Full-frame image
Phase One 645AF Mamiya 300
P65+ f/11 1/350 ISO100
Handheld
100% Crop
I've been writing and showing samples of the Mamiya 150D and 300 since Dave Gallagher sent the 2-lenses and a Phase 645AF to me while I'm here in Jackson Hole WY
"Moran Herd"
Phase One 645AF Mamiya 300
P65+ f/8 1/320 ISO100
Handheld
100% Crop
We've been stalking 2-separate herds the past couple days; one in the Moran area, the other near Kelly. The heard in the Moran area have been staying far from the main road and only really accessible by a single track road which now has over 6" of snow. Thankfully we have 4-wheel drive and can cross 30" of water. Going out to a place named Elk Ranch we cross approximately 18" of ice encrusted water then on to a unplowed road which has 6" to 8" of snow. Traveling the road about 2 miles will get you close to where the herd is. Sometimes we're lucky and get within several hundred yards of them as they graze while other times we're no closer than 1,000 yards. Makes for very difficult shooting.
"Moran Herd"
Phase One 645AF Mamiya 300
P65+ f/8 1/320 ISO100
Handheld
100% Crop
This is the herd we encountered on our first day of testing the Mamiya 300 and was unable to achieve any clear images due to blowing snow. The images below were all captured from a distance of close to if not over 1000 yards. We've been keeping a close eye of this herd has they have 2-new born calves which is unusual this late in the year. We're told the coat of a new-born are reddish-orange which gradually turns brown as they get older.
"Kelly Herd"
Phase One 645AF Mamiya 300
P65+ f/8 1/320 ISO100
Handheld
100% Crop
The other herd is near Kelly WY
"Kelly Herd"
Phase One 645AF Mamiya 300
P65+ f/8 1/320 ISO100
Handheld
100% Crop
Shooting conditions:
The Moran herd was captured in near perfect conditions with bright skies with falling or blowing snow. The only difficulty was the distance involved.
"Kelly Herd"
Phase One 645AF mamiya 300
P65+ f/8 1/320 ISO100
Handheld
The Kelly herd was captured as the sun had pasted behind heavy cloud coverage making the area almost dusk. There was no snow falling and very little wind; just very cold.
"Kelly Herd"
Phase One 645AF Mamiya 300
P65+ f/8 1/320 ISO100
Handheld
100% Crop
The Moran herd was shot using manual focus while the Kelly herd has a combination of auto and manual focus. I later switched to Sensor-Plus for the Kelly herd which helped.
"Kelly Herd"
Phase One 645AF Mamiya 300
P65+ Sensor Plus f/8 1/320 ISO200
Handheld
100% Crop
My preference is to shoot using a tripod and I do that nearly 99% when capturing landscape. While I haven't been shooting off tripod I've nevertheless have been very pleased with the results both in the landscape images as well as the wildlife. I feel the weight of the body and either the 150 or 300 along with the balance makes it very easy to shoot handheld.
"Kelly Herd"
Phase One 645AF Mamiya 300
P65+ Sensor Plus f/8 1/320 ISO200
Handheld
100% Crop
My thoughts on the Mamiya 300: I feel I've gotten a couple "Gallery" shots (images that are good enough to print and sell) not only of landscape but wildlife and am looking forward to working them up after I get home. The lens is easy to hold and use and switch from auto to manual focus and has been providing me with crystal clear images. I said earlier that I'm not totally pleased with what I did with the Kelly herd; that was user error and not the fault of my equipment. In my haste to capture the buffalo I made a rookie mistake in not checking the camera settings and ended up shooting too fast for the conditions; thus the darker colors. We're returning this evening to see if I have learned my lesson and will report later.
Bottom line - I like it. This lens serves both as a great landscape and wildlife lens.
I'll continue to test and use the 150D and 300 in the next couple days and will begin adding images from the 80D which should arrive later today.
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments and I'll attempt to address them while I have this kit.
Don
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