Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

Tom Lusk · 11-15-2007, 12:56 PM

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I should be able to pick up this beauty a week from Saturday:

Pentax K135-600 f6.7. A big sucker, but after looking at Jim King's shots with one of these: Pentax SMC-K 135-600mm Zoom Lens Photo Gallery by Jim King at pbase.com , and the sharpness at 600mm, I think it may make a great long range bird/wildlife lens. Well worth a try for $600. I figured. Time will tell.

This lens comes with a dedicated close-up lens for this lens which shortens the minimum focus distance from 6.0 down to 3.3 meters. Are there other lenses that come supplied with such a close-up lense?

FotoPete · 11-15-2007, 12:59 PM

try extension tubes? :P holy crap that thing is a monster!

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-15-2007, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by Tom Lusk

I should be able to pick up this beauty a week from Saturday:

Pentax K135-600 f6.7. A big sucker, but after looking at Jim King's shots with one of these: Pentax SMC-K 135-600mm Zoom Lens Photo Gallery by Jim King at pbase.com , and the sharpness at 600mm, I think it may make a great long range bird/wildlife lens. Well worth a try for $600. I figured. Time will tell.

This lens comes with a dedicated close-up lens for this lens which shortens the minimum focus distance from 6.0 down to 3.3 meters. Are there other lenses that come supplied with such a close-up lense?

Very nice, comes with its own case as well, I see, but what about its own truck to move it around?

What I am not sure about, when it comes to either this, or the BIGMA, is whether I would ever want a zoom, or just a big, fast fixed focal length unit, either a 300mm f/2.8 plus matched 1.4x multiplier, or 500 f/4.5

I already have a great sigma 70-200 f/2.8 zoom and 1,4x TC and really only want more reach.

hefty1 · 11-15-2007, 01:17 PM

Originally posted by Tom Lusk

This lens comes with a dedicated close-up lens for this lens which shortens the minimum focus distance from 6.0 down to 3.3 meters. Are there other lenses that come supplied with such a close-up lense?

The old Pentax "Dental" Macro Set came with two close up lenses. I've also seen a 70's/80's vintage Vivitar macro lens with a dedicated close up lens. Seems like it's an unusual but not quite unique feature.

carpents · 11-15-2007, 01:23 PM

The new Voigtländer SL II 40mm f/2 lens comes with a close-up lens.

Congrats on the lens, start bodybuilding now.

Not Registered · 11-15-2007, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by Tom Lusk

I should be able to pick up this beauty a week from Saturday:

Pentax K135-600 f6.7. A big sucker, but after looking at Jim King's shots with one of these: Pentax SMC-K 135-600mm Zoom Lens Photo Gallery by Jim King at pbase.com , and the sharpness at 600mm, I think it may make a great long range bird/wildlife lens. Well worth a try for $600. I figured. Time will tell.

This lens comes with a dedicated close-up lens for this lens which shortens the minimum focus distance from 6.0 down to 3.3 meters. Are there other lenses that come supplied with such a close-up lense?

Have you seen the Pentax 1000 f8 in ebay?....That has to be a hell of a monster also. BTW could you use that solid cat with the T-mount?

Congrats on your lens

**jamesk8752** · 11-15-2007, 02:29 PM

Congrats, Tom. Your copy is in much better condition than mine is, and I paid $400 - you got a great bargain! I'll be interested to read your thoughts about its handling - I found it to be wildly unbalanced because the tripod mount is too far to the rear. My other issue is progressively increasing underexposure as I stop it down. These observations are based on using it with my *ist-D; it may be better with the K10D.

Tom Lusk · 11-15-2007, 03:36 PM

"I found it to be wildly unbalanced"

Sounds like we should get along just fine, then!

Gruoso- the 600 solid cat does fit my camera, but I haven't had a chance to properly test it. A sturdy tripod is on its way, so maybe I'll do a head-to-head unscientific test with the 135-600 at 600mm.

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-15-2007, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by Tom Lusk

"I found it to be wildly unbalanced"

Sounds like we should get along just fine, then!

Gruoso- the 600 solid cat does fit my camera, but I haven't had a chance to properly test it. A sturdy tripod is on its way, so maybe I'll do a head-to-head unscientific test with the 135-600 at 600mm.

Tom

when you get the lens can you run a set of test shots to plot exposure (grey scale) vs F Stop on both the K10D and *istD, I think I saw you had them both.

