Who will get the DFA 150-450 & why??

Stavri · 03-09-2015, 03:53 PM

I'm linking a recent posting from timautin showing some photos of the 150-450 lens on the adobe website (If i'm correct)
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/16-pentax-news-rumors/287834-hd-pentax-d-...ml#post3185510

There's some pictures by pro photographers and the profiles of the engineers who designed the D-Fa lenses.

Last edited by Stavri; 03-09-2015 at 04:03 PM.

derekkite · 03-09-2015, 07:55 PM

Hmm. Those shots are interesting. Not prime sharp, but wide open pretty nice. The lighting conditions were harsh, but it seemed to handle it. My sigma 500 4.5 is probably sharper but wouldn't handle the harsh light as well. Or I would have to stop it down to f8 or so to get decent results. The bokeh is not buttery magnificent, but pleasant.

A friend just purchased the Canon 100-400 ii zoom, and long it was quite soft wide open. At 150mm it is sharp as a tack, but long it was disappointing.

It may be that Pentax has the advantage. It will be interesting to see what people get from it when they use it for a while.

Stavri · 03-10-2015, 05:32 AM

For the new D-Fa 150-450 the expectations are high, as Digitalis pointed out, I'm too looking to forward to see how it performs in comparison to the much beloved Canon 100-400mm II SL . In terms of IQ in the Pentax arsenal it's contending with the Sigma 100-300mm ex (from 150-300mm range) and 400mm Apo telemacro at 400mm. If it can match the IQ and resolution of the FA* 400mm f5.6 (the new coating should have better micro-contrast and punchier colors) I'll be a happy clam.

mohb · 03-10-2015, 09:55 AM

Just out of curiosity has anybody ever made a 'dog' of a lens when it should be a top of the range performer?

Reptilezz · 03-10-2015, 11:40 PM

Originally posted by derekkite

Hmm. Those shots are interesting. Not prime sharp, but wide open pretty nice. The lighting conditions were harsh, but it seemed to handle it. My sigma 500 4.5 is probably sharper but wouldn't handle the harsh light as well. Or I would have to stop it down to f8 or so to get decent results. The bokeh is not buttery magnificent, but pleasant.

A friend just purchased the Canon 100-400 ii zoom, and long it was quite soft wide open. At 150mm it is sharp as a tack, but long it was disappointing.

It may be that Pentax has the advantage. It will be interesting to see what people get from it when they use it for a while.

To me they look a bit pixelated more than soft but I'm just looking at the forum post instead of the Adobe programme version.

Stavri · 03-11-2015, 05:32 AM

Originally posted by Reptilezz

To me they look a bit pixelated more than soft but I'm just looking at the forum post instead of the Adobe programme version.

When looking at MTF values released in the specs the DFA 150-450 seems to be as sharp (if not sharper) as the Canon 100-400 IS II, we just have to wait for better published images to confirm this
.

repaap · 03-13-2015, 02:27 AM

Allready when I see these early samples, I really like idea of buying lens like this. To be used with aps-c K-3 and that FF. Focal lenght is really good for many purposes at 'teleland' and it is long enough too. Big, but as some has pointed out, really sturdy, fast AF.. Lot to like.

But it is still out of my prize range. :/

Stavri · 03-13-2015, 07:46 AM

Originally posted by repaap

Allready when I see these early samples, I really like idea of buying lens like this. To be used with aps-c K-3 and that FF. Focal lenght is really good for many purposes at 'teleland' and it is long enough too. Big, but as some has pointed out, really sturdy, fast AF.. Lot to like.

But it is still out of my prize range. :/

With all these upcoming offerings, now is the time to start a criminal enterprise. Let's partner up Repaap, I'll be Jesse to your Walter White....Let's "cook"

snostorm · 03-13-2015, 09:21 AM

For me, there are still a lot of ??? about this lens. IQ is probably the most important, but I'd also like to see how it plays with the Pentax 1.4x HD AW. Will it AF with reasonable performance at 630mm f8 with a K-3 in real life lighting conditions (anything dimmer than direct sunlight)? If so, and if the IQ is anything near what the published MTF seems to indicate, then I'll buy one, and also get the TC which I haven't required so far (I have all screw drive ultra teles at this time, so my Sigma and Tamron 1.4x TCs have been sufficient for my needs).

At 4.4 lbs, this would be considerably lighter than what I currently use to get past 500mm substantially, a 300/2.8 (6 lbs +) + stacked converters (2 stacked 1.4x TCs gets me 600mm f5.6 and a 1.4x stacked on a 1.7x AFA gives me 714mm f6.7). This lens, if it will AF reliably with the TC, will give me 630mm f8 and be about 2 lbs lighter (and should still be within my ability to hand hold effectively, plus it will give me some framing versatility, which becomes more important to me as my mobility becomes more limited with age.

To me, the cost is not daunting. I've lived in the world of premium ultra teles for quite some time, and expect to pay at this level for a lens that meets my specific needs. We'll just have to see if the D FA 150-450 falls into that category.

