First 'go' with the K-50, Oh! Dear!
Posted 17/10/2014 - 14:07
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The 55-300 is not the best lens for 'Birds in flight' shots, I also struggle to get many 'Keepers'
I don't know about the K50 but using the K5 and the 55-300 for birds in flight I've all but given up, it just spends all it's time 'Hunting' and getting nowhere
As for exposure, try dialling in a stop or two compensation, particularly against a bright sky
I don't know about the K50 but using the K5 and the 55-300 for birds in flight I've all but given up, it just spends all it's time 'Hunting' and getting nowhere
As for exposure, try dialling in a stop or two compensation, particularly against a bright sky
Regards,
Michael
Michael
Posted 17/10/2014 - 15:07 - Helpful Comment
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The flower shot was taken using spot metering. Try going with centre-weighted average metering, to see how much difference that makes.
Posted 17/10/2014 - 15:13 - Helpful Comment
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The 55-300 is a good lens and is great value for money, but it is targeted at the 'consumer' end of the range. Undoubtedly some people will disagree, but when I had one I found it wasn't great for sports or anything that requires fast focussing such as birds in flight.
A better bet for that sort of use may be something like a Sigma 70-200 F2.8 HSM (maybe a bit 'short' at times) or a DA* 60-250 or DA* 300. All faster focussing than the 55-300, with the Sigma being the fastest (but also the biggest and heaviest) of the three. But of course, all more expensive!
Another couple to consider could be the Sigma 150-500 or 50-500 lenses.
As for the camera, you may want to ensure that you are using the 'continuous focus' setting for birds in flight, and maybe use manual rather than automatic exposure settings.
A better bet for that sort of use may be something like a Sigma 70-200 F2.8 HSM (maybe a bit 'short' at times) or a DA* 60-250 or DA* 300. All faster focussing than the 55-300, with the Sigma being the fastest (but also the biggest and heaviest) of the three. But of course, all more expensive!
Another couple to consider could be the Sigma 150-500 or 50-500 lenses.
As for the camera, you may want to ensure that you are using the 'continuous focus' setting for birds in flight, and maybe use manual rather than automatic exposure settings.
Posted 17/10/2014 - 15:26
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So it sounds like you don't like the k50
Posted 17/10/2014 - 16:13
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simonarron, When I did my second effort a little earlier, I did just that and there is an improvement.
percy,I think that the prices of the lenses you mention may be too expensive for me but I will check them out. I am working towards the Pentax prime 300mm lens though.
Faint heart and all that, what! If I don't get it right, it won't be for the want of trying. I really like the K-50. It feels exactly right to hold and the viewfinder is easy to look through. My only 'gripe' is that I have difficulty in seeing the green focus light.
jan.
percy,I think that the prices of the lenses you mention may be too expensive for me but I will check them out. I am working towards the Pentax prime 300mm lens though.
Faint heart and all that, what! If I don't get it right, it won't be for the want of trying. I really like the K-50. It feels exactly right to hold and the viewfinder is easy to look through. My only 'gripe' is that I have difficulty in seeing the green focus light.
jan.
Posted 17/10/2014 - 16:45 - Helpful Comment
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michaelblue wrote:
The 55-300 is not the best lens for 'Birds in flight' shots, I also struggle to get many 'Keepers'
I don't know about the K50 but using the K5 and the 55-300 for birds in flight I've all but given up, it just spends all it's time 'Hunting' and getting nowhere
As for exposure, try dialling in a stop or two compensation, particularly against a bright sky
The 55-300 is not the best lens for 'Birds in flight' shots, I also struggle to get many 'Keepers'
I don't know about the K50 but using the K5 and the 55-300 for birds in flight I've all but given up, it just spends all it's time 'Hunting' and getting nowhere
As for exposure, try dialling in a stop or two compensation, particularly against a bright sky
Try shooting with your thumb on the AF button, on the right of the screen at the same time as your forefinger the shutter release, I've only tried this technique recently and have achieved the best in flight shots I've ever achieved and shot a motor rally last week with 100% accuracy.
