Longer Lens

Hutch · 03-07-2016, 02:12 PM

What are my lens choices for anything longer than 300mm for a K-50? I know pentax makes the 150-450 but is there anything else?

bertwert · 03-07-2016, 02:15 PM

DA 560/5.6
If you use the 1.4 RC on the DA* 300/4 you get a good 420/5.6
Also older lenses (ie: FA* 600/4, FA* 250-600/5.6, etc..)

**TER-OR** · 03-07-2016, 02:21 PM

Sigma's longer zooms like the 50-500 and 150-500. Numerious older manual focus lenses are available over 300mm, if your intended use can handle that.

Hutch · 03-07-2016, 02:23 PM

Any idea where I could find a 150-500 I heard they were discontinued?

bertwert · 03-07-2016, 02:24 PM

Here's my thread about lenses 300mm and longer for Pentax K mount that are currently in production. Discountinued lenses are not on this list:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/307822-supe...es-pentax.html

Also all Pentax brand lenses that are both in and out of production 300mm and longer:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lenssearch/?minfl=300&inproduction=0

Kath · 03-07-2016, 02:29 PM

Originally posted by Hutch

Any idea where I could find a 150-500 I heard they were discontinued?

One comes up for sale on the forum Marketplace every couple of months or so. If you want to "encourage" someone who's on the fence about selling theirs, put an ad in the Wanted to Buy section. It's a great lens.

bertwert · 03-07-2016, 02:30 PM

Originally posted by Hutch

Any idea where I could find a 150-500 I heard they were discontinued?

Here on the marketplace and on eBay.

The 50-500 can be bought new at BH:
Sigma 50-500mm F/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Lens for Pentax 738109

KiloHotelphoto · 03-07-2016, 02:36 PM

You can get the Sigma 150-500 on Amazon for less than $800. I have one and used in on my k-50 and was able to get some nice pictures with it.

**Des** · 03-07-2016, 03:58 PM - **1 Like**

As you can see from @Bertwert's thread (current lenses) and the PF database, there are quite a few options. So you need to refine your criteria:
1. Do you want auto-exposure? If so, rule out M42 lenses and all K-mount lenses older than the Pentax-A series and third party equivalents.
2. Do you want auto-focus? If so, you are down to F, FA, DA and DFA lenses in the Pentax range, and third-party AF lenses.
3. Zoom or prime? A prime is generally lighter in weight than the equivalent zoom (e.g. Sigma 400 f5.6 tele macro at 1.2kg v Sigma 120-400 f4.5-5.6 at about 1.7kg). Of course the main benefit of a zoom is the versatility. You can get some versatility by using a teleconverter with a prime (e.g. getting a 1.4x TC with a DA*300 also allows it to be used at the equivalent of 420mm f5.6).
4. How fast does it need to be? As a general rule, the wider the maximum aperture the heavier and more expensive the lens will be (for example, FA*300 f4.5 weighs 935g and costs about $750+; FA*300 f2.8 weighs 2.5kg and costs upwards of $2500).
5. How long do you really need? This will depend on the size and distance of your subject, how much weight you are willing to carry, and whether you intend to shoot handheld or on a tripod.
6. New or used, or doesn't matter?
7. How much are you prepared to spend?

Just a couple of general comments.
- Anything 300mm f4 or faster, and (with the exception of mirror lenses) anything longer than 300mm, is going to weigh at least double the weight of the consumer xx-300mm zooms. If you are not used to heavy lenses, this can involve a learning curve. And carting around a big heavy lens can be very tiring!
- The longer the focal length, the harder it is to hold the lens steady. There are people here who can consistently get sharp photos at 500mm handheld, but it takes a lot of skill. Most people can master 300mm, if the lens isn't too heavy (say, less than 1.2kg), but it gets progressively more difficult as the lenses get longer and heavier. So, if you are considering a Bigma (50-500) or Little Bigma (150-500), figure on lugging a tripod (or at least a monopod) as well as the 1.8-2kg lens.
- If you are not sure about the answers to the questions above, rent a couple of lenses and try them out before buying.

Imp · 03-07-2016, 06:43 PM

Who else is ready for Pentax to make a really nice 400mm f/5.6! I sure am!

