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Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-15-2019, 07:38 AM
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
05-15-2019, 07:35 AM
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-11-2018, 12:33 PM
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Welcome to the forum and welcome to Pentax. Some great advices in this thread. My advice would be to buy a second hand K10D body with a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8. Its a great lens which is sharp and give you nice bokeh and would suit much of your needs as a beginner. Learn with it. Any spare money you could invest in a good tripod and couple of books on photography. One of the best things about Pentax is the availability of legacy lenses and you could try learning on some manual lenses too. It is like learning driving from a Manual car and an automated car. You may ultimately buy some auto focus lenses but the learning curve is very important. Take your time. All the best!
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
12-11-2017, 12:41 AM
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Thanks Sandy for the reply. Awesome shots!!The one with the Bow and Arrow is really great. I agree, I didn't think that way of using AF.S for subjects like these and it makes very good sense.
---------- Post added 12-11-17 at 12:59 AM ----------
Thanks all for your replies and kind suggestions. Honestly I have been having a scrambled brain the last three weeks. Bit of a background; in 2014, we purchased a K3 and my partner used it all along and I then bought a K10D to accompany. Great camera and because K10D isn't as quick as K3 I used it well knowing its limitations. I had a lot of fun using great manual focus lens and enjoyed manual focusing and pictures were really good. It all went fine until my partner started saying that majority of shots of birds in flight were not in focus and I then googled it and it opened a can of worms. I read a lot of posts mentioning the autofocus speed of Pentax cameras and how canon and Nikon were better. I was happy with Pentax but then wanted give my partner that would suit her interests. Now I wanted to put that the AF to test and therefore bought a Nikon D300 second hand from eBay with a Nikon VR 70-300 lens. This camera can shoot 6PS in auto focus continuous in 3D tracking. Took it to a nature reserve to photograph short eared owls. The Nikon D300 shot 6fps in AF.C all along but then when I increased the colour bit to 14 instead of 12, the fps speed dropped significantly down to 2.5. I didn't know that and I was bit disappointed. Now the gear addiction got into my head and therefore I sold the Nikon lens and camera on eBay and bought a Pentax K3ii for myself. So happy with the camera and took it to the same nature reserve to photograph owls only to realise that it didn't do the maximum fps but the focus tracking was spot on and I am happy with it. Anyways, its all my own ignorance of how cameras work in AF.C and I assumed 8.3fps will be the same for all modes which is not the case and it is with all brands. It's like broadband speed where they say upto 50mb speed but thats due to vary with a lot of other things lol.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
12-10-2017, 03:05 PM
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tried 1/1250 till 1/4000
---------- Post added 12-10-17 at 03:11 PM ----------
Thanks Adam. I have come to terms with my camera that it won't shoot 8.3FPS in AF.C. But what is interesting is, why would someone need 8.3FPS on AF.S (I guess that's not for moving subjects). For me especially I like to shoot a lot of action especially Birds in Flight and I would need AF.C for continuous movement and sad to know that I won't be able to achieve that. The other option I am thinking of is to use AF button for focussing and use the shutter button only for shutter release and keeping the AF mode in AF.S thereby I can achieve 8.3fps but not sure if AF.S would track movement.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
12-10-2017, 01:49 PM
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Thanks Boriscleto. Even after changing it to release priority I get the same. In fact, I also bought a new K3II and find the same issue.
---------- Post added 12-10-17 at 02:23 PM ----------
Thanks for the reply Sandy. With AF.C the focus is locked. I am only using a single point focussing and the fps is struggling even after locking focus. I should say I am indoors and I was setting up my gear for tomorrow and I just wanted to test if everything worked. I have read in this post something similar (Max. continuous FPS slower with manual glass? - PentaxForums.com) and I am wondering is this is only because I am shooting indoors? I got this issue even under the correct exposure and metering.
What concerns me if this is really a limitation on the camera (not jumping into conclusions yet) and when I shoot birds in flight I will have to use AF.C and this could be difficult without the claimed 8 fps.
Thanks again
---------- Post added 12-10-17 at 02:25 PM ----------
I tried both the DA*300 F4 and 50mm F1.8 and both do the same
---------- Post added 12-10-17 at 02:26 PM ----------
It struggles even in JPEG mode with AF.C
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
12-10-2017, 01:42 PM
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Dear all,
Hope you could help me. Bit of a bother here. I have a K3 and I know its 8.3fps speed but today when I put it on Auto Focus Continuous and pressed the shutter, it was slow and definitely not 8.3fps. Am I missing anything?
