New DSLR - Pentax K5

[Sue Allen]

Well...took a fair few pictures at todays show - using TAV and adjusting aperture and shutter to attempt to get some sort of DOF to play with without slowing the shutter speed to where handholding was going to be a major problem - really missed my 50-150 f2.8 which is so much easier to hold than the 70-200. Lighting as expected - not good. All I've done so far is play around with the Jpegs [custom nr] - I shall have a go at making some silk purses with the RAW files later!In comparison with last years D300 shots they were at least much better - used auto WB as it actually seemed better than when I tried adjusting it - results a bit variable though. I might try some higher ISO than 4000 next week - at least the light is better at that venue. Not too disappointed though - I think with a nice sharp lens like the Nikon 85mm prime I'd be very happy!

[Mr Bump]

Originally Posted by Sue Allen

... but I like the dogs expression...

It looks like he's thinking 'this is all very well but when do I get my supper?!' His owner looks delighted.

As you had difficulty with the light do we assume that flash was not permitted? Even a little at reduced output and with a diffuser might have helped but you have done well in the circumstances.

I have just been reading Tom Peppiatt's 'losing interest?' post and find that having waited nearly two months for a usable K5 to arrive I'm now finding it hard to be as enthusiastic as I was at the time of ordering and receiving the first (defective) one. I need a challenge!

BTW in the spirit of this weekend's competition this link is a good example of a well-known saying - 'better late than never'.

Bump

[Sue Allen]

It is a pity they did'nt acknowledge it straight away but I suppose on the other hand they've had plenty of returns which turned out to be sensor dust. I shall do another test this weekend to see if extensive use has made any stains show up - it would be quite good to get a new camera with zero on the shutter count!
As to enthusiasm, it's just that time of the year really - dull grey days, cold and miserable. I try to take advantage of any day when it's sunny at this time of year, although that's when the first rule of bird photography kicks in...the better the light the fewer the birds. At least the swans are always around to act as models and they're in full preening mode pre spring at the moment.

[HinFrance]

For anyone who is interested in being able to see thumbnails of their K5 (and other) PEF files in windows, the RAW codec is HERE for Windows 32 bit. others are available from HERE - scroll down to 'Software' and look for 'RAW Codec' in the description field.

[HinFrance]

Got my eBay grip yesterday. All seems fine apart from a small part of the rotation of the rear edial which is unresponsive - not a problem for the money, I just turn it one or two more clicks.

It adds quite a bit of weight, but makes the camera much more suitable for my pudgy hands. I'm leaving it on for the time being. I don't know when I might use the 6 AA battery carrier, but it's a nice option to have.

[Mr Bump]

Originally Posted by HinFrance

Got my eBay grip yesterday....

Could you post a link to that H? Mainly I'm happy to use the K-5 as-is but there are some occasions when a grip might be useful, but not at Pentax D-BG4 cost.

I noticed that Sue Allen's nice swan shots have gone from this thread but I see on Sue's Flickr site that very good use is being made of the K-5 with 70-200 Sigma lens, with great shots of furry and feathery folk Wasn't the 70-200 on your wish-list H?

BTW I notice that Sigma is soon to launch an updated version of the 50-150 f2.8. That was always a nice lens so it will be interesting to see what the update brings.

Bump

[Sue Allen]

Unfortunately the 70-200mm is going to have to go. It is just proving too heavy and that's something that won't get any better with time. I've found a 50-150mm f2.8 at a very good price [need to do it now as they're getting harder to find - not interested in the new one which is bigger and heavier and I don't want to pay a premium for OS when the K-5 has SR anyway]. I used a 50-150 as my main lens for shows etc. last year so I know it can do the job and should be a perfect match for the K-5 in size/weight terms. Pity about losing the long end but I did some comparisons with the cheapie 50-200mm OS HSM I bought and the cheaper lens is'nt at all bad - very good actually. So ebay beckons. If anyone wants a mint condition 70-200 with nearly 3 years warranty at a good price let me know!

[HinFrance]

Yep, a 70-200 f2.8 is on my wish list, but unless Sue is going to virtually give it away I'll have to pass for the time being. My preference would be for the Tamron one, as the lens seems to be universally praised for the quality of the optics, if not for being quiet or fast focusing.

Bump, I got my grip from HERE. Delivery was less than a fortnight and it was sent recorded delivery. Still happy with it.

[Mr Bump]

Thanks for the link to the grip H. If it proves to be reliable it seems very good value compared with the £200 Pentax version.

So the 70-200 has to go then Sue? Did you consider a muscle-building course? I'd be tempted by your lens if I had the spare cash but really I want to get two more Limited primes before looking at anything longer.

I flicked through a couple of digital camera monthly mags in Tesco yesterday. Don't ask me which ones - they all look the same to me. Both had K-5 reviews and both were gushing in their praise of it, one bestowing a Gold Award and the other awarding Editor's Choice (does that mean he gets to keep it?). Nice to see the K-5 getting the recognition it richly deserves.

Bump

[Sue Allen]

The 70-200 has gone and the 50-150 arrived - although I obviously lost money on the 70-200 I got the 50-150 for over £100 less than it was available for at the time I bought the 70-200 so at least I put a bit of cash back into the bank. Today was the first since I got it when it has'nt been totally grey, dank and miserable so I took the opportunity to try a few action dog shots. AF is nice and speedy - this was a good lens on my Nikon bodies and I think it will do nicely in combination with the 17-70 for dog shows and other days out in the summer- and won't give me arm ache. It's still frustrating that there's nothing longer with fast[and quiet] AF capabilities - without spending a fortune or it being of the large heavy variety. The new Tamron 70-300 looks good, but no plans for a Pentax mount I believe! Checking all the alternatives it looks like the Pentax 55-300 is still top for quality compared with similar 3rd party offerings so it's probably back to square one.