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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-18-2019, 06:28 PM
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-22-2019, 12:24 PM
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Wait for the 18-300. I have had all the superzooms, and the Sigma 18-300 is the best of the lot. At 300, it is very comparable to the 55-300plm, and better than the old 55-300. It loses a little at the wide end, but still very good.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-22-2019, 10:56 PM
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You should email B&H directly, but I would assume that you would have to return it to them for any warranty work...but honestly, how often has a lens gone bad under warranty? I'm sure it happens, but it's not common and if you simply can't find one in the UK, it's a viable alternative.
To some degree, lens swapping does lead to dust on the sensor, but it's also the nature of non-WR zooms too.
I think @hcc has more experience than I do in terms of direct comparisons and the Pentax 18-270mm seems like another good choice considering the range and the smaller, lighter design. Pentax smc Pentax-DA 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 ED SDM Lens 21497 B&H
I am mostly a prime shooter, but I can live with the 16-85mm or the 18-135mm. Beyond that, I think it has a lot to do with your tolerance, finding the best apertures at the long end, and a bit of luck with sample variation.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-22-2019, 11:27 AM
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I have only passing experience with the Pentax 18-270. The difference in image quality is probably small. It's essentially the same as the Tamron 18-270 whose reviews show good, but not great, results, like the Sigma.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-22-2019, 08:36 AM
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I read that the Pentax 18-270 has internal AF, whereas the Sigma 18-300 has external AF, which means the outside of the barrel of the Sigma moves on occasion during AF and the Pentax does not. That is one of the reasons I returned my Sigma 18-300. Though it did provide very nice imagery in many instances, I opted to get a Pentax 16-85, and it is an amazing lens. I also have the Pentax 70-200 and a Sigma 150-500 DG OS for Pentax
Due to your price point, you may want to purchase the Pentax 18-270, or purchase the Pentax 16-85 and Pentax 55-300 PLM version when it is viable in whatever sequence you prefer. You may want to keep in mind, that if you are not planning to switch lenses (to avoid sensor or lens contamination), to opt for one lens which has the range you prefer. Another factor to consider is that the 16-85 and the 55-300 PLM are more recently manufactured/updated lens versions than the 18-270.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-22-2019, 07:01 AM
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When I bought my DA18-270mm, the size (compactness) and lighted weight of the DA18-270mm were two key factors. The weight was clearly a determining factor, but the slightlysmaller size of the DA18-270mm lens, as well as a better balance on my K-3, were additional factors that I considered.
For info, I paid US$410 for the DA18-270mm from B&H (I have no vested interest) in Jan. 2016. Both the DA18-270mm and Sigma 18-300mm were about the same price (within US$50 from memory) at the time.
Hope that the additional info will help.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-21-2019, 08:10 PM
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I have a Sigma 18~250mm, the predecessor to the current 18~300mm. I think it was rated overall a little better @250mm than the new longer version is @ 300mm and was particularly noted for decent close-focus (both reproduction ratio and IQ). Copies can be had at bargain prices and if you really want a one-lens-does-all it is worth considering.. BUT, a two lens system, perhaps a sigma 17~70mm + a Pentax 55~300mm will almost certainly give better results. If price and size/weight is not an issue, IMHO the best Pentax APS-C two zoom system would be a 16~85mm plus a 60~250mm.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-21-2019, 06:30 PM
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I will take a different view, based upon my own experience. I have had the DA18-250mm (my first ever Pentax lens), DA18-135mm WR and DA18-270mm. The DA18-250mm is a great lens, even by today's standards in my opinion. When I was looking for my first lens, I knew that I wanted an all-arounder. I went to a shop to try the Sigma 18-250mm and DA18-250mm. The Sigma was far too heavy and too big, for bushwalking. The DA18-250mm was perfect.
The DA18-135mm is a WR lens, small nice and very decent. My wife loves it. For me, it lacks the long focal length of the DA18-250mm.
I bought the DA18-270mm, because my DA18-250mm started to develop mechanical issues, after more than a decade of use (by me, and many more before with previous user(s)). The DA18-270mm is, like the DA18-250mm, the perfect all-around lens in my opinion. It is small, compact, relatively light weight and very versatile. I considered again alternatives like the Sigma 18-250mm and Sigma 18-300mm. In each case, the weight and size was an issue for me. In addition, the Sigma 18-300mm was pricier than the DA18-270mm at the time of my purchase. If I compare side-by-side the DA18-250mm and DA18-270mm, I have been very impressed by the AF of the DA18-270mm, its speed, reasonable accuracy and it is almost silent. IMHO, the AF is a major improvement over the DA18-250mm..
Importantly all these lenses are all-around lenses. They cannot be compared with prime lenses in terms of sharpness and IQ: it would be like comparing oranges and apples. I am a prime lens shooter (see my profile), but I value highly the versatility of an all-arounder lens, especially my DA18-270mm.
In summary, the DA18-270mm is a very decent lens, excellent all-arounder, and perfect for bushwalking thanks to its relatively light/moderate weight and small size. I do not believe that the DA55-300mm can fulfill the same role.
