wtlwdwgn

<p>I am green with envy! I've been keeping an eye out for this lens. Beautiful images.</p>

<p>I was also a little disappointed that Adobe didn't include any Pentax lenses in LR3, but the manual tool seems to work well.</p>

<p>I went on the Worldwide Photo Walk in Billings yesterday. Here's a couple from the hundreds I took. K20D + DA* 16-50 f/2.8.</p>

<p><img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Other/Photo-Walk-2010/PW-MT-3-205041/946401688_HLxet-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="534" /></p>

<p><img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Other/Photo-Walk-2010/PW-Old-Library-II-205103/946402080_JvvjH-XL.jpg" alt="" width="614" height="768" /></p>

<p>Justin, if your image is any indication the myth about the K7's high ISO is dead. That's a fine, usable image. As far as LR3 goes, you'll love the new sharpening algorithm and NR. I don't feel the need to use CS for either any longer.</p>

<p>I went to see the practice rounds for the American Le Mans Series in Utah. Most of my images are from the paddock with a few from pit exit. K20D & DA* 16-50 f/2.8.<br /> <br /> Gaggle of cars leaving the pits.<br /> <img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Motorsports/ALMS-Utah/Pit-Lane-III-4784/933589939_LE5jf-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></p>

<p>These guys were trying to get a certain photographer out of the way! Drayson Racing Lola Judd V10.<br /> <img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Motorsports/ALMS-Utah/Drayson-Lola-Paddock-4579/933591018_K7wAG-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="571" /></p>

<p>BMW M3 GT at pit exit. The orange cone is where the drivers go off the pit speed limiter. Talk about LOUD!<br /> <img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Motorsports/ALMS-Utah/M3-Pit-Exit-4765/933591996_Cpgi8-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></p>

<p>I was able to take some really fine photographs with the DA* 300 while I had it. The SDM worked perfectly. I sold it to fund another project and I'm now suffering from a heavy case of seller's remorse. :~( I do use my Sigma 100-300 f/4 with the 1.7x TC and it focuses quickly and is very sharp but it's heavier than the DA*.</p>

<p>Here's mine for this week. We had a 4th of July sunset last night and I tried to capture it with our flag. K20D, DA* 16-50, 34mm, 1/45 @ f/4.5, ISO 100, PP in LR3 with no boost to color and contrast needed!<br>

<img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Sky-Clouds/Old-Glory-LR3-II-GSR-224432/922382953_vi2kg-L-1.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="531" /></p>

<p>A week ago Billings was hit by a tornado. The last one was in 1958. The twister severely damaged the Metra Park arena but left the other buildings in the park untouched. K20D, DA* 50-135 f/2.8, 50mm, 1/500@ f/7.1, ISO 100, 3 image pano.<br>

<img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Billings/Metra-Panorama1-GSR-copy/914413007_XfRie-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="194" /><br>

<a href="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Billings/Metra-Panorama1-GSR-copy/914413007_XfRie-O.jpg">Full size image</a>.</p>

<p>Thanks to those who commented on my contribution. The museum is in Billings, MT. Frederick Billings stands outside. Ol' Freddie was president of the Great Northern Railway and founder of our little town.<br>

<br>

Guess we can't center our pics.</p>

<p>Greetings one and all. Been away for a little while using my 1D Mk II N for wildlife and birds. It's not all bad considering I'm shooting it with a Super Tak 300 f/4. This year's World Wide Photowalk is on Saturday, July 24th.I went with the leader and we set out the route and of course we took our cameras along. I like to go minimalist on these treks so I had a K20D and just the A 24 f/2.8. I used just the DA 35 Limited last year and this past week I had just the DA 15 Limited. Fun!</p>

<p>The old library now used as a history museum. A 24 f/2.8, 180s @ f/8, ISO 100.<br>

<img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Billings/Old-Parmly-II/893380698_dBNpo-L.jpg" alt="" width="398" height="600" /></p>

<p>Interior of new Z Pizza downtown. DA 15 f/4, 1/20s @ f/4, ISO 100. Prolly should have bumped the ISO up.<br>

<img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Billings/Z-Pizza-318-4184/906013207_HqQ3M-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="534" /></p>

<p>Copper covered door. DA 15 f/4, 1/250s @ f/8, ISO 100.</p>

<p><img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Billings/Copper-Door-4381/906013319_XTrdW-L.jpg" alt="" width="422" height="600" /></p>

<p>I'm a long time Pentax user with plenty of lenses. When I bought a used 1DMkIIn I searched for an adapter. No such luck. Even if there were an adapter there would likely be a problem with AF and infinity focus. It would likely be expensive and if it has glass in it, it would add CA. I think it would best to exchange the lens for the EOS mount. Just my ¢¢.</p>

<p>I have a used 1D Mk II N and I have had 16x20 prints made from cropped images that are amazing. BTW, the 1D series have a 1.3 crop factor compared to the 1.6 of the smaller bodies. It's the IDs series that are full frame. The things to consider are size and quality of the view screen, AF speed and lock, shutter frame rate, and weather sealing. For still life, portrait, and landscape the AF speed and higher frame rate of the 1D II is not important. For sports, wildlife, aircraft, and birds in flight it is invaluable. I also have large hands and the smaller camera body ergonomics don't fit me but the 1D II is perfect. The other consideration is weight. The 1D series are a lot heavier. Just my ¢¢.</p>

