All Forum Comments
Comment by johnwhit posted on 300mm alternative. at 24/05/2010 - 06:57
thoramay wrote:
Thanks, John.
The M 300mm version is tempting. However. I have the 200mm M version.
The 1.7 Pentax coverter does shift a manual lens into auto focus. My attempts with the 200mm works fine but does not give me a sharp picture using it with the 1.7.
Maybe it is the lens, maybe me, but it makes me nervous to go for the 300mm in case I get the same result.
regards Thoramay
I could try the M (K) 300/4 on my K10D and post a sample, tomorrow, but I don't have the Pebtax 1.7x converter to go with it if's it's any help. right I'm off to do some wildlife photography.......Hope Carr....never been beforeThanks, John.
The M 300mm version is tempting. However. I have the 200mm M version.
The 1.7 Pentax coverter does shift a manual lens into auto focus. My attempts with the 200mm works fine but does not give me a sharp picture using it with the 1.7.
Maybe it is the lens, maybe me, but it makes me nervous to go for the 300mm in case I get the same result.
regards Thoramay
Regards,
John
Comment by johnwhit posted on 300mm alternative. at 23/05/2010 - 11:21
dougf8 wrote:
Make sure your AF is adjusted properly. I've used a lens that when the beep says its focussed, wasn't. Calibrate the lens and make sure the camera thinks its focussing where it should be.
There's no calibration for AF on the K10D, which I believe is the camera in question.Make sure your AF is adjusted properly. I've used a lens that when the beep says its focussed, wasn't. Calibrate the lens and make sure the camera thinks its focussing where it should be.
Regards,
John
Comment by johnwhit posted on What is best to buy at 23/05/2010 - 10:14
matwhittington wrote:
Does it have to be autofocus or will you consider manual focus. I noticed that a camera shop not too far from me has a Pentax SMC-M 300mm f4 for sale:
link
which is certainly cheaper than the DA*300 or the sigma 100-300, although I should stress I have no experience with the SMC-M - others on the forum may have:
Regards
You may even get AF with the Pentax 1.7x rear converter! It worked well on film cameras, never used it on Digital, CA may be an issueDoes it have to be autofocus or will you consider manual focus. I noticed that a camera shop not too far from me has a Pentax SMC-M 300mm f4 for sale:
link
which is certainly cheaper than the DA*300 or the sigma 100-300, although I should stress I have no experience with the SMC-M - others on the forum may have:
Regards
John
Comment by johnwhit posted on 300mm alternative. at 23/05/2010 - 09:54
Hi
Sorry, no experience with the 1.7x TC, I take it you mean the Pentax version? I'm using a DA*300/4 currently with the following: Tamrom-F AF1.4X Pz-AF MC4, Teleplus Pz-AF 1.5x SHQ, Pz-AF 1.7x SHQ and all give me SDM AF and good results, focus hunts a little at times but locks on after a manual 'teak' with quick shift.
Regards,
John
Sorry, no experience with the 1.7x TC, I take it you mean the Pentax version? I'm using a DA*300/4 currently with the following: Tamrom-F AF1.4X Pz-AF MC4, Teleplus Pz-AF 1.5x SHQ, Pz-AF 1.7x SHQ and all give me SDM AF and good results, focus hunts a little at times but locks on after a manual 'teak' with quick shift.
Regards,
John
Comment by johnwhit posted on 300mm alternative. at 23/05/2010 - 09:41
thoramay wrote:
Perhaps it is my shaky hand. I find that looking through the eye piece and using the focus ring, no matter how carefully I do this when my hand leaves the focus ring there is camera movement.
I now have a focus rail that I find eliminmates this movement but I still need to peer into the eyepiece to confirm correct focus. Wearing glasses I need to be right against the eye piece. Even with a steady monfrotto tripod moving away from the eye piece can create movement. A focus confirm in the top window, be it split screen or green hexacon would eliminate this. This is all in reference to close up and macro.
It is probably reaching for the moon but how difficult would it be to include this function?
Thoramay.
