Comments made by prsjnb - Page 33

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mille19 wrote:

I thought Sigma 100-300mm F4 didn't come with HSM.

You're right, and so was Tim - my apologies to you both, and any others, for disseminating this misinformation The lens is HSM in all but the Pentax mount. In practise, however, the speed and accuracy with which it focuses, even with the 1.4TC, would lead you to think it was; the only giveaway being the noise, which can be a problem when stalking wary wildlife. Under such circumstances, I often switch to MF, which is reassuringly swift and positive with this lens.

Suitably chastened,

Jon

Comment by prsjnb posted on Which MF Pentax Teleconverter Recommended? at 16/08/2011 - 10:04

Most impressive and I'm oozing viscous, putrefying, gangrenous-green jealousy from every orifice, HOWEVER, I feel compelled to ask, how often do they get used as Pentax intended?

Yours in awe,

Jon

Comment by prsjnb posted on My Star Collection at 15/08/2011 - 20:47

70% AV, 20% M and 10% T or TAV.

Jon

Comment by prsjnb posted on What is your default Shooting Mode at 15/08/2011 - 18:26

A fine set that give a good flavour of the Wiltshire countryside where we are both fortunate to reside.

Off the set, the sloes and grasshopper stand out due to their sharpness, rich colours and framing. My least favourite is the raven, due to the lack of sharpness/fine detail in the final image, although I am well aware of how difficult it can be capture birds in flight.

Jon

Comment by prsjnb posted on Wiltshire Walk, Sunday at 15/08/2011 - 15:40

thoughton wrote:
The IQ of the Sigmas - especially the 1.4x - is good, but they only work with lenses with a recessed rear element, and they won't work with Sigma's HSM lenses.

Hate to take issue with you Tim, but I have the 1.4X and it works (fine AF) with my 100-300mm f4 EX DG, which is an HSM lens.

FYI, however, when lens and TC are used with my K20D there is an aperture (?) communication problem, necessitating EV compensation to be dialled in on the camera. Annoyingly, the amount needed varies according to the aperture set, resulting in my using the TC with the 100-300mm much less than anticipated.

Jon

Comment by prsjnb posted on Which MF Pentax Teleconverter Recommended? at 15/08/2011 - 11:31

You don't say for what purpose so I'll presume they would be used for wildlife/birding.

Like good lenses, good bins are not cheap, but the extra investment is definitely worthwhile. Unless you intend spending most of your time watching sea birds, you should limit your search to those having an exit pupil size (objective lens diameter in mm/magnification factor) of between 5 and 7mm (e.g. 7x50, 8x40, 8x42 or 8x56). This will ensure that the image remains bright even under poor (low light) viewing conditions. For field of view, aim for the widest available for you chosen magnification providing that edge sharpness/distortion have not been sacrificed to obtain it. Top quality lens/element coatings are esential for good contrast and accurate colour rendition with minimal distortion/abberation. The ability to focus down to 2-3m, or thereabouts, is highly desirable. Size and weight should make them comfortable to hold steady for extended periods. The focussing mechanism should be rapid, smooth and positive, of a good size and easy to find/operate with numb/gloved fingers. To prevent misting, the optics should be waterproof, sealed and nitrogen-filled. Rubber armour, whilst not essential, adds protection and makes the bins easier to hold/grip when conditions are wet or with numb/gloved fingers when cold. If you and/or your wife are spectacle wearers, make sure that the rubberised eyecups are of an appropriate size/stiffness and do not interfere with viewing (cause vignetting).

Where to buy/try: British Bird Watching Fair, Rutland Water 19th - 21st August (link

In focus regularly hold field events throughout the U.K. link

As for me, I scrimped and saved enough to purchase pair of Swarovski Habicht 8x40 SLC for about £500 in the early nineties and have never regretted the outlay.

Hope all this is of some help,

Jon

Comment by prsjnb posted on Anyone know where I can get some good binoculars advice? at 15/08/2011 - 10:48

Forgot to add that all the original RAW files were developed in LR 3.41 with some additional sharpening (typically using a radius of 1.2 and an amount of between 35 and 45%) and heavily cropped before posting.

Jon

Comment by prsjnb posted on Langford Lakes at 15/08/2011 - 09:19

...and the winner is...DrOrloff

The good doctor deduced correctly that 2 and 4 were shot using the D-FA 100mm macro. As for the rest, the bee was shot using the Sigma 100-300mm f4 EX DG and the cinnibar moth using the Sigma 17-70mm f2.8/4.5.

Contrary to what was stated in the OP, there is a prize: a mint Shepherd XE-99 flash meter. Shoud you wish to claim your prize, DrOrloff, PM me your address and it will be dispatched forthwith.

Many thanks to aliengrove and fatspider for participting

Jon

Comment by prsjnb posted on Insect cavalcade and quiz at 15/08/2011 - 09:10

All taken at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's Langford Lakes reserve using a K20D with Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM.