Pentax 150-450

C_Jones · 05-28-2018, 10:18 AM

I recently bought a Pentax 70-200 and have noticed excellent AF and image quality/detail. So, I have been looking at the Pentax 150-450 to possibly get similar performance.

I would like to find out if the Pentax 150-450 is a better performer than the Sigma 150-500 DG OS.

I also would like to know if the Pentax 150-450 is fully compatible with the K-5IIS.

I have a K-1 II that I use my Pentax 70-200 with, my K-3II that I use my Pentax 16-85 with, and I currently have my K-5IIS on my Sigma 150-500 DG OS. I tried the K-1 II on the Sigma 150-500, but I found that it performs astoundingly on the Pentax 70-200, so I am going to keep it on that lens.

I have my K-5IIS which also performed well on my Pentax 70-200 and Sigma 150-500, and I am possibly looking for a new super telephoto lens to to use it with. So I need too know if the Pentax 150-450 is fully compatible with it (K-5IIS) and if it would be a worthy upgrade to my Sigma 150-500.

I would also like to note that I like to use aps-c camera bodies on my super telephoto lens due to the distance and megapixel combination that I get. So if I one day decide to get a new flagship Pentax aps-c body, it would replace the K-5IIS for super telephoto. As far as what I use my K-1 II for, as I said the AF and image quality I get from it when paired with my Pentax 70-200 is astounding, so I am going to use that as a dedicated combo.

Thank you for any information pertaining to this post, and have a great day.

Last edited by C_Jones; 05-28-2018 at 10:56 AM.

Adam · 05-28-2018, 12:39 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by C_Jones

I recently bought a Pentax 70-200 and have noticed excellent AF and image quality/detail. So, I have been looking at the Pentax 150-450 to possibly get similar performance.

The 150-450mm is great, but not phenomenal corner-to-corner like the star lens- you can see how it fares in our reviews:

Crop:
HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

FF:
HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

I would recommend it for the reach & AF. Also, it's currently selling at the lowest price we've seen since early 2016:

Pentax HD PENTAX D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 DC AW Lens 21340 B&H

It should work fine on the K-5, but the fancy AF modes won't.

**aslyfox** · 05-28-2018, 02:09 PM - **1 Like**

since you live in the US consider renting equipment to conduct your own testing

I have used Lensrentals.com with success.

there are other companies

__________________________

I have been lucky enough to get " experienced " copies of the HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW, HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW and the SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM

and I bought the HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter

new.

I like them all

I have used them with my K 3 and K 3 II. I don't have a K 1.

the only problems can be directly traced to " operator " error

with care the 70 - 200 and the 150- 450 can be used without a monopod or tripod

check out the photos posted in these threads to see what they can do

The 300mm plus lens Club discuss your long lenses. - PentaxForums.com

DA* Club - PentaxForums.com

Post your HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW pictures! - PentaxForums.com

Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW . . . CLUB! - PentaxForums.com

The Pentax HD PENTAX-DA AF Rear Converter 1.4X AW (and any lens) Club - PentaxForums.com

C_Jones · 05-28-2018, 03:20 PM

Originally posted by Michaelina2

Have you considered a K5 IIs+DA*300/4+HD1.4TC (420mm f/5.6) pairing? It's a lightweight, nimble lens kit with excellent IQ.

As a compact kit, the K-5 IIs paired with just the DA*300/4 can produce acceptable images. Add the HD1.4TC and you almost have the reach of the HD DFA 150-450.

In fact, I'd look for a used 300 with dying SDM, then convert it to screw drive. As I understand things, the HD1.4TC's screw drive gearbox is juiced for a quick response. It's quite possible you'll get a fast snap to focus (maybe even faster than the 150-450) than with SDM, alone.

Finally, as an added bonus, a 300+1.4TC lens kit is quite delicious when paired with the K-1 MkII, as well. See link, below...

