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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 04-28-2012, 06:03 AM  
Some Full-frame shots & thoughts
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 5,591
Views: 733,398
Thanks everyone!

The 85 1.4g is amazing. I took a lot of shots with the 24-70 also, but when you look at them next to the ones taken with the 85... forget about it. The prime has so much more "pop" and "creaminess".

On a more technical note, I was very surprised at how flat the focal plane is with the 85 and D700. I can shoot full length body shots and get the eyes and toes sharp at 100% crop. I always thought this would be more difficult with the narrower DOF, but I was wrong.

I just got a used 35 1.4g yesterday and already I think it's going to be a winner, still getting used to the FL though.

I had the 24mm 1.4g, but sold it. I like to do people photography and it just wasn't a right fit for me. Because of the max aperture at 24mm you can get environmental shots where there is some separation/pop, but anything that isn't near the center is going to be distorted AND you need to get REALLY close to people to get increased bokeh... I'm talking 2ft away or less. Great lens, just very specific usage. Try filling the frame with someone's face with a DA15 on your k5... and the DA15 is arguably better if you're shooting landscapes with it's ZERO flare.

28mm 1.8g - not out yet, but it's a FF wide prime at an attractive price, exciting!

35mm 1.4g - too soon to comment

50mm 1.4g - Meh, not bad, not great, boring FL. The new cheaper 1.8 version is looking very good compared to this.

85mm 1.4g - If you have Nikon FF, buy it. The new 1.8 version is supposed be almost as good if you're on a budget.

24-70 2.8g - A one lens workhorse, FAST AF, good bokeh, sharp. Only surprise for me was distortion at the wide end, which is more than the DA 16-50! lol. Easily corrected in Lightroom though.

70-200 2.8g VRII - Also great, I hate to say it but it eats the DA 50-135 for lunch (and the 50-135 is very very good). So very FAST, so very sharp... so very expensive and heavy. Reminds me of of the DA60-250, without the zooming, maybe a tad heavier.

I feel kinda like a jerk talking about all of this expensive gear, but I want to give feedback to those who might be considering any of these lenses. Wedding work pays for em, if I was a hobbiest... who knows what I'd be using.
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 04-27-2012, 08:31 AM  
Some Full-frame shots & thoughts
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 5,591
Views: 733,398
My friends and I do some practice modeling shoots every once in a while. This is my favorite model, she's a natural and very photogenic.








Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 12-23-2011, 09:32 AM  
Nikon D700 or Canon 5D Mk. II?
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 52
Views: 7,647
I had a K5, have D700 now. Pretty much what's been said already: autofocus, ISO, controls.
It's not just noise that's better at higher iso, it's better colors (in my opinion)

I felt that with thin DOF with FF, what's the point of megapixels if you can't get the shot in focus.

I don't know how to explain this, but the D700 autofocus is in another class. To say it's "better" than K5 is a glaring understatement. This was the biggest jump for me, more so than FF bokeh and high ISO.
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 10-02-2011, 08:35 AM  
Some Full-frame shots & thoughts
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 5,591
Views: 733,398
Had my D700 for a little over a month, here are some shots with the 24-70 =)










Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 09-12-2011, 06:35 PM  
Can't believe I just did it! (D700)
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 30
Views: 6,496
It's all sold except the 540 flash which is on the marketplace at the moment
Forum: Lens Clubs 09-12-2011, 06:14 PM  
The DA Limited Club
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 6,011
Views: 1,211,991
thanks for the kind words everyone =)
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 09-12-2011, 06:05 PM  
Can't believe I just did it! (D700)
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 30
Views: 6,496
I'm going 24-70, 70-200 vr ii, 24mm 1.4, 50mm 1.4g, 85mm 1.4g

Prolly get a teleconverter for 70-200 later on
Forum: Lens Clubs 09-09-2011, 07:40 AM  
The FA Limited Club
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 11,821
Views: 2,134,702
I owned the 31mm first, because I got a good deal on it.
The focal length is very useful for somewhat wide shots and what I would consider "casual" environments such as sitting across the table from someone.
Kinda big, but very handy all-purpose focal length.

Second was the 77mm. This lens is simply amazing. I think it might be the best lens Pentax has made, and I say this from someone who has tried almost all of them (except the FA 85mm 1.4).
I feel this lens can be a little "special purpose" because of the focal length.
Focal length has to be appropriate in your situation, and the environment can't be flare inducing (I wouldn't use this lens on a bright sunny day, I'd choose DA*50-135 for that).

