Also for the K-1 (just done mine) and KP

As you say, strange there isn't one for the K-3II.

Air show forum

K3-II with 50-500mm and K-1 with 28-105mm should be about right and yes the 20-35mm will be handy for static aircraft. Don't know how you are getting there but if driving allow plenty of time to get in as the traffic can be horrendous.

I am taking both bodies (plus a Canon) all gripped ... K-3II with the 150-450mm and K-1 with the 28-105mm (saves a lot of swapping around when you have single jets vs formation flyers). The flying usually starts around 10am and can go on until 5.30 - 6pm with something in the air, landing or taking off 99% of the time. They release the flying schedule on the Friday so keep an eye on the airshow forums as someone will post it before the weekend.

Personally I don't go into the show but go into one of the surrounding camp sites so I can stay by the car (I go on my own and carrying everything would be impossible) but I believe you can take your own food and drink.

Very nice, like others my favourite is the hare as well.

It is an exceptionally sharp lens and takes the 1.4x very well but I suggest you also keep an eye out for a single macro tube (or do as I did and butcher a cheap "A" contact teleconverter) as it will allow you to focus a lot closer while being a good distance away from your subject. This means you can more or less leave the macro at home if you want.

Taken on my K-3II with the DA* 300mm and small extension tube.


Fly on a flower stalk by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr

Link to wanted thread ... I believe it came from "Duster"


Very nice Gareth, last one for me.

Any chance of a link?, never seen one of those ...

Look forward to seeing some shots Gareth, maybe I will see you at RIAT next week

The one thing I did like about the 50-500mm was that you could do this with it ... just managed to squeeze it in @ 50mm. If another HSM OS version came up I would be seriously tempted I think.


Bournemouth Air Festival 2011 heart by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr

I remember not long ago People from Europe buying lenses from SRS because of their silly prices and the strong Euro value. Today someone on the other Pentax forum posted a link to FOTOLOOMAN who are advertising the new 50mm for 1099 Euro with a 5 year European warranty (approx £1000).

I purchased my 150-450mm from them when it first came out and can thoroughly recommend them if someone was looking to buy this lens. (I must admit I am tempted but A. I am not spending any more money on Pentax until they bring out a new crop body with decent AF and B. I tend to use zoom lenses rather than primes and I can't think of the last time I used my FA 50mm f/1.7)

I had the previous version before the HSM OS but I honestly can't remember if it had a limited focus throw. OS isn't a problem as such, it's handy with prop planes to get the slow shutter speed for prop blur (remember it's quite a bit heavier than the 70-200mm) but you have SR anyway. HSM is definitely faster than screw drive but yes it is possible to get decent shots with the older lens.

Previous version on a K-5


de Havilland Sea Vixen by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr


Bournemouth Air Festival 2011 by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr


Bournemouth Air Festival 2011 by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr

Gareth, there has been a few versions of the 50-500mm, make sure it's the newest with HSM as there is quite a difference in AF speed.