Hin's Tech Corner

Pentax DA 21mm f/3.2 limited on FF bodies

2009-12-04T01:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know, everyone says it is not compatible. The imaging circle has been trimmed in 5 seconds with some traces on the side due to operator error.

Weird, isn't it? For one, there is no aperture ring. Two, there is no e-dial on SuperProgram, my full frame Pentax body. But the programmed mode in SP takes care of the metering for me. True that I would like to set the aperture but that is the luxury that I can waive when I shoot my FF like a toy P&S. The metering is pretty much dead on. I used a Kodah professional b&w400 indoor, the meter is right at f/3.5 and shutter is about 1/30 second if my memory serves up right. I trusted it in my heart that it would be perfect as if when I bought a Lotto ticket. I skipped the compensation dial knowing that it is just a dollar to bet on. I got nothing to lose but not to listen to what others have told me. After the film scanning, I trimmed the darkened edges in 5 seconds and voila

It looks alright to me. What do you all think?

On the other hand, the MX in the picture will not work with the DA, there is no programmed mode except the M mode. My MX loses all the light seal on the back, I can bet the roll will be a failure with light leaking through the seal on the sides and the mirror bumper loses more than half of the original seal. It is not sticky. I wonder how much it will cost and if at all worth to fix it. Is it worth to fix the MX as I have a good copy of SuperProgram already? The pictures don't lie about the combination in FF bodies.

I know all of you are freaking out in reading this small blog post with the FF word on it. Yeah, I couldn't sleep after losing a p.net contest to Matt, the daemon who scored over me with a Pentaxian horny but poetic song with Maria. Truth be told is a nasty cold that I had after a San Francisco China town visit. It wasn't cold at all but I took too many pictures with my FF bodies in the week -- Pentax SuperProgram and Ricoh xr-p. The HELL with digital FF bodies, I have lot more fun with my H1N1 FF bodies, especially when I got to meet the wonderful Henry with FotoExpress in downtown San Jose to develop my FF FF (first full frame films) with scanning. I would have a complete report on the experience with Henry and FotoExpress in San Jose downtown when I get better from my cold and when Matt, my one and only Pentax buddy, leave me alone from my cold and my lost in the contest. Congratulation to Garry and Maria who won the limited bag case from Josh Root, the p.net chief commander in photo.net.

Enough confusion from my insomnia with cold, here is the original picture of the film scanning done by FotoExpress from Henry, my best mentor for helping me to execute my nostalgic path back to film in my past youth.

And if I spend another spin on the crop to focus on the left to mimic an edge blur type of filter effect, I will have a digital effect of edge blur

Impressions & Notes

No vignetting noticed in Viewfinder from SuperProgram at time of shooting. The coverage of the optical viewfinder in SP is 92%. Why can't I see the imaging dark circle.
The programmed mode works with Pentax DA 21mm f/3.2 limited though the digital lens does not have an aperture ring. The auto-selection on SuperProgram allows me to use FF like a toy point & shoot camera. I can't change the aperture. I love that in a FF that you can't change aperture. I call that FF magic that takes -30 years to develop
Programmed mode meters correctly in 100% rate for my trial. I used compensation dial only in backlit shots
The darkened circle in the final shot is not centered. More dark edges are seen on the left. It is important to know it is a lefty darkened imaging circle. With that in mind, do compose your frame accordingly. Remember the left is to be trimmed in post processing after FF film scanning.
If one wants to be artistic, this can turn out to be a edge blur digital effect when the left is cropped along the left edge in a manual crop
A bummer that I now remember the test may be more to tell as I have the hood mounted at all time as I get used to use the hood on the 21mm limited for protection. When I get my next round of tests, I will shoot the next FF shot without the hood.

Pentax K-x White High ISO Test Shots

2009-12-02T18:57:00.000-08:00

I spent my first weekend with Pentax K-x White using my Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5. By default in jpg, noise reduction (NR) is set to Medium and NR kicks in at iso 800 and above. I snapped few pictures while my sweetie took a break in the barber shop where we meet Bear Bear with camera again.

1/100 sec, f/4.0, 58mm, iso 800, 0 Ev
no flash, no processing

1/125 sec, f/4.5 wide open, 70mm, iso 800
no flash, no pp

1/80 sec, f/4.0, 37mm, iso 400
My Boys in background

cropped a bit to get closer, some lighting adjustment for backlit
should have brought in an external flash
1/125 sec, f/4.5 wide open, 70mm, iso 400

I will hopefully find time to test the K-x on macro as I wonder if the missing of red dot in obtaining AF will be a problem in K-x. The normal shooting seems an non issue. But in MF, I always rely on the red dot for the position on the flower in close up. I have to see how easy it goes. I tried out the LiveView in K-x and I am as disappointed with K-x just like my K20D, which I mostly don't dare to try again. It works as if the contrast detect AF is going to break the AF mechanic in the body. It has a weird focusing noises that is very undesirable in shooting.

I don't think you can trust my samples as I do shoot in plain jpg. Here is a shot in iso 6400 with DA 40mm f/2.8 in f/5.0 with default Medium NR

iso 6400, NR default in Medium

I am perhaps really the last person you should ask for test photos. I am never a test chart kind of guy. I despise all the pixel peeping kind of technical details. I shoot pictures the same way as my best friend Javier does on his street_vision. Jpg's are my buddy as I have no time for post processing -- my lame excuses. Just few of the test shots in original high resolution exported into my website for your references. All are shot hand-held with Pentax K-x and DA 40mm f/2.8 limited

http://hintheman.com/clients/pentax_kx_high_iso

The name of the files are pretty much self explanatory. The iso 6400 with medium NR that I posted above is the 5th one with name for

iso6400_f5_0_medium_nr.jpg

And focus is on the white picture frame with my picture Love and Affection In Color that was shot with Pentax DA 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 with Pentax K10D.

My forum buddy Somanna asked a question about the printing with picture frames. I used my $80 all-in-one printer with Canon mp 360 with Epson utlra-premium paper. This is not something to be followed as I think you can do way better with online printing with smugsmug and other well known places. If you are interested in occasional printing at home, I recommend reading up on Canon MP990 and Canon MP980 types of printers with very good scanning even for 35mm films. A review link from imaging-resource

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRINT/MP980/MP980.HTM

Impressions & Notes

Pentax K-x is excellent in high iso noise handling. I can safely trust it to shoot cleanly in iso 3200 and when in doubt needed, I will boldly push it to iso 6400 and rely on post processing to deal with noise
Details are outstanding in 1600 and good in iso 3200 and manageable in 6400. With my personal experience with K20D which is quite good in noise handling as compared to K10D. I can trust it to be clean up to iso 1600. With K-x, I can count on it to be quite clean in 3200 and subject to later studies, I have confidence in shooting iso 6400 when in doubt the scene dictates the necessity
The K-x with DA 40mm f/2.8 limited is an ideal combo for traveling light.
The DA-L lens is quite improved from the 1st version that I used with K100D.
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 still stays as my go-to 1 lens choice in walk-around. It works well with the K-x in a small form factor

Pentax K-x White with DA and FA Limited Lenses

2009-11-30T17:01:00.000-08:00

With several forum member inputs, it is possible that my minor negative impression on K-x build is due to the white color. My copy is the beautiful white color. I love white and hence I pick on white color even if it means the feeling of cheaper plastic. Given the choices, I prefer the style over the norm and that is my irrational impulse in buying and there is not regret.

But honestly, I can't compare the build in the white k-x with that of my k20D or even my previous copy of K100D. Perhaps, the white color gives me the hollow and cheap plastic feeling that I have. The body is lightweight and that may add towards my somewhat to my negative impression on the build. I should look for a copy of K-x in black color and handle for comparison. I think I am the first one who reports this as a negative impression. This is likely solely my personal impressions. I love the K-x white but I sure do hope that the plastic is actually strong and sturdy like my past extremely good experience with K100D and K10D. Those old digital bodies were built to last and I sure hope the same stay for the K-x for all colors

I pair up the DA 40mm limited with the K-x white and it looks dead gorgeous to me for a small form factor and lightweight. I bought the combination for traveling light and hence, I will not think of the need of battery grip unless the grip has portrait shooting button with green button.