Shooting in AF.S is fine.
I thought I would get 8.3fps on both AF modes. AF.S and AF.C.
Any advice would be very helpful.
Thanks,
Navin
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-25-2017, 12:11 AM
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HI everyone,
thanks very much for all your suggestions and advice. by the looks of it, i could see Pentax PZ-1 to be a good choice. Having said that, onething that has drawn me into film photography is the old retro look of earlier Pentax SLRs. Also i am happy to shoot in manual focus as I used it many a times when I combined my K10D with Pentax A, M series lenses. Please don't get me wrong but the MZ-S, PZ-1 (great cameras) all look a bit similar to DSLRs and that spoils it for me.
As I have mentioned earlier, my ideal combo would be an SLR (like Pentax Program, Super Program, P30, P30T or something similar) that can be used with telephoto lenses such as DA* 300f4 and Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 but I am still struggling to find out how I could set the aperture.
Sorry if it sounds silly.
Cheers all.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-24-2017, 03:01 PM
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Dear all,
Would like to have your thoughts on this. I am planning to buy n Pentax film camera as I suddenly got interest into shooting films.
Reason for the interest is that I found two old Canon AE1 Program SLR cameras in partner's home and they weren't touched nearly for 25 years. I just took it, put a new battery and it worked and then I bought a film and started using it.
Now, I have only a Pentax gear. I have got a k3 and I often use Tamron 70-200 f2.8 and DA* 300mm f4. My question is, which is the best Pentax SLR I could buy so that I can use both these lenses. As both these lenses are full frame 35mm compatible I reckon they should both work on any 35mm Pentax SLR.
Based on my little research I find Pentax LX to be the all time classic but wondering whether I could use that for these lenses these don't have an aperture ring.
Please could you guys share your thoughts and opinion. Your advice is much appreciated.
Many thanks,
Navin
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-14-2017, 06:57 AM
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Thank you. This is what I use for AF. Chooing a single point and use the other points to track subject. Honestly not with great success.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-14-2017, 06:32 AM
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Thanks Rondec, I have never used the focus limiter on that lens. thats something I need to learn and you are right about the contrast issue. The mouse isn't very contrasty on the stalk and the beige background didn't help either. may be a full green background could help.
---------- Post added 07-14-17 at 06:36 AM ----------
Thank you. the mouse shot I posted was taken with the K10D mounted with Tamron 90mm f2.8 and this macro lens has a focus limiter. Sorry if i was confusing in the previous posts. I very rarely try prefocussing (just on three occasions when i wanted to photograph a diving kingfisher); but this time I was using back focusing towards the end as you know the shutter wouldn't let capture without the subject being in focus.
---------- Post added 07-14-17 at 06:37 AM ----------
Thank you. the mouse shot I posted was taken with the K10D mounted with Tamron 90mm f2.8 and this macro lens has a focus limiter. Sorry if i was confusing in the previous posts. I very rarely try prefocussing (just on three occasions when i wanted to photograph a diving kingfisher); but this time I was using back focusing towards the end as you know the shutter wouldn't let capture without the subject being in focus.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-14-2017, 06:30 AM
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Than you Brian. I wasn't expecting to photograph mice that day because we usually go there only for bird hides. I can suggest him your idea next time I go there. I didn't try the Tamron 90mm on K3 but true, its faster than K10D but my partner won't give me the k-3 though she bought it for my birthday lol :-)
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-14-2017, 05:57 AM
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Thanks for your reply. You are right, Tamron 90mm Macro isn't a fast AF lens but wondering why it doesn't lock on its focus. As far as I know I got the settings right for that short, but whenever the stalk moves a bit along with the mouse i lose focus. I understand K10D is old (I still love that camera) but K-3 surprised me. I should however keep repeating in every post that they are both awesome cameras but just this limitation.
and yes, macro lenses are recommended for harvest mice as they are very tiny.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-14-2017, 05:02 AM
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Thanks very much for the reply. We currently mount DA* 300mm on K3 and thought it was reasonably quicker..having said that I havent handled a Canon 7D Mark II and hence didnt know how good they are all this time. Thanks for your input.
---------- Post added 07-14-17 at 05:22 AM ----------
Thanks everyone again for your wonderful suggestions and sharing your knowledge. I am the original poster to just let you all know asking about choosing canon as a second option. I just need to explain you all about my recent experience when I was trying to photograph harvest mice. I was holding the Pentax k10D with Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro lens and my partner was holding the K3 with Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 to photograph these harvest mice.
