Thoughts on the 60-250mm for the K-1?

Conqueror · 01-04-2018, 12:05 PM

The 60-250mm seems the obvious lens for zoom to go with the K-1 to me.

How do 60-250 owners get along, do you find the 250 enough at the long end? Has a 300mm prime reduced your 60-250 usage?

6BQ5 · 01-04-2018, 12:26 PM

I don't have one ... but I would be curious to know if the lens vignettes on a FF sensor.

dave2k · 01-04-2018, 12:34 PM

I have been very happy with my 60-250 on my K-1. In my opinion the 60-250 baffle modification effectively eliminates the vignetting seen prior to the modification. The 60-250 is one of my three most commonly used lenses on the K-1, along with the 28-105 and 24-70. I also have the DA 300 but I've only used that for very specific uses like wildlife and astrophotography where I know I'll only want the long focal length. The 60-250 is a better choice when I'm not sure what tele focal length will be desired. I've started using the 60-250 for some sunsets / sunrises and have had good results. I would not want to be without my 60-250 with the K-1. Sure I'd like an even longer focal length, but I don't think that can be expected at the size and cost of the 60-250 without loss of IQ. I have recently acquired the 150-450 but that will not reduce my use of the 60-250 due to size and weight. I'll primarily use the 150-450 where I used to use the DA 300.

Na Horuk · 01-04-2018, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

I don't have one ... but I would be curious to know if the lens vignettes on a FF sensor.

There are some threads about modifying the lens to remove the rear baffle. In theory, this reduces the vignetting and makes the lens fully FF. This lens' patent is FF, but the barrel was modified to optimize it for APSC

Lens profiles are another issue.

One problem with this lens is breathing, so that the 250mm is not always 250mm FoV, depending on where you focus. All IF designs suffer of this to some degree. There were threads about this before. So a 300mm prime could potentially give you significantly longer FoV. But has has to be sharp. If you buy a cheap lens, it will perform worse than shooting the 60-250mm and digitally cropping it.

**interested_observer** · 01-04-2018, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

I don't have one ... but I would be curious to know if the lens vignettes on a FF sensor.

There was a review back in November on this with example images. If you modify the lens you have two options and there are example images of each option.

How to Modify the DA* 60-250mm F4 for Full Frame - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

I have been thinking about modifying mine for use on the K1. I really do not see a down side, plus I can also use it on my K5.

**mattb123** · 01-04-2018, 02:20 PM

I modded mine and it was great until my AF died. Got a lot of mileage out of it on crop and FF before that happened.
I'd love to see an updated version of this with native FF compatibility one day.

pschlute · 01-04-2018, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by mattb123

I'd love to see an updated version of this with native FF compatibility one day.

I know what you mean Matt, but.... I just wonder what that focal range could offer over the 70-200 ?

Don't say 60mm !

ChatMechant · 01-04-2018, 03:31 PM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by pschlute

I know what you mean Matt, but.... I just wonder what that focal range could offer over the 70-200 ?

Don't say 60mm !

f/4, i.e. smaller and lighter

.... and 60mm

**mattb123** · 01-04-2018, 04:55 PM

Originally posted by ChatMechant

f/4, i.e. smaller and lighter

.... and 60mm

This!

**Scorpio71GR** · 01-04-2018, 07:11 PM - **3 Likes**

I pretty much use the 60-250 on the K-1. Without modifying the baffle it vignettes pretty heavy at f4 and 250mm. Modifying the baffle essentially makes the vignetting equal to my Tamron 70-200 on the K-1. I designed a new baffle that I 3D printed in the lab where I work. It has been in my lens since last summer. The baffle used in the In Depth Review was my design. I uploaded the files to my Google Drive for anyone to try and use.

250mm f4 on the K-1.

220mm f4 on the K-1, shot indoors in dark light at the local zoo.

153mm f4

60mm f11

**clickclick** · 01-05-2018, 07:43 AM

Really like it on my K1. I looked at the 70-200, but decided I wanted the smaller size and weight and didn't need the speed. I find myself grabbing the 15-30, 43 limited, and 60-250 as a combination of lenses that are easy to carry and covers about anything I can think of.

normhead · 01-05-2018, 08:02 AM - **1 Like**

The 60-250 is fantastic on the K-1, and I haven't even done the Mod. The DFA 28-105 and 60-250 is a great all purpose walk around kit.

