560mm vs 600mm

Kameko · 05-06-2015, 07:44 PM

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.

If money were no object, which would you choose? The FA* 600mm f4 or the DA 560mm f5.6? I'm wrestling between which of the 2 I want to save for. The 560 is WR and half the weight. The 600 is 1 stop faster and 40mm longer. I really like the f4 of the 600, but my messed up back would prefer the weight of the 560. Would love some input from those who currently own or have owned either/both. Would also really appreciate someone to be the voice of reason, since I obviously am not.

Adam · 05-06-2015, 07:54 PM

I think the 600mm is in an entirely different league. You'll be proud to own it if you got one. But having something like the 300mm plus a TC could also be a viable and more compact option.

tvdtvdtvd · 05-06-2015, 08:19 PM - **1 Like**

Personally, I find neither appealing for their shear size alone. I even tend to get a little squeamish when contemplating
a 200/4. I just don't like big lenses.

BUT, >if< I were in need of something like that, this would be my reasoning....

Both are grossly big. Either way you've committed to schlepping a huge piece of glass. Either is going to require a tripod.
Either is going to require a backpack to carry. Cost is about the same, so no factor there. >If< you know for certain
that you'll be using it in wet weather a lot, then the DA560 probably makes better since. Otherwise, go for the faster
FA600.

mtux · 05-06-2015, 08:25 PM - **1 Like**

I've used the DA560mm once in a zoo. and found it superb in quality and reach right from wide open, it was an overcast day with light rain so even though the f/4 would have been more useful in terms of light gathering and exposure, the WR feature was more useful to give me (and the owner) peace of mind to use it under rain. and yes I managed to get some hand held shots with it (Not to forget the pain on my left hand the day after).
In case you were interested, Here you can find some of the shots I've shared on flickr.

Stavri · 05-06-2015, 08:29 PM

Originally posted by Kameko

If money were no object, which would you choose? The FA* 600mm f4 or the DA 560mm f5.6? I'm wrestling between which of the 2 I want to save for. The 560 is WR and half the weight. The 600 is 1 stop faster and 40mm longer. I really like the f4 of the 600, but my messed up back would prefer the weight of the 560. Would love some input from those who currently own or have owned either/both. Would also really appreciate someone to be the voice of reason, since I obviously am not.

There's been some (faint) rumors of a 300mm f2.8 project in development from Ricoh/Pentax. If this is true it'll probably be a D-FA* 300/f2.8 lens AW, DC, HD .dot..dot.dot...you get the idea. Now that's something worth saving over...

Kameko · 05-06-2015, 08:44 PM

Oh, and I do currently own the FA* 400mm. I'm looking for more reach without losing light by adding a TC to my current setup. I've used the 400 as my main walk-around lens for the past year so I'm ok with added weight.

Originally posted by Adam

I think the 600mm is in an entirely different league. You'll be proud to own it if you got one.

This comment has me intrigued. I love FA lenses, love how they handle.

formercanuck · 05-06-2015, 10:23 PM

If you really want to go nuts - someone had an old Pentax 400mm f/2.8 for sale on KEH. I don't see it anymore
SMC Pentax-A* 400mm F2.8 ED [IF] Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

biz-engineer · 05-06-2015, 11:06 PM

Originally posted by Kameko

Oh, and I do currently own the FA* 400mm. I'm looking for more reach without losing light by adding a TC to my current setup. I've used the 400 as my main walk-around lens for the past year so I'm ok with added weight.

The DA560 would do it, I noticed that it is discounted at SRS (don't know why...) compared to other sellers and cheaper compared to the sigma 500 f4.5. When going to supertele, we can't have it all, it's either long heavy expensive, or dark and AF does not work. Recently I stacked 2 HD1.4x TC+DA300 (=600mm) , reach is great , IQ can be good once accurately focused, but the view finder is dark and phase detect does not work, at 600mm it is also harder to frame due to narrow field of view.

zzeitg · 05-07-2015, 12:33 AM

Originally posted by tvdtvdtvd

Cost is about the same, so no factor there.

I wouldn't agree here.
- FA600 (right now 10% off on ebay) USD 7.000,- - Pentax SMCP FA 600mm F 4 If Ed Lens | eBay
- DA560 GBP 3000,- -> USD approx. 4.567,- - Pentax SMC HD Da 560mm F5 6 Ed AW Super Telephoto New UK Stock 2 yr Gtee | eBay
Plus I'd consider that FA600 will always be more/less used lens, while DA560 will be brand new with warranty.
Should I be in the position to buy one, I'd probably go for DA560.

Originally posted by Kameko

If money were no object, which would you choose?

But hey, if money and weight are no objects, then FA600 is the king, no discussion.

