Hin's Photo Corner: July 2008

Tamron-F Tele-converter 2x KR MC4 -- 600mm Tamron Lens

2008-07-31 Posted by Hin Man

Conventional wisdom has told us to use TC only with prime. With a 2X TC, it is not advisable to use with a consumer grade lens. With a limited budget, I have to defy the conventional wisdom and get the cheapo TC to a work out

My 600mm rig stands tall and it is hand-holdable in 600mm.
Tamron 70-300 Di LD
Tamron-F 2x KR MC4 TC

The TC has 6 electrical contacts with aperture metering all pass through TC from lens back to body. 'A' metering is available and manual focus at 600mm is still feasible. Some test pictures done with Pentax K10D

70mm perspective without TC

Tamron-F 2x KR MC4 TC, Tamron 70-300 Di LD Test Pictures

300mm without TC

600mm with Tamron 2x TC

Impressions & Notes:

Feasible to hand hold the TC + Tamron lens as walk around as all are pretty lightweight
AF is lost with the TC
No SDM contacts noted in the TC
2 stop loss in metering, effectively 600mm at f/11.00, quite taxing
TC not suitable for shots with movement
SR works quite well though with static objects
Due to manual focus lens, SR focal length can be dialed in correctly for 600mm in the long end.
SR is found to be effective.
Expect better sharpness with use of tripod
Expect better sharpness with use of better lens as a prime

Promaster 1.7x AF Teleconverter Pentax

2008-07-29 Posted by Hin Man

Promaster Spectrum 7 1.7x AF Teleconverter Pentax

I bought this item brand new from ebay store Wolfes-Camera and the price I paid was fairly decent for $69.99. I doubt initially if the AF would work at all when I purchased this item. And I tried it on both of my Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and Tamron 70-300 Di LD Macro and auto focus works though there is more obvious focus hunting for the long Tamron zoom in the long end

The TC has all the 7 electrical contacts on the rim outside along with two golden SDM contacts inside. It has 4 groups with 4 elements and it has MC coating as noted in the specification.

Auto focus is slower than the Tamron 1.4x Pz-AF MC4 TC. Perhaps the field of view is narrow at 510mm, a busy surrounding and low light will have it hunt for focus. Once target is in focus, it is not as bad. And I am more than thrilled to have a 510mm for bird photos from a good distance. Some test shots with Tamron 70-300 Di LD Macro in ISO 400 and mostly f/8.0.

Hummingbird with Tamron 70-300 Di LD, Pentax K10D,Promaster Spectrum 7 1.7x AF Teleconverter Pentax

Impressions & Notes:

AF obviously works and I have tried it successfully on Tamron 70-300 Di LD and Tamron 28-75 f/2.8
AF is slower in Promaster 1.7x as compared to Tamron 1.4x TC
I am extremely surprised that PF/CA are not seen yet with the TC. I shot the similar locations when the bird is resting with backlighting branches, Tamron 1.4x TC all end up in purple tree but not so with the Promaster 1.7x. I am hopeful that this TC works better with PF/CA control.
Color and contrast are a bit flat but reasonable in the shot
510mm is very achievable with the TC and IQ are yet to be confirmed with more use
I am happy as a clam to get a 510mm rig with this TC
The Promaster weighs 4 oz and it is not that much bigger than the Tamron 1.4x TC and hand-holding with Tamron long zoom is very feasible. Though SR stays at 300mm for the long end and my short trial seem to have reasonable sharpness.
Most of my initial test shots range from 10 to 15 feet away from the birds, a longer distance testing will help to judge the TC.
IQ with shots in close range shorter than 30 feet seems very good, SR at 300mm in long end still helps in shorter distance shooting.
IQ at full extension to 510mm with subjects at far distance seem to have more problems with blur images.
In all testing, AF works effectively in good lighting condition.

1:1 Macro with Extension tubes

2008-07-28 Posted by Hin Man

After I tried the Vivitar AT-22 extension tubes with my Pentax A 50mm f/2.8 1:2 Macro with 20mm extension, I try it again this morning with my Pentax K 100mm f/4.0 1:2 Macro. It is extremely difficult if NOT impossible to do hand-holding.

Pentax K 100mm f/4.0 1:2 Macro
Vivitar AT-22 extension tubes

Extension tubes used: 36+12=48mm
No sharpening applied in pp;
all are hand-held in iso 400

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

Pentax K 100mm f/4.0 1:2 Macro + Vivitar AT-22 Macro extension tubes 12mm + 36mm extension tubes

When I turn my focus to the minimum closest distance with marking at 1:2 ratio, I have an extremely difficult time to obtain focus in 1:1, but when I turn slightly to 1:2.5 or 1:2.2 minimal focusing distance, I find focus feasible as compared to 1:1 with the extension tubes. The closer to 1:1, the harder it is to obtain focus, perhaps due to the razor thin DOF.

