[jpzk]

no TC with my DA300... thinking something is lost... quality, IQ.. Anyway one lower quality than 150-450

---------- Post added 08-01-15 at 09:33 AM ----------

...found that, is it a good idea ?

That's the idea ... much easier to carry heavy gear, let me tell you !

JP

[christiandre]

The lens hangs at my hip with the tripod under my arm. It is reasonably comfortable and quick to set up if I run into something.

you're not bothered by the swing ? it could be painful when you take steep paths, no ?

[UncleVanya]

I'm not sure if the 150-450 would outperform the DA*300+TC, for sharpness/rendering. What is sure is the 150-450 offers flexibility. For example I was walking in the forest , when I stumbled on a young bear who was in a tree, but I had to walk backwards because 300mm was too long, I could not frame the bear. If I had the 150-400 or 70-200, I could have framed the bear without moving (avoiding to make more noise). A small bird was also there, but for him, the 300mm was too short.

Um... Maybe a good thing you did not have the zoom. Too close to a young bear is a bad idea. My wife says you should not want to be any closer unless you want a mama bear to eat you!

[derekkite]

you're not bothered by the swing ? it could be painful when you take steep paths, no ?

I hang onto the tripod. Yes, a lens alone would swing.

[UncleVanya]

The 150-450 is f5.6 @450mm, so the 300 + 1.4x would be 420mm f5.6. That is all UV was saying...

Thanks that is exactly my point. With the 1.4x you get 300 f4 and 420 f5.6.

---------- Post added 08-01-15 at 02:09 PM ----------

I haven't seen any iq comparisons. The 300 with the 1.4x is very good but so is the 150-450. I'd love to see a shoutout.

[christiandre]

DA300 + TC Vs 150-450 : 150-450mm versus DA*300/4 +1.4X (8 imgs): Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
non very scientific... but it can give an idea

[biz-engineer]

The TC 1.4X is actually more of a 1.5x. The FOV of the DA300+TC 1.4x is about the same as the DFA 150-450 at 450. I don't see much difference in IQ between the DA300+TC and DFA @450. The DFA is heavier but perhaps has a slightly faster and more reliable AF.

[UncleVanya]

The TC 1.4X is actually more of a 1.5x. The FOV of the DA300+TC 1.4x is about the same as the DFA 150-450 at 450. I don't see much difference in IQ between the DA300+TC and DFA @450. The DFA is heavier but perhaps has a slightly faster and more reliable AF.

The flexibility is great but if I already owned the 300 I think the teleconverter would be the option I would try first. Either that or the 60-250 plus TC which I admit is not as much reach. Of course I already own that combo.

[oneill]

i'm 44, I am in good physical condition, but it can be very tough and finaly find uncomfortable or painful the exercise, instead of fulfilling...

maybe a camera vest carrier ?

As derekkite knows I will be 77 on my birthday next month and the shape ... well? but will happily walk more than few kilometers with my DA560mm and 3 Series Gitzo tripod over my shoulder AND with another K3 and an FA*400mm for the short stuff. For me It is not about being able to "snap shoot" wildlife, walking and stalking has never worked for me, and I speak from some experience, it is about knowing where to go and then hanging out for the rest of the day with the equipment to get the job done well. Also "hanging out" is also an excellent opportunity for the more senior of us to rest up for the trip back out. I will probably swap my FA*400mm F5.6 for the new DFA 150-450 next fall as it would also be a good "boat" lens on a SOLID monopod.