
Hi all. Newbie to these forums. I've searched this (and other) forum(s) but haven't really found a direct answer to my questions.

I currently have a Nikon D7000 (and various lenses) and am considering a lateral move to the Pentax K3. I'm specifically wondering how the Pentax K3 AF-system compares (directly) to the Nikon D7000 AF-system. I keep reading that the Pentax with SAFOX 11 is 'improved' over previous Pentax cameras - but is it improved (or similar, or below, the Nikon D7000....and to what degrees of improvement or sub-performances)? I use single-point, continuous focus with Back-button focus technique. Also - does the K3 buffer actually load up 22 RAW images before the buffer fill, or is that on paper only, under certain image quality settings? I typically shoot in multiple 1/2-second to 1-second bursts (as opposed to a single, continuous 3-second burst) - but with shooting at a 20-second peleton, those sub-second bursts do add up and can clog a buffer.

I use the D7000 for sports, during daylight conditions (from dawn to late afternoon while there is bright, even still harsh sunlight conditions). Cycling photography and surf photography - subject movement is generally lateral panning type shots, with occasional short turn breaks either towards me or at oblique angles coming towards me. I routinely start my exposure speeds at 1/800, but my preferred sweet spot is 1/1250. My current lenses are all fixed 2.8 apertures; I also have a fixed f4 lens, but have found I prefer f2.8 lenses. Any experiences with the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 and the Sigma 300mm f2.8? Also - there is the older sigma-pentax TC - was/is it any good (understanding my f2.8 is now an f4)?

So long story short - I basically have three questions:
(1) Is the Pentax K3 AF-system as good (or better, or worse) than the Nikon D7000? Panning-type motions with occasional front-face turns; using single-point, continuous focus with Back-button technique.
(2) The Pentax K3 drive-system and buffer - is the 22 RAW image buffer spec on paper only, or in real-world experience?
(2a) Also - wasn't totally clear - this can take both RAW + jpg simultaneously, on the same card? I generally release some of my photos as camera-processed jpegs to event directors as these events are happening.
(3) Lenses - I prefer f2.8 series lenses. For those who've used the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 and/or the Sigma 300mm f2.8 (with or without the 1.4TC), can you comment on the performance?

Sorry for the long post - looking forward to any responses and opinions. Thanks.
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