Have a peak at my web site, at the bottom of the home page, click on client access and use the code birdsofprey
Chris
www.chrismillsphotography.co.uk
" A Hangover is something that occupies the Head you neglected to use the night before".
-------------------------------------------------------------
K1 - Sigma 85mm F1.4, Pentax DFA 150 -450 F4.5 / 5.6, Pentax DFA* 24 - 70 F2.8
Samyang 14mm F2.8, Pentax DFA* 70-200 F2.8, Pentax A 50mm F1.2
K3iii + K3ii + K5iis converted to IR, Sigma 17 - 70 F2.8, Pentax 55 - 300 F4.5 / F5.6 PLM
www.chrismillsphotography.co.uk
" A Hangover is something that occupies the Head you neglected to use the night before".
-------------------------------------------------------------
K1 - Sigma 85mm F1.4, Pentax DFA 150 -450 F4.5 / 5.6, Pentax DFA* 24 - 70 F2.8
Samyang 14mm F2.8, Pentax DFA* 70-200 F2.8, Pentax A 50mm F1.2
K3iii + K3ii + K5iis converted to IR, Sigma 17 - 70 F2.8, Pentax 55 - 300 F4.5 / F5.6 PLM
Posted 17/10/2014 - 16:46
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May I ask what camera setting your using as I have a k500 with that lens,have to agree it hunts a lot and my pics do come out dark a lot of the time too.
Posted 17/10/2014 - 16:55 - Helpful Comment
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Chrism8 wrote:
Try shooting with your thumb on the AF button, on the right of the screen at the same time as your forefinger the shutter release, I've only tried this technique recently and have achieved the best in flight shots I've ever achieved and shot a motor rally last week with 100% accuracy.
Try shooting with your thumb on the AF button, on the right of the screen at the same time as your forefinger the shutter release, I've only tried this technique recently and have achieved the best in flight shots I've ever achieved and shot a motor rally last week with 100% accuracy.
That's a technique I've been using recently, and I'm finding I seem to be getting more consistent results - but unfortunately not in the same league as Chris's shots though. I need much more practice
Don't forget to turn off the shutter half press if you try this.
Posted 17/10/2014 - 17:17
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Chrism8 wrote:
Try shooting with your thumb on the AF button, on the right of the screen at the same time as your forefinger the shutter release, I've only tried this technique recently and have achieved the best in flight shots I've ever achieved and shot a motor rally last week with 100% accuracy.
Have a peak at my web site, at the bottom of the home page, click on client access and use the code birdsofprey
michaelblue wrote:
The 55-300 is not the best lens for 'Birds in flight' shots, I also struggle to get many 'Keepers'
I don't know about the K50 but using the K5 and the 55-300 for birds in flight I've all but given up, it just spends all it's time 'Hunting' and getting nowhere
As for exposure, try dialling in a stop or two compensation, particularly against a bright sky
The 55-300 is not the best lens for 'Birds in flight' shots, I also struggle to get many 'Keepers'
I don't know about the K50 but using the K5 and the 55-300 for birds in flight I've all but given up, it just spends all it's time 'Hunting' and getting nowhere
As for exposure, try dialling in a stop or two compensation, particularly against a bright sky
Try shooting with your thumb on the AF button, on the right of the screen at the same time as your forefinger the shutter release, I've only tried this technique recently and have achieved the best in flight shots I've ever achieved and shot a motor rally last week with 100% accuracy.
Have a peak at my web site, at the bottom of the home page, click on client access and use the code birdsofprey
Thanks Chris,
I'll definitely give that a try
Nothing wrong with your 'Birds of prey' on your website .....Very nice!
Regards,
Michael
Michael
Posted 17/10/2014 - 17:31 - Helpful Comment
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I have not attempted to capture birds in flight, but I wonder if you could try increasing the ISO. The Pentax 16MP sensor cameras have very good ISO performance, producing little noise up to at least ISO 1600 in good lighting. You could try e.g. ISO 800 and then use e.g. f/16, to give a greater depth of field for a bit more focus leeway.
I'm sure an experienced member will tell you if I am writing rubbish here! :
Cheers.
