Thanks. I'll take that advice on board for next time. As for the pink cast I'm not sure of it's origin TBH. Any ideas? Could it be locally sourced, say,light pollution? I tried to go for a higher aperture number to get more DOF but not 100% certain it will be effective at such a long distance. A long shot really (no pun intended Honest!)

TAv setting with manual focus, 500mm ISO 3200 shutter:1/1000 Aperture:F14 No exposure compensation.
Toby. I'm still learning with all the options available on the K-5. A regular minefield.
Also, the image has been cropped (obviously) to show as large as possible and is straight from the camera and no processing.

Now why didn't I think of that!..

It seems that after some unsuccessful results I have finally managed to capture the moon with a respectable picture. Using K-5 and the popular Sigma 150-500mm on full zoom. I may require a better tripod than the one I'm currently using, but that will when I've decided which one from the confusing array of choices. Comments and advice please!


If the sky stays clear I may get another chance to improve on this image.

Appreciate the positive comments folks.
I'm still learning every time I pick up the camera. A little less point n shoot, and a bit more getting to know the camera and what it can actually do.

I have now managed to crop the image "in camera"


Not as sharp as it seemed to be though. Unless cropping in the camera reduces the quality. Not sure.
I also forgot mention Pentax K-5 with Sigma 150-500mm lens sitting on a Cullman 250 tripod, woolly hat and coat

Well after much practice. This is my first shot that I think is worthy of posting on the forum. The moon can be stunning when captured correctly as I have seen on various sites/images. I tried to shoot B/W but I don't think I have the skills to do it justice yet. TAv setting with manual focus, 500mm ISO 3200 shutter:1/1000 Aperture:F14
I would welcome your comments and advice to help me fine tune my skills as an amateur.

Hi Chris.
It does seem a little confusing please let me explain my thinking.
I bought the K-5 first as my main camera for shooting wildlife, so intend keeping my newly acquired Sigma 150-500 lens on permanently if that is possible.
The K-10 was then bought to replace my K110 and to cover as many different situations as possible hence the 18-250 Sigma. The extra quality over the K110 and the surprisingly good reviews suggest it is a much better all round camera then it first appears to be. The build quality seems to be legendary, both being well sealed from the elements. I should have many years of use from them.

Thanks for all of the comments and advice. Obviously still getting used to the massive difference from the K110D. The K-10 somehow feels more comfortable and some buttons seem to fall to hand easier than the K-5. This could be the similar button positions to the old K110.
Very happy with the way the K-5 works in low light without the need for flash - dead impressive!. I need to spend a day out with both to see what I can achieve with my somewhat limited experience. I will post my results at some point if they are worth it. Thanks again.
Thanks JAK, I never checked for updates for the 110D. Downloaded the file now and will update when I have recharged AA's.

Hi all. Another newby' to the forum.
Let me introduce myself, my brief history and Kit so far.
1st SLR: Around 1987-ish, Zenith 12xp, TTL metering always got it bang on, beautifully simple and well built.
1991:Replaced with Miranda MS-3 twin lens kit. Still have that one with both lenses. Not used for some time.
After much research into Canon/Nikon/Olympus/Pentax etc. the past 5 years have been with my Pentax K110D after spotting it at a massive discount in PC World of all places.(£150 with kit lens) I wanted the K100D, but at that time funds were somewhat low. 40k shutter flips later and time to upgrade. The main reason is the AA battery option on the K110D and a somewhat lack of accessories and max 2GB card etc. I finally bit the bullet and thanks to E-bay found myself with a used K-5 and then soon after a K-10D (2nd hand again)with Sigma 18-250 for general use. To accompany the K-5 I also acquired a new Sigma 150-500mm from SRS microsystem for wildlife shots. I hope I have made the correct decisions regarding lenses. I also have the Sigma 70-300 that I bought a couple of years ago. I have updated firmware on the K-5 to 1.15 (latest I think)K-10 is on v.1.15 for now.
My only concern is the K-5 seems to over expose when on auto setting. Do I have to calibrate the lens to the camera or vice versa? The K-10D seems to be ok.
Sorry for the extra long intro.