DFA 150-450 lens creep

gumbee · 03-22-2016, 08:32 AM

Just picked up the DFA150-450. I've not had opportunity to shoot much yet, but noticed that the lens starts creeping as soon as I look at it (ok a wee bit of exaggeration

). wondering what is "normal" for this lens. I found a few comments extolling the fact that it doesn't creep (the in depth review on this site and others), but also a few mentioning the creeping.

I want to exchange mine for a non-creeper, but don't want the hassle if the non-creeper is the exception rather than the rule. (will use rubber band in that case).
Will be using mostly on a tripod and this copy starts moving quickly if not horizontal.

Does anyone know if the majority of the copies are creepers or not?

thx,
John

nomadkng · 03-22-2016, 08:38 AM

sounds like my software development team.....

Na Horuk · 03-22-2016, 08:50 AM

Uf, I think the lens is too new to establish what "normal" is. All you can do is look at the reviews (as you already have) and maybe get some more input directly in this thread. It would also be good if you could be a little more specific - what angle of tilt is needed for the lens to start creeping, how much zoom and focus move, and so on.
I doubt anyone knows for certain right now, but this is a good opportunity to figure things out.
Anyway, there are some accessories you can use to minimize creep, like that little "bracelet" thingy.

**hyyz** · 03-22-2016, 09:13 AM

I don't know others, but mine creeps too. Not too bad but if it is close to vertical, either up or down, it creeps from 450mm to 300~400mm or so (vice versa). This is the only complaint I have with this lens. Pentax should have implemented the zoom lock to work at any position. Or better yet, implement the way Canon did on their 100-400mm.

The In-depth review on this site is definitely wrong on the zoom creep. The ephotozine review is close to my experience.

VoiceOfReason · 03-22-2016, 10:13 AM

I have not noticed creep on mine.

imtheguy · 03-22-2016, 10:46 AM

At 45deg up or down mine does not creep. Only if i point it straight down will it move. Does not creep pointed straight up and i have yet to need to shoot straight down or up so I am satisfied.

rawr · 03-22-2016, 01:19 PM

Isn't preventing lens creep precisely what the 'Zoom Lock' switch is for?

**gaweidert** · 03-22-2016, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by rawr

Isn't preventing lens creep precisely what the 'Zoom Lock' switch is for?

That switch only can be activated when you have the lens set at the 150mm position. It keeps the lens from extending is you are walking with the camera pointed down.

Mine creeps a little bit when tilted up or down. It's a heavy beast so I expect it a bit.

**hyyz** · 03-22-2016, 01:41 PM

Zoom lock is only for 150mm focal length. I think we are talking about the situation where you have lens extending to long focal length, say 400mm. Then when lens is at an angle, it slowly creeps back. Or if you are shooting at 300mm at an angle, then it slowly creeps out.

rawr · 03-22-2016, 02:33 PM

Originally posted by hyyz

Zoom lock is only for 150mm focal length. I think we are talking about the situation where you have lens extending to long focal length, say 400mm. Then when lens is at an angle, it slowly creeps back. Or if you are shooting at 300mm at an angle, then it slowly creeps out.

Aha.
Same issue is commonly reported with the Tamron and Sigma 150-600's.

noelpolar · 03-22-2016, 02:53 PM

Mine creeps...hanging on a strap....review is WRONG

**Ex Finn.** · 03-22-2016, 04:04 PM

I shoot with a creeper...

gumbee · 03-22-2016, 07:53 PM

Thx everyone. I will not be alone shooting with a creeper...at least it won't go back for that reason.

John

03-22-2016, 08:32 AM	#1
gumbee Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: WI Posts: 72	DFA 150-450 lens creep Just picked up the DFA150-450. I've not had opportunity to shoot much yet, but noticed that the lens starts creeping as soon as I look at it (ok a wee bit of exaggeration). wondering what is "normal" for this lens. I found a few comments extolling the fact that it doesn't creep (the in depth review on this site and others), but also a few mentioning the creeping. I want to exchange mine for a non-creeper, but don't want the hassle if the non-creeper is the exception rather than the rule. (will use rubber band in that case). Will be using mostly on a tripod and this copy starts moving quickly if not horizontal. Does anyone know if the majority of the copies are creepers or not? thx, John

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03-22-2016, 08:38 AM	#2
nomadkng Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448	sounds like my software development team.....

03-22-2016, 08:50 AM	#3
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Uf, I think the lens is too new to establish what "normal" is. All you can do is look at the reviews (as you already have) and maybe get some more input directly in this thread. It would also be good if you could be a little more specific - what angle of tilt is needed for the lens to start creeping, how much zoom and focus move, and so on. I doubt anyone knows for certain right now, but this is a good opportunity to figure things out. Anyway, there are some accessories you can use to minimize creep, like that little "bracelet" thingy.

03-22-2016, 09:13 AM	#4
hyyz Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 478	I don't know others, but mine creeps too. Not too bad but if it is close to vertical, either up or down, it creeps from 450mm to 300~400mm or so (vice versa). This is the only complaint I have with this lens. Pentax should have implemented the zoom lock to work at any position. Or better yet, implement the way Canon did on their 100-400mm. The In-depth review on this site is definitely wrong on the zoom creep. The ephotozine review is close to my experience.

03-22-2016, 10:13 AM	#5
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	I have not noticed creep on mine.

03-22-2016, 10:46 AM	#6
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	At 45deg up or down mine does not creep. Only if i point it straight down will it move. Does not creep pointed straight up and i have yet to need to shoot straight down or up so I am satisfied.

03-22-2016, 01:19 PM	#7
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Isn't preventing lens creep precisely what the 'Zoom Lock' switch is for?

03-22-2016, 01:37 PM	#8
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	Originally posted by rawr Isn't preventing lens creep precisely what the 'Zoom Lock' switch is for? That switch only can be activated when you have the lens set at the 150mm position. It keeps the lens from extending is you are walking with the camera pointed down. Mine creeps a little bit when tilted up or down. It's a heavy beast so I expect it a bit.

03-22-2016, 01:41 PM	#9
hyyz Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 478	Zoom lock is only for 150mm focal length. I think we are talking about the situation where you have lens extending to long focal length, say 400mm. Then when lens is at an angle, it slowly creeps back. Or if you are shooting at 300mm at an angle, then it slowly creeps out.

03-22-2016, 02:33 PM	#10
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by hyyz Zoom lock is only for 150mm focal length. I think we are talking about the situation where you have lens extending to long focal length, say 400mm. Then when lens is at an angle, it slowly creeps back. Or if you are shooting at 300mm at an angle, then it slowly creeps out. Aha. Same issue is commonly reported with the Tamron and Sigma 150-600's.

03-22-2016, 02:53 PM	#11
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Mine creeps...hanging on a strap....review is WRONG

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03-22-2016, 04:04 PM	#12
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	I shoot with a creeper...

03-22-2016, 07:53 PM	#13
gumbee Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: WI Posts: 72 Original Poster	Thx everyone. I will not be alone shooting with a creeper...at least it won't go back for that reason. John