Battery drain
Posted 25/06/2010 - 14:00
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Mike I've had the same issue once or twice, where I've replaced the battery one day and then the next day I've pulled my camera out of my bag and found the power switch was accidentally left in the 'on' position and the camera had a dead battery. I have AF set to the AF button, so it must be pressable even inside a padded camera bag.
Tim
AF - Pentax K5, Sigma 10-20/4-5.6, Tamron 17-50/2.8, Sigma 30/1.4, Sigma 70-200/2.8, Tamron 70-300/4-5.6
MF - Vivitar CF 28/2.8, Tamron AD2 90/2.5, MTO 1000/11
Stuff - Metz 58 AF1, Cactus v4, Nikon SB24, Raynox 150, Sigma 1.4x TC, Sigma 2x TC, Kenko 2x macro TC, Redsnapper 283 tripod, iMac 27, Macbook Pro 17, iPad, iPhone 3G
Flickr Fluidr PPG Street Portfolio site
Feel free to edit any of my posted photos! If I post a photo for critique, I want brutal honesty. If you don't like it, please say so and tell me why!
AF - Pentax K5, Sigma 10-20/4-5.6, Tamron 17-50/2.8, Sigma 30/1.4, Sigma 70-200/2.8, Tamron 70-300/4-5.6
MF - Vivitar CF 28/2.8, Tamron AD2 90/2.5, MTO 1000/11
Stuff - Metz 58 AF1, Cactus v4, Nikon SB24, Raynox 150, Sigma 1.4x TC, Sigma 2x TC, Kenko 2x macro TC, Redsnapper 283 tripod, iMac 27, Macbook Pro 17, iPad, iPhone 3G
Flickr Fluidr PPG Street Portfolio site
Feel free to edit any of my posted photos! If I post a photo for critique, I want brutal honesty. If you don't like it, please say so and tell me why!
Posted 26/06/2010 - 02:33
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I get between about 800 and 1200 shots out of 2 batteries ( I Use a battery grip ) on a regular shoot with my K20D. AF Vivitar 19-35 and AF Sigma 70-210UC. Last week I bought a Sigma 135-400 ( non HSM )and it's AF just feels like it's gonna drain the batteries more. I always carry 3 spare fully charged batteries around with me. I haven't noticed any difference between proprietary Pentax jobs and copies.
[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Posted 02/07/2010 - 23:58
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I would say "definitely yes" to different lenses using differing amounts of battery juice. I used to own the cheap Sigma 70-300 (the old version, for full frame film). When it focused, I could feel the torque as the motor whined LOUDLY into focus.
I now own the Sigma 10-20, and because of the nature of wide-angle lenses, the lens elements don't have to move very far at all to attain focus, so focus still makes noise, but it's quick and is barely felt.
Obviously, once you consider the energy used to generate the massive noise and torque, the 70-300 would have easily drained the battery more than most other lenses.
My SDM 50-135, on the other hand is silent and quick. Being silent means less energy is wasted, being quick helps this.
That's my take on it.
I now own the Sigma 10-20, and because of the nature of wide-angle lenses, the lens elements don't have to move very far at all to attain focus, so focus still makes noise, but it's quick and is barely felt.
Obviously, once you consider the energy used to generate the massive noise and torque, the 70-300 would have easily drained the battery more than most other lenses.
My SDM 50-135, on the other hand is silent and quick. Being silent means less energy is wasted, being quick helps this.
That's my take on it.
Posted 03/07/2010 - 02:11
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Anvh wrote:
This is off topic but I'll answer it anyway. That lens takes 4 x AAA batteries. I have one but it was dead/jammed solid when I got it and so it sits on my shelf as an ornament. Shame really as the optics are clear and in good condition. Robin (of Harrow Technical) said it was beyond repair.Steve Chasey wrote:
The AF 35-70f/2.8 does have it's own batteries - i think it uses 2 x AA
AA are batteries right or not? The AF 35-70f/2.8 does have it's own batteries - i think it uses 2 x AA
Kris.
Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
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3241 posts
18 years
Worcestershire
I do also tend to leave the camera on for the day/trip and rely on the sleep function where I have always assumed that the camera doesn't drain the battery but I guess if it's bumping about in my soft bag it could be coming on and off all the time. I have the AF on the AF button which needs a firm press.
Food for thought.
Mike
You can see some of my shots at my Flickr account.