Hello,

I currently have a Pentax K5 & K7 and am into Wildlife and Nature Photography. I have tried to capture images of moving subjects and have trouble focusing quickly whilst tracking wildlife (mainly birds) using AF mode. I am thinking of possibly upgrading my DSLR body and/or Lenses and need advice from others with a better knowledge on this subject.

Can you advise on best practice regards focusing or what Camera/Lenses to look at?

I am using the Pentax 55-300 ED lens and Sigma 170-500mm DG lens.

Best Regards,

Paul

Thanks RobL my Sigma lens does NOT have Optical stability built in its just a 170-500mm 1:5.6-6.3 APO DG lens, I had thought of buying a lens with image stability built in then sell mine. But I have just bought a 100mm Macro lens at the recent photo Show so don't have the cash to do that. I will however try taking shots as you say below 450mm and with Live View and a trigger cable.

Whilst in the Bird Hide, I usually use a Manfrotto G-Clamp then insert the top section of my Tripod center column with Ball head.

If the weather is Ok I plan on going out into the Hills this weekend and will give everything a try.

Best Regards,

Paul

Hello, thanks for responding to my enquiry.

Good questions! Firstly I have NOT gone into the settings to de-active the shake reduction. I used to have a switch on the back of my K10 so forgot all about that!

I did secure the Lens to the Tripod and not the camera. I used the lens both hand held and on the tripod but had hold of the camera when pressing the shutter button! So that could be the cause of the issue I suppose?

I will try taking more images using the lens and tripod combination this weekend and will de-activate the vibration and see if that resolves the issue.

Best Regards,

Paul

Hello,

Last year I bought a used Sigma 170-500mm APO DG lens for use with my Pentax K7 and K5 DSLR.

I can obtain reasonably decent sharp shots when used at close distance (if the subject is within 10 meters) however when I try and shoot wildlife which is further away my shots appear to be out of focus or the focus point is not on the subject itself.

Can anyone advise me on how to improve my technique.

Whilst talking about using this lens I have used it on a Velbon Tripod with a Calumet Ball head is that the best tripod head for using this lens or should I get one of those heavy duty tripod heads or a Gimbal?

Best Regards,

Paul

Hello,

Thank you for getting back in touch regards my question about the K7. I did buy a K7 but have since bought a K5 this week for just under £300.

I look forward to comparing the images of the K10, K7 and K5 to see how they all compare.

Best Regards,
Paul

Hello,

Thanks for all the replies, I didn't expect such a quick responseso thank you.

I mainly shoot Landscapes and I am quite interested in Wildlife and Nature. I have a Pentax 100mm FA lens and have recently bought a Sigma 170-500mm lens so that would be what I would be using on the camera.

I did read in other reviews on different websites that the the K7 got mixed reviews some people liked it whilst others put it down (probably due to the noise issue). I saw the K7 advertised at £259. I have had the K10D for about 6 years now and love the results.

My budget for a new (secondhand) camera would stretch to £300 so I thoght the K7 would make a good purchase. The K5 does sound a very tempting camera having read online reviews. But my current budget would not stretch that much.

I may get the camera and see how it compares to my K10D in the same situation and then decide which I should keep K10 or K7.

Best Regards,

Hello,

Does anyone have a Pentax K7? If so what do you think of it?

Is it a good upgrade from a K10D?

Is there any major issues with the K7?

Hello,

Forgive me if this type of post has been posted before. if it has please re-direct me to the relevant part of the site.

I have been given two Nikon AF lenses and wondered if they could be used on the Pentax K10D.

I was given a Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX lens and a Sigma 170-500 and would like to know if there is anyway I could use these on my Pentax by using an adapter? Would you recommend it? or should I obtain a used Nikon to use them on?

Best regards,

Paul

Hello,

Thanks for your recommendations I will look into the availability of the K5ii & K5iiS am I right in thinking that the K5iiS has the filter in front of the sensor removed and there is not much difference between them otherwise? Does that have the pc socket on it for Studio flash?

I have seen a few K7s for sale on the internet via different camera retailers is that a good camera to purchase (i.e a good upgrade from the K10)? Or should I steer clear of that particular model?

Regarding my K10D I am in no need to sell that to help fund a new camera Body (well not at the present moment). I do have some Lenses I don't use much which I might advertise on here sometime in the new year, just to clear out my Camera bag.

Best Regards,

Paul

Hello,

I currently have a Pentax K10D which I have had for about 5 years now. I am thinking of upgrading to a more modern camera. I am looking to buy New or second hand and will be paying around £500+ for a new camera body.

I am mainly into Landscape and nature photography can you advise which would be the best Camera body to go for?

Best Regards,

Paul