The blue light is cool in the dark

Impressions & Notes

It is more of a style thing for one's preference. I love white and I am dead happy to have a white camera. Forget about the potential of smudges, the glossy type of surface seem to work out well for cleaning
Specific to the white color choice, I am not too impressed with the build material. It is a personal impressions not shared with other members. Perhaps, the white color with smooth surface lead me more into the impression of cheap plastic. I was assured by other members who have chosen on blue and black that their impressions are rock solid like the older models as in K100D and K20D.
White seems to go well with the black limited lens. It is a compact body especially when I mount the DA 40mm f/2.8 limited
White goes okay with silver limited but other color may seem to match better. I think both the blue, brown, especially the golden silver, the normal black and perhaps others will work well for the silver limited colors.

Pentax K-x White Just Arrived

2009-11-29T02:33:00.000-08:00

I just got my white K-x. I prefer to pick up red on the hand grip but I don't want to wait and special order from Japan

The white K-x is beautiful as others have noted. I am a bit weary of the build material with light plastic as I get used to the sturdy material as in the K20D, K10D and I don't think it matches the build material as in the K100D that I had. More use will tell. The LCD is very useful with the latest update on the screen user interface and I don't seem to mind the missing of red dot in focusing and the top LCD. Test pictures come out decent even for the DA-L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

The missing of the top display or single dial don't bother me much as the LCD is much improved. The missing of red dot in focusing will be a problem if one relies on it for precision such as macro and tele shot. But in general shooting as in street scenes, I am fine without the focal point indicator as long as I stick to single center point.

Tarmon SP 17mm f/3.5 adaptall-2 (51B)

2009-11-25T17:51:00.000-08:00

Pentax MX and Tamron SP 17mm f/35

I am accumulating primes with Tamron adaptall-2 hoping to get 17mm, 24mm, and 28mm for wide angle needs with my film bodies. I recently got 51B on the 17mm from another great forum member. It is quite interesting to see a prime with built-in internal filters. I plan to use the 17mm with my film gear and the view is quite wide in the film body. Some LBA product shots to share:

Tamron 17mm 1:3.5 adaptall-2 (51B)

MFD is close to 9" or a bit less than 0.25m

Internal Filters with Normal, 81B, 80B, Y2, Normal

Two snapshot pictures from K20D + 17mm 51B

The Y2 is a yellow filter, I see darkening color in 81B and some other change in 80B. When I asked around for the use of the filter, I learned that 80B and 81B are used for warming effect.

17mm is not wide when used on aps-c camera with my K20D but it is very wide when I put it on my Pentax SuperProgram and Pentax MX and the view is quite spectacular. I noted some distortion in the test shots and I think more use will help. I am hoping for a small sets of mixed primes and zooms to be used with my film gear stepping out of my comfort zone into film where one has to think in composing a picture.

Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 (51B) -- this prime
Tamron 24mm f/2.5 (01B)
Tamron 28mm f/2.5 (02B)
Tamron SP 35-80mm f/2.8-3.8 (01A)

All the adaptall-2 have aperture rings and with the adaptall-2 p/k-a adapters, they will work fine in SuperProgram as well as MX for street scenes, candids, close-up and portraits. My nostalgic film experience is my high point with the adaptall-2 lens series. And I can adapt to another system using the same sets of lens for Ricoh xr-p or Nikon F series of 35mm camera. Oh my gosh, I wish I can use them with my 645N camera and I can surely benefit from the adaptall-2 system. With usage in both Pentax film bodies, my Pentax digital bodies with K-x and K20D, and my Praktica MTL5 in M42 mount, I can't complain how adaptable the adaptall-2 system is. Bravos to Tamron who came out with such a great system for ease of adaptation to one's system of their choosing.

Useful Resources:

Adaptall-2 site on Tamron 17mm f/3.5 (51B)
Ken Rockwell hated the adaptall-2 mount
More to be added as I don't see much in search

Pentax DA limited primes on SuperProgram and MX

2009-11-24T13:39:00.001-08:00

I am totally naive on film! Specifically, I don't know what my 1st roll of b&w will happen with my SuperProgram using DA 21mm f/3.2 limited. Magically, it seems to meter in Program Auto mode when I tried it earlier. When I tried two shots using the DA 21mm on the SuperProgram, the Programmed Auto mode picks up f/3.5 in ASA 400 iso film in a indoor setting with shutter speed of 1/30 to 1/60 sec. And I don't see the vignetting around the corners.

MX: I am much better than you, look at my viewfinder. I am the closest to LX that you can get. Not a chance I go to Marketplace.
SuperProgram: You don't have a hand grip and I have 1/125 sync, similar small body. Not a chance I get sold.

MX not metering with DA primes

I am asking around on potential known issues that I will run into. And I mounted my DA 40mm f/2.8 limited onto my MX that I just received from impulse purchase but I don't have the batteries to try out the metering. Once I mounted the pancake DA prime lens, they look appealing and fits into the form factor of a small SLR. The bad news from others are that the MX won't be able to meter without the aperture ring. It does not have the Av, Sv or the important one and only P mode that can work on the SuperProgram. It is not ideal as the camera picks out the aperture for you.

After spending my money on a nice used copy of Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 that works well in my K20D and the white K-x that are coming in a few days, I can hardly find the reason to get an Pentax M 40mm f/2.8 unless I can find one that is around $100.00. Last year, I bought a used copy of Pentax M 40mm f/2.8 for cheap around $75.0 with a reason in probably separation of element that look like watercolor in reflection upon close examination. I sold it later for $50.00 with full disclosures, the thing is a beauty in the past and present. I really wish the DA to have an aperture ring and it will fit perfectly with the MX. And I really like the form factor of Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 and it is a good thing to be shorter than 50mm for normal lens, good close up at 0.4 meters similar to FA 50mm f/1.4 and fast AF.

Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8

After a test roll of film, I may go about asking a quote on fixing the light sealing from Eric. Or the other alternative is to learn to do the sealing myself.

I am NAIVE on film, I really like my SuperProgram, can someone clue me in why I should fall in love with the MX. I know the viewfinder is bigger but the SuperProgram has so much to offer with Av, M, Tv, B mode and I especially love the extra grip in SuperProgram for better ergonomics in the field. Yes, the Tv mode works in M with two buttons to adjust shutter as mentioned by Steve, very nice to have. The viewfinder in SuperProrgram is about 0.82 magnification [92 % coverage] which is small compared to MX 0.97 magnification [95% coverage]. Please feel free to tell me more what you like most about MX besides the viewfinder. The MX only works in M mode, that is harder for me to get used to after using digital Av and TAv mode for a while.

Impressions & Notes

Both DA 21 and DA 40 seem to meter reasonably well in the Programed Auto mode in SuperProgram
With consultation from others, MX can't meter with the DA lens
I don't see the vignetting in DA 40mm f/2.8 limited for sure. When I tried DA 21mm f/3.2 on SuperProgram, the wide angle view is wonderful and I don't see the obvious vignetting from viewing the view-finder corners. Unlike the time that I play with DA 18-55mm kit's lens, I can see obvious darker corners in the wider ends of the DA kit's lens
All are to be confirmed when I develop my 1st film roll using both DA 21 and DA 40 with Pentax SuperProgram
I so desire more on lenses with an aperture ring so that I can choose to share with the nostalgic find in the film world. My DA lenses will envy my primes with FA 50mm f/1.4, FA 77mm f/1.8 limited, Cosina 55mm f/1.2 along with all of my Tamron Adaptall-2 lenses that have a aperture rings with AE for AutoExposures when I couple the lens with adaptall-2 P/K-A adapter

Update:

Results are reported in Pentax DA 21mm f/3.2 limited on FF bodies (results)

Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 limited

2009-11-19T19:18:00.001-08:00

I am someone who are careless and sells with no fear but buy back when I think I want to try it again. I still remember the day that I sold my ex-LadyQueen 31mm f/1.8 limited. Being frugal actually is more expensive when it comes to lens purchase.