With two different shoot out, I have to say that the extension tubes are good to retain bokeh, flare control and CA control with the lens with no addition of optical elements. But I find 100mm is too difficult for me to do hand-holding without tripod whereas 50mm is a bit easier to obtain focus for me.

Impressions & Notes:

It is much harder to do hand holding with extension tubes on 100mm as compared to 50mm
The closer I am with 1:2 original marking on macro lens with extension tube on, I find it extremely difficult if NOT impossible to focus.
1:1 macro is difficult to do without tripod
Extension Tubes continue to benefit with no optical elements, flare control as well as CA are well within the limits of the lens used
My 100mm usually stay about a foot from closest distance and with the extension tubes, that advantage of having a good distance in shooting bugs is lost
Bokeh seems unchanged with the use of extension tubes
In practice, I don't seem to be able to shoot in 1:1 at the 1:2 marking on my 100mm macro lens. I end up shooting most of my test shots in 1:2.2 and 1:2.5 marking.

Vivitar AT-22 Macro Extension Tubes

2008-07-24 Posted by Hin Man

With recommendation from another Pentaxian, Joachim H. SKeie, I purchased a used Vivitar AT-22 Macro Extension tube sets with 12mm, 20mm, and 36mm extension tubes. My copy is in mint condition that seems like new. Joachim uses it exclusively with his Pentax M 100mm f/4.0 1:2 Macro (from Joachim's blog) and I have the similar version with Pentax K 100mm f/4.0 1:2 Macro

With the extension tubes, two of my 1:2 macro can get close and over the 1:1 magnification ratio. The extension tubes can be stacked together to add addition of magnification (extension length / Lens' focal length) to the macro ratio. For instance, Joachim uses two extension tubes in stacking 36mm and 20mm together to yield 56/100 + 1/2 ~ 1.1 which is over the 1:1 magnification ratio.

My Vivitar AT-22 extension tubes are well built with fine material and finish. Though it does not have the electrical contacts, it has the mechanical aperture control that allows one to do stop down metering. It is unlike many other extension tubes that don't have the mechanical linkage to do stop down metering.

I used the 20mm extension tube with my Pentax A 50mm f/2.8 1:2 Macro. The addition of magnification ratio is 20/50mm = 0.4 making my 1:2 Macro near 1:1. Here are few test shots that I did one morning. The wind was getting in the way with focusing and I did all shots with single hand, hence the softness in some of the test shots. I hand held the shot with my right hand while I used my left hand in holding the flower still, you can actually see my left hand in the bokeh.

Pentax A 50mm f/2.8 1:2 Macro + Vivitar AT-22 Macro extension tubes with 12mm, 20mm and 38mm

Impressions & Notes:

Extension Tubes is well built and flexible in extending 50mm and 100mm with magnification closer and over 1:1
Mechanical aperture control allows stop down metering
There are no electrical contacts and 'A' metering is not possible with the set up
Trap focus is disabled in the setup without the electrical contacts
No addition of PF/CA is noted in the setup as there is no optical element added
No addition of flare for the same reason of no addition of optical element
1:1 macro is difficult to do in hand holding as the DOF range is razor thin making hand holding a big challenge. The difficulty holds true in other setup with macro extension and diopter but the extension tubes may make it even harder for me with the loss of trap focus.
I am not certain if I dial in the correct SR focal length. With the 20mm mounted on my A 50mm f/2.8 Macro, I dial in 70mm. Need to confirm with others.

Tamron 1.4x Pz-AF MC4 Teleconverter

2008-07-23 Posted by Hin Man

Tamron-F AF Teleconverter

1.4x Pz-AF MC4

Out of 2 month of searching everywhere, I finally found this item sold by another Pentaxian as an used item. This item has been out of production from Tamron and it is a rare item that doesn't show up frequently in eBay and local store. In a way, I take that as real luck on my part in getting this item.

Here are some tele shots taken mostly at 300mm (or 420mm) using the adapter with my Tamron 70-300mm Di LD Macro.