We were trying a set up where we put the harvest mouse on top of a stalk and try an take a photo. The stalk was quite flimsy and the mouse kept climbing down and therefore we needed to photograph them as quickly as we can while he lasts sitting on the stalk which is less than 3 secs. I took few photos with autofocus but sadly just 2 of them were in focus. (We used AF continous) and my partner had similar issues, though she got few more shots in focus than me. I am not blaming the camera or the lens but just pointing the limitations. The focus doesn't lock quickly. but this is something we are used to since we started using only Pentax cameras and thats why asked the question in the original post if we are actually missing out on the autofocus capabilities significantly.
I am also slightly disappointed with Pentax going up in price. The K-1 was sold for £1599 here in UK just a month ago and now its £1999. in fact, all the lenses and cameras have been increased in price by atleast £300. I know it's still reasonable compared to other brands but onething that i loved Pentax was for its value for money compared to others.
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
07-09-2017, 08:33 AM
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Pentax K10D with Pentax A 400mm F5.6
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-07-2017, 08:37 AM
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-07-2017, 05:09 AM
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Guys, I'm really overwhelmed with the kind and amount of responses you have all given. It has certainly helped me make my decision. I will stay with Pentax and will get the K1 very soon. As I said in my original post, yes I was after speed and thats why liked the 7D mark II and also its affordability. However, i should also let you know all that my experience with K10D so far has only improved my skills especially with fast manual focussing. Just few sample photos taken with K10D and Pentax A 400mm f5.6 (Fully manual) and managed to get these shots.The last two red kites were with DA* 300 and autofocus. One day my reflexes would slow down, may be then Pentax might have a FF with a good speed hopefully :-)
I also realise how media can change ones perception. Ever since I read reviews about Pentax and its autofocus limitations, whether its true or not the mind automatically gets influenced that its the camera's fault and not with the skill. I haven't handled a Canon but just heaps of praises about their autofocus functionality drove me towards them a bit. To be honest, I am happy with what I have but just the greed of having more gear and I am not very rich either ;-)
I am clear now and thank you all once again for your valuble time, opinions and suggestions.
Cheers,
Navin
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-06-2017, 12:08 PM
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Dear all,
It was in 2014 I had my first Pentax Camera. It was actually a gift to me by my partner who actually wanted to buy me a Canon 70D but upon research we ended up buying the Pentax K-3. Have no issues so far with the camera and now I have given the K-3 to her and I bought a second hand K10D for myself. So we are both Pentax users and are passionate about the brand too. We are very much into wildlife, bird photography especially..Over these years we have bought these lenses
1. Pentax smc DA 50mm f1.8
2. Tamron 70-200mm f2.8
3. Pentax DA* 300mm f4
4. Tamron 90mm f2.8
5. Pentax A SMC 400mm f5.6.
and now is the dilemma. I would like to upgrade to a good camera body especially for speed and resolution and the K-1 attracts me so much. But lately I have been reading rumours about Pentax dying etc etc. I know these kind of news has been in the media (rumours) for many years and Pentax is still here. But deep in my heart there is also a slight fear of buying too much into Pentax and things going obsolete.
Therefore, I am also thinking of looking into other brands especially Canon and slowly build on them too which would enable us as a couple to get best of both brands. Been eyeing on Canon 7D Mark II just for its speed and autofocus. Is there anyone here who have bought into more than one brand?
Many thanks for reading this post and kindly let me know your suggestions.
Cheers,
Navin
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
03-09-2016, 01:53 AM
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Hi allexin, my budget would be around to a maximum of £80. and I am starting to use a lot of manual focus and not very particular about auto focus. Also, I have knowledge only about the flagship limited and popular lenses but as you know they are quite expensive. I don't know much about takumar lenses or any old pentax lenses with different mounts that have great optics. I am happy to buy adapters to fit them.
The other thing I wanted to ask is, I have lately developed some dust in the sensor. I did a dust alert on the camera and it showed quite a few. The reason, I reckon is that I change lenses between shots (not very often though). So, the other option I had was to buy another pentax camera (like the K20D, K200) as they are available in ebay for around £100 and carry around two cameras. So, please also advice me on some entry - intermediate level pentax DSLRs. Thanks very much for your time in this.
