[imtheguy]

The spiffy new lens arrives Thursday at 11am. Of course I will spend the day just taking test shots. I might as well post test shots that others would like to see before they consider purchase. So what would you like? Some obvious are minimum distance, various aperture, bokeh, sharpness (I like bird feathers), flare and focusing speed (subjective). I am unable to write an actual mini review but posting specific test shots and their parameters is doable. Help me make a list for the day and I will post the results plus any other subjective comments requested.


thanks, lee

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Last edited by imtheguy; 05-05-2015 at 04:58 PM.

[Na Horuk]

Ooh, interesting! You already mentioned some good ones.
Can you do a tele landscape / cityscape? That kind of photo shows how much detail the lens can show throughout the image (centre, borders) when focused near infinity. Of course, if the weather, surroundings permit.

[jatrax]

Boring, but would like to see a plain test shot with a focusing target. On tripod, in good light at 150mm and again at 450mm both wide open and at f/8. This should show "as good as it gets" rather than how good the photographer is.

[Stavri]

If it was me receiving this lens, I'd go to the local zoo and sample the fauna at length.

[rawr]

+1 for some regular, boring flat focus target tests, from reasonable working distances. Not 3D objects, moving targets etc.

Also some test shots with the DA 1.4 tele-converter would be handy, if you have access to one, just to see (a) the IQ difference and (b) how the AF works.

Big thanks if you can do any of the above.

[jpzk]

The spiffy new lens arrives Thursday at 11am. Of course I will spend the day just taking test shots. I might as well post test shots that others would like to see before they consider purchase. So what would you like? Some obvious are minimum distance, various aperture, bokeh, sharpness (I like bird feathers), flare and focusing speed (subjective). I am unable to write an actual mini review but posting specific test shots and their parameters is doable. Help me make a list for the day and I will post the results plus any other subjective comments requested.


thanks, lee

I want to see all of your pictures taken with this lens .... post them right here:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/294721-post-your-hd-pentax...-pictures.html

Make sure to include some "classic" shots of them birds ! (at the long end).

Cheers!

[imtheguy]

Thanks for the additional ideas. I have official focus targets and a Pentax HD 1.4x TC to throw in the mix as suggested. So far most everything sounds doable on Thursday weather permitting. Still hoping I will be able to handhold this 4.5lb monster when needed. Obviously Thursday will be mostly tripod work unless the Ospreys come by holding dinner.

[Franc]

i pick mine up friday, so expect a few photo's later that day/weekend

[baro-nite]

From the specs (MFD 200cm, max mag 0.22x) it looks like focus breathing is not too severe, with an effective focal length around 390mm at minimum focus. I'd be curious to see some comparisons with whatever super-tele primes you have available at typical close distances (say 5m) for a rough idea of effective focal length (fully zoomed in) at those distances. But whatever test shots you make, I'll be interested to see!

[bdery]

I have nothing to add to the list, but I look forward to reading about your opinion on build quality, handling, etc.

[Stavri]

I'll just post my Siggy 300/f2.8 shots with a 1.5x tc out of jealousy, pretending Its the 150-450 at the long end...

[Shanti]

Also some BIF to see how the AF tracking goes ,but maybe not relevant till the K3ii is out?? also on how easy to handhold(balance etc..)

[imtheguy]

Thanks again for the ideas. I did list all the items suggested including my own and plan to try all. I now have a hundred or so similar shots comparing the D FA150-450mm, Sigma 500/4.5, and my fav DA*300/4 plus the HD 1.4x TC. As soon as I can match up similar shots I will post these first samples, all made on a tripod. By using a couple of common lenses, more folks can get a feel where the new glass stands. I shot a focus target with all 3 and found the results totally inconclusive. I will do that again with a different chart that can actually show the differences.


In short, I find the new glass hand holdable although its the thickest I have ever tried to grip when mounting. Mechanical performance is sweet; focus and zoom are both smooth, I like it better than the sigma 150-500 or 50-500....both I have used. Good news I think the samples will show its acceptably sharp wide open; you only need to stop down for depth of focus. I think it beats the da*300+ HD 1.4x TC but seems a notch down from prime Sigma 500/4.5. Proof to follow....

[JinDesu]

Can you provide confirmation that the 150-450 focuses with the 1.4 teleconverter?

[imtheguy]

Can you provide confirmation that the 150-450 focuses with the 1.4 teleconverter?

Yes, AF with the ND1.4x TC is smooth and consistant. I just tried some shots with the TC of blackbird against shadows of forest. No problem. Will post a sample shot of that with the rest in a few minutes.


Per JPZK request all my pics will be posted here:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/294721-post-your-hd-pentax...ml#post3246511