Sigma 120-400

Had the Sigma for a while but found the Af somewhat erratic on moving subjects sometimes even on large birds like herons that are relatively slow and pendulous in flight

Also in static conditions, if light wasn’t optimum it was randomly but unquestionably unsharp on times

Never the less I persevered and have some decent shots despite my interest being mainly birds and sport.

I aquired a 2nd hand Nikon D500 with a Nikon zoom; The D500 being considered the quickest AF out there.

The camera did not disappoint but the Nikon lens was decent but not premium in IQ terms.

When I bought the DFA 150-450 HD it was a totally different ball game even with the often challenged AF system of the K1, I was getting some very sharp images images of BIF

However Fitting it on a K3.3 is as good as it gets (as far as long telephoto zooms go), best described as pretty faultless all round with an almost perfect hit rate.

Hence I sold the Nikon gear and the Sigma lens.

However Sigma is a brand I like and without doubt my sharpest indoor-sports lens without comparison is the Sigma Art 35mm F1.4 on the K1, paired with the K3.3 and the faultless DA* 200mm f2.8 - these two lenses are the standard in sharpness and resolution for me.

Going back to the Sigma 120-400 though, I would stick at it on aviation subjects but consider giving it a go on a Pentax K3.3.

Super shot - the detail is superb and clearly the 150-450 is another Pentax masterpiece in the right hands.

A great capture - insects in flight could become a cult thing Given they are always around

Fabulous set Chris ; the Dragonfly is particularly stunning; can’t beat Pentax glass and now we truly have a premium action /wildlife camera in the K3.3.

My favorite Pentax masterpiece - F4 300 DA*

I spent a few hours today looking for Otters without success and was surprised qat the swarms of tiny midges that were in clouds above the water surface.

They are not uncommon (Chironomus plumosus) but there were clouds of them around so I decided to see if I cut get a decent shot with the K3.3 which is quite a tool when it comes to focus and tracking of birds.

The insects are about 10mm and never stay still in the air (like a Hover Fly) and are chaotic in their "aeronautics"




It seems the K3.3 has no limits

Sigma Art 35 mm 1.4 - as good as a lens can get

Beautiful set David; evoking feelings of lovely days on that beautiful Island. a definite uplifting set of images captured with skill and craft such that you can hear the quiet buzz of the insects and feel the warmth of summer - no one favourite, they are all super images and I wish I was there right now 🙏🏻👌

I also have this lens and it is a superb little optic; looks a steel at that price

Magical; Lovely set of the things late-risers don’t get to enjoy, so well captured👌

Love them all but 9 is a corker - great image skilfully captured and finished