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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Reviews by gary1952

gary1952
For EF 500mm f4 IS L USM in SLR & MFT (micro four thirds) Lenses
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Sharp
Cons
  • weight
I also own the Sigma 300mm f2.8 EX DG and 500mm F 4.5 EX DG lens. As well as the Canon 300mm F2.8 IS and 500mm IS of course. The Canon smokes the Sigma hands down. Don't wast your money. I am selling my Sigma this year. Amazing quality and optics. Pretty much what everyone else says.
gary1952
For 500mm f4.5 APO EX in SLR & MFT (micro four thirds) Lenses
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Sharp, light weight, very portable
Cons
  • None used with Pentax. No option's
I use this lens and the 300mm f2.8 for birding. With the K-5 Pentax i find it a good set up. The 500 is superb for me. Light weight and compact. Sharp enought for birding for sure. I decided in this in the Pentax mount because i travel alot. And wanted screw focus all mechanical. I am not sorry. The lens is built like a tank. I keep it in a rubber rain coat 100% of the time. I don't even remember what it looks like actually. IS on the Pentax is great!!! Hand holding is a pleasure with this lens. Not for long but do able.
Highly recommended by me anyway.

Note: I do not see a review of the 300mm f2.8 Sigma prime. I would like to add the prime is reguarded by me to be superior to the 120-300mm zoom. Combined with a IS which Pentax and Sony have, really makes these lenses shine like I have never seen. I bought both of these lenses new for Pentax just for the IS in camera. In my opinion canon and nikon users are really missing out on these two lenses. With no IS.

All pics with the 300mm f2.8 and 500mm f4.5 are here. If you are interested in some real life pics.

www.flickr.com/photos/avianphotos/
gary1952
For K-5 in Cameras, DSLR & MFT (micro four thirds)
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • High ISO, shutter speed, image qiality
Cons
  • None after the pittiful K-7
I use this body for birding and wildlife only. Coupled with the Sigma 300mm f2.8 and the Sigma 500mm f4.5 lens. This is a pretty good combo now. I was in a panic with the K-7. It is still sitting in my bag unused. I used the K-x exclusively until the k-5. I only shoot during the day and evening. Never at night. AF is fine and has pegged most fast shots. So very peased so far.
Actually I have a flickr page dedicated to the Sigma 300mm f2.8 and the Sigma 500mm f4.5 lenses which is also with the Pentax K-5 or the K-x.
You can judge for yourself from the pics there. I have seen many pics with the 7D, D3s, and not really impressed. But I am sure they are not impressed with the Pentax K-5 either.

Retired I shoot everyday. So far the K-5 has proven it's worth. Rugged and built like a small tank. I really put it thru the works let me tell you. Rain forests and mud and all weather situations.

Update: 8/2/2011 I am starting to change from Pentax to Canon. I am having so many QC problems with the Pentax. AF is a hit or miss with the 300mm f2.8 lens. Very poor.
The IQ is great. But not a camera for birding in my opinion.

www.flickr.com/photos/avianphotos/
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