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09-02-2016, 08:04 PM   #16
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QuoteOriginally posted by dakotapix Quote
After using a Pentax long telephoto for many years, it feels like it might be time to look at possibly upgrading equipment. The use would be primarily for birding and general wildlife photography. Size and price would be minor factors in the choice, with sharpness being the main criterion. Bokeh would be a tiebreaker, but secondary to sharpness.

For better or worse, I'd like to stay with Pentax, and am interested in opinions of the following, particularly how one might compare to another:

- A* 600mm f/5.6
- FA* 600mm f4
- DA 560mm f/5.6
- D FA 150-450mm (yes, one of these things is not like the others)

I've found bits and pieces through the forum dealing with comparisons, but nothing dedicated to the subject as laid out here. If such a thread exists, I'd love to be pointed to it.

All opinions (and evidence) are certainly welcome, but I'd be especially interested in hearing from folks that have personal experience with two or more of these lenses. Thanks!
If size nor price are not main concerns I'm surprised that the FA 250-600 is not on the list. I have the FA600 and the Sigma 500 both of which are very good lenses . I can use the Sig 500 on a lighter tripod with a lower end gimbal. When I got the FA600 I had to upgrade both tripod and gimbal. In order to get a tripod able to properly support the FA600 I had to go to a Induro GIT404L which wasn't cheap but less than a Gitzo and I found a second hand Wimberley gimbal. Just proper support for these lenses is not an inexpensive proposition. You can handhold the Sigma with some success with the FA600 or the FA250-600 handholding is simply not an option. For best results I don't even use the shutter button I use a wired trigger. I know Weevil on this forum is using the 250-600 with some tremendous results and Ducatigaz has the FA600 under complete control. There are photos from all the lenses you mentioned on the 300mm lens plus club. I also have to suggest you check out kengoh I don't think anyone puts the Sig500 to better use

09-03-2016, 05:10 AM   #17
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QuoteOriginally posted by dakotapix Quote
After using a Pentax long telephoto for many years, it feels like it might be time to look at possibly upgrading equipment. The use would be primarily for birding and general wildlife photography. Size and price would be minor factors in the choice, with sharpness being the main criterion. Bokeh would be a tiebreaker, but secondary to sharpness.

For better or worse, I'd like to stay with Pentax, and am interested in opinions of the following, particularly how one might compare to another:

- A* 600mm f/5.6
- FA* 600mm f4
- DA 560mm f/5.6
- D FA 150-450mm (yes, one of these things is not like the others)

I've found bits and pieces through the forum dealing with comparisons, but nothing dedicated to the subject as laid out here. If such a thread exists, I'd love to be pointed to it.

All opinions (and evidence) are certainly welcome, but I'd be especially interested in hearing from folks that have personal experience with two or more of these lenses. Thanks!
I only have experience with one of those lenses: lots of experience! D FA 150-450mm.

I bought it for use on the K-3-series, first on the K-3 (from May 2015), then on the K-3II. Then I've used it on the K-1 since the end of April 2016.

Here is a DPReview thread about my initial experiences on the K-3-series.

Here is the photo-links of my DPReview user-review of the K-1, where (I think) all the "things in flight" photos were taken with that lens.

For my purposes, typically "things in flight", I consider to be very good indeed. I don't use it with the Pentax 1.4x Converter, because I find that makes it harder to frame and pan, and instead on the K-1 I prefer to crop later if 450mm isn't enough. But I won't argue with anyone who finds the Converter useful with it.

I typically stop down a little, and get some benefit. But if I need to, I'll use it wide open.
09-03-2016, 06:50 AM   #18
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You didn't mention it, but the Sigma 150-500 is a very good lens. I've had mine for a few years and I'm quite happy with it. Another lens that I don't have and have never used, but one that several members have is the Sigma 500 prime. Some of the pix from this lens are very good.
09-03-2016, 09:13 AM   #19
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QuoteOriginally posted by lesmore49 Quote
Another lens that I don't have and have never used, but one that several members have is the Sigma 500 prime. Some of the pix from this lens are very good.
I sold my Sigma 500mm f/4.5 to help pay for the D FA 150-450mm and D FA 70-200mm. I haven't regretted that decision.

Reasons: weight - I'm not strong enough; hunting (at least on K-5-series); difficulty finding a fast moving subject in the frame.

But I know of people who think it is a good lens. So treat what I say as personal, not a general condemnation.

09-03-2016, 09:29 AM   #20
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QuoteOriginally posted by Barry Pearson Quote
I sold my Sigma 500mm f/4.5 to help pay for the D FA 150-450mm and D FA 70-200mm. I haven't regretted that decision.
I am hoping to get some day FA*600mm f/4, but in reality I will more likely buy DA *300mm f/4 or D FA 150-450mm. The beauty of D FA 150-450 is that it has that option to zoom out when needed. I lost so many good shots because I was too close and lens is pretty sharp for a zoom lens and it is WR.
09-03-2016, 11:04 AM   #21
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QuoteOriginally posted by cleaverx Quote
I am hoping to get some day FA*600mm f/4, but in reality I will more likely buy DA *300mm f/4 or D FA 150-450mm. The beauty of D FA 150-450 is that it has that option to zoom out when needed. I lost so many good shots because I was too close and lens is pretty sharp for a zoom lens and it is WR.
You have just described the main reason why I use the D FA 150-450mm rather than the DA* 300mm f/4, which I also have.

The other reason is that when I've shot a long burst with the DA* 300mm (or the DA* 60-250mm) of an object moving towards me and across, for example a racing bike going past while I'm at the side of the track, I got about 5 fps when using the K-3-series. (Instead of the camera's nominal 8.3 fps). I get about 6 fps when using the D FA 150-450mm or D FA* 70-200mm. They auto-focus faster.
09-03-2016, 03:28 PM - 2 Likes   #22
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One zoom... prime lens sharpness?

I would humbly suggest that the FA* 250-600/5.6 is or can be of prime sharpness. Of course YMMV with your technique, support setup(s), etc. Having shot with the Sigma 500/4.5 and the FA* 300/2.8, my FA* 250-600/5.6 loses a stop or two of light, but not sharpness.

Some are taken at F5.6 aperture. I tend not to shoot this lens wide open, given the narrow DOF and the subjects being so close.

F5.6:

Link to EXIF





Camera PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K10D
Exposure Time 0.005s (1/200)
Aperture f/5.6
ISO 320
Focal Length 600mm (900mm in 35mm)
Photo Dimensions 2401 x 1606

F6.3:



Camera PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K10D
Exposure Time 0.002s (1/500)
Aperture f/6.3
ISO 400
Focal Length 600mm (900mm in 35mm)
Photo Dimensions 3113 x 2073

Crop:


F7.1:





Camera PENTAX Corporation PENTAX K10D
Exposure Time - 0.002s (1/500)
Aperture - f/7.1
ISO - 320
Focal Length - 600mm (900mm in 35mm)
Photo Dimensions - 2534 x 1691

Crop:



Last edited by Marc Langille; 09-03-2016 at 03:50 PM.
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