Gutta Perka · 01-05-2018, 09:12 AM

You are talking about my jewel?

Going "easy" with my K1 (FF that is) I have just the FA 20-35mm (245 grams) and the *STAR* optic 60-250mm (modded - 1045 grams without mod) to carry. 60mm is a very good "normal"-lens. 60 mm slightly lift the perspective and add a more dynamic - compared to 50mm.
(OK - I also have a 50mm to use in very low light now and then.)

They both print lovely on my Epson pro 3880 and "have it".

My wife carry the tripod and K3-house - if I'm in the mood to alter the use and method. (SHE is the loveliest Sherpa I can find)

This was just talking "easy carrying" - I have other serious gear when doing other things. Using longer lenses the K1 stays at home.
(Edit:- forgot my TC:s)

I have modded some 60-250mm for some pentaxforums members. Here is one that seems happy:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/190-pentax-k-1/348901-safari-k-1-pentax-...50mm-lens.html

Seven - or eight incl. my sons - OK - I do not do that anymore because of sweating/risk over the postage and handling around the world.

bdery · 01-05-2018, 11:59 AM

Here:

Modifying the DA* 60-250mm F4 for Full Frame - Introduction - In-Depth Articles

You're welcome

Gutta Perka · 01-06-2018, 08:25 AM

Originally posted by bdery

Here:

Modifying the DA* 60-250mm F4 for Full Frame - Introduction - In-Depth Articles

You're welcome

Having lots of contacts with many reading- press link: DA* 60-250 mod for FF - PentaxForums.com (me and "npc" - the real inventor - on pentaxforums here had some talk) I bought 17 pieces to modify (Hasselblade- Pentaxservice center Sweden) and eight lenses sent to me and fixed. You yourself selling two fixed at pentaxforums selesmarket - I must have this remark:

Not everyone can fix it - they do photographing and not engineering. Not even with the fixed tubes/flanges.

It's not always as simple You as putting a link here at pentaxforums to DIY-half-instructions. Take care - they might destroy their lenses.

PM me - perhaps I might be able to help more....

01-04-2018, 12:05 PM	#1
Conqueror Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: UK Posts: 440	Thoughts on the 60-250mm for the K-1? The 60-250mm seems the obvious lens for zoom to go with the K-1 to me. How do 60-250 owners get along, do you find the 250 enough at the long end? Has a 300mm prime reduced your 60-250 usage?

01-04-2018, 12:34 PM	#3
dave2k Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery Posts: 419	Excellent! I have been very happy with my 60-250 on my K-1. In my opinion the 60-250 baffle modification effectively eliminates the vignetting seen prior to the modification. The 60-250 is one of my three most commonly used lenses on the K-1, along with the 28-105 and 24-70. I also have the DA 300 but I've only used that for very specific uses like wildlife and astrophotography where I know I'll only want the long focal length. The 60-250 is a better choice when I'm not sure what tele focal length will be desired. I've started using the 60-250 for some sunsets / sunrises and have had good results. I would not want to be without my 60-250 with the K-1. Sure I'd like an even longer focal length, but I don't think that can be expected at the size and cost of the 60-250 without loss of IQ. I have recently acquired the 150-450 but that will not reduce my use of the 60-250 due to size and weight. I'll primarily use the 150-450 where I used to use the DA 300.

01-04-2018, 02:04 PM	#5
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Originally posted by 6BQ5 I don't have one ... but I would be curious to know if the lens vignettes on a FF sensor. There was a review back in November on this with example images. If you modify the lens you have two options and there are example images of each option. How to Modify the DA* 60-250mm F4 for Full Frame - Articles and Tips \| PentaxForums.com I have been thinking about modifying mine for use on the K1. I really do not see a down side, plus I can also use it on my K5.

01-05-2018, 09:12 AM	#13
Gutta Perka Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 126	You are talking about my jewel? Going "easy" with my K1 (FF that is) I have just the FA 20-35mm (245 grams) and the STAR optic 60-250mm (modded - 1045 grams without mod) to carry. 60mm is a very good "normal"-lens. 60 mm slightly lift the perspective and add a more dynamic - compared to 50mm. (OK - I also have a 50mm to use in very low light now and then.) They both print lovely on my Epson pro 3880 and "have it". My wife carry the tripod and K3-house - if I'm in the mood to alter the use and method. (SHE is the loveliest Sherpa I can find) This was just talking "easy carrying" - I have other serious gear when doing other things. Using longer lenses the K1 stays at home. (Edit:- forgot my TC:s) I have modded some 60-250mm for some pentaxforums members. Here is one that seems happy: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/190-pentax-k-1/348901-safari-k-1-pentax-...50mm-lens.html Seven - or eight incl. my sons - OK - I do not do that anymore because of sweating/risk over the postage and handling around the world. Last edited by Gutta Perka; 01-05-2018 at 10:35 AM.