<p><img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Birds/Eagles/Eagle-1024/808469164_5pyoB-L.jpg" alt="" width="763" height="600" /></p>

<p>Back in January I bought a used Canon 1D Mk II N for $850 because I was frustrated with my inability to capture quickly moving subjects like BIFs. Most often a change in cameras does not make one a better photographer but the number of keepers has increased dramatically. The AF speed and lock as well as the frame rate are amazing compared to the K20D. The weight and ergonomics of the 1D is about the same as a K20D with a battery grip so the transition was pretty painless. However the menus and adjustments for shutter speed, aperture and ISO are much better and faster on the K20D. A new K7 is a great value compared to a new 1D Mk IV considering it is 1/5 as expensive. And then there is the cost of the 'L' lenses compared to the Pentax equivalents. Yikes! Just my ¢¢.</p>

<p>I have the K20D and I use the live view occasionally for landscape composition, especially pre-dawn or post-sunset. I don't otherwise use it much. I apparently can't see well enough to confirm focus or DOF even with a shade. I still think the K20D is a fine DSLR and I would still like to see a progression to a K30D and beyond although I'm probably whistling in the dark.</p>

<p>Bryan, I hear you about your Chevy's. I'm just glad they're able to take part. It'll be interesting to see how they fair in GT2.<br>

I won't make Sebring this year again but there's always next year. Even trying to reserve a room now for next year is hit and miss. Maybe renting an RV and camping in the infield would be better.</p>

<p>I don't know if it's the best but there is a <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Lightly-Used-Sigma-APO-135-400mm-F4-5-5-6-for-Pentax_W0QQitemZ120540847834QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item1c10cb5eda">Sigma 135-400 f/4.5-5.6</a> on eekBay right now bidding at $210. That's a pretty good range, will be reasonably light to carry around, and at f/5.6 AF should still be fairly fast. At that price you could try it without breaking the bank. Just my ¢¢.</p>

<p>Wow, what a terrific series even if they're mostly of Chivvies! ;~D I am also a fan of Le Mans and ALMS and I'm looking forward to Sebring if only on TV. I am planning to go to the ALMS in Utah in May though to try my luck. 8~D</p>

<p>Taken from my last trip to Yellowstone a couple of weeks ago. This bison past by about 15 ft away on a chilly (-17°F/-27°C) Lamar Valley morning. K20D + DA* 50-135 @ <strong>50</strong> mm, 1/500s @ f/5.6.</p>

<p><img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Animals/Yellowstone-Wildlife-22010/Bison-IV-204227/797877743_Aeudt-O.jpg" alt="" width="768" height="603" /></p>

<p>Thanks Dave. The mallard was exposed at 1/6400s @ f/5.6, ISO 250, and the hawk at 1/8000s @ f/5.6, ISO 250, both shot handheld. You're right that the mallard was underexposed. I didn't boost the EV enough for the snow which came out 18% gray (well duh!). The lighting is not favorable in the early afternoon when I was there either being mostly backlighting. I do like the translucence of the wings though. I did better on the hawk but it still could have used a little more exposure too. As far as sharpening goes I just used the default setting in LR3Beta as the images were sufficiently sharp out of the camera. I understand the lust for f/4 and IS but not only will it be $5K but it'll weigh twice as much as well. After just one shoot I already know that this lens will be my first purchase. It is one L of a lens. 8~D</p>

<p>I took a rented EF 400mm f/5.6 out for a test drive on my 1D2N. One mallard and one red-tailed hawk.<br>

<img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Birds/Canon-BIFs/Mallard-VI-6928/790814814_xC8oZ-L.jpg" alt="" width="777" height="600" /></p>

<p><img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Birds/Canon-BIFs/R-T-Hawk-III-6940/790813750_KXDcZ-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="532" /></p>

 

<p>William, the Sigma 2x converter will make the f/4 lens an f/8 which will then not auto-focus. Most camera bodies will not AF beyond f/5.6. Just so you know.</p>

<p>I was about 90 yds away and the image is cropped to about 50%. I have seen an eagle or two in this same tree over the last week so I now drive by at least once a day. I also have a (cough) Canon 1D2N that I've been shooting with a 40 yr old Super Takumar 300 f/4. I've actually had better luck with this MF combo than with the K20D AF. Go figure!</p>

<p>Hope you all had a nice weekend. Here's my contribution this week. K20D, Sigma 100-300 f/4, 300mm, 1/3000s @ f/5.6, ISO 200.</p>

<p><img src="http://wtlwdwgn.smugmug.com/Other/52-Week-Challenge/Eagle-I-223927/789265310_imq7R-L.jpg" alt="" width="463" height="600" /></p>

<p>As far as communicating with Ned goes I've always gotten a response on an issue. However, I can't imagine how many emails he must receive each day. Having said that though it would be nice if there was someone working with him who could at least respond to our messages. As far as exchanging lenses have you contacted the seller to see if it's possible?</p>

<p>I'll echo the responses on both lenses being great as well. I've decided to keep the 100-300 f/4 for its flexibility and sold my 300 f/4 although I do have some seller's remorse. I don't think you can go wrong either way but you might also prefer the flexibility of the zoom.</p>