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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II 05-22-2017, 10:38 PM  
Anyone using K1 with Sigma 4.5/500?
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 10
Views: 1,910
zapp, I went thru the same problem. Lack of modern long prime super sharp lenses. Sigma dropped Pentax in new 500mm f/4, Tamron is even worse for Pentax mounts. Pentax doesn't even make anything longer than 300mm in prime lenses for FF. I can understand why, Ricoh is simply focusing on landscape and portrait photography. That is were it is superb.

Now far as Pentax 150-450mm with K-1. I used it shortly before I sold all my Pentax gear. Lovely combo. Sigma 500mm f/4.5 is great lens also. The zoom lens can be handy and also 150-450mm is weather sealed.
I would go for Pentax 150-450mm and keep the SMC *A 600mm f/5.6..that is awesome lens for perched shots.
Forum: Lens Clubs 03-03-2017, 08:22 PM  
300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 40,769
Views: 4,310,359
Excellent shot. I miss that SMC 500mm f/4.5
Forum: Lens Clubs 03-02-2017, 09:56 PM  
300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 40,769
Views: 4,310,359
Nice set Norm. I really like the Nuthatche facing down (3rd from the bottom). I am really considering to buy K-1 or K-3 again with Pentax SMC A 600mm f/5.6 (if I can find one). I really miss the Pentax gear :D

---------- Post added 03-02-17 at 11:00 PM ----------


Nice set, love the colors.
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals 02-19-2017, 11:47 PM  
Pentax vs Other Camera SYSTEMS - Observations and a comparison by a working semi-pro
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 42
Views: 5,236
Here is a good example why I miss K-1. This shot was taken in fairly thick fog (you would never guess looking at the photo). It was taken with 30+ year old manual focus SMC 500mm f/4.5 lens.
When I downloaded pictures from this set to my computer I almost delete them all. They looked awful with the thick fog. I was able to brings out the detail which seemed almost impossible. There is no way I would be able to
pull this off with my Canon 1D Mark IV camera.
This is where K-1 rules IQ and Dynamic range, color saturation is unreal.
Top picture ..owl in the fog.
Bottom picture shows amount detail on owl's face and body. When clicking on the image when showing on Flickr, yo can see tiny snow flakes on the owl's face and body. Shot with K-1 and SMC 500mm f/4.5.


IMGP0816 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr

IMGP0609 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals 02-18-2017, 11:56 AM  
Pentax vs Other Camera SYSTEMS - Observations and a comparison by a working semi-pro
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 42
Views: 5,236
I wish I could keep all my Pentax gear, but I needed the funds to by my Canon gear. If I would have to pick one camera from Pentax that can do it all except crazy fast AF and tracking then K-1 is the camera to go. You are covered for almost any situation. The cropping capabilities of K-1 is insane. There is so much detail, colors and dynamic range. K-1 with 150-450mm is a awesome combo or if you need more sharpness then Tamron 300mm f/2.8 is a superb lens and razor sharp if you can find one...not easy.
Then there is tons of good glass for Pentax shooting landscapes. My favorite landscape lens was manual focus 28MM f/3.5 ..crazy sharp and it would produce mind boggling photos with K-1.
It really depends what you shoot primary.
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals 02-18-2017, 07:43 AM  
Pentax vs Other Camera SYSTEMS - Observations and a comparison by a working semi-pro
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 42
Views: 5,236
You nailed it Norm. I see this all the time. Dudes lugging $20,000 grand worth of Canon or Nikon brand new gear and taking awful shoots I see posted on Flickr. Many I known personally and they all have deep pockets.
I am a poor guy settling for used stuff :D
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals 02-18-2017, 07:28 AM  
Pentax vs Other Camera SYSTEMS - Observations and a comparison by a working semi-pro
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 42
Views: 5,236
I paid $2400 US dollars for Canon 1D Mark IV and EF300mm f/2.8L USM NON-IS and I paid $680 for 1D Mark III in mint condition. I agree Norm, I could never afford new 1DX or 1DX2 or any new Canon fastest prime lens from 300mm up.
Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals 02-18-2017, 02:58 AM  
Pentax vs Other Camera SYSTEMS - Observations and a comparison by a working semi-pro
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 42
Views: 5,236
I shot Pentax for over 30 years and recently switch to Canon. I sold my K-1 and K-3 and all my lenses.
Here is my take on Pentax vs Canon. I shoot almost exclusively wild birds and mostly owls now. K-3 and K-1 were fantastic cameras. Image quality superb. I really miss K-1, there is no better FF camera on the market then K-1 if you shoot landscapes, portraits, any kind of studio work and also great for wildlife as long as doesn't require blazing fast AF lock and tracking. I have tried K-1 with flagship Pentax 150-450mm lens and it just wasn't consistent enough to deliver. I tried my friend's older 1D Mark IV paired with older first generation Canon EF300mm f/2.8L USM lens (NON-IS..no image stabilization) and I was blown away. The image quality and autofocus blazing fast and dead on accurate with 10 FPS. This Canon combo allowed me to get shots that I couldn't achieve with K-1 or K-3.
I think that both K-1 and K-3 are capable to do great shots for wildlife and I made tons of good shots, but the weakness is lack of good NEW long fast prime lenses. I was hoping that Pentax would come out with new long prime HQ lens, but that was not the case.
It makes perfect sense for Pentax to focus on it's strength and that is landscape and portrait photography.
What I really miss that most modern Pentax bodies have is the image stabilization in the body and menus, controls and overall design. Pentax is the best.
Far as IQ and dynamic range, nothing beats K-1 period. Said that Canon 1D class bodies has pretty darn good IQ and dynamic range also.
It was really hard move for me to switch to Canon because I love Pentax gear, but at the same time I knew that if I want to get a shots like this posted bellow I need AF system to be able to handle one of the hardest subjects to track in flight like Short-eared owls which they fly like a giant moth.. very erratic, constantly changing speed , elevation and direction.
It really boils down what the photographer primary shoot and choose the gear to match it. For me personally AF speed, superb tracking and high FPS is a must, because otherwise I would miss many shots.
Some recent shots of Short-eared owl Canon 1D Mark IV and Canon 1D Mark III with Canon EF300mm f/2.8L USM NON-IS

