Andy Morgan Photography

Pentax K1

The Pentax K1 is a full-frame 36.4MP DSLR. The features that made me pull the trigger on this camera rather than its higher-priced competitors were: The Pixel Shift, Astrotracer, Weather Seal and the price point. The Pentax K1 is not the first choice for action photographers (sports or wildlife) because of a lower frame rate (frames per second). However, reviews on the dynamic range and capabilities as a landscape and astrophotography camera were very attractive to me. I’ve been shooting with this camera for about 1 year and so far, zero buyers remorse. I’m very much enjoying my big chunky Pentax.

The Pentax K1 Mark II is now available with an improved Pixel Shift and Autofocus tracking.

Pentax HD D* FA 70-200mm f/2.8 lens

This is one fantastically sharp lens. I love it! The * rating that Pentax gives on lenses, designates that the lens is Pentax’s top of the line lens series, ‘combining exceptional imaging power and image rendition with outstanding operability and environmental resistance performance.” This lens has been a go-to lens for me in many landscapes and wildlife settings.

Rokinon 20mm f/1.8

My go-to wide angle lens for landscape and night photography. Sharp, fast and not too expensive.

Pentax D FA 2.8 15-30mm

My latest lens. Very sharp wide angle lens. This will be a wonderful edition to my night and landscape tools.

Sigma DG 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3

Another piece I picked up pre-owned on eBay. Only had it a couple of months, so far it’s been good to have for that extra needed reach.

Pentax-F SMC 1.7x AF Adapter Teleconverter

This teleconverter has a unique feature. It has an auto-focus mechanism that allows a manual focus lens to become an autofocus lens. I have not used it for that purpose yet. I’ve used very little it as a 1.7x teleconverter. It can be a little tricky to match with the lens.

Peak Design Leash Strap

The most comfortable camera strap I’ve owned. Love the quick connectors.

B + W 10-stop ND Filter

It does what its supposed to do…stop light. Leaves a bit of reddish tint, easily corrected with white balance adjustment.

Pluto Trigger

Remote, lightning trigger, star trails, laser trigger, sound trigger, motion trigger….24 total settings. My reason for acquiring was for the lightning trigger. Works with an app on your phone. I’ve only had a chance to test it a couple times. Was able to get a lightning shot during the day. I’ll update after more use as to how well it works in a future blog post.

Circular Polorizar

Off brand circular polarizing filter.

Apache 3800 & 4800 Cases

For us frugal photographers – This is a generic Pelican style case sold at Harbor Freight Tools. With one of Harbor Freight’s big sales, I paid less than $30. Compare that to the Pelican price.

It’s a pull-apart foam inserts with a hard outer case. I’m able to fit my Pentax body, 20mm lens, 35-70mm lens, a teleconverter, pluto trigger, two 77mm filters and I still have a little room for another small item. I’m thinking about picking up a second case.

I recently picked up the larger 4800 case. Same pull-apart foam and hard case. I’m now using this case for my Sigma 50-500mm, Pentax 70-200mm and my Pentax  15-30mm

Polaroid Table Top Tripod

A garage sale find! This little tripod is excellent! Small enough to fit in even some pants pockets! Very sturdy, able to hold my big DSLR and 20mm lens. 

Slik 330dx & Manfrotto MKCompact

I’m not one to spend a lot on high-end tripods. The Slik has served me very well. It’s been in the swamp water of the Everglades, in the salt water of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, banged around the rocky terrain of the Chihuahuan Desert and even been ‘sampled’ by some mice for nesting material. He’s lost a couple of rubber feet along the way, but he’s the iron man.

I picked up the Manrotto about a year ago. It has a pistol grip head. I haven’t used it much at all yet; it’s my back-up for my Slik.

Bean Bag/Sleeve

Zero points for attractiveness, but this is a very important piece of gear. I made this over a year ago. I cut off the sleeve on an old insulated windbreaker. Filled it with dry beans and sewed up each end. This bean bag has come in very handy. Lay it over my vehicle window and it stabilizes my telephoto lens, throw it over a fence, rocks, the ground, anywhere where you need assistance holding your camera/lens steady and a tripod just won’t do it.

Geekoto 75″ X25 Tripod

So far I love this tripod! Adjusts from 24″ t0 75″ tall. One leg can be removed to be used as a monopod. Full 360-degree panorama and ball joint. Has worked great with all of my lenses…including the ‘Bigma’ 50-500mm