Scott

repaap · 03-14-2015, 12:48 AM

Originally posted by Stavri

With all these upcoming offerings, now is the time to start a criminal enterprise. Let's partner up Repaap, I'll be Jesse to your Walter White....Let's "cook"

Is it the time now. I'll better get ready then.

Stavri · 03-15-2015, 10:19 PM

Originally posted by snostorm

For me, there are still a lot of ??? about this lens. IQ is probably the most important, but I'd also like to see how it plays with the Pentax 1.4x HD AW. Will it AF with reasonable performance at 630mm f8 with a K-3 in real life lighting conditions (anything dimmer than direct sunlight)? If so, and if the IQ is anything near what the published MTF seems to indicate, then I'll buy one, and also get the TC which I haven't required so far (I have all screw drive ultra teles at this time, so my Sigma and Tamron 1.4x TCs have been sufficient for my needs).

At 4.4 lbs, this would be considerably lighter than what I currently use to get past 500mm substantially, a 300/2.8 (6 lbs +) + stacked converters (2 stacked 1.4x TCs gets me 600mm f5.6 and a 1.4x stacked on a 1.7x AFA gives me 714mm f6.7). This lens, if it will AF reliably with the TC, will give me 630mm f8 and be about 2 lbs lighter (and should still be within my ability to hand hold effectively, plus it will give me some framing versatility, which becomes more important to me as my mobility becomes more limited with age.

To me, the cost is not daunting. I've lived in the world of premium ultra teles for quite some time, and expect to pay at this level for a lens that meets my specific needs. We'll just have to see if the D FA 150-450 falls into that category.

Scott

I like that you demanded a "reasonable" performance with the 1.4x tc at the long end. We must not get greedy with our demands, asking AF excellence from a 450mm f5.6 zoom when coupled with TC is a bit much. It's reassuring to know that the AF motors on these lenses are new and designed for speed. Right now we don't know much about them but I wouldn't be crazy to have our expectations meet on this front.
Moreover although the f6.7 might feel a bit slow, the new optics and coating should make it easier to bump up the ISO with these lenses, we might see a full stop improvement over older DA* or FA* glass. From the pictures we've seen so far at least the 150-450 + 1.4x IQ seems to be really excellent.

biz-engineer · 06-02-2015, 10:42 PM

Originally posted by Stavri

When looking at MTF values released in the specs the DFA 150-450 seems to be as sharp (if not sharper) as the Canon 100-400 IS II, we just have to wait for better published images to confirm this
.

How do you read MTF charts? To me, the Canon 100-400 II is sharper than the DFA150-450, that's clear on the MTF chart.

03-10-2015, 05:32 AM	#33
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	For the new D-Fa 150-450 the expectations are high, as Digitalis pointed out, I'm too looking to forward to see how it performs in comparison to the much beloved Canon 100-400mm II SL . In terms of IQ in the Pentax arsenal it's contending with the Sigma 100-300mm ex (from 150-300mm range) and 400mm Apo telemacro at 400mm. If it can match the IQ and resolution of the FA* 400mm f5.6 (the new coating should have better micro-contrast and punchier colors) I'll be a happy clam. Last edited by Stavri; 03-10-2015 at 06:18 AM.

03-11-2015, 05:32 AM	#36
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	Originally posted by Reptilezz To me they look a bit pixelated more than soft but I'm just looking at the forum post instead of the Adobe programme version. When looking at MTF values released in the specs the DFA 150-450 seems to be as sharp (if not sharper) as the Canon 100-400 IS II, we just have to wait for better published images to confirm this . Attached Images Last edited by Stavri; 03-11-2015 at 05:41 AM.

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03-09-2015, 03:53 PM	#31
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	I'm linking a recent posting from timautin showing some photos of the 150-450 lens on the adobe website (If i'm correct) https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/16-pentax-news-rumors/287834-hd-pentax-d-...ml#post3185510 There's some pictures by pro photographers and the profiles of the engineers who designed the D-Fa lenses. Last edited by Stavri; 03-09-2015 at 04:03 PM.

03-09-2015, 07:55 PM	#32
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	Hmm. Those shots are interesting. Not prime sharp, but wide open pretty nice. The lighting conditions were harsh, but it seemed to handle it. My sigma 500 4.5 is probably sharper but wouldn't handle the harsh light as well. Or I would have to stop it down to f8 or so to get decent results. The bokeh is not buttery magnificent, but pleasant. A friend just purchased the Canon 100-400 ii zoom, and long it was quite soft wide open. At 150mm it is sharp as a tack, but long it was disappointing. It may be that Pentax has the advantage. It will be interesting to see what people get from it when they use it for a while.

03-10-2015, 09:55 AM	#34
mohb Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,912	Just out of curiosity has anybody ever made a 'dog' of a lens when it should be a top of the range performer?