Here's an example from July 2013 of an image created by a K-5 IIs+DA*300/4, handheld, native lighting, close crop, LR+NIK... (Flickr "Explored")

Cheers, and good luck with your decision... M

Thanks for mentioning the alternative. If I ever decide to switch to a system like that, the information you gave me would be good to have. Not that I don't like the idea, I would most likely opt for a new zoom instead of a prime lens with a TC. I would most likely want the 450 reach also, since I am used to having the 500 with my Sigma.

Thanks again. I appreciate your input.

Last edited by C_Jones; 05-28-2018 at 04:16 PM.

pentaxfall · 05-28-2018, 03:33 PM - **1 Like**

My speculation is camera makers are aware of the algorithm used in focus-tracking so their lens may have edge over the 3rd party lens when it comes to focus-tracking. For lens like 150-450 advanced AF features are important.

C_Jones · 05-28-2018, 03:46 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The 150-450mm is great, but not phenomenal corner-to-corner like the star lens- you can see how it fares in our reviews:

Crop:
HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

FF:
HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

I would recommend it for the reach & AF. Also, it's currently selling at the lowest price we've seen since early 2016:

Pentax HD PENTAX D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 DC AW Lens 21340 B&H

It should work fine on the K-5, but the fancy AF modes won't.

I am usually just concerned with the "subject" at the center of the image when I am using telephoto, and I am zoomed out in instances. If I have enough depth of field for the subject that is enough. As long as the main 150-450 AF operates with the K-5IIS that would be fine. If I get a new Pentax flagship aps-c camera body later I can take advantage of the barrel AF modes.

Thanks Adam.

---------- Post added 05-28-18 at 06:49 PM ----------

Originally posted by Aslyfox

since you live in the US consider renting equipment to conduct your own testing

I have used Lensrentals.com with success.

there are other companies

__________________________

I have been lucky enough to get " experienced " copies of the HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW, HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW and the SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM

and I bought the HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter

new.

I like them all

I have used them with my K 3 and K 3 II. I don't have a K 1.

the only problems can be directly traced to " operator " error

with care the 70 - 200 and the 150- 450 can be used without a monopod or tripod

check out the photos posted in these threads to see what they can do

The 300mm plus lens Club discuss your long lenses. - PentaxForums.com

DA* Club - PentaxForums.com

Post your HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW pictures! - PentaxForums.com

Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW . . . CLUB! - PentaxForums.com

The Pentax HD PENTAX-DA AF Rear Converter 1.4X AW (and any lens) Club - PentaxForums.com

Thanks. It is good to hear feedback from an actual user. I appreciate the performance information.

---------- Post added 05-28-18 at 07:08 PM ----------

Originally posted by pentaxfall

My speculation is camera makers are aware of the algorithm used in focus-tracking so their lens may have edge over the 3rd party lens when it comes to focus-tracking. For lens like 150-450 advanced AF features are important.

I noticed the AF speed and accuracy in focusing on subjects with my Pentax 70-200 and I am impressed. It recognizes subjects instantaneously and the image output is excellent. The Sigma on the same camera is alright, but not in the same class as the Pentax lens. That is why I am considering the Pentax 150-450, due to its newer technology, weather resistance (AW), and its "made for Pentax" attribute for overall functionality with Pentax camera bodies.

Thank you for the input.

C_Jones · 05-28-2018, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by Michaelina2

I understand.

FWIW: I climbed on the learning curve of the HD DFA 150-450 about a month ago. Besides the 150-450's weight difference vs the DA*300+HD1.4TC (I'm bulking-up

), my only material knock on the 150-450 is its minimum focusing distance (2m, or 6.56 ft) vs. the DA*300+HD1.4TC (1.4m, or 4.59 ft). For subjects that attract my attention (small insects, butterflies, skippers, etc.) photographed in their natural or original position or place (in-situ), I find the added focus distance of the 150-450 makes it more difficult to get into a position for an image that's unobstructed by surrounding distractions.

Good luck... If you go for the 150-450 and get a good copy (third time was a charm for me

), I'll be surprised to learn it disappoints... M

Thanks a lot for the information pertaining to actual use of the 150-450. The distance that a user has to take to accommodate a subject is something I am used to doing with my Sigma 150-500. I know it is different than using a shorter range lens, but if it is necessary I do it.