I stayed away from thinking about the queen as I don't see it fit in my gear when compared to my documentary Pentax DA 35mm 1:1 macro limited lens. I call my 35mm limited as my best documentary lens as I shot all of my LBA/CBA shots exclusively from DA 35mm limited. To prepare a small combo for traveling light with K-x, I have been looking for a used copy of pancake limited and I just got it yesterday

Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 limited

and I have finally given in for the Pentax K-x white which should come anytime well before thanksgiving. I don't really need the 40mm limited but it is a perfect match to the K-x for traveling light and small with elegance. And the pancake primes and FA limited primes are one of the reasons to stay loyal, unique and interesting as a Pentaxian.

Initial Impressions & Notes

It is smaller and thinner than my Pentax DA 21mm f/3.2 limited. It is likely the smallest prime. I forget if it is any bigger than the Pentax M 40mm f/2.8 that I once have
I am glad that my used copy come with lens hood and the original lens cap with 30.5mm size.
With the lens hood mounted, it looks thicker but for lens protection sake, I have the lens hood mounted all the time.
Unlike the 35mm limited, I get more correct exposures or tiny slightly over-exposures.
AF seems quick and responsive with my K20D in indoor setting
Somehow, I found it very odd that the Pentax logo was printed on the inside of the lens cap instead of outside like the other lens caps in the limited lens
Minimum focusing distance is at 0.4m, quite nice for closeup in a normal lens.

Articles tagged for K-x
Articles tagged for Limited Lenses
Pentax DA 21mm limited on FF bodies
Pentax M 40mm f/2.8
Pentax DA 21mm f/3.2
How To Protect Limited Lenses
Pentax Clones for Pancake
Pentax 1 Lens Choices -- traveling trio
Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 -- Lady Queen
Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 1:1 macro limited -- Best Documentary Lens
Hin's Camera Gear

Pentax 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 fish-eye In Museum

2009-11-18T21:09:00.000-08:00

It is always a fun lens to go to museum with my family

@10mm

@10mm

The side distortion adds to the futuristic design of an exhibit hall.

@14mm

And I even tried it on landscape at 17mm

@17mm

@17mm

It is definitely my fun lens to bring my boys to museum and I find it great even in indoor setting, the PF works to advantages in tech museums that purple actually may look cool.

Related:

Close up on Tamron SP 35-80mm f/2.8-3.8 adaptall-2 (01A)

2009-11-17T18:04:00.001-08:00

This is a cute zoom with strength in the 1:2.5 close up. I have not seen a zoom that does close up like a prime or that of a real macro lens

Some recent close up to show:

out-of-focus on purpose
to see ringed lights from off-focus rendering in f/4.0

Impressions & Notes:

Water droplets look like diamonds on my backyard
The zoom work like a true macro prime
Sharpness and color is amazing in the close-up distance
The close up in this zoom seems stronger than its wider and faster end
With 01F 2x TC, I would expect greater close up in 1:1.25
Ringed lights are circular and it makes great bokeh in off-focus rendering areas

Tamron 200mm f/3.5 adaptall-2 (04B)

2009-11-16T18:50:00.000-08:00

From left to right in the picture:

Tamron 200mm f/3.5 adaptall-2 (04B)
Tamron SP 35-80mm f/2.8-3.8 adaptall-2 (01A)
Lentar 200mm f/3.5 in M42 auto-mount, needs alternation due to auto-only diaphragm

I am always on the look out for a good 200mm prime. Now I am testing Tamron 200mm f/3.5 adaptall-2 (04B) that are on the left of the picture. What impresses me the most about the Tamron 200mm f/3.5 adaptall-2 is the small size and form factor that is like a 100 mm prime. The speed in f/3.5 is decent and the focusing ring is like many other good Tamron adaptall-2 lens that is ideal for precise focusing and ease of use in the field for quickly get to the focal point. It also has a built in lens hood which I find handy to have. Filter size is 62mm and it can share the same filter and lens cap with few of my other adaptall-2 lens.

I only use the lens for some snapshots and more use will tell. So far, I like the handling the most as I feel all along in the weekend as if I am using a 100 mm in size and weight. Even if I mount the Tamron adaptall-2 01F 2x TC on it, the overall size is about equal to the Lentar 200mm f/3.5 in M42 mount. It has the label for "Close Focus" though when I try some close up shots, I am not pleased with the minimum focusing distance of about 5 feet or 1.7m. Close up is better with other lens but for the 200mm, the DOF in street scene as well as flower shot may be pleasant. More tests in the field will tell. I took some snapshots with Pentax K20D while visiting my church on Sunday

1/100 sec, f/3.5, 200mm, iso 2500, 0 Ev
It is dim light in the church and the high ISO is not in favor to
the wide open shot. In my view, not bad at all but it can be better.

1/100 sec, f/4.5, 200mm, iso 3200, 0 Ev
The singer move on stage and quite taxing to the speed
The high ISO at 3200 is not the best with detail with Pentax K20D,
given the odds, f/4.5 does pretty well for sharpness in the eye.
Again, it can be better, but not much complaint for a $40-90 prime

1/800 sec, f/5.6, 200mm, iso 100, -0.7 Ev
I purposely underexpose the shot and up the contrast in pp
some flare, maybe in noon time, but color is reasonable

1/100 sec, f/4.5, 200mm, iso 125, 0 Ev
Close up is difficult with minimum focusing distance at about 1.7m
color and contrast quite good in normal use, sharpness can be better

1/100 sec, f/4.0, 200mm, iso 1600, 0 Ev

1/100 sec, f/4.0, 200mm, iso 3200, 0 Ev

Impressions & Notes:

Very compact in size and the short overall length, size and weight is like a 100 mm prime.
Close focus is not a good performer as minimal focusing distance is at a distant value like 5 feet or 1.7 meters. It is good compared to other 200mm prime but still too big to be effective like a true macro lens
Built in lens hood very handy to have in the field though a bit too small
Filter size is 62mm that shares the same size as 01A, 19AH, 104A and perhaps many others to make a combo adaptall-2 easier with similar lens cap and filters
Sharpness is seen very reasonable, it can be better but not bad when I test it indoor in difficult lighting with singer moving in strumming the guitar
Ease of use with great handling is the best impression that I have on this prime. Though a good zoom as in 19AH or 30A may rival the quality of this 200mm prime, the size and lighter weight really stands out in this prime. Almost the smallest of the 200mm that I have seen.

Why I Love Pentax

2009-11-12T10:20:00.001-08:00

The Pentax Way by Herbert Kepler

It has been a joyful journey ever since I upgraded from a point and shoot camera to Pentax K100D in the year of 2007, and subsequently I got K10D, and now K20D. With Pentax system, I also get obsessed with film gear in trying out the oldie cameras as in Spotomatic, ME Super, SuperProgram, PZ-1 and now Pentax 645N. The terms in Lens Buying Addiction (LBA) and Camera Buying Addiction (CBA) are exclusively live and pandemic in the Pentaxian community.

Pentax Way
New & Old

I chose Pentax for few simple reasons:

Best ergonomics
Best value
Backward compatibility
Best community in Pentax Users
Best in History as evidenced in Herbert Kepler

When I jumped from a simple point and shoot with Fuji F30, I asked myself the very question that I ask myself daily -- do you want to be just like others? And I chose to be different and be interesting with my dSLR journey. And the choice was clear in selecting Pentax K100D as it was the best at the time for an entry level camera with Shake Reduction (SR) built into the digital bodies. Every freaking inexpensive lens that I bought, be it an old m42 lens or a third party Sigma, Tamron, Tokina or the like, I will have the SR feature at my disposal to capture the special moment without worrying about the VR or IS labels on the lens.

