New arrival!!
Posted 23/11/2011 - 21:10
Link
good macro lens, 200
But do not sell by * 55, which is a great lens
But do not sell by * 55, which is a great lens
Posted 23/11/2011 - 23:44
Link
Looks OK
Pete
Pete
K-1 K-01 Q-7
some len
Close to the Edge
Down by the River
some len
Close to the Edge
Down by the River
Posted 24/11/2011 - 15:41
Link
Must admit that I do feel pretty pleased that I won the auction and quite surprised that there were so few bidders and the price stayed below £1000 as these quite regularly go for a lot more, think there was one on eBay recently for $2700 US?
Original plan was to sell the spare K-7 as it never got used and get myself another 100mm WR Macro as our current copy lives in Fiona's camera bag and we always seem to want it at the same time! The advantage now is that we have more options (35, 100 & 200 macros).
Good news also is that the AF160 ring flash came with the correct adaptor to fit it so no need to buy any further parts.
The hard part is to come and that is to try and get the best out of it! Only had a very quick play so far and the major difference I've come across is the working distance compared to say a 100mm Macro is huge! Minimum focussing distance from the front of the lens is around 30cm?!
There doesn't seem to be a massive difference in pure image quality compared to the 100 with the quick play I've had, but will need to spend more time with it before I can verify any further. My guess is it will come into it's own when out in the field shooting bugs / butterflies etc. as I'm sure the extra focal length will give me a difference in depth of field combined with better background blur / subject seperation etc. than the 100.
In the mean time if anyone can share any hints or tips with working with a longer macro it would be great to hear from you, or if you have any questions please fire away. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of info / reviews on the net so I'm happy to add where I can!
PS. the 2 lenses are still up for grabs in the classifieds!
Original plan was to sell the spare K-7 as it never got used and get myself another 100mm WR Macro as our current copy lives in Fiona's camera bag and we always seem to want it at the same time! The advantage now is that we have more options (35, 100 & 200 macros).
Good news also is that the AF160 ring flash came with the correct adaptor to fit it so no need to buy any further parts.
The hard part is to come and that is to try and get the best out of it! Only had a very quick play so far and the major difference I've come across is the working distance compared to say a 100mm Macro is huge! Minimum focussing distance from the front of the lens is around 30cm?!
There doesn't seem to be a massive difference in pure image quality compared to the 100 with the quick play I've had, but will need to spend more time with it before I can verify any further. My guess is it will come into it's own when out in the field shooting bugs / butterflies etc. as I'm sure the extra focal length will give me a difference in depth of field combined with better background blur / subject seperation etc. than the 100.
In the mean time if anyone can share any hints or tips with working with a longer macro it would be great to hear from you, or if you have any questions please fire away. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of info / reviews on the net so I'm happy to add where I can!
PS. the 2 lenses are still up for grabs in the classifieds!
Posted 24/11/2011 - 16:28
Link
pictures please
Posted 25/11/2011 - 04:02
Link
Unlocker have you got the standard focussing screen ? Is it ok with this lens ?
cheers
Pete
cheers
Pete
K-1 K-01 Q-7
some len
Close to the Edge
Down by the River
some len
Close to the Edge
Down by the River
Posted 25/11/2011 - 10:13
Link
Have never used anything other than the standard focussing screen so may not be much help here due to lack of experience, but it works fine with it. Wouldn't mind trying other screens to see the difference though.
Pictures will come when the opportunity arrises, which may be a while weather and bug dependant!
Pictures will come when the opportunity arrises, which may be a while weather and bug dependant!
Posted 27/11/2011 - 22:42
Link
Went out to take it for a test drive today at the Butterfly Farm in Stratford Upon Avon.
Biggest realisation is, I have a lot of learning to do! Compared to the 100mm the working distance is quite a lot more and the depth of field at large apertures is tiny!
To get the best out of it I can see why a tripod is always recommended but for obvious reasons, not always practical. Taking the monopod though ended up being a godsend especially as it was setup 'fully loaded' with grip & ring flash.
Didn't get on really well with the ring flash as conditions were changing all the time, kept thinking "is there a diffuser for this?' Gonna have to rethink my lighting!
This was one of my favourite shots of the day, no flash, ISO 800, 1/250s, F5. Will take my time doing a proper write up though!

Biggest realisation is, I have a lot of learning to do! Compared to the 100mm the working distance is quite a lot more and the depth of field at large apertures is tiny!
To get the best out of it I can see why a tripod is always recommended but for obvious reasons, not always practical. Taking the monopod though ended up being a godsend especially as it was setup 'fully loaded' with grip & ring flash.
Didn't get on really well with the ring flash as conditions were changing all the time, kept thinking "is there a diffuser for this?' Gonna have to rethink my lighting!
This was one of my favourite shots of the day, no flash, ISO 800, 1/250s, F5. Will take my time doing a proper write up though!

Posted 27/11/2011 - 22:47
Link
Bloomin good for a 'starter', Danny . . Great DOF effect across the leaf, and it looks like a truly razor sharp lens...
Add Comment
To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.


3062 posts
18 years
Aylesbury,
Bucks.
First impressions: solid!
Second thoughts? Please buy the DA12-24 & DA* 55 in the classifieds so I can pay for it!!
Website・Blog・Gear・Twitter・Facebook