Rugby league and K3

I covered my 1st rugby league match with the K3 at the weekend.
K3 DA* 60-250mm TAV F4.5 1/1000th expanded single AF(small) AF Hold-medium

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That works well then

Some really nice action shots in there, I think 1 and 2 are my faves.

Looking good Miles. how are you finding the DA* 60-250mm for this type of photography in terms of focus lock any improvements on the K3?

The 60-250mm on the K3 is a definite improvement over the K5, the expanded selection point helps, if the AF point strays off the player(bad technique) the camera does try and track with the surrounding AF points

The AF hold stops the camera from hunting straight away if a linesman or a player passes between the action and camera.

I'm not one to blame my tools so was reasonably happy with the K5 but have to say the K3 is an improvement and Pentax are heading in the right direction regarding sports photography, I'm not saying they are up there with Canikon yet but they are catching up.

Thanks for the info Miles. I think I will rent a DA* 60-250 from SRS in April and see how I get on with it. I have been using the DA* 200 which works really well, but there are times having a zoom would really help. The FA* 80-200 produces superb images, but it's far from light for all day use.

Regards fletcher8

Nice set
They appear a little contrasty and saturated; is that a deliberate attempt to make them look like Canon shots?

Nice gritty images Steve, I've always thought that the mud and glore of rugby make for a more dynamic image that football.

I also think that now with th K3, the right lens and an competent operator Pentax are back in business for sports shooters as demonstrated by yourself, Gary and others.

I must admit they are a little too contrasty and saturated on my monitor at work, at home on my calibrated monitor they looked OK.
I'll try recalibrating my monitor tonight.

I had presets in LR for my K5 but haven't had time to make them for my K3 yet, another job that needs doing !

Some good action shots there Steve. What looks like a break in the last shot is my favourite.

Would that lens be able to cope if Barrow ever got another player as fast as Les Quirk (The Arrow from Barrow ) Later sold to St. Helens and seen here in 1990......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzBPfJ1dCN0

I think Les Quirk is still around these parts and works as a leccy in the shipyard.

Barrow have got a couple of wingers this year that are supposed to be pretty quick, i haven't had chance to test the 60-250mm on them yet, I'm sure I'll get a chance sooner or later, will post the results.

Good to hear that he's still about, probably about 48 now.

It would be interesting to see how well the Pentax tracks a
winger.

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A super set of images Did you get any of the chaps in green actually holding the ball

I'm club photographer for Barrow Raiders so concentrate on them more than the visitors, I did have a few of Keighley with the ball admittedly mostly with their back to me,
you can see all the photos from the game at Barrow Raiders v Keighley Cougars

Thanks for the link Steve, I enjoyed looking at the rest of the images and I'm sure the club is pleased with them too.