It is always tempting to see what is offered in other systems but what kept me a loyalist in Pentax is the great offering in prime lenses that are small, lightweight and excellent in image quality. With the advance of newer Pentax bodies, I see great success in the making.

I pride myself and the blogs that I author and I ask my readers to ponder the very question if they like to be different and unique in their choices they make to capture their souls in photography

"Why am I different from others?" asked the deaf teenage girl.

"Why ... do you have to be like others?" replied the old man.

"Music is a visible thing," said the old man.

"Close your eyes. You will see." said the old man.

LBA repurchase Vivitar 100mm f/2.8 1:1 Macro from Kiron

2009-11-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

I don't know what the heck happened that led me to sell my Lester A Dine before together with a matching ring light. I sold it to G_money in forum and he recently sold it again in marketplace. We all sold it perhaps for a different reason.

My LBA goes really in circle and I recently couldn't resist to make up my mistakes before I ended up with a great find in Marketplace from another wonderful member for the Vivitar 100mm f/2.8 1:1 macro that is also made from Kiron with serial number starting #22.

As far as I can tell, they are very similar in appearance. The one thing that I like the Vivitar over the Lester A Dine lies in the absence of the dentist instruction on the lens barrel. There were few things that I was not impressed in my first handling with the Lester A Dine and I will re-examine the Vivitar given that I have learned from my mistakes -- all lens has its strong and weak points and even the famous lens has a weak spot and it is up to the user to abuse or use it to its strength. The lester A dine or the vivitar are great for macro use and it should be used as such. If I want a macro lens that can double up handily for portrait and event, I would highly recommend the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 or the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 alternatives. Both will fit the bill of doubling up as portrait and event lens other than its core virtues in macro.

I have been naive in macro photography and I do it all wrong especially in getting close to 1:1 distance without aid of tripod, railing and the essential need of enough lighting such as using an external flash to open up the DOF. As a result of my poor setup, the narrow thin DOF is what drive me the craziest and that is really NOT the problem of the lens but the problems that I encountered mostly come from me and my poor setup. Another noted problem is some purple fringing on high contrast shot when I use it for an event. It is also a mood point as the lens is meant for close up and macro and the long focus throw make it not quite suitable lens for other purposes unless I don't mind the long focus turn in shooting.

I will hopefully report back the 2nd time of ownership with this macro lens

Related:

Missing My Lens With Color
Lester A Dine 105mm f/2.8 Macro Ring Light Flash
Difficulty in 1:1 macro with Lester A Dine 105mm f/2.8 1:1 Dental Macro
Lester A Dine 105mm f/2.8 1:1 Dental Macro purchase
Pentax A 50mm f/2.8 1:2 Macro -- a regretted lens to sell
Pentax K 100mm f/4.0 1:2 Macro -- a regretted lens to sell
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG 1:1 Macro
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 1:1 non-Di Macro
Hin's Camera Gear

How to protect Pentax Limited Lenses

2009-11-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

I have plenty to offer why I love Pentax. I plan to enter the contest in photo.net with the price of Pentax DA Limited lens case designed by Ned Bunnell. I saw the lens case in Yvon's Pentax blog. But in case if any of you enter the contest and doesn't win the lens case, anyone interested in my $1.50 idea for 6 lens protection. I don't have a nice picture to show or get harassed. I have been using plastic cups from Ikea to shield my lens from unexpected hitting when I carry them in my bag. Not as slick as the limited lens case but for all those who enter the contest, think about going to Ikea to get these plastic cups that are of the similar size to limited lens

It can't fit the bigger lens but I find them quite good to hold the limited lens, or a 50mm, or even a small zoom so that I can place my lens in a safer position with the outer cup that avoids falling on an uneven surface or let the lens to have scuff marks in rubbing each other.

Contest aside, you all should go to Ikea to try my $1.50 for 6 limited plastic cups idea while Hin can enter the contest as the winner and loser at the same time with a single entry.

Impressions & Notes:

Very inexpensive to get for a pair of six. There are other sizes that are more like a bowl in shape. Bigger sizes are available that may fit the larger zoom lens
Lightweight and works well as a holder in a backpack
Color coding in green, blue, red and yellow can easily help me to sort my lens into groups for DA limited, primes and FA limited
Once I take out my lens with this holder, I have no fear in leaving it in the wind as the cup is more steady to lay on a flat surface as compared to the lens alone
You have to try it to see if it fits your needs.

Response to Pentax limited-edition 'Korejanai' K-x

2009-11-02T19:29:00.000-08:00

The Pentax K-x Korejanai Robot Model digital SLR with matching lens,
shown alongside a Korejanai robot.
Photo provided by Hoya Corp.

I learned about Korejani K-x from OnlinePhotographer and imaging-resource. I then participated in a heated discussions in dpreivew Pentax forum thread where a Pentaxian posted a thread on Pentax Reduced to this?? Of course, in the discussion, I will jump in to make a fair statement on behalf of Pentaxian community. I believe on Pentax K-x and I see no harm with a limited special edition of Pentax K-x that has toy like color. Pentaxian may jump the gun with unwarranted criticism and some others and I will tend to think more on the positive side. I especially appreciate a kind Pentaxian soul who shows a photo

Pentax Reduced to this?? started from Undah
Really, I simply ignore all the doom and gloom posts about Pentax going under. Then I see this post and wonder, is this what pentax has been reduced to?

I blurted out in laughter when I first saw this image.

Full article:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1255722321.html

Reply from stanton11 on Pentax Reduced to this??

Title: Re: I will have my last laugh

.. the next time you are in the Amazon, trying to photo shoot the scarlet macaw

Photo by stanton11

with your black, loud clacking scare-bird photography unit.

I'll be in stealth mode with my rainbow k-x.

I have my utmost support and a big bravos to stanton11. I wish I can find stanton11 flickr account information so that I can make a contact with stanton11. It is a good lesson to be learned that not all people think alike. And there is a good reason for the Korejanai K-x. The most humorous that we can draw from the scarlet macaw with a black camera and that of a colorful Korejanai K-x will be along the line of the reaction from the Macaw.

With the normal black camera encounter, the Macaw will say it out loud and clear with Boring, Boring...

With the colorful Pentax K-x, the Macaw will be singing the unusual song with Pentaxian Great

As for HinTheMan, I am more decided to get Pentax K-x white one first while waiting for K-7 to come down in price. I wish I can get the white K-x with a red handle but the default white K-x with a black handle will do fine for me.

Tamron SP 35-80mm f/2.8-3.8 adaptall-2 (01A)

2009-10-23T20:31:00.001-07:00

I just managed to find this adaptall-2 lens. What attract me most about this lens is its size. I intend to find the Tamron SP 24-48mm but that is a rare lens to find for another time. I have small hand and as show in the above picture, you have a rough idea that this zoom is way smaller than my normal zoom with Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 and Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. In reality, I am covered very well in my normal zooms along with good primes. The LBA thoughts of trying all the un-tapped adaptall-2 lens lure me to give this a try. The lens is dead cute for its size. Here is another shot of this cute lens next to a salt shaker

When I tried out this zoom lens, I noted that I don't have the 62mm lens hood and I found out flare is very evident in this zoom and I then added my 62mm metal lens hood from eBay store heavystar and add a 62mm sky 1 filter and pictures are much improved with lens hood mounted. I am most fascinated with the close up capability that are up to 1:2.5 in the long end of the zoom in roughly 60mm to 80mm. With the 2x TC mounted, the close up can go up to 1:1.25 which is excellent for a zoom. Though the aperture ranges from f/2.8 in 35mm to f/3.8 in the 80mm end. The AE apertures can still be set for f/2.8 in the 80mm end in Av mode.

