Only the best, George. Just need a real opportunity to give the 300.F4.5 a good work out.

It is not my experience that the medium format are less sharp. Beyond the Pentax 300mm medium format I have tested the 150mm Mamiya plus the 500mm Mamiya through an adapter. In my opinion, for what it is worth, I find the medium format gives more vibrant colours when photographing regal lillies.

When the opportunity comes in the spring, and the birds are back feeding with their young, I will test the two 300mm against each other.

You mentioned using an adjustment with your K20 to counteract the flat images. Can you be more specific on how this works, please.

regards Thoramay.

Like Gwyn, I have never came to terms with the K20. If there was no alternative I would persevere.

George. I have tried taking wildlife pics with the Tamron 70-300, mostly with the K10. Having seen the results of yours and others with the 300mm I was sorely disappointed with my efforts and resolved to get the 300mm but it took me ages of searching and as a stop gap went for the 645 300mm with an adapter.
Then came the K20 and the combination never worked for me. My best efforts are on the Gallery today and tommorrow.

The extra ability of the K5 appeals. I am spending money on this hobby like no other and perhaps there is a guilt complex at work making me dithering.

regards Thoramay.

George. Have just picked up on your input.

Surely you remember me harrassing you to sell me your 300mm F4.5 and then having to go to the Far East for my copy?

Would you agree that the K5 would be a good match for the 300mm?

I have invested in two 300mm lens recently. A 300mm 645 lens with an adapter and the 300mm FA. 4.5 IF auto focus. I have a sturdy tripod to suit

Previously I have used the Tamron 70-300mm, The Tamron 500mm mirror and once tried the Pentax 400-600 F8-F12. My results have not been good.
I know that using long lens requires considerable practice.

The issue for me is the K20, which I just cannot comes to terms with. Maybe after its service it will perform better. Several members have found the K20 to perform. Others have mirrored my experience. I am dithering whether to wait and test out the K20 or go now for the K5.

The reviews I have read would point to the K5 rather than the KX, my other alternative.

I am going on a cruise in 6 days time to the Continental Christmas markets. It would be an opportunity to test out the K5.

regards Thoramay.

Ken It is all in the interpretation.

I do take good pictures 'in the opinion of club judges' I was just quoting them. Did you check out my pic in the Gallery?? I would value your comment, please

Let me also reword that other comment.

I have seen others produce stunning pictures beyond my efforts with MY lesser lens.

Apologies for lacking in clarity.

Fatspider. In spite of living on an island with miles of beached and marshland, there are no RSPB or wildlife reserves with feeding stations. The summer months on one wetland gives limited opportunity.
Some Buzzards, owls, and the fox are my limit. No deer, but there is a farm with Llamas.

My main interest is garden birds plus the woodpecker and jays visiting my feeding station with their young. With the 300mm I can be a discreet distance away. Looking forward to this.

My nearest wildlife sanctuary is near Chichester. Must make a visit soon. Mobility is also one of my limitations.

regards Thoramay

Whether we are good photographers is for others to say. I have headed our photo club league tables for the past three years so the competition judges must like what I do.

Not that I am satisfied, always striving for better results but must dial into this fading eye sight and unsteady hands.

Some of the comments in the reviews suggest that the K5 is likely to help me overcome to an extent my failings.

john. I have read your review. It is helpful to know the reviewer and someone whose judgement I respect, particularly knowing your long involvement with Pentax.

Gwyn. Your comments are helpful. I am happy with the K10 but the K20 simply does not perform to my expectations. Like you, I cannot put my finger on it. I want to upgrade. The K5 seems to likely outcome.

regards Thoramay.

And why not, Ken??? Surely the whole purpose of better specified cameras is to enable you to take better pictures, otherwise what is the point. Oh! I do take very good pictures, but not yet with the 300mm. Yet!! Check out the Gallery today.

Not that I have had the opportunity to use the 300mm yet. Wildlife seems to not come out to play so much in the autumn and winter. Just in case they did, would not the higher ISO and the better rated specs be an advantage?

Maybe, or maybe not that the K5 will let me use this lens to better effect. I will never know until... I still dither.

regards Thoramay.

Not sure these days that buying expensive equipment means anything other than satisfying wants. Unless, of course, you are a proffessional photographer making money at the game.

I have spend nearly as much for a 300mm auto focus pentax prime lens. the motivation being that I have seen others produce stunning pictures beyond my efforts with lesser lens.

Maybe, just maybe the K5 will help me use this lens to better effect. The cunundrum being that I will never know until I try. Maybe the failings are down to me and not the equipment. I shall never know until I bite the bullet.

You cannot achieve anything with your money just lying in the bank, apart from making money for the bank.

So!! If only I really believed all of this I would have my order in tommorrow. I still dither!!

Maybe not closely defined, John, but a camera review sets out it's abilities in a defined manner.

I take it all lightly. I just think that the statement is an opinion and is at odds to the purpose of the review. I am sure that Pentax would not want the K5's use restricted by such an opinion.

I thought it would be a good talking point, but not to be taken too seriously.

John. Have you bought the K5 or been tempted? Your endorsement might encourage me.

regards Thoramay.