Although that is really achievable with the DA* 300 and 1.4xtc... maybe an update for that lens? DC/Ring Drive, HD...

bertwert · 03-07-2016, 06:44 PM

Originally posted by Imp

Who else is ready for Pentax to make a really nice 400mm f/5.6! I sure am!

Although that is really achievable with the DA* 300 and 1.4xtc... maybe an update for that lens? DC/Ring Drive,

When I saw you posted here I thought you were going to mention your Tokina...

normhead · 03-07-2016, 06:55 PM

DA*300 and 1.4 TC really is the best option, and cheap. Anyone who thinks an D FA 400 5.6 with a ring motor would be cheaper should probably look at the prices for other lenses of that weight. With the DA 560mm available at 5.6, 400 5.6 is probably not going to sell.

With the 1.4 TC the 300 gives you 420 FF equivalent to 630, and the 560 gives you 840 equivalent to 1260. That is actually a pretty good spread focal lengths. I'm not sure they need to ad more.

VoiceOfReason · 03-07-2016, 07:03 PM

The best quality long lens I've owned so far is my DFA 150-450, and it works very well with the DA 1.4 AW teleconverter for an AW package that gets you past 600mm.

Imp · 03-07-2016, 07:15 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

When I saw you posted here I thought you were going to mention your Tokina...

Well, I was thinking about that, but it isn't an easily available lens, which makes it hard to recommend

I didn't know it existed until I saw it on e-bay

Originally posted by normhead

Anyone who thinks an D FA 400 5.6 with a ring motor would be cheaper

I agree that most of your points are correct, but I never said it would be any cheaper than the 300 + 1.4x tc. Although you never said I said that. lol
I'd find it appealing because its a whole package compared to the 300 and 1.4xtc, and its not as big as the 560, with maybe slightly better image quality.

**boriscleto** · 03-07-2016, 07:52 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Imp

Who else is ready for Pentax to make a really nice 400mm f/5.6! I sure am!

They did make one. You can find one on eBay right now. Just $2300...Oh, there's another one, just $2000.

03-07-2016, 02:12 PM	#1
Hutch New Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 9	Longer Lens What are my lens choices for anything longer than 300mm for a K-50? I know pentax makes the 150-450 but is there anything else?

03-07-2016, 03:58 PM - 1 Like	#9
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	As you can see from @Bertwert's thread (current lenses) and the PF database, there are quite a few options. So you need to refine your criteria: 1. Do you want auto-exposure? If so, rule out M42 lenses and all K-mount lenses older than the Pentax-A series and third party equivalents. 2. Do you want auto-focus? If so, you are down to F, FA, DA and DFA lenses in the Pentax range, and third-party AF lenses. 3. Zoom or prime? A prime is generally lighter in weight than the equivalent zoom (e.g. Sigma 400 f5.6 tele macro at 1.2kg v Sigma 120-400 f4.5-5.6 at about 1.7kg). Of course the main benefit of a zoom is the versatility. You can get some versatility by using a teleconverter with a prime (e.g. getting a 1.4x TC with a DA300 also allows it to be used at the equivalent of 420mm f5.6). 4. How fast* does it need to be? As a general rule, the wider the maximum aperture the heavier and more expensive the lens will be (for example, FA300 f4.5 weighs 935g and costs about $750+; FA300 f2.8 weighs 2.5kg and costs upwards of $2500). 5. How long do you really need? This will depend on the size and distance of your subject, how much weight you are willing to carry, and whether you intend to shoot handheld or on a tripod. 6. New or used, or doesn't matter? 7. How much are you prepared to spend? Just a couple of general comments. - Anything 300mm f4 or faster, and (with the exception of mirror lenses) anything longer than 300mm, is going to weigh at least double the weight of the consumer xx-300mm zooms. If you are not used to heavy lenses, this can involve a learning curve. And carting around a big heavy lens can be very tiring! - The longer the focal length, the harder it is to hold the lens steady. There are people here who can consistently get sharp photos at 500mm handheld, but it takes a lot of skill. Most people can master 300mm, if the lens isn't too heavy (say, less than 1.2kg), but it gets progressively more difficult as the lenses get longer and heavier. So, if you are considering a Bigma (50-500) or Little Bigma (150-500), figure on lugging a tripod (or at least a monopod) as well as the 1.8-2kg lens. - If you are not sure about the answers to the questions above, rent a couple of lenses and try them out before buying. Last edited by Des; 03-07-2016 at 04:04 PM.