When I tested the wider end in f/2.8, sharpness is pretty decent but more use are needed to confirm my finding. The bokeh is very nice on this lens along with good color. I found a lot more over-exposure in f/4.5 and smaller. Most of the time, I find the need to dial in -0.3 to -0.7 Ev compensation. It is kind of odd. Metering seems erratic with this zoom lens in smaller apertures. And in bigger apertures, I find metering more accurate and I don't see the darker image in wider aperture like other lenses that I most often run into with vignette in wide open aperture especially in the corner.

1/100 sec, f/2.8, 35mm, iso 500, 0 Ev

1/100 sec, f/2.8, 75mm, iso 400, 0 Ev

1/250 sec, f/2.8, 75mm, iso 400, 0 Ev

1/100 sec, f/4.0, 75mm, iso 800, 0 Ev

1/100 sec, f/4.5, 75mm, 250 iso, -0.7 Ev

Impressions & Notes

Size is cute and small
Color is great on this zoom
Sharpness very decent in wide aperture
Weird over-exposure in close up shot when aperture is smaller than f/4.5
Filter size is 62mm
Flare is evident without lens hood. When mounted with 62mm lens hood and a 1A sky filter, I find flare better controlled
Close up in 1:2.5 happens in the 60 to 80mm end, close up are found decent in initial tests
Overall a very promising small adaptall-2 zoom that I will study more and share with my readers.

Oktoberfest with Tamron SP 80-200mm f/2.8 adaptall-2 30A

2009-10-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for an opportunity to test out my new used adaptall-2 lens with Tamron SP 80-200mm f/2.8 adaptall-2 30A. It is really a beautiful lens to own. When Oktoberfest in Yahoo! campus was arranged from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. I was all for the event with the 30A zoom. I can't drink any alcohol and beer and wine is not my thing. I felt bored when I got to the festivity. But as soon as I aim my lens at the beer ice chest, Oktoberfest 14th annual mug from Yahoo! and live performance. My enthusiasm was well and alive. Due to the late afternoon, lighting was even but a bit on the dark side, I shot most in f/4.0 to f/5.6 setting. The sharpness and bokeh in the Tamron SP 80-200mm f/2.8 adaptall-2 really did its job wonderful for me. I felt like I have accomplished my task well in finding a manual focus zoom with fast and constant aperture in f/2.8. Bokeh, sharpness and color are quite good in the testing. The lens is a bit on the heavy side. A monopod will come to mind in my next investment.

1/40 sec, f/4.5, 135mm, iso 320, +0.7 Ev

1/40 sec, f/3.2, 150mm, iso 250, 0 Ev

1/100 sec, f/5.0, 180mm, iso 320, +0.3 Ev

1/125 sec, f/5.0, 180mm, iso 320, +0.3 Ev

1/200 sec, f/5.0, 135mm, iso 320, 0 Ev

1/100 sec, f/4.0, 135mm, iso 250, 0 Ev

Impressions & Notes:

Consistent with my initial impressions, the lens delivers in terms of bokeh, color and sharpness
Apertures from f/4.0 to f/5.6 in the late evening deliver results that are rich in color and contrast. Bokeh is soft, smooth and seems very pleasant on the green background
I had a lot of fun shooting live performance in 180mm with a lot of detail in the facial expressions of the performers.
A bit heavy to use it for a longer duration. A monopod is high on my to-buy list to work with this heavy zoom.
I don't have its default tripod ring collar and I have no idea how to find its original tripod ring. My 3rd party tripod collar for Canon 70-200mm f/4.0 L lens with 66mm diameter seems to fit but a bit tight to close the screw knob.
Focus and Zoom ring is very pleasing as noted in my initial impressions
Zoom makes event photography more fun as excitement and flexibility is right in the zooming to frame the shot with great ease and this adaptall-2 zoom does not disappoint for event photo with emphasis in outdoor setting requiring longer reach. And this zoom lens helps greatly with good bokeh and depth to iron out interesting subjects for portraits and candid.
Overall a highly recommended adaptall-2 fast zoom lens worth consideration if 80-200mm f/2.8 in a heavy zoom lens speaks in volume to you.

Pentax K-x -- Be Interesting

2009-10-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

With the color selections from 100 colors, it may become a daunting task to choose a color that fits your style. The color selection from Pentax K-x draws a bunch of unfair criticism from the Pentax community and perhaps the outsiders of Pentax community. I don't understand why is there complaints on addition of choices. I always like choices. Pentax or any other companies and retailers will not hold your hands in sticking with the black body that you dearly love. "No black body, no business with me" would be a silly saying as the black color is one of the four default colors in US and I think the majority will still stick with the black color. But why complain on something that Pentax makes in turning its entry level camera interesting with color choices besides the improvements on its features. It is debatable if the color choices is a business risk to take. If I were Pentax, I will start small like 25 colors with some of the limited edition colors hand picked by Hin and try to draw less criticism from the black only and the so-called enthusiasts and the black-only professionals who treat any change from the norm as childish, teenage and not a good idea.

Perhaps, the toy and carton animation like color edition draws the most criticism but people should note that Pentax plans for 100 limited order for this type of color. My son at 7 was jaw dropping when he sees this camera and I ask him for an honest answer if he wants his Daddy to go for one in Christmas, his answer is a definite NO. But does that make me and my son think less of Pentax, a definite NO for sure. Quite on the contrary, we think more positivelt about Pentax and I feel a proud Daddy to show my son that his Daddy's blog is behind a unique company with bold and out of the box thinking.

OnlinePhotographer Article on Pentax K-x

Guys, nobody ask you to buy this limited editor of Carton like color and I am sure this will simply run as a hot limited edition item similar to the special edition of Pentax K-m in the white edition that only limit to 1000 copies for purchase.

And many complain on OnlinePhotographer on the display of Pentax K-x in Japan in store

OnlinePhotographer Article on Pentax K-x

Come on, this is just a display for people to pick up in the K-x in store to get the color appeal. It is not the final packaging. At least I don't believe that Pentax will sell a body wrapped in plastic shell without a manual, CD, charger and the accessories that comes in a sturdy box. Please don't jump in conclusion with our USA buyer experience over how Pentax Japan runs its retail business and marketing deployment and realization for "Be interesting."

I think if the marketing scheme really catches on with wonderful execution. The Canikon may go back to the drawing board and they may get confused if this color scheme thing takes off in the entry level. Maybe the next entry level from Canikon will go something similar along the same thread of thought in color appeal to color blind the masses who love Canon and Nikon.

Each may come up with 101 colors that you can choose in Canikon look alike color schemes for body, hand grip and battery grip.

Canon -- you pick any color you want. By the way, the black one will cost you much more.

Nikon -- you can pick any color you want except the black one, special order with upgrade fee is optional for Dark Forces version.

Wow, the Canon L lens can finally come in color other than white, that would be awesome. And the VR lens come in red to morph into Very Red for the VR acronym, that would be totally fantastic, don't you think?

I think it is a bold move from Pentax.
It looks so ridiculous that it actually looks pretty.
And it looks so trashy that it looks artsy as well.
It looks so awful that it looks awesome and tempting.
It looks so childish that it looks so creative and with a fresh touch.
And it looks so stupid in design that it actually looks
like a genius design in the making.
It looks so painful to accept as a Pentaxian that
it looks so exciting to embrace as a renewed Pentaxian on spirit

-- Hin's copyrighted quote for Pentax K-x campaign-- be interesting.

Pentax K-x or K-7, which to get first

2009-10-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

I really don't know what to do with my upgrade plan to Pentax K-7. Originally, I was thinking of upgrading my Pentax K20D to Pentax K-7 when Pentax K-7 happens to get close in price to $1K. Now that with the Pentax K-x that comes with white color that I love as a backup and travel light and do it all camera. I am as confused as ever when I come to a purchase decision point that I find myself stuck and not sway one way or the other. I was not expecting the desire for K-x as much as I want an upgrade from K20D to a K-7. Pentax has done its jobs right and I am indecisive in what to get first. I am sure many of my readers and buddies are sharing the same dilemma. And I place a comment on Ned Bunnell's blog post on K-x test shots with this question:

Ned, whatever magic that you and your Pentax great colleagues have done on the high ISO noise, can you think of back-porting the improvement as an option to Pentax K-7 so that we are in full blown of improvements on noise not just on K-x but also on K-7.