Thanks again for your input, and good luck with your 150-450.

Happy shooting!

cyberjunkie · 05-30-2018, 01:12 PM

@pentaxfall
I wouldn't be so sure the 150-450 makes AF any better (or worse).
All the magic is done in camera.
As far as I understand, with the unlikely exception of the new 55-300 with PML motor, the maximum level of information that a Pentax lens transmits to the camera are the identification of the model (data pin), max aperture, working aperture, and for AF lenses the focal length and focusing distance.
Even if there are other information provided to the camera by recent lenses, I can't imagine anything that could actually improve predictive AF. I guess it's still all about the information given by the AF sensors .

**aslyfox** · 05-30-2018, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by cyberjunkie

@pentaxfall
I wouldn't be so sure the 150-450 makes AF any better (or worse).
All the magic is done in camera.
As far as I understand, with the unlikely exception of the new 55-300 with PML motor, the maximum level of information that a Pentax lens transmits to the camera are the identification of the model (data pin), max aperture, working aperture, and for AF lenses the focal length and focusing distance.
Even if there are other information provided to the camera by recent lenses, I can't imagine anything that could actually improve predictive AF. I guess it's still all about the information given by the AF sensors .

a wise person once said:

gaining knowledge:

of photography techniques, basic, intermediate and advanced

of how to use your specific equipment - camera bodies and lenses - to their best advantage

and experience in photography

may trump the latest and brightest equipment

______________________________________

by the way, in no way am I claiming to that I am that wise person

too many people know the truth about me for me to think I could get away from that type of claim

05-28-2018, 10:18 AM	#1
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,088	Pentax 150-450 I recently bought a Pentax 70-200 and have noticed excellent AF and image quality/detail. So, I have been looking at the Pentax 150-450 to possibly get similar performance. I would like to find out if the Pentax 150-450 is a better performer than the Sigma 150-500 DG OS. I also would like to know if the Pentax 150-450 is fully compatible with the K-5IIS. I have a K-1 II that I use my Pentax 70-200 with, my K-3II that I use my Pentax 16-85 with, and I currently have my K-5IIS on my Sigma 150-500 DG OS. I tried the K-1 II on the Sigma 150-500, but I found that it performs astoundingly on the Pentax 70-200, so I am going to keep it on that lens. I have my K-5IIS which also performed well on my Pentax 70-200 and Sigma 150-500, and I am possibly looking for a new super telephoto lens to to use it with. So I need too know if the Pentax 150-450 is fully compatible with it (K-5IIS) and if it would be a worthy upgrade to my Sigma 150-500. I would also like to note that I like to use aps-c camera bodies on my super telephoto lens due to the distance and megapixel combination that I get. So if I one day decide to get a new flagship Pentax aps-c body, it would replace the K-5IIS for super telephoto. As far as what I use my K-1 II for, as I said the AF and image quality I get from it when paired with my Pentax 70-200 is astounding, so I am going to use that as a dedicated combo. Thank you for any information pertaining to this post, and have a great day. Last edited by C_Jones; 05-28-2018 at 10:56 AM.

05-28-2018, 12:39 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by C_Jones I recently bought a Pentax 70-200 and have noticed excellent AF and image quality/detail. So, I have been looking at the Pentax 150-450 to possibly get similar performance. The 150-450mm is great, but not phenomenal corner-to-corner like the star lens- you can see how it fares in our reviews: Crop: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews FF: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews I would recommend it for the reach & AF. Also, it's currently selling at the lowest price we've seen since early 2016: Pentax HD PENTAX D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 DC AW Lens 21340 B&H It should work fine on the K-5, but the fancy AF modes won't. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

