All Forum Comments
Comment by bychan posted on FS: Sigma 10-20 & Sigma 17-50 at 03/12/2019 - 00:14
I have this combination (ignore the dated signature), although I don`t have any experience with shooting fast moving subjects with them.
This set was shot with this combo link
Whilst not fast moving subjects, I was separated from the goats by a stone wall with a wire fence topped with all sorts of twigs and brambles. Focusing was accomplished through gaps in the fence / branches.
It amazed me how the lens managed to focus, given the testing conditions. Occasionally focus would lock on a twig or parts of the fence, but a quick re-focus quickly sorted that.
Focus was always lightning quick, and ever so quiet. I would never have come away with a single shot using the old 55-300, in that the hunting and noise would have driven the goats to the next village
This set was shot with this combo link
Whilst not fast moving subjects, I was separated from the goats by a stone wall with a wire fence topped with all sorts of twigs and brambles. Focusing was accomplished through gaps in the fence / branches.
It amazed me how the lens managed to focus, given the testing conditions. Occasionally focus would lock on a twig or parts of the fence, but a quick re-focus quickly sorted that.
Focus was always lightning quick, and ever so quiet. I would never have come away with a single shot using the old 55-300, in that the hunting and noise would have driven the goats to the next village
Comment by bychan posted on Thoughts on PLM lens for tracking with a K-3? at 02/10/2019 - 23:07
Comment by bychan posted on WTB - lens hood for Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 at 01/10/2019 - 19:57
jeallen01 wrote:
Most people who have one (like me) won't be selling any time soon (it's almost "that good") and so it's probably best to wait for Black Friday or the Xmas sales when quite good discounts should be available - and best to buy from a Pentax Pro Dealer (mine was from Cadiff Camera Centre - not SRS as first posted, as that was from where I got the K-70 ) because that gets you a 2 yr warrantee, whereas Amazon (etc.) only gets you 1 yr.
Couldn`t agree more Most people who have one (like me) won't be selling any time soon (it's almost "that good") and so it's probably best to wait for Black Friday or the Xmas sales when quite good discounts should be available - and best to buy from a Pentax Pro Dealer (mine was from Cadiff Camera Centre - not SRS as first posted, as that was from where I got the K-70 ) because that gets you a 2 yr warrantee, whereas Amazon (etc.) only gets you 1 yr.
I got mine during last year`s Black Friday Xmas deals from SRS, what with trading my DA 55-300 and the excellent deal, it cost less than a used one would; no brainer.
Good luck
Comment by bychan posted on WTB Pentax 55-300mm PLM lens. at 25/09/2019 - 23:17
For a number of years I used grad ND filters from a UK company called Kood, 85mm format, soft and hard edged.
They are priced similarly to the Cokin range, and fit their holders. As far as I can determine there is no visible colour cast.
I recently changed to a 100mm system (more flexible for my wider lenses 10 and 16mm). The 2 and 3 stop soft grads were replaced with the 100mm Kood versions. The hard grads purchased was a 3 filter set, Cokin Z series.
I also own a 77mm SRB 10 stop filter, and again any colour cast is minimal ; the 10 stop Lee Big stopper is well known for its blue cast, and that one isn't cheap 🙄
Latest addiction is a 10 stop glass filter from Haida (£55 from ebay).
The last images I posted on the forum were taken with a combination of the Haida filter and one of the soft grads; colour cast, none that I can see.
link
I also have a Cpl for use with the new system, but rarely use it as I find the uneven polarisation of the sky very off-putting (mostly an issue at wider focal lengths).
In summary I don't believe that you have to spend a fortune to obtain decent results.
Regards
Adrian
They are priced similarly to the Cokin range, and fit their holders. As far as I can determine there is no visible colour cast.
I recently changed to a 100mm system (more flexible for my wider lenses 10 and 16mm). The 2 and 3 stop soft grads were replaced with the 100mm Kood versions. The hard grads purchased was a 3 filter set, Cokin Z series.
I also own a 77mm SRB 10 stop filter, and again any colour cast is minimal ; the 10 stop Lee Big stopper is well known for its blue cast, and that one isn't cheap 🙄
Latest addiction is a 10 stop glass filter from Haida (£55 from ebay).
The last images I posted on the forum were taken with a combination of the Haida filter and one of the soft grads; colour cast, none that I can see.
link
I also have a Cpl for use with the new system, but rarely use it as I find the uneven polarisation of the sky very off-putting (mostly an issue at wider focal lengths).
In summary I don't believe that you have to spend a fortune to obtain decent results.
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on ND Fader or Filter Kit? at 08/09/2019 - 16:28
With the non-slim filters, chances are that you will notice vignetting at the widest focal ranges.
It was for this reason why I always purchase the slim models (dearer but better).
To date I have a Marumi Super 72mm and a Hoya Pro 82mm, equally as good.
It was for this reason why I always purchase the slim models (dearer but better).
To date I have a Marumi Super 72mm and a Hoya Pro 82mm, equally as good.