Picture taken with Pentax K10D, Tamron 70-300 Di LD Macro & Tamron 1.4x Pz-AF MC4 Teleconverter

Impressions & Notes:

AF stays on and it is utmost important to me in shooting tele-shot as I need all the help that I can get in focusing.
Test shots don't reveal big loss of light and picture quality
PF/CA happens more frequently with Tamron 70-300 Di LD Macro
With adapter, my Tamron long end comes out reasonably sharp in 420mm. I would expect better sharpness with a tripod. The PF/CA is bummer and I see more at f/8.0 and f/11.0 in the test shots.
Physical noise from auto focusing can be pronounced. Once focused around target, noise and speed in auto-focusing is not an issue.
Relatively inexpensive way to get to 420mm in good lighting
An overall satisfactory purchase, a definite keeper and an highly recommended item from me
More information can be found in this long discussion in Tamron 1.4x TC converter pictures
Another similar choice is Kenko 1.5x with auto focus that is about half the price of the Tamron. I hear mix reports with some user complaining on inability to autofocus.
AutoFocus is key with the Tele especially to catch up with birds movement that need fast action. As much as I love manual focus, I need as much help as I can get from the gear in shooting birds in flight.
My version has 7 electrical contacts and 2 inside contacts for the SDM. It has the MC4 in the model.

Related:

Thoughts on Fuji F30 -- mini review

2008-07-22 Posted by Hin Man

My Fuji F30 & Joby Gorillapod

Picture taken with Pentax K100D and DA 50-200

It is this combination of Fuji F30 and Joby Gorillapod that produces the banner of Hin's Photo Blog. The banner picture is one of my favorite pictures done in Fuji F30 among the others of my Fuji F30 shots selected for the following mosaic.

1. DSCF0019, 2. DSCF0081, 3. DSCF0139, 4. DSCF0140, 5. DSCF0150, 6. DSCF0262, 7. DSCF0271, 8. DSCF0317, 9. DSCF0306, 10. DSCF0570, 11. DSCF0575, 12. Macau Sai Wan Bridge b&w, 13. DSCF0584 in b&w, 14. DSCF0596, 15. DSCF0607, 16. DSCF0630, 17. DSCF0638, 18. DSCF0646, 19. DSCF0666, 20. DSCF0725, 21. DSCF0710, 22. DSCF0706, 23. DSCF0784, 24. Sunset, 25. DSCF0857, 26. DSCF0875, 27. DSCF0902, 28. DSCF0901, 29. sf_bay_bridge, 30. Home & Blue Sky, 31. Pretty Sky & Barn House, 32. iPhone, 33. DSCF1247, 34. DSCF1363, 35. DSCF1327, 36. IMGP2152

Impressions & Notes

A great point & shoot with strength for high ISO pictures.
A great point & shoot to backup a dSLR, ideal for traveling light and works great for indoor, party and night shooting.
A bit bulky compared to others but the great strength is in the great ergonomics that provide a firm which I rely on heavily to shoot in 1/4 second in ISO 400.
Auto ISO is erratic in the auto picture mode with tendency to go to ISO 800/1600 (the mode with the Red camera icon) . I default to use the M mode and learn to compensate with Ev compensation
Outdoor pictures have good color and contrast, I refrain from using the Auto ISO as it tends to go high and I prefer fixed ISO or auto iso up to 400
The built in flash is very capable as compared to my other point & shoot that I have used in the past. As long as I don't stay too close, the flash works very well.
AF assist light with red color comes in very handy and I have used it in the dark as in party or aquarium visit with no issues, very dependable AF
Macro on flowers and close up to gadgets are very reasonable with this p&s.
Daytime outdoor photos tend to overexpose and I usually have Ev -1/3 as a default in M mode
The menu and user interface is quite poor and easy to get mistakes in hitting the wrong button. I used this camera since 2006 and I still not managed to remember its button and menu design -- very odd design
Biggest gripe from me is on the use of xD card and it is the slowest as compared to SD card.
Battery life is outstanding
Shutter lag is very minimum in my use with the camera.
High ISO pictures are outstanding up to ISO 400. I have no issues at all with noise at ISO400. It is my go to gadget for night time traveling shooting.

Dynatran AT-CF992 Tripod from Amvona

2008-07-21 Posted by Hin Man

I purchased Dynatran AT CF992 from ebay almost a year ago and it is quite good in quality and it has three level indicators, made of Carbon Fiber with 4.75lb weight and the maximum support of 8.8 lb. The tripod exceeded my expectation and I would pay more had it not offered in eBay through the store vendor of Amvona.

Other tripods considered include DynaTran AT 858B on eBay as well as many Manfrotto Bogen tripods.

Pentax K100D on DynaTran AT-CF992 from Amvona

I seldom use tripod and I paid the price in not knowing to setup my tripod quickly. I began using the tripod on fireworks as well as sunset shooting.

Portraits with Pentax DA 50-200 f/4.0-5.6

Pentax DA 50-200 f/4.0-5.6 on right
Pentax FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 in silver on left
Pentax DA 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 in middle

Picutre of Pentax DA 50-200 f/4.0-5.6 along with Pentax Kit's lens and Pentax FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5

In an act to trim down my gear, I actually sold this lens to a user in Canada. One month after the sale, I could not resist the temptation in buying it back about the similar price that I sold it for. The lens is reasonable in picture quality and I have great liking of the lens for few areas:

Portraits -- that is right, I like to use this lens for my boys' portraits. It has similar color and quality with my Tamron 70-300 Di LD Macro in the range from 50mm to 150mm. It is quite sharp for its price and the lens has much less occurrences of CA.
Lightweight -- I use this lens for walk around purpose with an emphasis on portraits and longer need as in hiking
Close focusing is quite alright with this lens. I may invest a Raynox 250/150 macro adapter.

