|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-25-2019, 01:31 AM
|
| |
Hello again Saxtonine. So these are my recomendations:
Since the MF focus lenses are not a priority, I would go with either the Bigma 50-500 OS or the older and slightly lower IQ Bigma 150-500. You can find used copies for $500 and are great lenses for birding. They will make a big difference in comparison with 300mm on the long end zoom lenses (I had both and the 50-500 was my main lens for many years - I have hundreds of great photos with it plus it works as a very capable macro lens @200mm with 1:3,1 magnification).
The DA* 300 is a superb lens but it will add mostly on terms of IQ as you already have a 300mm zoom lens. If you combine it with a HD 1.4X or F 1.7x AF TC then it makes sense as you practically have 2 lenses depending on the available light and the distance you want to shoot.
The F 1.7x AF is a superb TC and I strongly recommend it, as it works great with every prime lens I've tested it! In fact I would prefer a new DFA* 1.7X TC over the 1.4X and 2.0X alternatives as the 2.0X is significantly affecting IQ (even the Canon L TC is not something special). You have to combine it though with a nice MF prime or 2.8 zoom to justify your acquisition, so even though it offers AF it is still tricky to use. Bear in mind though that if you MF with the 1.7X + a good prime lens the results can be spectacular!
Finally I would not get any TC for a 55-300 or 70-300 zoom lens. I would save my money and go for the bigma or the DA*300 and then a TC at some point.
I hope I helped, if you want to know more on something feel free to ask me.
PS: The DFA 150-450 is the best option but way out of budget, so I didn't mention it at all!
|
|
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
02-22-2019, 04:01 AM
|
| |
I think your "question" is missing the most vital factors that would help me to answer properly... So I could give you my opinion too, but first 3 things I would like to know:
1. What is your aim with your birding and photography in general? (It is quite different to aim for just recording as many birds as you can and making a database where IQ is not number 1 priority and different thing to try and get some superb images or put it differently to aim at the best possible IQ you can get on a budget. Of course there all the zones of compromises between those 2 extremes)
2. Are MF lenses out of question? (those 2 pictures you showed us - which are very beautiful by the way - could have been way better with an old MF prime lens of 300+ mm).
3. What is your extra budget? (not so crucial, if you have answered the 2 first questions in your mind).
My first comment is that I would never go for a TC (even the new HD DA 1.4X) for the lens you have. These would be money not rationally spent! I will go on with my thinking (from my experience) and tell you more to help you if/when you elaborate on the matters above. Thanks!
|