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01-04-2018, 12:26 PM	#2
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	I don't have one ... but I would be curious to know if the lens vignettes on a FF sensor.

01-04-2018, 01:44 PM	#4
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Originally posted by 6BQ5 I don't have one ... but I would be curious to know if the lens vignettes on a FF sensor. There are some threads about modifying the lens to remove the rear baffle. In theory, this reduces the vignetting and makes the lens fully FF. This lens' patent is FF, but the barrel was modified to optimize it for APSC Lens profiles are another issue. One problem with this lens is breathing, so that the 250mm is not always 250mm FoV, depending on where you focus. All IF designs suffer of this to some degree. There were threads about this before. So a 300mm prime could potentially give you significantly longer FoV. But has has to be sharp. If you buy a cheap lens, it will perform worse than shooting the 60-250mm and digitally cropping it.

01-04-2018, 02:20 PM	#6
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	I modded mine and it was great until my AF died. Got a lot of mileage out of it on crop and FF before that happened. I'd love to see an updated version of this with native FF compatibility one day.

01-04-2018, 02:59 PM	#7
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,192	Originally posted by mattb123 I'd love to see an updated version of this with native FF compatibility one day. I know what you mean Matt, but.... I just wonder what that focal range could offer over the 70-200 ? Don't say 60mm !

01-04-2018, 03:31 PM - 4 Likes	#8
ChatMechant Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Matsuyama Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,284	Originally posted by pschlute I know what you mean Matt, but.... I just wonder what that focal range could offer over the 70-200 ? Don't say 60mm ! f/4, i.e. smaller and lighter .... and 60mm

01-04-2018, 04:55 PM	#9
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	Originally posted by ChatMechant f/4, i.e. smaller and lighter .... and 60mm This!

01-04-2018, 07:11 PM - 3 Likes	#10
Scorpio71GR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,003	I pretty much use the 60-250 on the K-1. Without modifying the baffle it vignettes pretty heavy at f4 and 250mm. Modifying the baffle essentially makes the vignetting equal to my Tamron 70-200 on the K-1. I designed a new baffle that I 3D printed in the lab where I work. It has been in my lens since last summer. The baffle used in the In Depth Review was my design. I uploaded the files to my Google Drive for anyone to try and use. 250mm f4 on the K-1. 220mm f4 on the K-1, shot indoors in dark light at the local zoo. 153mm f4 60mm f11

01-05-2018, 07:43 AM	#11
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Really like it on my K1. I looked at the 70-200, but decided I wanted the smaller size and weight and didn't need the speed. I find myself grabbing the 15-30, 43 limited, and 60-250 as a combination of lenses that are easy to carry and covers about anything I can think of.

01-05-2018, 08:02 AM - 1 Like	#12
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	The 60-250 is fantastic on the K-1, and I haven't even done the Mod. The DFA 28-105 and 60-250 is a great all purpose walk around kit.

01-05-2018, 11:59 AM	#14
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Here: Modifying the DA* 60-250mm F4 for Full Frame - Introduction - In-Depth Articles You're welcome

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01-06-2018, 08:25 AM	#15
Gutta Perka Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 126	Originally posted by bdery Here: Modifying the DA* 60-250mm F4 for Full Frame - Introduction - In-Depth Articles You're welcome Having lots of contacts with many reading- press link: DA* 60-250 mod for FF - PentaxForums.com (me and "npc" - the real inventor - on pentaxforums here had some talk) I bought 17 pieces to modify (Hasselblade- Pentaxservice center Sweden) and eight lenses sent to me and fixed. You yourself selling two fixed at pentaxforums selesmarket - I must have this remark: Not everyone can fix it - they do photographing and not engineering. Not even with the fixed tubes/flanges. It's not always as simple You as putting a link here at pentaxforums to DIY-half-instructions. Take care - they might destroy their lenses. PM me - perhaps I might be able to help more....