Philip
I'm sure an experienced member will tell you if I am writing rubbish here! :
Cheers.
Philip
Posted 17/10/2014 - 17:39
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Pjy123 wrote:
May I ask what camera setting your using as I have a k500 with that lens,have to agree it hunts a lot and my pics do come out dark a lot of the time too.
May I ask what camera setting your using as I have a k500 with that lens,have to agree it hunts a lot and my pics do come out dark a lot of the time too.
Pjy123, Pentax K-50.
Jan.
Posted 17/10/2014 - 17:52
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percy wrote:
That's a technique I've been using recently, and I'm finding I seem to be getting more consistent results - but unfortunately not in the same league as Chris's shots though. I need much more practice
Don't forget to turn off the shutter half press if you try this.
Chrism8 wrote:
Try shooting with your thumb on the AF button, on the right of the screen at the same time as your forefinger the shutter release, I've only tried this technique recently and have achieved the best in flight shots I've ever achieved and shot a motor rally last week with 100% accuracy.
Try shooting with your thumb on the AF button, on the right of the screen at the same time as your forefinger the shutter release, I've only tried this technique recently and have achieved the best in flight shots I've ever achieved and shot a motor rally last week with 100% accuracy.
That's a technique I've been using recently, and I'm finding I seem to be getting more consistent results - but unfortunately not in the same league as Chris's shots though. I need much more practice
Don't forget to turn off the shutter half press if you try this.
percy, I can't see anything in the manual that refers to turn off shutter half press. Are you saying that I fully press the shutter at the same time as the AF button but do not half press the shutter first?
Jan.
Posted 17/10/2014 - 18:20
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That's what I've been doing,
Keep them both pressed at the same time, the auto focus follows the subject much much quicker and accurate, you'll still need to nail your exposure which may mean manual, compensation or metering from the grass or similar.
Keep them both pressed at the same time, the auto focus follows the subject much much quicker and accurate, you'll still need to nail your exposure which may mean manual, compensation or metering from the grass or similar.
Chris
www.chrismillsphotography.co.uk
" A Hangover is something that occupies the Head you neglected to use the night before".
-------------------------------------------------------------
K1 - Sigma 85mm F1.4, Pentax DFA 150 -450 F4.5 / 5.6, Pentax DFA* 24 - 70 F2.8
Samyang 14mm F2.8, Pentax DFA* 70-200 F2.8, Pentax A 50mm F1.2
K3iii + K3ii + K5iis converted to IR, Sigma 17 - 70 F2.8, Pentax 55 - 300 F4.5 / F5.6 PLM
www.chrismillsphotography.co.uk
" A Hangover is something that occupies the Head you neglected to use the night before".
-------------------------------------------------------------
K1 - Sigma 85mm F1.4, Pentax DFA 150 -450 F4.5 / 5.6, Pentax DFA* 24 - 70 F2.8
Samyang 14mm F2.8, Pentax DFA* 70-200 F2.8, Pentax A 50mm F1.2
K3iii + K3ii + K5iis converted to IR, Sigma 17 - 70 F2.8, Pentax 55 - 300 F4.5 / F5.6 PLM
Posted 17/10/2014 - 18:26
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That's what I'll be trying at Brands Hatch this weekend, for curiosity's sake.
[off topic]Some fabulous, fabulous shots on your site, Chris - a credit to both you and Pentax[/off topic].
[off topic]Some fabulous, fabulous shots on your site, Chris - a credit to both you and Pentax[/off topic].
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227 posts
13 years
Merseyside
Right thought I, just do the same with the K-50 and Bob's me uncle. Wrong! As you can see from the blackbird shot in my gallery, that is not a very good shot but it is about the best that I managed. I went from 800th to 1600th and it got no better. Most of the bird shots were too dark and some weren't in focus. My 55-300mm new type lens hunted an awful lot.
The flower shot is far too dark and like my bird shots I couldn't find any way to get the picture at an acceptable brightness. The weather has and still is a very sunny, and bright day. So why am I struggling or should I have stuck with the 700D. Please don't say yes! Both shots are in my gallery and the wildlife one.
Jan.