It would be odd to see substantial improvement on noise on the entry level camera from Pentax but not on the flagship product with K-7.

I am likely to get K-7 and K-x and it would have been nice if K-7 has the high ISO capability with the K-x.

Just a thought, please forgive me to be straight. We need honest talks and right to the point. Hope you take it positively.

I find it intriguing that Pentax seems to pull out their best performance in noise control into the making of Pentax K-x. Its sample pictures in ISO 3200 and ISO 6400 are very appealing to me to say the least. Unlike certain Full Frame enthusiasts who have been whining their discontent in not having full frame, their story mainly concentrate on the best in noise control which Pentax is not the best option but I would say this -- Pentax K20D are quite good up to ISO 800 with solid performance and very reasonable for shots up to ISO 1600. However, shots beyond ISO 1600 seem to degrade quite drastically subject to the lighting scenes and lens mounted. I did a shooting for staged dance performance and I can attest that many of my shots in ISO 400 to 1600 come out very satisfactory for me and quite a number of keepers and good shots between 1600 to 3200 but it really gets to my comfort zone to shoot anything above ISO 1600 and not worry about noise.

With the coming of Pentax K-x with a Sony Cmos sensor, likely the similar one shared by Nikon latest top models, I am baffled to find much improvements on noise in ISO 3200 to 6400. With K-x, my impressions so far seem to indicate that I can shoot confidently from ISO 1600 to 3200 and not have to worry too much about noise.

What happens to K-7, if I have to give my impressions. It looks as if K-7 is at best in par with K20D and vary slightly both ways in terms of noise. I am not trying to step down on Pentax like RH and others are as Pentax K-7 is really a total revamp with a leap of bold moves with lots of improvement and substantial features on video, level indicator, better frame rates at 5.2 fps, quiet AF and better body overall just to name a few. All improvement really make K-7 a good competitor to Nikon D300 and Canon 50D for me. But the similar noise performance in K-7 seems to give competition reasons to doubt on the wonderful flagship product of Pentax. It would have been a clear winner if K-7 has the noise improvements made in K-x.

I am still undecided as to which camera to get first. Should I get a K-x first and then K-7. Or should I go with K-7 and forget about K-x. I am sophisticated guy who wants the best from Pentax and yet I am a stylish guy who may go out the extra miles to compromise for a smaller and more stylish camera for traveling and backup purpose.

I need to think it through as I don't want to rush into the decision. Patience will reward me for the ultimate dual body system that I need.

Related:

Surpassing RiceHigh blog in Alexa and mozRank

2009-10-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

Picture in Oktoberfest with
Tamron SP 80-200mm f/2.8 adaptall-2 30A

I don't have as much traffic as RH blog. I write mainly to share my photography experiences and RH of course reports all problems and issues with his added opinions, measurebation, and spins on various reported issues and problems. He is the ultimate measubator and I am totally not. I respect him as a friend, but I don't agree with him on his untiring work in stepping down on Pentax.

Originally Posted by RiceHigh when his blog reaches 1 million pageview

And in term of the site "popularity", mine is still the highest Alexa ranked unofficial Pentax dedicated site, amongst all the Pentax sites of different types, themes and natures (exclude forums but include all other information-sharing websites like the excellent K-mount knowledge base by Bojidar Dimitrov and those semi-official blogs like Ned's or Yvon's etc. (which I think Yvon's site is actually a commercial one as his books and related products are promoted and there are Ads whereas Ned's one is both semi-personal and semi-official)).

I checked today based on a Mozilla Firefox plugin called Quirk Search Status. I have surpassed RH blog by a margin today. It is too early to celebrate until I can confirm my Alexa ranking further. But here are what the plug-in reported to me in my Firefox browsing of my blog and that of RH home page.

Hin's Tech Corner: http://www.techtheman.com

Google page rank: 0/10 (I have 0 rank, yet to be resolved with Google)
Alexa rank: 452,745
mozRank: 4.0

RiceHigh blog: http://ricehigh.blogspot.com

Google page rank: 3/10
Alexa rank: 593,690
mozRank: 3.67

Just a tiny bit of success that I overjoy at the moment. I want to share my enthusiasm with Pentaxian. I can' beat RH in terms of his popularity but at least I can chip in to praise Pentax for what it is good at and the Pentax credits that are long due from its consumers and bloggers who value them fairly. And in my blog, I have included all other Pentaxian blogs that can share a fair view on photography along with Pentax gear, you can see all the Pentaxian blogs update and the list will only get longer as I am going to make more Pentaxians friends to share our concerted efforts in appreciating Pentax gear on a fair basis.

RH has become a friend of mine and I do respect him as a good blogger and a kind friend to me in the blogging community. I was wrong about a month ago trying to wage a war with RHTrashyGreen campaign with trashy and insulting wording wanting to defend Pentax and its community to his onslaught of efforts seemingly stepping down on Pentax gear with issues and with much success in his popularity.

His work in his blog does hold Pentax accountable to all the reported issues and known problems and we should consider that as a plus to certain degree to the Pentax community. We don't need to react with doubts and hate but rather let Pentax reacts to his reports to come out with another k-7 that is better than k-7, another k-x that can be more bold than the current k-x, and perhaps a 645D that an average Joe in us can save up for. Well for the latter, maybe in retirement bidding on impulse on a 645D parts-only-and-as-is and hopping our next generation as in my two boys have gotten a degree close enough to fix it up for HinTheMan in retirement.

RH comments to me in my blog is exceptionally kind as we do share common interest in appreciating some of the Pentax gear in the past such as his Pentax F* 300mm f/4.5, Pentax K100D, and probably many of his precious babies -- the Pentax prime lenses. He is a unique person with a character we may not understand. It is quite difficult to be kind to him and his work but I will do my part to be open and treat him with honor and respect whenever I can. As I learned from his comments, this world can do better with less hatred but with friendship, warmth, and kindness.

And before I end this blog post, I have a YouTube video showing how ugly that a fight can go and I vouch not to fight as in this Hong Kong movie, both superstars in Hong Kong were no longer with us. Instead, I will invite RH to enjoy the movie with me and we can engage our similar and yet very different approach and objectives in blogging with Pentax products.

I invite my readers to be open minded and kind to RiceHigh as he has done that to me and others who are open minded.

Related:

Quirk Search Status -- FireFox Add-on download
Approaching 400K Pageviews with Despair -- Hin's Tech Corner
RiceHigh Blog reaching 1 million Page View -- RiceHigh blog
Yoda Meets Pentax -- Swear No More and Bash No More
Pentax K-x tagged blog posts
Pentax K-7 tagged blog posts
Pentax 645N
Pentax K100D
Hin's Camera Gear

CFL Lightbulbs Explained

2009-10-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

I want to follow up on my green efforts in finding practical ways in home remedies with easy to do efforts in making my home energy efficient. In the documentary movie of Inconvenient Truth, I learned about Carbon Dioxide emission and that Coal burning is involved in 50% of the electric power generation in the United States. That alone is a huge cause of carbon dioxide emission from US alone as a responsible country with higher goals to conserve energy and preserve our environment. How can we all chip in to help? In conserving with less electricity usage, not only can we save on our monthly electric bills, we are directly helping to preserve our environment in burning less coal.