Comment by bychan posted on CPL for Pentax 18-135mm at 08/09/2019 - 15:02
JAK wrote:
This is APSC we're talking about, right? not full frame?
The smaller the format the sooner diffraction sets in.
The EPZ review has this MTF test chart:
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/pentax-da--16-50mm-f-2-8ed-al--if--sdm-lens-r...
The difference between f/8 and f/11 is perhaps higher than you may expect and at f/11 centre resolution is worse than at f/2.8.
I believe the 16-50 was designed to be more efficient at wider apertures to enable good resolution at wider apertures for sports type photography. All lenses have compromises.
Maybe you're right the 16-50 isn't fit for your purpose, The 16-85 will probably suit better.
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/hd-pentax-da-16-85mm-f3-5-5-6-ed-dc-wr-review...
The 16-85 resolution holds up better up to f/11.
Also consider that the 16-85 is a much more recent design, which no doubt helps.
Thanks John K; cannot argue with the facts Quote:
If diffraction is evident at f10, then I would deem the lens not fit for purpose,
If diffraction is evident at f10, then I would deem the lens not fit for purpose,
This is APSC we're talking about, right? not full frame?
The smaller the format the sooner diffraction sets in.
The EPZ review has this MTF test chart:
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/pentax-da--16-50mm-f-2-8ed-al--if--sdm-lens-r...
The difference between f/8 and f/11 is perhaps higher than you may expect and at f/11 centre resolution is worse than at f/2.8.
I believe the 16-50 was designed to be more efficient at wider apertures to enable good resolution at wider apertures for sports type photography. All lenses have compromises.
Maybe you're right the 16-50 isn't fit for your purpose, The 16-85 will probably suit better.
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/hd-pentax-da-16-85mm-f3-5-5-6-ed-dc-wr-review...
The 16-85 resolution holds up better up to f/11.
Also consider that the 16-85 is a much more recent design, which no doubt helps.
I use a K3.
The 16-50 is going back, with a new 16-85 coming the other way; 2nd time lucky I hope on that count.
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on 16-50 De-Centered? at 28/08/2019 - 00:06
I have never considered a 18=135 due to the 2mm losss as well as the overlap with the 55-300.
I would suspect that camera shake would affect the entire image, and not just parts of.
No further tests have been carried out, and a refund has been requested.
Regards
Adrian
JAK wrote:
Was shake reduction turned off?
Did you try JR's newspaper test suggestion?
OTH maybe you found out why it was an open box item,
Shake reduction off automatically via the 2 second self timer.Quote:
he images were taken on a tripod, so camera shake was not an issue.
Using tripod doesn't always eliminate camera shake as the tripod can vibrate too in some circumstances, eg if its windy or even induced by the shutter movement. Also some tripods are better than others.he images were taken on a tripod, so camera shake was not an issue.
Was shake reduction turned off?
Did you try JR's newspaper test suggestion?
OTH maybe you found out why it was an open box item,
I would suspect that camera shake would affect the entire image, and not just parts of.
No further tests have been carried out, and a refund has been requested.
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on 16-50 De-Centered? at 26/08/2019 - 23:12
cbrog wrote:
I am very surprised at the poor overall definition of your photo obtained from your 16-50 All of the Star lenses that I have produce very very sharp images. The auto focus on my 16-50 (and the 50-135) can be VERY slow to wake up though. With mine I always watch the lens focus and make sure the focus indicator confirms. I would be very surprised if SRS sent out a faulty lens....
Roger
My first purchase of a Star lens, and none too impressed to say the very least. I don`t intend to keep it.I am very surprised at the poor overall definition of your photo obtained from your 16-50 All of the Star lenses that I have produce very very sharp images. The auto focus on my 16-50 (and the 50-135) can be VERY slow to wake up though. With mine I always watch the lens focus and make sure the focus indicator confirms. I would be very surprised if SRS sent out a faulty lens....
Roger
johnriley wrote:
I feel the problem here is that the image is being assessed is the wrong sort of image for that purpose. Even at f/10, only one plane of focus is the sharpest and althjough we should have plenty of depth of field, it depends on where we have focused and how far the various components in the image are from the camera. So many variables and we can't judge it, never having been stood in that spot.
I would suggest get a broadsheet newspaper, pin it up on a flat surface and take an image at each aperture. Make sure the camera is central to the subject, that the newspaper fills the screen and that the camera back is absolutely parallel to it. The camera must be on a firm tripod for this. Then you can judge where the sharpness lies by examining the fine print.
This was taken some years ago, same location, but with a K5 and Sigma 10-20; no issues here (and also handheld).I feel the problem here is that the image is being assessed is the wrong sort of image for that purpose. Even at f/10, only one plane of focus is the sharpest and althjough we should have plenty of depth of field, it depends on where we have focused and how far the various components in the image are from the camera. So many variables and we can't judge it, never having been stood in that spot.