Lastly was the 43mm. I wanted to get the DA 55mm 1.4 and agonized over it for a long time. After looking at tons of REAL photographs from this forum and reviews (not technical data). It's my opinion that this has better bokeh.
There are so many opinions on this lens, lol. I wasn't expecting this lens to be as good as the 31mm, or 77mm from what I'd read, But alas I was wrong.
I can easily say that if you're going to own just ONE FA limited (which is highly unlikely after you do own one), this should be it.
Because of the focal length, you're going to be getting closer to people than the 31mm, which makes the bokeh appear creamier than the 31.
I'll say it again, this lens gives better bokeh (at 1.9) than the 31mm, and I know that you can have odd shaped bokeh at 2.8, but it doesn't matter.
It is a MUCH more usable length than the 77mm. The 77mm is for staged portraits, indoor candids where there is room, and outdoor events that do not have harsh light.
Near the end of my Pentax journey, this is the one I reached for in my bag almost all of the time.

Engagement session: 77mm and 31mm primarily
Walk around, one lens, various shooting, a party: 43mm
Dark close environment (restaurant or bar): 31mm

I do think if you wanted an outdoor portrait lens the DA 55mm 1.4 might be the best choice right now, but I never got a chance to use one.
FA Limiteds ARE flare prone, there is a lot to be said for DA lenses in this regard. This is the price you pay for having the better bokeh though.
I prefer the bokeh of the FA limiteds vs the flare resistance of the DA limiteds. If you lived in the tropics or somewhere with lots of harsh bright light, the DA's might be a better option.

I hope my personal experiences can help

Thanks,
Alfred
Forum: Sold Items 09-09-2011, 06:57 AM  
For Sale - Sold: AF540FGZ Flash $300
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 20
Views: 5,051
Instead of making they typical lame "I'm leaving Pentax" post. I posted images to all of the "Lens Clubs" for the lenses I've owned, so you can see what they are capable of. If you want to see some of my shots, go there.

Biggest things for me: I want to reach a level of being able to charge $2500+ for a wedding. Those at that level are shooting with FF, and almost all of the shots have that full frame "look".
Don't get me wrong, you can take some amazing photos with Limited primes that come very close, but to switch between lenses then nail auto-focus in a fast pace environment, very very difficult. Also, I wasn't satisfied with the continuous auto-focus of the K5 for subjects moving towards or away (bride walking down the aisle).
Now, I've had my D700 for almost a month now with just the Nikon 24-70 2.8. Its heavier, bigger, louder and more intimidating. BUT, just with that lens, it's like having the quality of bokeh from the FA 43mm in a ZOOM! Also, in my opinion the auto-focus is a bigger deal than FF. Dynamic focus "locks on" a target like glue and follows it around viewfinder. Continuous focus is a half step ahead from the K5 (it's almost instant).

I started from a K100d super, I've used the old kit lens and DA50-200, I've used the old manual lenses, had some notable ones M85, A35-105 and others. I've owned a Sigma lens, then over the years I transitioned into what can be considered Pentax's best (which includes everything in this listing plus 15mm,77mm and 60-250).

With Nikon I'm going with 24-70,70-200 vr ii, 24mm 1.4, 50mm 1.4g, and 85mm 1.4g. Unfortunately, if you want the best, you have to pay for the expensive lenses. This is true for all systems including Pentax.

I am a FAN of Pentax, but I feel my needs have outgrown the system in general.

Yes, Pentax can do commercial work, but I would say that there are different levels of commercial work =)

Thanks,
Alfred
Forum: Lens Clubs 09-08-2011, 07:41 PM  
The FA Limited Club
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 11,821
Views: 2,134,702
That upside down butterfly shot is my favorite of everything I've shot so far =)
Forum: Lens Clubs 09-08-2011, 07:03 PM  
DA zoom club
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 3,127
Views: 451,279
Thought I'd share some of the shots I've gotten with this wonderful lens. The 15mm has been hogging the spotlight lately.

DA 12-24mm





Forum: Lens Clubs 09-08-2011, 06:58 PM  
DA* Club
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 5,898
Views: 943,076
I'm leaving Pentax, but as a final action, I hope to encourage some LBA =)

DA* 16-50






DA* 50-135






DA* 60-250



Forum: Lens Clubs 09-08-2011, 06:48 PM  
The DA Limited Club
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 6,011
Views: 1,211,991
From the 15mm Limited, Enjoy!






Forum: Lens Clubs 09-08-2011, 06:43 PM  
The FA Limited Club
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 11,821
Views: 2,134,702
Thought I would share some of the images that these lenses have helped me get. I hope you guys enjoy, maybe it will contribute to some LBA even =)

From the 31mm








From the 43mm






From the 77mm







Forum: Sold Items 09-08-2011, 11:07 AM  
For Sale - Sold: AF540FGZ Flash $300
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 20
Views: 5,051
If I was shooting only for personal pleasure, I would probably stay.
Forum: Sold Items 09-07-2011, 12:20 PM  
For Sale - Sold: AF540FGZ Flash $300
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 20
Views: 5,051
AF360FGZ Sold, 540 flash is about the only thing left
Forum: Sold Items 09-07-2011, 11:04 AM  
For Sale - Sold: AF540FGZ Flash $300
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 20
Views: 5,051
All sold packages have been sent, about 3 people in line for 16-50 already. Flashes still available.
Forum: Sold Items 09-07-2011, 04:33 AM  
For Sale - Sold: AF540FGZ Flash $300
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 20
Views: 5,051
PMs replied
Forum: Sold Items 09-06-2011, 10:06 PM  
For Sale - Sold: AF540FGZ Flash $300
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 20
Views: 5,051
DBG-4 Grip sold