As mentioned before in my Going Green in Blogging efforts, one of my set simple goals is to study all energy saving light bulbs available for my family. And I find this wonderful clip that explain plainly in English what Compact Fluorescent CFL Lightbulbs are all about. Most of the material are known and well presented in a easy to remember and understand manner. I would research into the dangerous component that exists in small amount of mercury in those CFL light-bulbs and learn ways to recycle them properly. This clip is well worth seeing with your family

Update on CFL recycling

As we learned form reading up discussions on CFL, the biggest complaint is right on the recycling need due to the presence of mercury. How much mercury is present in each light bulb? I can't honestly tell but from my casual reading, it should be a concern if one ever get the CFL ligh-bulb broken. Here are few tips that I gathered from the web

Ikea is one of the stores that provides recycling of CFL light bulbs. It is renowned as one of the green companies that advocate energy saving with their CFL light bulbs products.
In the recycling companies like BFI or Allied Waste Management, I am sure the monthly bill has the contact number for one to inquire about the recycling of CFL light-bulbs
I will ask the following CFL carrying stores that I think are quite responsible companies selling CFL, I will check and report back -- Walmart, Lowes, Orchard Supply and Homes Depot.
In the event that a CFL light bulb is broken. First thing to teach our kids is to stay away from touching the broken glass along with these tips:
- Open up nearby windows to improve air ventilation and avoid physical contact
- Use glove and paper towel and a little brush to sweep away the broken glass. Be aware of open wound and avoid contact from broken glass. Wrap in sturdy paper bag and store in container that is ready for safe delivery to recycled place

Green Bokeh
Natural Lighting -- Zero cost

Picture taken with
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 1:1 Macro on Flowers

Blue Lights
likely CFL light-bulbs
Foundry Network

Picture taken with Pentax K100D
Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4

Exclamation! Cafe in Yahoo!
with CFL

Picture taken with Pentax DA 35mm limited

Incandescent Light Fixture
I love the lighting but I hope
the Japanese restaurant owner can replace with CFL

Picture taken
Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 1:2 close-focusing, Komine

Tamron 75-250mm f/3.8.-4.5 adaptall-2 104A Initial Impressions

2009-10-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

What attracts me to try out this adaptall-2 lens with 104A that is a non-SP version of adaptall-2 lenses is the extra focal range that goes to 250mm and the lighter weight. I can't yet figure out as part of the lens barrel is made of plastic though the material is of heavy duty and I still feel strongly that the Tamron adaptall-2 lens is of unusual build quality that are up in par with the other SP adaptall-2 lens that I have a chance to try out. The lens surprises me with positive impressions as it is not well talked about in adaptall-2.com site and which noted it as above average performer. Specifically, I get lured into this with the comment about its lightweight. Speed is quite good in the range of f/3.8 to f/4.5. And guess what, it closely resemble the range in Pentax DA* 60-250mm f/4.0 and it is not too far off in the speed.

with 2x conv
close up goes from 1:3.4 to 1:1.7
not bad for a $30 TC -- yet to try

Tamron SP 01F 2x Teleconverter

Its close focus ratio is 1:3.4 which comes in handy for this zoom. When combined with Tamron SP 01F 2x Teleconverter, it can reach 1:1.7 in magnification ratio in minimum focusing distance of 1.2m or 4 feet. I like the lens starting from 250mm in the push-pull one touch zoom design that goes from 250mm to 75mm and it goes with clear scale of zoom position in 75mm, 90mm, 105mm, 135mm, 180mm and 250mm. All happen to be the critical focal point that will work well with the SR focal length setup on my Pentax K20D.

All test shots are done hand-held

1/100 sec, f/8.0, 250mm, iso 400, 0 Ev

0.3 sec, f/4.0, 75mm, iso 640, 0 Ev

1/13 sec, f/4.5, 250mm, iso 500, 0 Ev

intentional out-of-focus to see bokeh

1/8 sec, f/4.5, 250mm, iso 800, -1 Ev

1/20 sec, f/4.5, 75mm, iso 640, 0 Ev

With the Tamron SP Flat-field 2x teleconverter mounted, I have a difficult time in obtaining focus lock and I switched on MF to make the shots. Bokeh in out of focus shot are more rounded than without and I can't explain it yet.

1/50 sec, f/8.0, 500mm, iso 500, 0 Ev
with Tamron SP 01F 2x TC

1/5 sec, f/4.5, 500mm, iso 800, -0.7 Ev
with Tamron SP 01F 2x TC
intentional out-of-focus to see bokeh
ringed light is more rounded when TC is mounted
why the difference

Initial Impressions & Notes

Too early to draw conclusions but I am very impressed in its lightweight and wide open aperture performance
Ease of use and the extra reach to 250mm gets the most attention from me especially when its speed is so close to Pentax DA* 60-250mm f/4.0.
As said, speed in f/3.8 -4.5 is plenty for this zoom
I have not tested its close up in 1:3.4 magnification setting
I find it a charming lens to use in panning car movement at night as it is lightweight and its Tamron adaptall-2 focusing ring wins my heart again in manual focusing that is precise, smooth and allow fast focusing in reaction to scene -- top notch in manual focusing
Use with 2x adapter does has the problem in losing too much light making it difficult to obtain focus at night. I will re-test the use of 01F TC in day time to draw conclusion
500mm test pictures with 01F 2x TC are reasonable but heavy cropping from 250mm test shots yield about similar and close results. I don't have trained eyes to see the advantage. But one thing is for sure, with the 2x TC mounted, you feel more excited in taking the pictures of the moon filling the frame way better than without the TC mounted
A value lens for sure to be paid attention. My copy is in mint condition and I paid $50.00 with buy it now pricing.

Going Green in Blogging

2009-10-06T14:34:00.001-07:00

It is unusual for me to talk about something not related to lenses, cameras and what I have learned in photography. If you are the regular visitors who look for another blog post of camera equipment, you have to bear with me for some minor changes. I am not an environmentalist but as a photographer, I visit Wild Life Refuge and Park with regular tours for visitors like me to get closer to our natural environment. I am extremely thankful to volunteers who spend their valuable time in educating the current and next generation on the importance of conservation of our environment. Be it in conservation of our natural resources and learning to save our environment with use of renewable energy and fuel's alternatives, and urgenct with global climate changes, I am supportive of measures that preserve our natural environment as well as our natural resources.

I am as naive as I can be as I am somewhat confused as to who to listen to and trust for advice, what is true behind the scientific data numbers and what are really at stakes in our environment. What are the simple things that we all as citizens of the earth can do today that we won't regret in the future? What are the odds that if we don't react responsibly today and that our future generation can still enjoy the parks the same way that we enjoy them today with great pictures and videos? I am taking an unusual initiative and step to study and learn as much as I can on environment and include my findings as part of my blogging articles. I want to be informed and make conscious choices in voting on particular environmental issues in California and educate myself and my family to go green in living and pick up our duties in conserving energy usage and find affordable means of transportation and renewable energy. I don't own a Hybrid car such as the Toyota Prius as I find them not as economical as I thought they would be. Is there other alternative that are both safe and cost effective to consider?

Every time that I see a mallard pair, I become the duck-aholic photographer. I shot all these green shots last weekend with Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro and I can't imagine someday that our environment become hostile to many animals that we can hardly find them in their natural habitats or the trees are no longer as green as they should be

I am studying home simple remedies that are energy efficient and start to find places that I can recycle batteries properly. Some of the studies that I plan to look up

Solar power panel, is it cost effective? I talked to Sun Solar Power in a presentation in San Mateo, it is not if I plan to live in the residence in less than 5 year time frame, it has to be at least 7 years.
About energy efficient light bulbs, which are the best. I am dumb founded to find many of my energy light bulbs to fail shorter than the claimed hours, darn it.
How come an average Japanese person is using 1/2 of energy as compared to average person in US. I am learning about this in http://californiareport.org/ and http://www.kqed.org/news/climatewatch/ with this wonderful article Keeping up with the Sakakis in Japan
There is so much that we can learn from the Japanese who stay focused in reduction on energy consumption. However, with the onslaught of electronic devices, what are the guidelines to watch for consumer electronics? Do our industry set guidelines for electronic devices.
How truthful is the inconvenient truth documentary that I watched in awe and got aspired from our previous vice president with Al Gore. Youtube clip in next paragraph.