My bet is *istD is more accurate

vinzer · 11-15-2007, 04:23 PM

Hey Tom, nice find. I'm sure you'll put that beast to good use. Looking forward to your shots taken using this lens (or any lens for that matter).

**Eaglerapids** · 11-15-2007, 06:47 PM

Can I borrow your FA* 300/4 while you're testing that one out? :-)

Gimbal · 12-05-2007, 02:16 PM

Did you get the lens?
I would really like to know what you think about it, as I have also found one and I can’t decide if I should buy it or not.

roy · 12-05-2007, 03:54 PM

as far as support goes i recently picked up this HEAD for $100 shipped. i made an offer for $75 and it was accepted. it's got a couple problems with the plate but i've been talking to them.
also this TRIPOD for around 100. the combo works well with the 500/4.5 and tamron 300/2.8 + TCs.

m8o · 12-05-2007, 07:43 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

What I am not sure about, when it comes to either this, or the BIGMA, is whether I would ever want a zoom, or just a big, fast fixed focal length unit, either a 300mm f/2.8 plus matched 1.4x multiplier, or 500 f/4.5

Owning a 300mm f/2.8 I'd give my right nut for its 120-300mm f/2.8 sister. Maybe that's just me but the Sigma zoom is said to be so good I'd give up a tiny bit of sharpness for the flexibility and greater usability. As it is I haven't used the prime since returning from Tanzania.

Nice acquisition Tom. I didn't see this when 1st posted. Pretty radical. Do you like the contrast & color? There's a lot of loss of contrast w/my my lens and 2x TC to get me to 600mm (super sharp when it auto focuses right, but a bit 'flat' mandating pp)

little laker · 12-05-2007, 09:16 PM

I have to agree with you m8o, I have and use both 300 - 500mm primes, and my Sigma 135-400 for wildlife, and my Sigma offers me so much flexibility.
Too bad that it appears to be flawed, however I'll be sending it into Sigma soon along with a body to get calibrated.
This will hopefully perfect it's performance.

11-15-2007, 12:56 PM	#1
Tom Lusk Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 973	New (old) lens on its way! Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I should be able to pick up this beauty a week from Saturday: Pentax K135-600 f6.7. A big sucker, but after looking at Jim King's shots with one of these: Pentax SMC-K 135-600mm Zoom Lens Photo Gallery by Jim King at pbase.com , and the sharpness at 600mm, I think it may make a great long range bird/wildlife lens. Well worth a try for $600. I figured. Time will tell. This lens comes with a dedicated close-up lens for this lens which shortens the minimum focus distance from 6.0 down to 3.3 meters. Are there other lenses that come supplied with such a close-up lense?

11-15-2007, 03:36 PM	#8
Tom Lusk Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 973 Original Poster	Jim- "*I found it to be wildly unbalanced*" Sounds like we should get along just fine, then! Gruoso- the 600 solid cat does fit my camera, but I haven't had a chance to properly test it. A sturdy tripod is on its way, so maybe I'll do a head-to-head unscientific test with the 135-600 at 600mm.

12-05-2007, 03:54 PM	#13
roy Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: D/FW area, Tx. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,710	as far as support goes i recently picked up this HEAD for $100 shipped. i made an offer for $75 and it was accepted. it's got a couple problems with the plate but i've been talking to them. also this TRIPOD for around 100. the combo works well with the 500/4.5 and tamron 300/2.8 + TCs. Last edited by roy; 12-06-2007 at 07:13 AM.

11-15-2007, 12:59 PM	#2
FotoPete Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,774	try extension tubes? :P holy crap that thing is a monster!

11-15-2007, 01:03 PM	#3
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Originally posted by Tom Lusk I should be able to pick up this beauty a week from Saturday: Pentax K135-600 f6.7. A big sucker, but after looking at Jim King's shots with one of these: Pentax SMC-K 135-600mm Zoom Lens Photo Gallery by Jim King at pbase.com , and the sharpness at 600mm, I think it may make a great long range bird/wildlife lens. Well worth a try for $600. I figured. Time will tell. This lens comes with a dedicated close-up lens for this lens which shortens the minimum focus distance from 6.0 down to 3.3 meters. Are there other lenses that come supplied with such a close-up lense? Very nice, comes with its own case as well, I see, but what about its own truck to move it around? What I am not sure about, when it comes to either this, or the BIGMA, is whether I would ever want a zoom, or just a big, fast fixed focal length unit, either a 300mm f/2.8 plus matched 1.4x multiplier, or 500 f/4.5 I already have a great sigma 70-200 f/2.8 zoom and 1,4x TC and really only want more reach.

