All Forum Comments
Comment by RR posted on Dandelion - inspired by matwhittington at 09/05/2010 - 16:40
The main thing it's lacking is some contrast. I've done a quick slap-dash job on the image just to demonstrate. (I also took the green reflection from the birds belly feathers, but that's more advanced)
[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q105/RR76/Owl2crop2.jpg[/IMG]
I'd give RAW a go, by all means shoot RAW+Jpeg until you've cracked it, as it will take some time to get it looking as good as straight out of camera jpegs. Once you get a feel for it though, you'll have control over the appearance of every shot you process. Different images require different treatment.
[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q105/RR76/Owl2crop2.jpg[/IMG]
I'd give RAW a go, by all means shoot RAW+Jpeg until you've cracked it, as it will take some time to get it looking as good as straight out of camera jpegs. Once you get a feel for it though, you'll have control over the appearance of every shot you process. Different images require different treatment.
I'd echo Mannestys thoughts. If you're not interested in bugs, then look at the Sigma 50mm f2.8 as an option. They can be had new for £239 or look for a used one that's significantly cheaper.
You can of course go an even cheaper route & get some extension tubes and/or a Raynox filter to enable closer focus with the lenses you already have. The best quality will be from a dedicated macro lens though.
edit: geez, I must have taken my time, as 2 more replies appeared. Looks like we're all on the same page though.
You can of course go an even cheaper route & get some extension tubes and/or a Raynox filter to enable closer focus with the lenses you already have. The best quality will be from a dedicated macro lens though.
edit: geez, I must have taken my time, as 2 more replies appeared. Looks like we're all on the same page though.
Comment by RR posted on Macro lens advise at 03/05/2010 - 12:31
I didn't want to bash Pentax too much, being a deserter. I'd take a look at the current Panasonic shock/water proof model. I've always rated their compacts.
In fact, it could be a good present for the Mrs that I could borrow on occasions.
In fact, it could be a good present for the Mrs that I could borrow on occasions.
Comment by RR posted on Compact Camera for a beginner at 29/04/2010 - 21:44
Walters have a few branches near me in the South Wales area & were a Pentax pro dealer when I bought my K20d there, I'm not sure if this still applies.
Give them a call & ask is the best bet as I have noticed their website isn't maintained as well as it could be & throws up discrepancies. I could pick it up & send it on for you if you buy me the used 200mm f/2 VR for doing the favour
Give them a call & ask is the best bet as I have noticed their website isn't maintained as well as it could be & throws up discrepancies. I could pick it up & send it on for you if you buy me the used 200mm f/2 VR for doing the favour
Comment by RR posted on Pentax 40mm f2.8 DA Limited for £249 at 29/04/2010 - 14:06
You'd be better of with the W80 I'd have said as it's waterproof & shock resistant so you wouldn't have to worry too much about the inevitable accident.
The IQ isn't reported to be class-leading, but certainly fine for snapshots.
The IQ isn't reported to be class-leading, but certainly fine for snapshots.
Comment by RR posted on Compact Camera for a beginner at 28/04/2010 - 21:35
terje-l wrote:
Any Pentax lens will fit any Pentax body, that's the beauty of the Pentax system. Functionality may vary, check you user manual, which lists the possibilities.
As long as they are K-mount(bayonet fitting)of course.Any Pentax lens will fit any Pentax body, that's the beauty of the Pentax system. Functionality may vary, check you user manual, which lists the possibilities.
Earlier Pentax (and others) with the M42 (screw mount) will also fit with use of the correct adapter which are available from Pentax or 3rd party manufacturers.
Comment by RR posted on K-x lenses at 28/04/2010 - 18:55
JonSchick wrote:
Hi there - Mike bought the Opteka 85/1.4 from me. I agree with you about the hood and front cap - but at least the Hama cap on it now (with centre pinch) can be used when the hood is fitted. The original one supplied by Opteka was even more basic!
The lens is very sharp from wide open, and was great all the way to f8 which is as closed as I bothered to go. I never had any metering problems: it seemed to work fine on the K-7, but that body seems to meter better with older and legacy lenses than some of my earlier Pentaxes.
Hope this helps,
Jon
Ahh, it was yours Jon. Sorry, Mike can hardly keep track of his purchases, so I have no chance. Hi there - Mike bought the Opteka 85/1.4 from me. I agree with you about the hood and front cap - but at least the Hama cap on it now (with centre pinch) can be used when the hood is fitted. The original one supplied by Opteka was even more basic!
The lens is very sharp from wide open, and was great all the way to f8 which is as closed as I bothered to go. I never had any metering problems: it seemed to work fine on the K-7, but that body seems to meter better with older and legacy lenses than some of my earlier Pentaxes.
Hope this helps,
Jon
A centre pinch cap does make a difference.
Comment by RR posted on faster lens at 27/04/2010 - 13:02
I had a play with some dandelions the other day, but never though of spraying them with water. I may have to steal this idea Mike, if I get bored next week.