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Post by 10aciousfaith on Jan 4, 2013 18:46:37 GMT -8
Hi forum members:
I've been itching to buy a camera, but have not been in a position until lately. The camera I was introduced to today is a Pentax K-30 with a DA 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM telephoto lense. I wonder if anyone can comment on this unique one?
Damion Wild Birds Unlimited
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Post by dpeppar on Jan 4, 2013 20:25:04 GMT -8
Hi Damion, well as one of the few Pentax owner on this forum I'm pleased you are looking at the Pentax line. I've had them since 1965 and still have a few today. I assume this is not a bird photography setup because the 135 is just not long enough. I like a 300f4 as the minimum bird lens and a DSLR like the K30 would be okay but the newish K5ii would be better. Pentax does not have a 1.4 or 2 times telextender but I've not found that to be a issue. A good Pentax site is: www.pentaxforums.com/news/looking-back-at-2012-at-pentax-and-pf.htmlContact me at dpeppar@shaw.ca if you wish to discus further.... DaveP
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Post by Chris on Jan 4, 2013 22:46:57 GMT -8
I don't have much advice but I do agree with Dave that 135mm is too small. I have a 250mm lens and it is satisfactory for what I use it for but would prefer a bigger lens.
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Post by 10aciousfaith on Jan 6, 2013 13:06:06 GMT -8
Hi Dave P and Chris:
I spent about 3 hours last night checking out the website you gave me Dave, and other websites. I checked out the Pentax K-30 vs comparable cameras of Sony and Nikon. In the areas that mattered most to me (not video so much), it came out the winner. Since its fully weather sealed and fits my budget well, I ordered it. As for the lens I originally looked at, the 50-135mm, but lacked in zoom, I took a serious look at the 300f4. Not only did you guys stress the need for at least a 300mm lens, but so did 4 others on BC Birding. This morning I received a good comparison between the 135, which is equivalent to a 220mm, and the 300f4 which apparently is equivalent to a 450 with the APS-C sensor. Yesterday I had a chance to stare at a Northern Goshawk mantling his wings and tail to dry them off, and with the help of my salesman John at Lens and Shutter, I can see how I'd be able to zoom in even further on a Goshawk or hawk for a shot in the future. I have ordered the 300f4 as well. Thanks guys! I was told,however, if I wanted to take a shorter range shot, I would have to back up some to capture my subject better.
Happy Birding!
Damion Wild Birds Unlimited
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Post by dpeppar on Jan 6, 2013 13:35:41 GMT -8
Great news Damion...do enjoy.
Re a back-up lens around 100mm for those closer birds. Well after 30,000 images over 2 years I have only twice needed a shorter lens (which I didnt have). I have the 100mm 2.8 macro which is a great lens but I rarely carry into the field.
DaveP
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Post by johnjoan on Jan 7, 2013 12:22:34 GMT -8
You got the camera, I got the scope, so where we going?
John
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Post by 10aciousfaith on Jan 7, 2013 16:15:16 GMT -8
I'm with you John! Now the birding starts!
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Post by Chris on Jan 7, 2013 21:57:10 GMT -8
Damion, looking forward to the pictures.
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Post by Gord on Jan 7, 2013 22:40:02 GMT -8
Damion, the 300mm is a good length as already stated. Well done. Look forward to seeing your pictures!
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Post by 10aciousfaith on Jan 8, 2013 11:18:29 GMT -8
FYI: My final decision on camera and lens is the Pentax K-30 with a 55-300 mm lens. The Pentax 300 f 4 lens was going to cost $1399. That's out of the question for now. Wait time should be around 1-2 weeks. Keep you posted!
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Post by 10aciousfaith on Jan 13, 2013 12:38:42 GMT -8
Camera received!
Damion
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Post by butterfly on Jan 13, 2013 13:04:42 GMT -8
Congratulations Damion! Bruce and Joanne
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Post by martin on Jan 19, 2013 22:22:05 GMT -8
FYI: My final decision on camera and lens is the Pentax K-30 with a 55-300 mm lens. The Pentax 300 f 4 lens was going to cost $1399. That's out of the question for now. Wait time should be around 1-2 weeks. Keep you posted! Damion, check out the Sigma lenses , they have a 500mm zoom which is really good. Cheers
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Post by theanimal on Jul 27, 2013 14:12:14 GMT -8
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