03-10-2015, 11:40 PM	#35
Reptilezz Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 206	Originally posted by derekkite Hmm. Those shots are interesting. Not prime sharp, but wide open pretty nice. The lighting conditions were harsh, but it seemed to handle it. My sigma 500 4.5 is probably sharper but wouldn't handle the harsh light as well. Or I would have to stop it down to f8 or so to get decent results. The bokeh is not buttery magnificent, but pleasant. A friend just purchased the Canon 100-400 ii zoom, and long it was quite soft wide open. At 150mm it is sharp as a tack, but long it was disappointing. It may be that Pentax has the advantage. It will be interesting to see what people get from it when they use it for a while. To me they look a bit pixelated more than soft but I'm just looking at the forum post instead of the Adobe programme version.

03-13-2015, 02:27 AM	#37
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Allready when I see these early samples, I really like idea of buying lens like this. To be used with aps-c K-3 and that FF. Focal lenght is really good for many purposes at 'teleland' and it is long enough too. Big, but as some has pointed out, really sturdy, fast AF.. Lot to like. But it is still out of my prize range. :/

03-13-2015, 07:46 AM	#38
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	Originally posted by repaap Allready when I see these early samples, I really like idea of buying lens like this. To be used with aps-c K-3 and that FF. Focal lenght is really good for many purposes at 'teleland' and it is long enough too. Big, but as some has pointed out, really sturdy, fast AF.. Lot to like. But it is still out of my prize range. :/ With all these upcoming offerings, now is the time to start a criminal enterprise. Let's partner up Repaap, I'll be Jesse to your Walter White....Let's "cook"

03-13-2015, 09:21 AM	#39
snostorm Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	For me, there are still a lot of ??? about this lens. IQ is probably the most important, but I'd also like to see how it plays with the Pentax 1.4x HD AW. Will it AF with reasonable performance at 630mm f8 with a K-3 in real life lighting conditions (anything dimmer than direct sunlight)? If so, and if the IQ is anything near what the published MTF seems to indicate, then I'll buy one, and also get the TC which I haven't required so far (I have all screw drive ultra teles at this time, so my Sigma and Tamron 1.4x TCs have been sufficient for my needs). At 4.4 lbs, this would be considerably lighter than what I currently use to get past 500mm substantially, a 300/2.8 (6 lbs +) + stacked converters (2 stacked 1.4x TCs gets me 600mm f5.6 and a 1.4x stacked on a 1.7x AFA gives me 714mm f6.7). This lens, if it will AF reliably with the TC, will give me 630mm f8 and be about 2 lbs lighter (and should still be within my ability to hand hold effectively, plus it will give me some framing versatility, which becomes more important to me as my mobility becomes more limited with age. To me, the cost is not daunting. I've lived in the world of premium ultra teles for quite some time, and expect to pay at this level for a lens that meets my specific needs. We'll just have to see if the D FA 150-450 falls into that category. Scott

03-14-2015, 12:48 AM	#40
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by Stavri With all these upcoming offerings, now is the time to start a criminal enterprise. Let's partner up Repaap, I'll be Jesse to your Walter White....Let's "cook" Is it the time now. I'll better get ready then.

03-15-2015, 10:19 PM	#41
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	Originally posted by snostorm For me, there are still a lot of ??? about this lens. IQ is probably the most important, but I'd also like to see how it plays with the Pentax 1.4x HD AW. Will it AF with reasonable performance at 630mm f8 with a K-3 in real life lighting conditions (anything dimmer than direct sunlight)? If so, and if the IQ is anything near what the published MTF seems to indicate, then I'll buy one, and also get the TC which I haven't required so far (I have all screw drive ultra teles at this time, so my Sigma and Tamron 1.4x TCs have been sufficient for my needs). At 4.4 lbs, this would be considerably lighter than what I currently use to get past 500mm substantially, a 300/2.8 (6 lbs +) + stacked converters (2 stacked 1.4x TCs gets me 600mm f5.6 and a 1.4x stacked on a 1.7x AFA gives me 714mm f6.7). This lens, if it will AF reliably with the TC, will give me 630mm f8 and be about 2 lbs lighter (and should still be within my ability to hand hold effectively, plus it will give me some framing versatility, which becomes more important to me as my mobility becomes more limited with age. To me, the cost is not daunting. I've lived in the world of premium ultra teles for quite some time, and expect to pay at this level for a lens that meets my specific needs. We'll just have to see if the D FA 150-450 falls into that category. Scott I like that you demanded a "reasonable" performance with the 1.4x tc at the long end. We must not get greedy with our demands, asking AF excellence from a 450mm f5.6 zoom when coupled with TC is a bit much. It's reassuring to know that the AF motors on these lenses are new and designed for speed. Right now we don't know much about them but I wouldn't be crazy to have our expectations meet on this front. Moreover although the f6.7 might feel a bit slow, the new optics and coating should make it easier to bump up the ISO with these lenses, we might see a full stop improvement over older DA* or FA* glass. From the pictures we've seen so far at least the 150-450 + 1.4x IQ seems to be really excellent.

06-02-2015, 10:42 PM	#42
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,232	Originally posted by Stavri When looking at MTF values released in the specs the DFA 150-450 seems to be as sharp (if not sharper) as the Canon 100-400 IS II, we just have to wait for better published images to confirm this . How do you read MTF charts? To me, the Canon 100-400 II is sharper than the DFA150-450, that's clear on the MTF chart.