This shot won "Editor's Choice" in NatureScapes.net 1D Mark IV
CP9C2404 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr

1D Mark IV
CP9C0578 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr

1D Mark III (10MB body)
1H3U0387 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr
Forum: Lens Clubs 12-27-2016, 08:25 PM  
300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 40,769
Views: 4,310,359
Thanks derekkite
Forum: Lens Clubs 12-26-2016, 07:22 PM  
300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 40,769
Views: 4,310,359
Some recent shots of Northern Harrier and Short-eared Owl.

K-3 and SMC A 400mm f/5.6

1/640, ISO-400, f/7.1


IMGP8823 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr


Short-eared Owl

K-3 and SMC A 400mm f/5.6 1/200, ISO-1600, f/6.3

IMGP8738 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr

K-1 and SMC 500mm f/5.6 1/250, ISO-1600, f/8

IMGP0734 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr

K-1 and SMC 500mm f/5.6 1/160, ISO-1600, f/8

IMGP0609 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr
Forum: Lens Clubs 12-26-2016, 07:12 PM  
DA560 lens club - Let's see some photos!
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 401
Views: 66,961
Awesome shots oneill. How fast is the autofocus to get lock on and continues AF. I shoot mostly wild birds using K-1 and K-3. I have very good luck with K-1 and SMC 500mm f/4.5 MF lens. I am looking to buy long telephoto AF lens.
In most cases I can get away with MF, but there are instances where AF is a must so I am contemplating to get either DA 560 or FA*600mm f/4 if I can find one. I am not sure how fast this lenses focus with K-1 or K-3. What I like about DA 560mm that
it is weather proofed.
Forum: Lens Clubs 12-17-2016, 06:11 PM  
The A Club
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 3,996
Views: 622,323
Nice shot Paul. Try to see if you can bring out the shadows a little and slightly more contrast to brings out the colors.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-17-2016, 08:50 AM  
Decisions....
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 22
Views: 2,775
I love the K-1. Amazing camera. Like Adam said all the other FF cameras are great, just matter of preference. For me personally, what sold me on K-1is low light capability shooting higher ISO, Dynamic Range and mostly the 3rd dial at the top, which makes shooting with this camera a joy.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-16-2016, 06:10 PM  
Pentax - Thoughts on making a DA*/DFA 400mm F4?
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 73
Views: 7,931
Unfortunately, you are probably right. Odds are very slim. But it is nice to dream :-)).
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-16-2016, 02:08 PM  
Pentax - Thoughts on making a DA*/DFA 400mm F4?
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 73
Views: 7,931
Thanks for the info. I thought that both Canon and Nikon use electronic aperture. I saw video posted here somewhere here in PF where Sigma CEO explains why there are less lens produced for Pentax mount and the biggest obstacle is market share, which is understandable.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-16-2016, 11:54 AM  
Pentax - Thoughts on making a DA*/DFA 400mm F4?
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 73
Views: 7,931
I know that screw drive system is for focusing, but it add another obsticle to design where in Nikon and Canon it more electricaly controled, aperture and focusing.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-16-2016, 07:49 AM  
Pentax - Thoughts on making a DA*/DFA 400mm F4?
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 73
Views: 7,931
Yep, unfortunately Pentax share small fraction of DSLR market. But there is a good sign with Pentax coming out with electronically control aperture lens used in new PLM WR 55-300mm. That might encourage the lens makers like Sigma and maybe even Tamron starting to make more lenses for Pentax where they don't have incorporate old screw drive system , let's hope that is the case.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-16-2016, 07:22 AM  
Pentax - Thoughts on making a DA*/DFA 400mm F4?
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 73
Views: 7,931
The 400mm f/4 would more likely cost about the same if not more than Sigma 500mm f/4.5
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 12-16-2016, 12:30 AM  
Pentax - Thoughts on making a DA*/DFA 400mm F4?
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 73
Views: 7,931
It would be nice if Ricoh would come out with 400mm f/4, but it would be too expensive. 400mm f/5.6 would be more affordable and easier to handhold.