I always like to shoot green tree leaves in back-lit scene and the brilliant light shining through the leaves vividly gives me comfort and inspiration for a green initiative that has come alive in my blog. Please join me in paying close attention to our natural environment and make it our daily efforts to think, plan and preserve our environments that we have no regrets in leaving our footprints for the future generations to come.

All photos taken with Pentax K20D and
Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro

Sigma 28mm f/1.8 II in Mid-Autumn Festival Night

2009-10-05T18:37:00.001-07:00

I am the idiot who sold the Lady Queen in Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 limited and replaced the Lady Queen with two lens with very different functionality in Sigma 28mm f/1.8 II and Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 1:1 macro. I bought the Sigma for its fast speed and a used price about $165 and the I got my Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 1:1 macro limited with a good bargain price about $375.00 new with Prodigal2000. Do I miss the Lady Queen. Hell Yes unfortunately. I don't think either of the two replacements can replace the IQ in the 31mm limited. But darn it, I feel much easier in taking out my lens and shoot the lens as a tool as an equal partner and I don't want to give any of my lens any special treatment like others do. I could imagine some of my Pentaxian friends will have a shrink with lock to protect their 31mm limited and they would have a difficult time to take out the lens in traveling. I will always question why one buys a lens that they will worry in scratching and leaving marks rather than enjoy it for what it is good for -- taking pictures. Though I truly miss my Lady Queen for its enormous image quality and superb color, I do find significant comfort and ease of usage with my competent replacements for the 31mm limited

I don't use my Sigma 28mm f/1.8 II quite often as I would love to as I have a tendency to stay with zooms in outings in the weekends and vacation. I busted my prime with 28mm this weekend with Mid-Autumn festival with lanterns and moon cake and a visit to Don Edwards SF Bay Wildlife Refuge for its Shark Day event.

1/40 sec, f/1.7, 28mm, iso 2000, 0 Ev

1/50 sec, f/2.2, 28mm, iso 1600, 0 Ev

1/10 sec, f/2.2, 28mm, iso 2000, 0 Ev
Flare noted, not sure if I mounted the
lens hood

1/10 sec, f/2.5, 28mm, iso 2000, -1/3 Ev

1/6 sec, f/2.5, 28mm, iso 2000, 0 Ev

1/3 sec, f/2.5, 28mm, iso 2000, 0 Ev

1/10 sec, f/1.7, 28mm, iso 3200, 0 Ev

We ended the day with mooncake
1/40 sec, f/1.7, 28mm, iso 500, 0 Ev

Impressions & Notes

Though the lens maximum aperture was stated i f/1.8, all shots wide open in my K20D reported as f/1.7
The lens is not big and has a 58mm filter size. It is not the same as the latest DG or EX Sigma lens, build is all plastic and not of the same quality as in DG and DC Ex lens lineup
Lens is easy to handle like a 50mm in size. Close up is found decent on flowers but I don't think it has magnification ratio greater than 1:4, likely 1:6.
Flare is noted in extreme lighting when my neighbor lighting shined through the front of my lens. It was possible that I forgot to mount the lens hood.
An overall budget fast prime that do reasonably well at night but nothing in sharpness and color that would stand out like the 31mm limited. Color rendering is better in Pentax 35mm limited and the 31mm limited lenses.

REI Ultrapod II mini-tripod & Big Lenses

2009-10-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

The REI Ultrapod II mini-tripod has been my best companion that I always kept it together in the case of my DynaTran Amvona tripod. My recent table top product shots of heavy lens is a testament that this mini-tripod can take on heavy weight. I can always count on it for product shots of my gear. I used it on a 3.5 lb lens with Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 in M42 and my latest Tamron SP 80-200mm f/2.8 adaptall-2 30A, it is not a problem for the 1 foot long mini tripod. It is as dependable as I can hope for a product that cost me little when I got it in REI store online about the time that I bought my Pentax K100D in 2007.

3.5 lb Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8
on Ultrapod II

Debuting Lens with an attitude

Maybe close to 4 lbs
with Tamron SP 80-200mm f/2.8 adaptall-2 30A
with metal hood, and 01F 2x teleconverter
and Canon 70-200mm f/4.0 ring collar

There is a tip that I can share with my readers in hooking up the tripod without a quick release. While there may be an option to buy separate quick release for mounting head, I simply use it as is originally designed. I collapse the three legs and use the collapsed legs to aid to make it easier to screw in the nut onto the mounting hole on tripod ring or camera body. Not the perfect solution but this way of planned mounting will make the mounting task easier.

With legs collapsed
Velcro strap is in place to tie up the legs

Mount using the collapsed legs to
aid the mounting in clockwise direction
screwing nut onto the the mounting hole in
tripod ring or camera body bottom

again, legs collapsed and mount first onto lens
tripod mounting hole

Impressions & Notes

Very sturdy and value add for a small mini-tripod. I hope I can find copies to buy as give-away gifts planned for subscribers, commenter, friends of this blog page
A great gadget to use in hiking with small setup
Absolute joy to use with point & shoot camera
Velcro strap may not be strong enough to hold a heavy setup.
No issues on using it on table top for set up from 3.5 to 4 lbs
Tip in mounting includes using the collapsed legs and Velcro to secure the mounting screw nut onto the mounting hole with ease while turning the collapsed legs in a clockwise direction.

Tamron SP 80-200mm f/2.8 adaptall-2 30A

2009-10-01T19:17:00.001-07:00

I am thrilled to receive my new used lens with Tamron SP 80-200mm f/2.8 adaptall-2 30A. It is my upgrade and replacement for Tokina AT-x SD 80-200mm f/2.8 with 'A'. I have not seen a lens of this weight over 3 lbs and even the lens hood is a metal and has a leathery gripping sleeve similar to those found in the the focusing ring sleeve. It is such a well built lens and I think this is the BEST adaptall-2 lens that I have ever touched. I thought of disposing of my other Tamron SP 70-210mm f/3.5 adaptall-2 19AH but I was glad no one shows serious interest when I listed it for $120. The 30A cost more in the ball park of $200 to $350. I once saw a used one for $200 and I hesitated due to its weight. And this one that I get don't come with a tripod collar ring and I happen to have a matching Canon 3rd party tripod ring for cheap. It will do fine for now

Metal lens hood reverse mounted
The most heavy duty lens hood that I have seen
extremely well done in mounting and dismounting
solid like a industrial steel pipe with style
Model #: 82FH

A temporary tripod ring with 66mm
for Canon 70-200mm f/4.0 L lens

The most heavy duty metal lens hood
that I have ever used

Filter size is 77mm

The focusing ring is again top-notch like the 19AH
no zoom creep,
quick focusing with precision
about 3/5 turn in the focus throw
This lens make you scream with joy in manual focusing

Lens Hood and Tamron SP flat field 2x Telconverter 01F

With 2x Teleconverter 01F mounted

Rightly deserves the Tamron adaptall-2 p/ka adapter

I tried out few test shots in wide aperture and normal use. I was blown away with great bokeh, sharpness and ease of use with the lens. It is no doubt quite heavy but I see it as second nature when a lens can offer outstanding image quality at wide aperture. I will hopefully study the lens and share with my friends soon.

1/250 sec, f/2.8, 85mm, iso 100, +0.3 Ev

1/200 sec, f/5.6, 150mm, iso 200, 0 Ev

1/60 sec, f/5.6, 150mm, iso 200, 0 Ev

1/100 sec, f/5.6, 150mm, iso 200, 0 Ev

1/80 sec, f/5.6, 150mm, iso 200, 0 Ev

Impressions & Notes

This is the best manual focus zoom lens that I have ever used.
I consider myself extremely lucky and not shy away from the heavy weight.
I will test more and update my impressions.
I am so far blown away with image quality and build of this zoom lens. It is in another class by itself in the SP adaptall-2 lens collection.