Stavri · 05-07-2015, 12:34 AM

There's a D-FA 300 f2.8 HD AW DC IF coming (probably next year) aren't you guys listening????

zzeitg · 05-07-2015, 12:38 AM

Originally posted by Stavri

There's been some (faint) rumors of a 300mm f2.8 project in development from Ricoh/Pentax. If this is true it'll probably be a D-FA* 300/f2.8 lens AW, DC, HD .dot..dot.dot...you get the idea. Now that's something worth saving over...

Well, then we need a very good 2xTC and I'd be more than happy.

Stavri · 05-07-2015, 12:40 AM

Originally posted by zzeitg

Well, then we need a very good 2xTC and I'd be more than happy.

Pff, easypeasy....they can design it on a weekend...
The question is what am I gonna do with my Sigma 300/f2.8 then

zzeitg · 05-07-2015, 12:41 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

Recently I stacked 2 HD1.4x TC+DA300 (=600mm) , reach is great , IQ can be good once accurately focused, but the view finder is dark and phase detect does not work, at 600mm it is also harder to frame due to narrow field of view

Oh, I'd be very interested to see some sample shots!

zzeitg · 05-07-2015, 12:48 AM

Originally posted by Stavri

The question is what am I gonna do with my Sigma 300/f2.8 then

I can accept it as a very nice birthday or Christmas gift

zzeitg · 05-07-2015, 12:51 AM

Originally posted by mtux

I've used the DA560mm once in a zoo. and found it superb in quality and reach right from wide open, it was an overcast day with light rain so even though the f/4 would have been more useful in terms of light gathering and exposure, the WR feature was more useful to give me (and the owner) peace of mind to use it under rain. and yes I managed to get some hand held shots with it (Not to forget the pain on my left hand the day after).
In case you were interested, Here you can find some of the shots I've shared on flickr.

Your zoo shots are amazing, mtux!!! Now this DA560 is tempting me even more... Do you still own this lens?

05-06-2015, 07:44 PM	#1
Kameko Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: White Rock Photos: Albums Posts: 450	560mm vs 600mm 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. If money were no object, which would you choose? The FA* 600mm f4 or the DA 560mm f5.6? I'm wrestling between which of the 2 I want to save for. The 560 is WR and half the weight. The 600 is 1 stop faster and 40mm longer. I really like the f4 of the 600, but my messed up back would prefer the weight of the 560. Would love some input from those who currently own or have owned either/both. Would also really appreciate someone to be the voice of reason, since I obviously am not.

05-06-2015, 07:54 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	I think the 600mm is in an entirely different league. You'll be proud to own it if you got one. But having something like the 300mm plus a TC could also be a viable and more compact option. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

05-07-2015, 12:33 AM	#9
zzeitg Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: South Bohemia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,017	Originally posted by tvdtvdtvd Cost is about the same, so no factor there. I wouldn't agree here. - FA600 (right now 10% off on ebay) USD 7.000,- - Pentax SMCP FA 600mm F 4 If Ed Lens \| eBay - DA560 GBP 3000,- -> USD approx. 4.567,- - Pentax SMC HD Da 560mm F5 6 Ed AW Super Telephoto New UK Stock 2 yr Gtee \| eBay Plus I'd consider that FA600 will always be more/less used lens, while DA560 will be brand new with warranty. Should I be in the position to buy one, I'd probably go for DA560. Originally posted by Kameko If money were no object, which would you choose? But hey, if money and weight are no objects, then FA600 is the king, no discussion. Last edited by zzeitg; 05-07-2015 at 12:45 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Pentax-FA* 300mm 2,8/ 80-200mm 2,8/ 600mm 4,0/ 250-600mm 5,6	linslus	Sold Items	26	05-29-2014 03:05 AM
FA250-600mm vs A600mm pictured side by side	tranq78	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	03-09-2011 09:26 AM
SMC-F* 250-600mm @ 600mm + crop	Asahiflex	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	22	12-18-2010 11:21 PM
Request for input: A* lenses- 300mm f2.8 vs 600mm f5.6	Sigmoid	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	10-24-2010 04:50 AM
600mm f5.6 (645) vs. 500 f4.5 SMC Tak	Sigmoid	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	14	10-27-2008 08:59 AM

05-06-2015, 08:19 PM - 1 Like	#3
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	Personally, I find neither appealing for their shear size alone. I even tend to get a little squeamish when contemplating a 200/4. I just don't like big lenses. BUT, >if< I were in need of something like that, this would be my reasoning.... Both are grossly big. Either way you've committed to schlepping a huge piece of glass. Either is going to require a tripod. Either is going to require a backpack to carry. Cost is about the same, so no factor there. >If< you know for certain that you'll be using it in wet weather a lot, then the DA560 probably makes better since. Otherwise, go for the faster FA600.