I hope that the comments may help.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-21-2019, 06:11 PM
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Another pitch for the 55-300 PLM. If your budget can stretch some more you can go for the DA 16-85. These two lenses would make a great kit with the K-3. These are my two most used go to lenses.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-21-2019, 04:32 PM
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I love the 18-135. That said, if I was trying to find a good two-lens replacement for an 18-300 superzoom, I think the 55-300 PLM would mate very well with the 18-50 RE. The 18-50 is kind of slow and it's odd to look at but it seems to take quite sharp images based on shares from others here that have used it. I have not, so grain of salt with all that.
Just throwing out another option.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-21-2019, 03:11 PM
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+1 for 55-300mm PLM
Couple that with an 18-135mm and you're set.
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
12-17-2018, 04:54 PM
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This is a good article. What I particularly like about it is that this guy is actually a professional photographer who is bucking the trend. I realise he's by no means the only one doing so - but writing about it and sharing his approach on the web is helpful in publicising the fact that Linux-based photography software is strong enough for professional use.
I'm a little surprised he had so many problems with the printing side... something that doesn't affect my particular use case, admittedly. Hopefully this will be dealt with in time via driver updates for the respective printers...
Of the software he mentions, I use digiKam, Darktable, GIMP and DisplayCAL, and I'm a big fan of all of them. I have no desire to go back to my previous setup of Lightroom, Photoshop Essentials and Colormunki's own colorimeter software. My hardware lags behind his, but it's worth bearing in mind that most Linux distros and all of these tools will perform well with considerably lower-specification hardware. Quad-core processing and > 8GB RAM certainly helps, but isn't essential...
It's also worth considering that for those users who prefer Windows, the software I've mentioned above is also available for that OS. These are no longer alpha or beta versions, but fully-formed equivalents of their Linux siblings...
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
05-10-2018, 01:10 PM
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UPDATE: So, I thought I'd resurrect this old thread for laughs because I bought another bag.
Short story - The minimalists were right!
Longer story:
The big Lowepro sling bag is still a great bag, I just don't always need a bag that big and if you have a big bag, you tend to max it out for some reason. I put the Sling on a scale and realized I was carrying ~20 lbs of gear around! Sure, the sling distributed the weight very well and I'm a big guy, but it's a bit of overkill, heh heh.
So my quest for a medium/smaller bag for those simpler days lead me to the Vanguard VEO Discover 38 Messenger Bag.
Vanguard Veo Discover 38 Discreet Messenger Bag VEO DISCOVER 38
I am in love with this silly thing! Cheap and cheerful, and it holds a ton! The bright orange interior does help find things quick. Plus, I can put a HUGE long Tele in the inner tripod compartment, and strap my Sirui carbon tripod on the exterior tripod straps (so cool they give you 2 ways to carry a tripod) and plenty of room inside for the K-1 with a lens mounted, plus 2 more lenses. Plus it has accessory compartments for all kinds of other stuff...a tablet even!
The temptation to max it out is still there, but with some self control, you can carry a nice light kit comfortably and the top access zipper makes it super easy to get in and out of.
One downside is kinda obvious if you think about it, messenger bags don't have a wide footprint, so if you use the external tripod straps, the bag will want to lean over on that side from the weight imbalance. But it's made for carrying, not sitting, right? Heh.
Other than that, I've used it on several outings now and it is just the right size to hold everything I would ever need except for the most demanding long hikes, where I revert back to the LowePro sling. For casual outings where I am more concerned with access to the gear and lighter weight, this thing is great.
Eric
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
04-08-2018, 10:50 PM
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Forum: Digital Processing, Software, and Printing
02-28-2018, 01:57 AM
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I believe the K-30 RAW files are 12-bit depth and the K-3 are 14-bit depth, and that may be the issue with the Snapseed version on your iPad. There is often the conundrum where using a newer bigger camera file, requires updated software which often demands updated hardware such as more RAM or more VRAM or faster video card.
With my older iPad and greater processing power needed, I often need to close opened apps. Have you tried that? Double click on the home button, then swipe up all the open apps to close them. And then as a last measure to try to get it to work, Iʻd power off the iPad and then restart it.
How to close open Apps on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch
Other tips include making sure you have at least 10% free space on the internal drive and going into system preferences and clearing your cache and cookies. If none of this helps, on the positive side I can say that the new iPads and iPad Pro (with Apple Pencil) are really a joy to work with.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
02-11-2018, 04:44 PM
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Thank you all, its my pleasure that to have you guys here.
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
01-25-2018, 10:19 AM
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The general rule for expired film is to lower ISO by 1 stop for every decade. Some good expired film resources can be found at expiredfilmday.com.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-14-2018, 08:56 AM
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Hiking the south coast of England at Christmas - definitely rainy season there - I got caught in one of the most impressive cloudbursts i have ever experienced. Since we had to attend to children I had no chance to cover my K5iis that was slung across my body in a simple BlackRapid strap.
