All Forum Comments
Comment by simonkit posted on First Post - Purchasing opinions. at 14/03/2008 - 08:46
Simon,
I have been admiring your pic's since I first joined this forum (if you will excuse my opinions on waterfalls) and I think that people who think you are using HDR are mistaking perfect exposure, which allows you to process a brilliant finished picture, for jiggery pokery. You've certainly made me think about the exposure of my shots a lot more. I actually tend to expose for the brightest part of the sky now since using RAW I am realising that under exposed parts of the picture can be "lifted" if you know what I mean.
I'm certainly no expert at judging exposure but take advantage of the bracketing function giving myself a choice of the best image - also as many Pro landscape photographers have said, LIGHTING IS EVERYTHING !!
simon
Comment by simonkit posted on Sigma 17-70 - HDR like images ? at 11/03/2008 - 16:30
Hi Simon, it's me again with another question. I havn't got round to buying the Sigma 17-70 yet and not gone off the idea either, just watching the exchange rates € V's Stg as I'll be in the Uk next Month. Have been reading about Pentax Lens 17-70 to be released this year.
" The smc Pentax-DA17-70mm is the third lens under development and on display at PMA. It is a standard zoom lens that also provides a SDM system offering super-quiet, extra-smooth auto focus operation and is designed exclusively for Pentax digital SLR cameras. With a 4.1-times zoom ratio and focal lengths equivalent to 26mm to 107mm in the 35mm format, the camera is perfect for all types of photography. "
Would you have any opinion as to how this might rate against the Sigma. I notice the its listed at f4. Is this likely to be as fast as you described the f2.8 on the Sigma.
Kind Regards
EddieD
Noticed this myself too - very difficult to compare the 2 though, for obvious reasons.
I'm guessing though that it will be noticeably more expensive than the Sigma, the SDM should provide some advantage although some of this is probably down to personal choice - don't have any issues with the Sigma.
Perhaps one weakness of the Sigma (apart from sample variation) is that it does suffer some distortion at 17mm, I'd hope that the Pentax would be better in this respect although using "PTlens" most distortion is easily correctable.
What concerns me at the moment about the Pentax offering is the negative postings appearing about the 16-50 !!
Just my thoughts
simon
Comment by simonkit posted on Sigma 17-70 - HDR like images ? at 10/03/2008 - 19:38
I don't do much PP though as I much prefer to try and catch the best lighting possible - does often mean several visits & lots of petrol but as the scenery around here is so good don't mind spending more time in it !!
simon
Comment by simonkit posted on Sigma 17-70 - HDR like images ? at 10/03/2008 - 17:46
Simon, I like your images and recognise many of the locations as I live in the middle of the N.Wales coast. Which camera do you use and are most of the images taken with the 17-70. I use a K100D and am looking to upgrade my kit lens - was looking to get something a bit longer than the 17-70 but if your images are taken with one I may sacrifice the extra length.
Regards
Richard
I use the Samsung GX10 (the K10D clone) & almost exclusively the 17-70, my own copy is excellent - it's actually its colour/contrast rendition that impresses me most, although its nice & sharp too
simon
Comment by simonkit posted on Sigma 17-70 - HDR like images ? at 10/03/2008 - 16:41
Do you use an ND grad filter perhaps?
I would say most of the people who ask you probably dont know much about photography, or arent very experienced, and wouldnt know that its possible to have a properly exposed land and sky without HDR
simon
Comment by simonkit posted on Sigma 17-70 - HDR like images ? at 08/03/2008 - 18:35
Do other 17-70 owners think that it produces HDR-like images (Personally I don't) ?
simon
Comment by simonkit posted on Sigma 17-70 - HDR like images ? at 08/03/2008 - 17:58
I hope this isn't considered a sacrilegious question, but can anyone tell me why I shouldn't upgrade to a Samsung GX20 instead of a Pentax K20D?
They are apparently technically identical, but the Samsung is cheaper.
I bought the Samsung GX10 & have found it excellent in everway, certainly have no experience to stop me buying another Samsung in future - badges aren't my thing, capabilities are
simon
Comment by simonkit posted on Pentax or Samsung? at 05/03/2008 - 11:26
Personally of the 2 I prefer the 2nd as it has a little less foreground & the lighthouse is a bit more prominent - sky is nicer too
I also have a portrait version .....

simon
Comment by simonkit posted on Llanddwyn Island sunset - Anglesey North Wales at 29/02/2008 - 09:26
great watermark
Is it really necessary for posters to wreck their images here with watermarks? Who is going to rip-off an 800 pixel wide picture?
Only recently starting using watermarks because I also thought that no-one would be so underhand as to use my images - unfortunately I was proven wrong, more than once.
I now watermark all my images in an effort to further discourage certain individuals
I'm not happy with the situation but it seems its necessary, apologies but such is life !!
Simon
Comment by simonkit posted on Llanddwyn Island sunset - Anglesey North Wales at 25/02/2008 - 08:02


I own the GX10 & find it excellent, in your position I would be tempted to get the K10D & use the "spare" cash for a lens purchase
simon