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03-07-2016, 02:15 PM	#2
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	DA 560/5.6 If you use the 1.4 RC on the DA* 300/4 you get a good 420/5.6 Also older lenses (ie: FA* 600/4, FA* 250-600/5.6, etc..)

03-07-2016, 02:21 PM	#3
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Sigma's longer zooms like the 50-500 and 150-500. Numerious older manual focus lenses are available over 300mm, if your intended use can handle that.

03-07-2016, 02:23 PM	#4
Hutch New Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 9 Original Poster	Any idea where I could find a 150-500 I heard they were discontinued?

03-07-2016, 02:24 PM	#5
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Here's my thread about lenses 300mm and longer for Pentax K mount that are currently in production. Discountinued lenses are not on this list: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/307822-supe...es-pentax.html Also all Pentax brand lenses that are both in and out of production 300mm and longer: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lenssearch/?minfl=300&inproduction=0

03-07-2016, 02:29 PM	#6
Kath Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portland, OR Photos: Gallery Posts: 737	Originally posted by Hutch Any idea where I could find a 150-500 I heard they were discontinued? One comes up for sale on the forum Marketplace every couple of months or so. If you want to "encourage" someone who's on the fence about selling theirs, put an ad in the Wanted to Buy section. It's a great lens.

03-07-2016, 02:30 PM	#7
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by Hutch Any idea where I could find a 150-500 I heard they were discontinued? Here on the marketplace and on eBay. The 50-500 can be bought new at BH: Sigma 50-500mm F/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Lens for Pentax 738109

03-07-2016, 02:36 PM	#8
KiloHotelphoto Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Glen Mills, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,030	You can get the Sigma 150-500 on Amazon for less than $800. I have one and used in on my k-50 and was able to get some nice pictures with it.

03-07-2016, 06:43 PM	#10
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749	Who else is ready for Pentax to make a really nice 400mm f/5.6! I sure am! Although that is really achievable with the DA* 300 and 1.4xtc... maybe an update for that lens? DC/Ring Drive, HD...

03-07-2016, 06:44 PM	#11
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by Imp Who else is ready for Pentax to make a really nice 400mm f/5.6! I sure am! Although that is really achievable with the DA* 300 and 1.4xtc... maybe an update for that lens? DC/Ring Drive, When I saw you posted here I thought you were going to mention your Tokina...

03-07-2016, 06:55 PM	#12
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	DA*300 and 1.4 TC really is the best option, and cheap. Anyone who thinks an D FA 400 5.6 with a ring motor would be cheaper should probably look at the prices for other lenses of that weight. With the DA 560mm available at 5.6, 400 5.6 is probably not going to sell. With the 1.4 TC the 300 gives you 420 FF equivalent to 630, and the 560 gives you 840 equivalent to 1260. That is actually a pretty good spread focal lengths. I'm not sure they need to ad more.

03-07-2016, 07:03 PM	#13
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	The best quality long lens I've owned so far is my DFA 150-450, and it works very well with the DA 1.4 AW teleconverter for an AW package that gets you past 600mm.

03-07-2016, 07:15 PM	#14
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749	Originally posted by bertwert When I saw you posted here I thought you were going to mention your Tokina... Well, I was thinking about that, but it isn't an easily available lens, which makes it hard to recommend I didn't know it existed until I saw it on e-bay Originally posted by normhead Anyone who thinks an D FA 400 5.6 with a ring motor would be cheaper I agree that most of your points are correct, but I never said it would be any cheaper than the 300 + 1.4x tc. Although you never said I said that. lol I'd find it appealing because its a whole package compared to the 300 and 1.4xtc, and its not as big as the 560, with maybe slightly better image quality.

03-07-2016, 07:52 PM - 1 Like	#15
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by Imp Who else is ready for Pentax to make a really nice 400mm f/5.6! I sure am! They did make one. You can find one on eBay right now. Just $2300...Oh, there's another one, just $2000.