The lens was recently on offer at SRS for around £600. Considering the prices of the next step up - which is now a 120-300 /2.8 or a 100-300/f4 if you can find one - this is relatively cheap.
My criticism of the photos is aimed at the lens. The shots themselves are fine, but just look at the blue of the sky! That two different lenses were used to cover the same event gives an excellent opportunity to see just how much difference is made by the glass.... that's my criticism, nothing else. If you can't see the difference, then fair enough.

Bret

The Tamron 18-250 and Pentax 18-250 differ only in the coatings and the printing style, if I understand correctly. They both "just work" on all the digital bodies, including the k-x.

The Pentax 55-300 is an excellent small zoom, better than the 50-200 (which is also no longer expensive, i.e. €60). If it's not an "always on" that you are looking for, then maybe that is a solution. I think it depends on what you want and how large the budget is.

Bret

yep, which is why I found the ungripped K5 (or K10) and 18-250 an excellent combo; add that with a flash and a 50 macro and you have pretty much everything you need.

Bret

that tamron 70-300 - well, let's start with the contrast, the lack of saturation and OK sharpness. The thread here https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/respect-29508 appears to have been at the same show and, though the sigma used there is a relatively cheap one, it's in another class.
And the 100-300 would walk all over that one again, but that's another step up (and heading rapidly towards £1000).

You get what you pay for.

HOWEVER: if you're working over 100mm:
- shutter speed 1/100+
- monopod or SR on or both
- use decent apertures to increase DoF and get better results.

Working from there, I'd try and establish if it's the technique or the lens that's causing issues, as it might be the copy of the lens itself.

I have to say that the tamron 18-250 really, really surprised me in terms of sharpness and usability. It's a truly great travel lens, combining almost macro with compact size and decent zoom. I think you should be able to pick one up for around 200-250 £/€.

Bret

ear defenders are absolutely essential on the forest stages - it's not as loud as firearms but it's pretty close.

Bret

It's an Estonian Lada. I have a couple more, I think... I will go look.

I've already upped the contrast on a lot of these using blackpoint changes... but yes, I see now that several of those from Jokimaa really should have more contrast.

I need to review the complete set for publication this week so I'll maybe have time to redo a couple and post 'em up.

Thanks for the comments!

Bret

the last set for the moment is this: Set 5: Harbour

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Yes, the harbour is in Lahti - it was the ceremonial start on Thursday and finish on Saturday.

Bret

yeah, I agree on the armco and tried to get a Media pass. It's pretty obvious after this that I need one if I want to get the shots I'd like. Still, I have a chance on one of those for next year

Bret

I'll do set 5 and 6 and 7 later today (they're still uploading).

Bret

Set 4: Harbour

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