The camera and the attached Pentax 18 - 135mm lens were drenched over the course of the next 15 minutes until we reached shelter.
Result ? No problems !
Now - i know that weather-resistance does not equate with weatherproof. (I have an Olympus Tough point and shoot that i use underwater - a line of cameras made and advertised for underwater use - and even with this line of cameras the manufacturer provides lots of warnings and caveats...)
So i usually (not this time) take common sense precautions with my Pentax K5iis and lenses.
I also occasionally check ports and compartments to be sure that the covers are securely in place.
I know other manufacturers make some weather-resistant gear, but Pentax' tradition of attention to weather-resistance is one thing that drew me to it when i started into digital photography a number of years ago. This recent experience (and i've had several others) of being caught in rain and snow with my K5iis underline for me the wisdom of my decision.
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
12-20-2017, 01:44 PM
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Yes, Robin, this the place to be!
It is not always perfect, but the good days make up for the bad.
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Forum: General Photography
12-20-2017, 09:21 AM
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Sigma Imaging UK is offering a nice, free eBook that you can download from their website, here:
https://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/image/data/pdf/eBook/A%20guide%20to%20Insta...hotography.pdf
It's actually a compilation of articles from Wild Planet Photo magazine, and is obviously a marketing feature to promote Sigma lenses; but it should be of general interest to anyone who likes wildlife photography. I've had a quick look through it... there's some lovely photography and useful information, though it's rather cursory in nature. Still... worth downloading :)
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Forum: Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories
12-19-2017, 02:44 AM
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Fort Nepean was built in 1886 as part of extensive defensive works at the entrance to Port Philip Bay (on which are both the major Victorian ports of Melbourne and Geelong).
It was further developed, particulary during the two world wars.
This is the view across the entrance to Port Philip Bay. The lighthouse visible is at Point Lonsdale, the site of further gun emplacements.
 454 - K5_17440 rock shelf @ Point Nepean by Rod Grant, on Flickr
A gun emplacement looking towards Pt Lonsdale.
It was here that the first allied shot of WW1 was fired to prevent a German ship departing.
The first Australian shot of WW2 was fired from here to stop a ship entering the bay, only to find that it was an Australian ship which hadn't given the correct signal!
 465 - K5_17437 gun emplacement @ Fort Nepean by Rod Grant, on Flickr
The two guns that actually fired the above mentioned shots
 465-1 K5_17420 the two 'first' guns @ Fort Nepean by Rod Grant, on Flickr
Part of the tunnel work between various guns and ammo stores
 466 - K5_17415 tunnel @ Fort Nepean by Rod Grant, on Flickr
Entrance to magazine
 469 - K5_17433 magazine entrance @ Fort Nepean by Rod Grant, on Flickr
Entrance to engine house (electricity generation for search lights)
 483 - K5_17432 engine house @ Fort Nepean by Rod Grant, on Flickr
Brick chamber in engine house - coal store when turbines were coal fired
 485 - K5_17444 engine house vaulted ceiling @ Fort Nepean by Rod Grant, on Flickr
machinery blocks in generation room
 486 - K5_17445 engine house generator blocks @ Fort Nepean by Rod Grant, on Flickr
Observation post - looked out over the ocean to the south, over the bay to the north, and the bay entrance to the west.
 456 - K5_17431 observation post @ Fort Nepean by Rod Grant, on Flickr
View from observation post - Queenscliff in the distance (command post, further gunnery, etc)
 458 - K5_17425 bay view from observation post @ Fort Nepean by Rod Grant, on Flickr
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
12-06-2017, 08:55 AM
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Again, look at my signature line. :D Been there, done that, love it. It would have been my only camera and lens for my 2016 trip to Australia except that I'd just bought a bunch of DA limited primes and I wanted to try them out, so the K-5 had to come too. :) (Hell, if I took the Super Program I could even put my DA40/2.8 Limited on it; it would be program or shutter-priority only, but it would still work.)
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
10-25-2017, 10:19 AM
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Just picked up a Pentax Super Program for $20 and shot, then developed my first roll of film. Never done any film photography, except for a long time ago. I used Kodak 400TX and developed using Ilfotec DDX, Photo formulary TF-4 fixer, and photo-flo. I developed for 8min & fixed for 5min. I scanned the negs using a Wolverine F2D filmscanner.
The camera worked great as far as the metering. I shot half the roll with a FA 50 1.4 and the other half with an A135 2.8. I wasn't really happy with the shots from the 50mm, but the 135mm I liked. I have the basic rage and assortment of manual lenses. M 28mm, A50 2.0, M 100mm, M200, and a sears(TOKINA) 300mm. So I need to burn thru a few more rolls of fillm, and remember to take notes, so I know what settings to use.
I see a lot of people use the 400TX film and push the ISO to 1600. If I do this, do I still process for the same time? 8 minutes? or is 8 min even the right developing time at 400speed?
Here are a few samples. The shot of the schnauzer is with the FA 50 1.4 and the others are with the A135 2.8. I did minimal noise reduction & sharpening in Lightroom.
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