If you are focusing very close, you might get back or front focusing.
I have it in ALL my MF lenses
I've used 50mm F1.7 with both a split prism focusing screen and the stock screen and then the focus confirmation and got same bad focus results.

Generally, when using MF lenses I use the focus confirmation and get good results, provided that the shutter speed is enough and that SR is adequate (dialed in right focal lenght) not to leave blur in the picture.

For low light, a focus screen with focusing aids (split image, micro prism) works better than the beepy thing (wont work at all).

I must also say, I've had some strange experiences with a Vivitar 28mm F2.5. Pretty sharp lens when its focused, but focusing it is pretty hard, the camera has fooled me many times. This hasn't happened with other lenses though.

Check this and this.
I'd say the Tamron is your best option, they are more plentiful than any other (Vivitar, Tokina, pentax or Sigma). You can get them for £70-£180 (most are £100 somthing), gc to minty in a kit with filters and case.
I'm pretty sure, that in optimal conditions, the results will be better than the Sigma+TC.

I have contributed images to Fotolia and Dreamstime.
I have made the total grand sum of $2.72.


The important thing to retain about stock photography is: your personal tastes or appreciations are not the point. The image that made me that money was a very bland one IMO.

The needs of the market drive the sales.
You will find that some of the stock sites have foruns, and I'm sure you can get great advice there, but generally:
Composition has to take into account possible uses, not just what looks good to you.
Exposure must be correct.
Avoid lens artifacts (CA, distortions)
Avoid PP artifacts. PP is what the costumers want to do, not what they want from you.
Make as large files as they permit to the highest resolution you can.

If you cover this, then it mostly boils down to wether it is the type of stuff they need or not.

Do the research, theses sites already have millions of pictures. Putting up another pic of a dog that has already 10 clones up there will probably not work.

Now, when it comes to making money, volume is key. You will only make money if you have hundreds of pictures there. I'm talking about the regular licenses here. You might make more if you have especially good images of which people might wan to buy complete rights to.

I usually put the cap on my pocket, walk around with the lens uncapped but allways with a hood. If I switch lenses I usually put the cap back on.

I dont find it confortable to be constantly putting the cap on and of.
I dont wan to be recklees with my gear, but I want to be confortable shooting as well.

Where getting some critical mass here. Cool.
And would you take a look at the weather lately?
I actually got tanned this weekend... Tanned, in Scotland!

We should really get together and take advantage of the long daylight hours.

I have heard from many accounts that this is even better than the 200mm taks. Thing is I dont pick it up. Even now that I'm trying birding, I grab the 55-300mm and the Tamron 500mm mirror.
I'll drop this focal length for now or get somethin more reasonable to carry.

Dont be alarmed, though, its no Tak 200mm F3.5.

This is now on ebay.

Hi all.

I'm putting this lens for sale because I'm just not using it. Its a good lens, but heavy, so I keep leaving it at home.

The glass is in fine with the odd speck of dust. Body is fine as well with a little paint loss here and there. Overall I´d class it as in very good condition.

Pics of the lens:











Pics taken with the lens:



With a Kiron 2x TC (not a stellar TC)



Lens comes with front and rear generic caps.

Price is £30 shipped to UK. Ask me for shipping prices for other countries.
I will also consider trades for other 200mm lens (up to F4).
Thanks

I found that the Tamron 500mm severely overexposes on my K10D. I have to increase the shutter speed.

Pity... Hight is the only dimension I wished the k10D would gain, so I could fit my fingers better... I think I'd be worse with the K-7.
Good news about the VF though, being a 4 eyed person myself, it isn't easy to use it very.

I also like the fact that the BG is fatter, grest improvement (plus the AA use).