Excellent capture.

That's the earlier version. You can use these quite happily using the camera tripod mount. I've had super pictures from mine.

I now have what some consider to be a 'hen's tooth'. An SMC Pentax reflex zoom 1:8~12, 400~600mm, AKA a mirror lens.
Not many of these were made and certainly not to this quality and with a zoom facility! Since I love old glass this was
quite irresistible. In terms of size, it's like a beefed up Tamron 500 and about the same weight. From what I have seen
so far its performance is wonderful.













It came in its purpose made case that contains a selection of filters in the case lid. It always has one filter fitted
inside the rear mount - normally a clear one. The others are red, yellow, 3 x ND filters and a skylight, all of
which are of exceptionally high quality. The 67mm hood sits inverted at the bottom with the lens inside it.

I haven't used it much at all because I immediately realised that the front element (being right at the front) is
highly vulnerable so after an initial play it went back in its case to await a 67mm protective plain filter.
My standard test is the washing line pole. This is a length of 3inch gas pipe with a screw stopper that was salvaged
from a local factory years ago. The screw thread, a profusion of knotted washing line and the presence of an
embossed letter 'P' make it an ideal target. It is about 120 feet away from the kitchen door with dense trees
another 200 feet or so beyond it.

Few lenses can pick out the 'P': among them are the FA*300, Tamron 500 and Soligor 300.
This Pentax mirror lens, at 400mm, didn't just pass the test; it ran coach and horses straight through it !
I forgot there was also a zoom facility up to 600mm and so failed to try it.

At 400mm exactly as it came out of the camera.



and a 100mm crop showing the detail.



It really surprised me when I pointed it at the unseasonably early bluebells - and pinkbells ....












I think I am going to enjoy this one.

Super pictures of one of the nicest things to watch in our skies. I think they they beat kites for watching especially when there is a mated pair and they start playing and tumbling 'out of control' as one 'attacks' the other.

I think the Ivy berries show it off best but overall it makes some really nice rich colours as well as producing just the right degree of sharpness.

You can almost hear the water crashing and and then hissing and gurgling away.

Some super shots there David and you prove the point beautifully.

x2

Most of the Soligors are superb. In fact, my very best 300mm is a Soligor (excluding the * versions). It's well up to the standard of any Pentax but is, of course, manual. The Tamron 28-200 zoom is very good (model A03) and also comes in a rebadged Pentax version. It always goes on holiday with me.

My *ists (D x 2 and a DS) are all working very well. I keep thinking about selling them .......but, er ....