Have you tried a refconverter (right angle finder) to view the image from above or some other orientation, good ones also have 2x magnification for the centre of the viewfinder.Perhaps it is my shaky hand. I find that looking through the eye piece and using the focus ring, no matter how carefully I do this when my hand leaves the focus ring there is camera movement.
I now have a focus rail that I find eliminmates this movement but I still need to peer into the eyepiece to confirm correct focus. Wearing glasses I need to be right against the eye piece. Even with a steady monfrotto tripod moving away from the eye piece can create movement. A focus confirm in the top window, be it split screen or green hexacon would eliminate this. This is all in reference to close up and macro.
It is probably reaching for the moon but how difficult would it be to include this function?
Thoramay.
John
Comment by johnwhit posted on What is best to buy at 23/05/2010 - 09:10
The DA*300 is a wonderfull lens but a tad ecxpensive at c.£1000 (new). For years I used a Sigma 300mm f/4 APO Tele Macro and was very happy, lovely build, very sharp, great tripod collar and works well with the Sigma EX 1.4x converter giving 420mm f/5.6. It has good seudo Macro ability as well. Well worth considering if you can find one s/h. The Sigma 100-300 f/4 APO is apparently very good also, but also expensive. This was shot with the 300mm f/4 APO on the K10D:
https://www.pentaxuser.com/photo/user-5966/cormorant-17491
Regards,
John
https://www.pentaxuser.com/photo/user-5966/cormorant-17491
Regards,
John
Comment by johnwhit posted on 300mm alternative. at 23/05/2010 - 08:58
Greytop wrote:
I tend to think the lens reviews at Photozone are pretty straight. Certainly their observations were reflected very accurately with the Pentax lenses (FA, DA and DA* examples) I owned until recently.
So certainly I wouldn't suggest they were biased, in fact they tend to be my first port of call for investigation into potential lens purchases
I'd have to agree here, I find the reviews very matter of fact, right down to having Canon L series lenses serviced due to poor results. Of the Pentax, Tamron and Sigma lenses he's tested that I own, from experience I would concur with his findings. I wish Klaus would find the time to test some of the older legacy lenses that I've found so good to use, such as the FA 135/2.8, FA 28/2.8, FA*85/1.4. I even offered the opportunity but was declined. Maybe I should send the DA*300 and a couple of TC's, he's not tested that one..........yet!I tend to think the lens reviews at Photozone are pretty straight. Certainly their observations were reflected very accurately with the Pentax lenses (FA, DA and DA* examples) I owned until recently.
So certainly I wouldn't suggest they were biased, in fact they tend to be my first port of call for investigation into potential lens purchases
Regards,
John
Comment by johnwhit posted on Does Photozone.de hate Pentax lenses? at 22/05/2010 - 14:40
netuser wrote:
Sometimes a lens needs + or - focus adjustment on camera (k20 and k7) to focus razor sharp on subject.
For instance, my lens needs +5 on k7 for razor sharp images
My question is what happens to focus adjustment if the lens is coupled with a teleconverter ? Is still needed ?, will have to be adjusted ? or is not going to be needed ?
(completely offtopic :blush
HiSometimes a lens needs + or - focus adjustment on camera (k20 and k7) to focus razor sharp on subject.
For instance, my lens needs +5 on k7 for razor sharp images
My question is what happens to focus adjustment if the lens is coupled with a teleconverter ? Is still needed ?, will have to be adjusted ? or is not going to be needed ?
(completely offtopic :blush
I never needed any focus adjustment with the DA*300 on my K20D, at least I've never set any. The only lens I might be tempted to adjust would be the FA 50/1.4, as for adjustment with the TC, I think it would be difficult due to the minimum focus distance required.
John
Comment by johnwhit posted on Wanted: Sigma AF 400mm f/5.6 APO macro at 21/05/2010 - 16:33
Hi
Not sure I understand the question. I've no focus adjustment set on the camera for the DA*300/4.
John
Not sure I understand the question. I've no focus adjustment set on the camera for the DA*300/4.
John
Comment by johnwhit posted on Wanted: Sigma AF 400mm f/5.6 APO macro at 21/05/2010 - 16:02
Is this the sort of thing you are looking for?
link
There are other lovely items also by the same seller....
link
Maybe I could sell the car?
MZ
John