11-15-2007, 01:17 PM	#4
hefty1 Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Buckinghamshire, UK Posts: 30	Originally posted by Tom Lusk This lens comes with a dedicated close-up lens for this lens which shortens the minimum focus distance from 6.0 down to 3.3 meters. Are there other lenses that come supplied with such a close-up lense? The old Pentax "Dental" Macro Set came with two close up lenses. I've also seen a 70's/80's vintage Vivitar macro lens with a dedicated close up lens. Seems like it's an unusual but not quite unique feature.

11-15-2007, 01:23 PM	#5
carpents Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: West Chester, PA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,420	The new Voigtländer SL II 40mm f/2 lens comes with a close-up lens. Congrats on the lens, start bodybuilding now.

11-15-2007, 01:31 PM	#6
Not Registered Guest	Originally posted by Tom Lusk I should be able to pick up this beauty a week from Saturday: Pentax K135-600 f6.7. A big sucker, but after looking at Jim King's shots with one of these: Pentax SMC-K 135-600mm Zoom Lens Photo Gallery by Jim King at pbase.com , and the sharpness at 600mm, I think it may make a great long range bird/wildlife lens. Well worth a try for $600. I figured. Time will tell. This lens comes with a dedicated close-up lens for this lens which shortens the minimum focus distance from 6.0 down to 3.3 meters. Are there other lenses that come supplied with such a close-up lense? Have you seen the Pentax 1000 f8 in ebay?....That has to be a hell of a monster also. BTW could you use that solid cat with the T-mount? Congrats on your lens

11-15-2007, 02:29 PM	#7
jamesk8752 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Suburban Detroit, MI, USA Posts: 238	Congrats, Tom. Your copy is in much better condition than mine is, and I paid $400 - you got a great bargain! I'll be interested to read your thoughts about its handling - I found it to be wildly unbalanced because the tripod mount is too far to the rear. My other issue is progressively increasing underexposure as I stop it down. These observations are based on using it with my *ist-D; it may be better with the K10D.

11-15-2007, 03:55 PM	#9
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Originally posted by Tom Lusk "*I found it to be wildly unbalanced" Sounds like we should get along just fine, then! Gruoso- the 600 solid cat does fit my camera, but I haven't had a chance to properly test it. A sturdy tripod is on its way, so maybe I'll do a head-to-head unscientific test with the 135-600 at 600mm. Tom when you get the lens can you run a set of test shots to plot exposure (grey scale) vs F Stop on both the K10D and istD, I think I saw you had them both. My bet is *istD is more accurate

11-15-2007, 04:23 PM	#10
vinzer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philippines Posts: 1,399	Hey Tom, nice find. I'm sure you'll put that beast to good use. Looking forward to your shots taken using this lens (or any lens for that matter).

11-15-2007, 06:47 PM	#11
Eaglerapids Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Idaho,USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,619	Can I borrow your FA* 300/4 while you're testing that one out? :-)

12-05-2007, 02:16 PM	#12
Gimbal Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 2,106	Did you get the lens? I would really like to know what you think about it, as I have also found one and I can’t decide if I should buy it or not.

12-05-2007, 07:43 PM	#14
m8o Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: 40°-55'-44" N / 73°-24'-07" W [on LI] Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,092	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge What I am not sure about, when it comes to either this, or the BIGMA, is whether I would ever want a zoom, or just a big, fast fixed focal length unit, either a 300mm f/2.8 plus matched 1.4x multiplier, or 500 f/4.5 Owning a 300mm f/2.8 I'd give my right nut for its 120-300mm f/2.8 sister. Maybe that's just me but the Sigma zoom is said to be so good I'd give up a tiny bit of sharpness for the flexibility and greater usability. As it is I haven't used the prime since returning from Tanzania. Nice acquisition Tom. I didn't see this when 1st posted. Pretty radical. Do you like the contrast & color? There's a lot of loss of contrast w/my my lens and 2x TC to get me to 600mm (super sharp when it auto focuses right, but a bit 'flat' mandating pp)

12-05-2007, 09:16 PM	#15
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	I have to agree with you m8o, I have and use both 300 - 500mm primes, and my Sigma 135-400 for wildlife, and my Sigma offers me so much flexibility. Too bad that it appears to be flawed, however I'll be sending it into Sigma soon along with a body to get calibrated. This will hopefully perfect it's performance.

New (old) lens on its way!

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!