I would suggest get a broadsheet newspaper, pin it up on a flat surface and take an image at each aperture. Make sure the camera is central to the subject, that the newspaper fills the screen and that the camera back is absolutely parallel to it. The camera must be on a firm tripod for this. Then you can judge where the sharpness lies by examining the fine print.
PeterKR wrote:
Like cbrog I'm a bit surprised by those images.
I notice they were taken at Llyn Cwmystradllyn - I was there recently with my K50 and DA18-135 so here, for comaprison, is a shot I took, at 24mm, the other side of that fence :-
Peter
Lovely image, much better than I managed with the 16-50 Like cbrog I'm a bit surprised by those images.
I notice they were taken at Llyn Cwmystradllyn - I was there recently with my K50 and DA18-135 so here, for comaprison, is a shot I took, at 24mm, the other side of that fence :-
Peter
JAK wrote:
I believe the 16-50 performs better at wider apertures, f/4 & f/5.6. By f/10 diffraction is starting to take the edge off its ultimate sharpness.
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/pentax-da--16-50mm-f-2-8ed-al--if--sdm-lens-r...
Also of note is that the two images were shot at 1/20th & 1/25th sec respectively so every likelihood of suffering camera shake causing unsharpness too.
A wider aperture and a faster shutter speed might have been preferable.
The images were taken on a tripod, so camera shake was not an issue.I believe the 16-50 performs better at wider apertures, f/4 & f/5.6. By f/10 diffraction is starting to take the edge off its ultimate sharpness.
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/pentax-da--16-50mm-f-2-8ed-al--if--sdm-lens-r...
Also of note is that the two images were shot at 1/20th & 1/25th sec respectively so every likelihood of suffering camera shake causing unsharpness too.
A wider aperture and a faster shutter speed might have been preferable.
If diffraction is evident at f10, then I would deem the lens not fit for purpose, in that its primary role for me would be landscapes.
Jonathan-Mac wrote:
The 16-50mm is indeed known for poor quality control as well as the SDM problem. It's not a lens with a good reputation and if I were you I'd take it back.
A refund has now been requested from SRS, and a new 16-85 ordered (good offer which ends today).The 16-50mm is indeed known for poor quality control as well as the SDM problem. It's not a lens with a good reputation and if I were you I'd take it back.
Hopefully Pentax / Ricoh have sorted the QC issues with the 16-85, seeing as it`s nearly 5 years since I bought my first copy.
Thanks all
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on 16-50 De-Centered? at 26/08/2019 - 15:39
I recently had my 16-85 repaired by Pentax (right side blurry on images, original thread here link).
It seemed okay when I got it back, but I decided to cut my losses with it and trade it back to SRS.
My initial thought was to go back to Sigma, having previously owned an 18-50 for a number of years, and never had any issues with it.
SRS didn`t have any Sigma 17-50`s, and I came across an open box DA*16-50 at a good price with 2 year warranty. I was well aware of the numerous SDM issues, but a 2 year warranty was a safety net.
However my first outing with the lens was not very pleasing, in that some images exhibit the same issues as the 16-85 did; further research suggests that the lens might be de-centered, and that this is also a known issue with the DA*16-50.
Image 1 shows a full image shot @16mm f10, tripod mounted.
Image 2 is a crop of the right side of the image, which clearly shows blurriness.
Likewise image 3 shows the full image with image 4 a crop of its right side.
1
2
3
4
What next?
Can it be repaired?
Or request a refund and purchase a brand new 16-85?
Or follow my initial instinct and go for a Sigma?
My 55-300 PLM is a pleasure to use, why is Pentax`s QC so hit and miss?
Regards
Adrian
It seemed okay when I got it back, but I decided to cut my losses with it and trade it back to SRS.
My initial thought was to go back to Sigma, having previously owned an 18-50 for a number of years, and never had any issues with it.
SRS didn`t have any Sigma 17-50`s, and I came across an open box DA*16-50 at a good price with 2 year warranty. I was well aware of the numerous SDM issues, but a 2 year warranty was a safety net.
However my first outing with the lens was not very pleasing, in that some images exhibit the same issues as the 16-85 did; further research suggests that the lens might be de-centered, and that this is also a known issue with the DA*16-50.
Image 1 shows a full image shot @16mm f10, tripod mounted.
Image 2 is a crop of the right side of the image, which clearly shows blurriness.
Likewise image 3 shows the full image with image 4 a crop of its right side.
1
2
3
4
What next?
Can it be repaired?
Or request a refund and purchase a brand new 16-85?
Or follow my initial instinct and go for a Sigma?
My 55-300 PLM is a pleasure to use, why is Pentax`s QC so hit and miss?
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on 16-50 De-Centered? at 25/08/2019 - 16:06
Comes with cap, hood and soft case (no box).
£200
2 Sigma 17-50 F2.8 EX DC
Excellent condition, and again well looked after.
Very sharp lens and highly recommended.
Comes with cap, hood, soft case and box (the box does specify Nikon, but of course it is a Pentax fit).
£175
If any interest I can post images tomorrow evening.
Regards
Adrian