Birds in flight shots using K-50 and Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 lens.
The shot of the geese in this post does not appear to be in focus and the gull has something not quite right about it. I'm no-one to criticise anyone's photo's but it seems that we both might have similar problems.
I think that my best advice is for you to go back a bit in my thread and try experimenting with the settings given by the various kind people who have tried to assist me.

Finally, another non flying bird. We didn't see one in the three hours we spent there. Then we found out that you really need to get to the ponds but not until October/November. Still. it was a lovely day and a very pleasant morning out in the fresh air.
I think that the K-50 is beginning to come to hand a bit more now but I really need to practise the BIF shots. I'm getting bored just doing seagulls all the time.

Thanks John, I think my photography allowance might now be overdrawn.
I'm slowly beginning to get the hang of BIF with my K-50. I've uploaded another in the wildlife category. This time I've used very minimal Elements 13 to, hopefully, improve the shot. As always all views appreciated.

I started out with the Tamron. I then had the DAL 55-300mm which was streets ahead in IQ although was tricky but no worse for BIF.
Of course you can get this second hand for under £100 so worth looking out for. In fact I might put my mint one on classified soon as I use the DA*300 now.


dcweather and AggieDad, your observations are duly noted. It seems that the Pentax 55-300DAL has some mixed receptions. I'll certainly look for the Sigma 18-300mm and the Pentax 60-250, I think that was it. However, it will be at least a couple of months before I can think of any more 'stuff' for my K-50.

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In terms of IQ and sharpness at 300mm (which you will need) the 55-300 will leave the Sigma 18-300mm standing. Personally I would sell the Tamron and buy the DAL 55-300 which is going to cost you £40-50 net ! You can see for yourself then for a very small outlay, because you won't match the IQ and sharpness of the 55-300mm for under about £500-600 in my opinion at that focal length.
Dave
You have to work with the Tamron in choosing the light at favourable angles, which rules out plenty of BIF shots due to the backlighting. That forest one Gedski is another example of rampant PF ... you've got some purple ferns there!. The moon on the other hand looks good.
Have a look at my latest shots with the Tamron AF70-300, which are examples of the sort of lighting and style of photography that I think plays to the strengths of the lens ....https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/first-three-from-studland-heath-56899
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Could the Pentax 55-300 really be described as 'streets ahead' of the cheap Tamron?
Streets ahead is a vague phrase, but the Pentax lens is definitely better. It's not just slightly better. I have used them side by side and the difference is quite marked.
Best regards, John
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
It that's the budget though then with work and favourable conditions I guess they can do the job.
That's also a fair point. We can't all afford £1500 or more on a lens. In terms of value for money and the budget available there are lenses that can do the job. They may not be as easy to use, but they can deliver. Light is one major problem, as with restricted apertures it can be difficult to keep the shutter speed up to a fast enough speed. Then we are into high ISO territory and the noise it brings with it.
Best regards, John
Perspicador
Member
Nottingham
Your feature on here is especially interesting as it is something I too am wrestling with. I started with a k-r and have moved to the k-50, but my lens of preference has been the Sigma DG 70-300mm for both cameras, with mixed, but sometimes satisfying results.
This is a cropped down take on Geese in flight, from my regular visits to Mill Lakes, a country park near me. Sometimes focussing responses are too cumbersome and the shot is missed through undue delay, but generally the speed of response is good and I found that with the use of bursts, a really good shot can result. this is my best so far:
... the best lack all conviction, while the worst
are full of passionate intensity.
W.B Yeats