I'm currently trying out a new processing technique, Contrast Masking (new to me anyway) & would appreciate peoples thoughts on these shots

Thanks

Simon

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/G102175.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/G102165.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/G102151.jpg[/IMG]

I'm slightly disappointed, most of us recommended the K20D & you didn't take any notice of us :

Enjoy your new camera, look forward to seeing some shots

Simon

Ok, I've re-edited the original image to remove as much of the PF as possible. I must admit I didn't look for this as my previous Sigma 17-70 rarely showed any, it's one area where it out performs the DA 17-70

I've also decided the shot doesn't need contrast masking.

Simon

Thanks for the comments/feedback...

A couple of things for me to work on - the Purple fringing, unfortunately a bit of a pentax lens trademark !! It's my first visit to the spot and lighting position wasn't perfect, I'll be trying earlier in the day next time.

I used a little "contrast masking" in processing which may have shifted colours slightly, it doesn't look bad in A4 print though.

Regarding the shutter speed I tried a few but I'm no real fan of milky effects so prefer this one.

Simon

Had a walk along the Afon Llugwy at Betws Y Coed today, mainly to see the Swallow Falls after the recent rainfall. On the way back I tried out a shot of the "famous" Miners Bridge.

Simon

[IMG]http://www.landscapephotographyuk.com/images/miners_bridge_betws_y_coed.jpg[/IMG]

I'm certainly no expert on motorsport photography but recently went along to Oulton park with my DA55-300. It produced some very good results but like the Sigma it's not the fastest lens and needs good light. I was there on a very bright,sunny day & still needed Iso 400/800 for the longer focal length shots.

I previously owned the Sigma (& Tamron) but found it a little soft passed 240mm, the Pentax is definitely quite a bit sharper, as is the Tamron. I guess it has the potential to produce good results with the above caveats (good lighting, relatively close action)

Simon

Thanks for the replies...everyone has said pretty much what I'm thinking - the 17-70 & 55-300 are going with me !!

Thanks for the offer BTW Adrian

Simon

If it's a straight "upgrade" for the same focal length then I highly recommend either the Sigma or Pentax 17-70 offerings - my preference is the Pentax as it has nicer colour/contrast but costs much more, the Sigma is a very good lens & I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it either.

If you are looking to extend your range then others have already posted some good suggestions, I rarely use telephoto but have the 55-300 for when I do - I find it a very good option if a little slow

simon

I'm off on holiday to China in the not so distant future and I'm giving some serious thought to buying an 18-250. I already own the DA17-70 & DA55-300 but am wondering if the 18-250 may just prove much more convenient whilst travelling - having read a few reviews it seems that IQ isn't too far behind either of the other 2 lenses.

I'd appreciated others relevant thoughts/experiences?

thanks

Simon

I've used this for a while now, very useful. Combined with the newly updated Google "streetview" it's possible to scout some locations here from my armchair !!

Simon