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Archive 2015 · Pentax 645D vs. Nikon D810 for whale tour

  
 
architect7
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Pentax 645D vs. Nikon D810 for whale tour


Hi everyone, my family and I have a private whale tour scheduled in the San Juan Islands over Labor Day weekend. I own a Nikon D810 which I plan to take with my 200-400mm f4G VR1 for telephoto shots. I would like to bring a second body for closer whale action and my initial plan was to rent a second Nikon D810 and use it with my Tamron SP 24-70mm 2.8 VC Di USD lens. However, I've always wanted to try one of the newer Pentax 645D/645Z cameras. The rental cost for a Pentax combo is substantially more than the D810 but I really like the perspective that medium format provides and this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip so I'm not too worried about cost vs. value. Any thoughts I should take into consideration before making a decision? If I do take the Pentax, is the 645z worth it over the 645d? And which lens should I take for the Pentax? I'd like it to be a zoom with impeccable glass that can get somewhat wide (at least 24mm equivalent on full frame DSLR). Thank you!


Jul 17, 2015 at 11:52 AM
Alexluu627
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Pentax 645D vs. Nikon D810 for whale tour


Since I own a pentax 645d and d810 I would advise you to just keep the pentax at home. The autofocus is not good enough to capture heavy movement especially in water. You might not be able to capture the moment. I would stick with your nikon for these shots and invest in some more glass for it. Medium format cameras arent meant for this type of stuff and don't believe the hype to much that these cameras are that much better in IQ.


Jul 17, 2015 at 12:53 PM
dalite
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Pentax 645D vs. Nikon D810 for whale tour


Bring the D810, Tammy 28-75mm, 200-400mm and rent another Nikon body.


Jul 17, 2015 at 01:12 PM
iammikie
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Pentax 645D vs. Nikon D810 for whale tour


I have owned the 645D and 645Z and most of the Pentax lenses. I currently own the Nikon D810 and D4S. My suggestion would be to stay with Nikon for the type of photography that you will be doing or perhaps rent the D4S for action shots.

Edited on Jul 17, 2015 at 01:27 PM · View previous versions



Jul 17, 2015 at 01:25 PM
KaaX
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Pentax 645D vs. Nikon D810 for whale tour


If you want a 24-70, what will you whale tour involve, orcas from a Zodiac? For a "regular" whale-watching expedition from a typical-sized ship, I'd take a 70-200 to complement the 200-400, not a wide-angle.

Edited on Jul 17, 2015 at 03:11 PM · View previous versions



Jul 17, 2015 at 01:27 PM
Frogfish
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Pentax 645D vs. Nikon D810 for whale tour


Whales ? I was surprised when recently taking shots on a day trip out of Husavik, Iceland, at the number of times I'd fill the buffer trying to get that ideal moment when the fluke was positioned perfectly. That really says it's just got to be the D810 + another body (you won't need it unless they come close but then you'll kick yourself if they do and you miss THE shot).


Jul 17, 2015 at 02:31 PM
allstarimaging
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Pentax 645D vs. Nikon D810 for whale tour


not sure what time of day you are going but if at all possible see if you can get out for the first two hours or the last two hours of the day. Shooting on the water at mid day with a subject that has a dark body on dark water in midday light will generally not produce a wall hanger shot.

Jack



Jul 17, 2015 at 02:37 PM
architect7
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Pentax 645D vs. Nikon D810 for whale tour


Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all of your insight. I'll pass on the Pentax and rent a second D810.


Jul 18, 2015 at 03:49 AM





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