05-06-2015, 08:25 PM - 1 Like	#4
mtux Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: the Netherlands Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,444	I've used the DA560mm once in a zoo. and found it superb in quality and reach right from wide open, it was an overcast day with light rain so even though the f/4 would have been more useful in terms of light gathering and exposure, the WR feature was more useful to give me (and the owner) peace of mind to use it under rain. and yes I managed to get some hand held shots with it (Not to forget the pain on my left hand the day after). In case you were interested, Here you can find some of the shots I've shared on flickr.

05-06-2015, 08:29 PM	#5
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	Originally posted by Kameko If money were no object, which would you choose? The FA* 600mm f4 or the DA 560mm f5.6? I'm wrestling between which of the 2 I want to save for. The 560 is WR and half the weight. The 600 is 1 stop faster and 40mm longer. I really like the f4 of the 600, but my messed up back would prefer the weight of the 560. Would love some input from those who currently own or have owned either/both. Would also really appreciate someone to be the voice of reason, since I obviously am not. There's been some (faint) rumors of a 300mm f2.8 project in development from Ricoh/Pentax. If this is true it'll probably be a D-FA* 300/f2.8 lens AW, DC, HD .dot..dot.dot...you get the idea. Now that's something worth saving over...

05-06-2015, 08:44 PM	#6
Kameko Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: White Rock Photos: Albums Posts: 450 Original Poster	Oh, and I do currently own the FA* 400mm. I'm looking for more reach without losing light by adding a TC to my current setup. I've used the 400 as my main walk-around lens for the past year so I'm ok with added weight. Originally posted by Adam I think the 600mm is in an entirely different league. You'll be proud to own it if you got one. This comment has me intrigued. I love FA lenses, love how they handle.

05-06-2015, 10:23 PM	#7
formercanuck Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: SoCal Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 518	If you really want to go nuts - someone had an old Pentax 400mm f/2.8 for sale on KEH. I don't see it anymore SMC Pentax-A* 400mm F2.8 ED [IF] Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

05-06-2015, 11:06 PM	#8
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,232	Originally posted by Kameko Oh, and I do currently own the FA* 400mm. I'm looking for more reach without losing light by adding a TC to my current setup. I've used the 400 as my main walk-around lens for the past year so I'm ok with added weight. The DA560 would do it, I noticed that it is discounted at SRS (don't know why...) compared to other sellers and cheaper compared to the sigma 500 f4.5. When going to supertele, we can't have it all, it's either long heavy expensive, or dark and AF does not work. Recently I stacked 2 HD1.4x TC+DA300 (=600mm) , reach is great , IQ can be good once accurately focused, but the view finder is dark and phase detect does not work, at 600mm it is also harder to frame due to narrow field of view.

05-07-2015, 12:34 AM	#10
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	There's a D-FA 300 f2.8 HD AW DC IF coming (probably next year) aren't you guys listening????

05-07-2015, 12:38 AM	#11
zzeitg Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: South Bohemia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,017	Originally posted by Stavri There's been some (faint) rumors of a 300mm f2.8 project in development from Ricoh/Pentax. If this is true it'll probably be a D-FA* 300/f2.8 lens AW, DC, HD .dot..dot.dot...you get the idea. Now that's something worth saving over... Well, then we need a very good 2xTC and I'd be more than happy.

05-07-2015, 12:40 AM	#12
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	Originally posted by zzeitg Well, then we need a very good 2xTC and I'd be more than happy. Pff, easypeasy....they can design it on a weekend... The question is what am I gonna do with my Sigma 300/f2.8 then

05-07-2015, 12:41 AM	#13
zzeitg Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: South Bohemia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,017	Originally posted by biz-engineer Recently I stacked 2 HD1.4x TC+DA300 (=600mm) , reach is great , IQ can be good once accurately focused, but the view finder is dark and phase detect does not work, at 600mm it is also harder to frame due to narrow field of view Oh, I'd be very interested to see some sample shots!

05-07-2015, 12:48 AM	#14
zzeitg Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: South Bohemia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,017	Originally posted by Stavri The question is what am I gonna do with my Sigma 300/f2.8 then I can accept it as a very nice birthday or Christmas gift

05-07-2015, 12:51 AM	#15
zzeitg Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: South Bohemia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,017	Originally posted by mtux I've used the DA560mm once in a zoo. and found it superb in quality and reach right from wide open, it was an overcast day with light rain so even though the f/4 would have been more useful in terms of light gathering and exposure, the WR feature was more useful to give me (and the owner) peace of mind to use it under rain. and yes I managed to get some hand held shots with it (Not to forget the pain on my left hand the day after). In case you were interested, Here you can find some of the shots I've shared on flickr. Your zoo shots are amazing, mtux!!! Now this DA560 is tempting me even more... Do you still own this lens?