DA*16-50, 540 and 360 Flashes still available
Forum: Sold Items 09-06-2011, 07:24 PM  
For Sale - Sold: AF540FGZ Flash $300
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 20
Views: 5,051
31mm, 43mm and 12-24 sold

---------- Post added 09-06-2011 at 10:35 PM ----------

I send you a private message blpphoto

---------- Post added 09-06-2011 at 11:06 PM ----------

K20D sold

---------- Post added 09-06-2011 at 11:39 PM ----------

K5 and DA*50-135 sold
Forum: Sold Items 09-06-2011, 06:36 PM  
For Sale - Sold: AF540FGZ Flash $300
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 20
Views: 5,051
PM's replied
Forum: Sold Items 09-06-2011, 06:15 PM  
For Sale - Sold: AF540FGZ Flash $300
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 20
Views: 5,051
For sale: All of the good stuff! Getting more serious about doing weddings, going FF Nikon. I've taken many beautiful pictures with Pentax equipment. I'm sure these tools will continue to perform wonderfully with their new owners =)

K5 Body SOLD
D-BG4 Grip w/ battery SOLD
K20d Body + Grip w/ extra battery and remote control SOLD
DA*16-50 SOLD (in process)
DA*50-135 SOLD
DA 12-24 SOLD
FA 31mm SOLD
FA 43mm SOLD
AF540FGZ Flash REDUCED
AF360FGZ Flash SOLD

I will provide pictures upon request or later when I have time, I have lots of feedback
Prices include Paypal fees and shipping to CONUS, international shipping extra.

I'm open to offers, but understand that I'll most likely consider them only if things aren't selling at the price listed. Please understand that I'm absorbing the costs of PayPal fees and shipping.

Thanks,
Alfred

SOLD $930- K5 Body w/extra Pentax brand battery. All boxes, papers, and accessories included.
Purchased November 24, 2010 from Prodigital2000. Still under warranty. Shutter count 14k. Couple of eyelash sized marks on screen, and minor marks on bottom from setting the camera down. Strap never used.

SOLD $500 - K20d Body w/Pentax Grip, Extra Pentax Battery, and Remote control F (that fits in grip) All boxes, papers, and accessories included except hot shoe cover. Strap never used. Some minor wear, but great condition. Grip has some marks on bottom from setting down. Shutter count 22k.

SOLD $160 - D-BG4 Grip w/ Pentax brand battery. All boxes, papers, and accessories included. Excellent condition, almost like new.

SOLD (in process) $650 - DA* 16-50mm. All boxes, papers, and accessories included. Excellent condition, no marks on glass, body or hood. Never any SDM issues.

SOLD $680 - DA* 50-135. All boxes, papers, and accessories included. No marks on glass or body, hood has marks from usage which is why this is priced at $700 instead of $750. Never any SDM issues.

SOLD $600 - DA 12-24 All boxes, papers, and accessories included. Excellent Condition, no marks on glass body or hood. Personally didn't see much use except for one nature trip where it worked wonderfully.

SOLD $750 - FA 31mm Limited MIJ. Includes aftermarket straight short hood, and a pentax pinch cap. This lens does NOT include the box, any paperwork, the original cap or bag. No marks on the glass. This lens has multiple small marks on the body. Mechanically great, smooth focus. I would describe this lens as "good" or KEH's "bargain" rating. I was very happy with the performance of this lens, and it was nice to focus on taking pictures without worrying about scratching the body.

SOLD $500 - FA43mm Limited MIJ w/ B+W F-Pro 010 UV-Haze filter. All boxes, papers, and accessories included. No marks on glass, body or hood. The metal cap has a scratch and couple marks.

REDUCED $300 - AF540FGZ Flash. All boxes, papers, and accessories included. Excellent condition.

SOLD $150 - AF360FGZ Flash w/ Sto-fen Omni-bounce. All boxes, papers, and accessories included. The flash was stored in its leather bag with the Omni-bounce on it, so it has some faint marks where the diffuser goes on.
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 09-04-2011, 05:06 AM  
Can't believe I just did it! (D700)
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 30
Views: 6,496
You are correct Dylan
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 09-01-2011, 09:09 AM  
Pentax 540 on D700?
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 1
Views: 1,131
Does anyone know if you can use a pentax flash on a nikon body?
Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 08-30-2011, 10:36 AM  
It's getting too late Pentax....
Posted By alfdog
Replies: 86
Views: 11,610
It looks neat, for its intended purpose/audience. Not sure if it's for everyone. Anyways, post lots of pics when you get it. I'm curious to see how FA Limiteds would do with that sensor.
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