Here are few pictures with my boys when they don't pay attention to my shooting, which is key to taking my boys' photos successfully without them playing hike and seek from my camera.

Portraits with Pentax K10D and Pentax DA 50-200 f/4.0-5.6

I may be making the wrong decision as I do have few overlapping lens, but one thing that I know for sure that the DA 50-200 stands out among my overlapping zoom lens is on its lightweight and highly usable focal range.

Related:

Portraits with Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 Di LD & AF540

2008-07-17 Posted by Hin Man

I have come to depend on my Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 Di LD as my go to lens for portraits and it has taken me a while to get to like this lens without whining. While everyone has praised greatly on this lens, I was a bit troubled by its heavier weight with 1.5 lb as compared to other short zoom lens that I have handled such as the Pentax DA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5, Pentax DA 28-80 f/3.5-4.7 Power Zoom and Tokina 28-70 f/2.8-4.3 with A.

The weight is definitely heavier but I get over the whining stage on the increased weight and get to enjoy this lens for Portraits, Walk around as in hiking and night time shooting for fireworks on July 4th weekend recently. A while back, I got asked to help taking pictures of my neighbor's children's birthday party and it was my first time I used this lens along with the AF 540 Flash. And I picked the right lens for the occasion as the focal range and fast speed has come to help and results are satisfactory though I made a lot of newbie mistakes not knowing how to bounce my flash properly

My Lovely Neighbor

Picture with Pentax K100D & Tamron SP 28-75 f/2.8 Di LD

Mothery Love

Another Neighbor Precious Boy

Happy boy with Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 & AF540 Flash

I call this Happy

Impressions & Notes:

Lens is very sharp and its focal range well suited for party
Great lens to capture kids in motion
Fast speed, a great combination with Pentax AF540 flash
Color tend to be warmer than my liking. I actually choose some of the warm pictures and convert them to B&W for a change.
Weight is heavier than my other portrait lens but I have overcome the obvious stage of whining
AF seems fast enough for me in the party which is quite dark in a nightclub setting.
Its wide end at 28mm is not wide enough in digital after the cropping factor, I usually pair this portrait zoom with my Tokina AF 19-35 f/3.5-4.5 or Spiratone 20mm f/2.8.
Since my first time on AF540, I find the WB on flash setting ideal for the shooting. Somehow if I use the auto WB, I don't get satisfactory results and I default all of flash shooting to the preset of flash WB
I used 'P' program mode in some of the shots to avoid error and count on the camera to do the setting for me -- shame!
The flash in AF540 takes quite a long time to recharge, there are times I lost patience in waiting for the recharge

Nighttime Go To Lens -- Vivitar 24mm f/2.8 with A

2008-07-15 Posted by Hin Man

My fastest prime is my Pentax FA 50 f/1.4 but if I need a wider angle, I always count on my Vivitar 24mm f/2.8 with 'A' aperture and I usually shoot my night pictures with this inexpensive lens wide open. I still don't know the manufacturer of this lens and its serial number starts with 99 which draw me to think that it is from Cosina. I don't see great reviews from others about Cosina 24mm f/2.8 lens but I do find my copy very capable for my nighttime shooting.

A recent visit to Old Fisherman Wharf near Monterey Bay Aquarium of California

Picture taken with Pentax K10D & Vivitar 24mm f/2.8 with 'A' from Cosina

Rappa's Harbor View
A great restaurant with harbor view

I am yet to learn Hyperfocal Distance to use my lens at night time to assist with manual focusing with this lens. Here is a very good tutorial on Hyperfocal Distance

Do you know Hyperfocal Distance?

My Vivitar 24mm f/2.8 is one of my favorite for night time shooting

Related:

Hin's Photo Corner

Tamron-F Tele-converter 2x KR MC4 -- 600mm Tamron Lens

Promaster 1.7x AF Teleconverter Pentax

1:1 Macro with Extension tubes

Vivitar AT-22 Macro Extension Tubes

Tamron 1.4x Pz-AF MC4 Teleconverter

Thoughts on Fuji F30 -- mini review

Dynatran AT-CF992 Tripod from Amvona

Portraits with Pentax DA 50-200 f/4.0-5.6

Portraits with Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 Di LD & AF540

Nighttime Go To Lens -- Vivitar 24mm f/2.8 with A

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