---------- Post added 03-09-16 at 02:05 AM ----------
Hi Navmaxlp, thanks very much for your feedback. Yes, I am really enjoying and I think I already suffer from lens addiction :) There is already a list of lens I am dreaming about (DA* 300mm, DA* 200mm, 50-135mm etc). But don't think I can afford that anytime soon. Hard to resist though. But like you said, I am still learning and a lot to learn and I need to push myself keeping the addiction low.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
03-08-2016, 07:37 AM
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Dear friends
Its me again. Looked back and saw how valuable your advices were. I have used the camera quite a lot since and its still running well. Just wanted to show you all some of the pics I took with Pentax K3. Please feel free to comment and I appreciate any criticisms as it would only help me do better in the coming days and years. I am just building up my kit.
I would like to invest in a good lens useful for landscape photography. Im in the UK and its going to be summer here soon and hence would travel a bit looking to capture some wonderful landscapes.
I currently have the following lenses,
1. Pentax 18-55m WR (Kit lens)
2. Pentax smc DA 50mm 1.8
3. Tamron 90 mm 2.8
While I use the tamron only for macro and potraits sometimes, I use the kit lens and the 50mm 1.8 for landscapes. Could anyone please suggest a good one.
Many thanks for taking time to look into this and your suggestions.
Tikku
---------- Post added 03-08-16 at 07:38 AM ----------
Sorry, forgot to add the link
https://www.flickr.com/photos/136077409@N05/with/22201002891/ |
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
09-21-2015, 05:46 AM
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Thanks Imp..I just found one from ebay and is only £39.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
09-21-2015, 04:26 AM
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Hello everyone
Just woke up to see all your wonderful responses and advice.
Unclewanya - The distance would be normally a 20ft from action and the lighting is not that great indoors unless we get to go high end tournaments where its quite good.
Imp - I did think about the DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR Lens but its just little more than my budget. It comes around £320. Also I couldn't find the M 50mm 1.7. I dont mind manual focussing. i tried both in amazon and ebay :-(
aleonx3 - 43/f1.8 or 55f1.4..great lenses but may be in the future mate. They are definitely in my wish lists including this Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM ;-).
David Paris, Sandy Hancock - Thanks for your advice guys. Thats exactly what I thought too.
Madaboutpix - Thanks for your advice and yes we are getting married next year ;-) and thanks for suggesting smc DA55-300mm F4-5.8. I just found one on ebay for £180. Is that a good deal? its a used one though but seems to be in good condition.
i-trax - thanks for your input. Finding some good reviews here Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database. Will look into it. Thanks
So, what I get so far is that its better to go with the Pentax 50mm f/1.8 SMC DA Lens first and then the follow up lens should be the DA 55-300mm f/4.0-5.8. The other follow-up lens i thought was the Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED WR Zoom Lens. it hasn't got the range but still within my budget. please let me know if that would be a good addition to the prime lens before i get the DA 55-300mm f/4.0-5.8.
I will take your advice guys thanks very much for all your time and inputs.
many thanks
Tikku
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
09-20-2015, 04:18 PM
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Dear everyone,
My first thread here in the pentax forum. I have been reading and following few threads in this forum and everyones response, suggestions and advice has been very genuine and hence I thought I could get some advice for me.
Just a short intro about me...
I am a beginner when it comes to DSLR photography but I always wanted to learn and enjoy. Sadly I didnt put enough efforts into it. Day before yesterday was my birthday and my girlfriend suddenly told me that she was buying me a DSLR camera and she fixed her mind on the Canon 70D. When it comes to buying things especially technology I always do a lot of research and thats when I came across Pentax K3. I found pentax K3 to be a better option than Canon 70D and hence the next day we bought a Pentax K3...Im so happy that I finally have a DSLR in my hands. It came with a kit lens 18-55mm WR.
I now would like to add a good lens to this. My girlfriend does play a lot of badmintion tournaments and hence would be pleased and benefitted if you guys could advice me on buying a good lens for sports photography.
I am bit tight on budget at the moment and hence can't afford very expensive lenses. I was initially thinking of buying a prime lens Pentax 50mm f/1.8 SMC DA Lens and Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 for Pentax (A17). I have a budget of £200 and I can get these both within that. But is this a good buy or should I invest £200 in a single better lens? Hope you guys could kindly advice me. I dont mind buying second lenses too.
I would mainly shoot sports (badminton) and wildlife (birds, squirrels, pets) etc. I do also like macro.
any advice would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Tikku
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