I love my SMC A 400mm f/5.6. It produces exceptional images, easy to use so I only shoot it handheld. It is a manual focus lens, but that doesn't bothers me. Some samples with this lens.

IMGP7324 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr

IMGP6816 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr

IMGP2816 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr

IMGP2445 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr

---------- Post added 12-16-16 at 02:27 AM ----------



Bunch of garbage. Pentax is more then capable for wildlife photography. Can it compare to flagships of Canon 1DX II or Nikon D5 with top prime lenses like 600mm f/4??,,,answer is no. But we are talking $18,000 setups.
But there is a catch.
You mostly gain with this high $$$$$ end setups auto focusing speed and accuracy and faster shutter frame rate in expense of 16 -20 MB sensors, which leaves them with less cropping flexibility. All my friends are shooting with top Canon and Nikon (mostly Canon) and at the end of the day of shooting I have just as many keepers as they do with my K-1 and K-3 using manual focus lenses. There is nothing nicer then when you nail the shot with K-1 or K-3 especially with K-1 and it's 36 MB sensor.
Another important thing is that Pentax has SR (Shake Reduction) built in body...huge advantage. You can use just about any K-mount lens and have image stabilization. In Canon or Nikon you pay big $$$$$ for a good image stabilization in their lenses.
Sony mirrorless are also great. Image stabilization in the bodies and awesome EV (electronic viewfinder).
Forum: Lens Clubs 12-15-2016, 11:06 PM  
300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 40,769
Views: 4,310,359
Picture taken last summer. Me and friend of mine were shooting shorebirds (mostly Greater Yellowlegs). We were at the water lever with front tripod legs in the water. We were so focused on Greater Yellowlegs that we almost missed this Great Blue Heron walking right in front of us...very very close. All I saw was the head of the Heron in the viewfinder. Sun was getting low creating a nice colorful background of the water and the grass in the distance.

Pentax K-50 and SMC 500mm f/4.5

1/1000, ISO-1600, f/11

IMGP4790 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr
Forum: Lens Clubs 12-14-2016, 10:07 PM  
300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 40,769
Views: 4,310,359
Interesting bird. Nice shot.
Forum: Lens Clubs 12-14-2016, 09:21 PM  
300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 40,769
Views: 4,310,359
Thank you. She was noise also :-)).

---------- Post added 12-14-16 at 10:32 PM ----------



Thank you for the kind words. I really like SMC A 400mm f/5.6. It take some practice to get sharp BIF pics with it. The hardest ones are when bird sneaks up on you really close range and
I have to scramble to turning focusing ring fast as I can to catch up. All my lenses are manual focus. For sure I miss some shots because manual focus, but I get fairly high number of keepers also.

---------- Post added 12-14-16 at 10:38 PM ----------

Recent shot of Short_Eared Owl. This one sneaked up on me. I almost missed this shot. I never cranked the focusing ring so fast, make sure I will get it in focus :D

K-3 and SMC A 400mm f/5.6

1/1250, ISO-1600, f/7.1

IMGP6816 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr
Forum: Lens Clubs 12-14-2016, 02:46 PM  
Manual Zoom Club
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 905
Views: 103,784
Ooops, I mist that, yes it is not a zoom , just a nice prime 😀
Forum: Lens Clubs 12-13-2016, 10:46 PM  
300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 40,769
Views: 4,310,359
Bald Eagle near the trail, looking down on me.

Pentax K-50 and SMC A 400mm f/5.6

1/800, ISO-1000, f/7.1

IMGP2230 by Ludovit Tatos, on Flickr

---------- Post added 12-13-16 at 11:58 PM ----------



Nice shots Kameko. How did you like the DA 560?? Was it sharp wide open at f/5.6?? By next summer I want to get long prime, manual focus or AF it makes no difference to me, but it has to be fairly sharp wide open.
My SMC 500mm f/4.5 is super sharp from f/8 to f/16, but in darker conditions I need wider aperture.
Forum: Lens Clubs 12-13-2016, 09:27 AM  
300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses
Posted By cleaverx
Replies: 40,769
Views: 4,310,359
Awesome shot. Amazing blure at f/7.1
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