05-28-2018, 03:46 PM	#6
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,088 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam The 150-450mm is great, but not phenomenal corner-to-corner like the star lens- you can see how it fares in our reviews: Crop: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews FF: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews I would recommend it for the reach & AF. Also, it's currently selling at the lowest price we've seen since early 2016: Pentax HD PENTAX D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 DC AW Lens 21340 B&H It should work fine on the K-5, but the fancy AF modes won't. I am usually just concerned with the "subject" at the center of the image when I am using telephoto, and I am zoomed out in instances. If I have enough depth of field for the subject that is enough. As long as the main 150-450 AF operates with the K-5IIS that would be fine. If I get a new Pentax flagship aps-c camera body later I can take advantage of the barrel AF modes. Thanks Adam. ---------- Post added 05-28-18 at 06:49 PM ---------- Originally posted by Aslyfox since you live in the US consider renting equipment to conduct your own testing I have used Lensrentals.com with success. there are other companies __________________________ I have been lucky enough to get " experienced " copies of the HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW, HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW and the SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM and I bought the HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter new. I like them all I have used them with my K 3 and K 3 II. I don't have a K 1. the only problems can be directly traced to " operator " error with care the 70 - 200 and the 150- 450 can be used without a monopod or tripod check out the photos posted in these threads to see what they can do The 300mm plus lens Club discuss your long lenses. - PentaxForums.com DA* Club - PentaxForums.com Post your HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW pictures! - PentaxForums.com Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW . . . CLUB! - PentaxForums.com The Pentax HD PENTAX-DA AF Rear Converter 1.4X AW (and any lens) Club - PentaxForums.com Thanks. It is good to hear feedback from an actual user. I appreciate the performance information. ---------- Post added 05-28-18 at 07:08 PM ---------- Originally posted by pentaxfall My speculation is camera makers are aware of the algorithm used in focus-tracking so their lens may have edge over the 3rd party lens when it comes to focus-tracking. For lens like 150-450 advanced AF features are important. I noticed the AF speed and accuracy in focusing on subjects with my Pentax 70-200 and I am impressed. It recognizes subjects instantaneously and the image output is excellent. The Sigma on the same camera is alright, but not in the same class as the Pentax lens. That is why I am considering the Pentax 150-450, due to its newer technology, weather resistance (AW), and its "made for Pentax" attribute for overall functionality with Pentax camera bodies. Thank you for the input. Last edited by C_Jones; 05-28-2018 at 04:18 PM.

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05-28-2018, 02:09 PM - 1 Like	#3
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	since you live in the US consider renting equipment to conduct your own testing I have used Lensrentals.com with success. there are other companies __________________________ I have been lucky enough to get " experienced " copies of the HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW, HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW and the SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM and I bought the HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter new. I like them all I have used them with my K 3 and K 3 II. I don't have a K 1. the only problems can be directly traced to " operator " error with care the 70 - 200 and the 150- 450 can be used without a monopod or tripod check out the photos posted in these threads to see what they can do The 300mm plus lens Club discuss your long lenses. - PentaxForums.com DA* Club - PentaxForums.com Post your HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW pictures! - PentaxForums.com Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW . . . CLUB! - PentaxForums.com The Pentax HD PENTAX-DA AF Rear Converter 1.4X AW (and any lens) Club - PentaxForums.com

05-28-2018, 03:20 PM	#4
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,088 Original Poster	Originally posted by Michaelina2 Have you considered a K5 IIs+DA300/4+HD1.4TC (420mm f/5.6) pairing? It's a lightweight, nimble lens kit with excellent IQ. As a compact kit, the K-5 IIs paired with just the DA300/4 can produce acceptable images. Add the HD1.4TC and you almost have the reach of the HD DFA 150-450. In fact, I'd look for a used 300 with dying SDM, then convert it to screw drive. As I understand things, the HD1.4TC's screw drive gearbox is juiced for a quick response. It's quite possible you'll get a fast snap to focus (maybe even faster than the 150-450) than with SDM, alone. Finally, as an added bonus, a 300+1.4TC lens kit is quite delicious when paired with the K-1 MkII, as well. See link, below... Here's an example from July 2013 of an image created by a K-5 IIs+DA300/4, handheld, native lighting, close crop, LR+NIK... (Flickr "Explored") Cheers, and good luck with your decision... M Thanks for mentioning the alternative. If I ever decide to switch to a system like that, the information you gave me would be good to have. Not that I don't like the idea, I would most likely opt for a new zoom instead of a prime lens with a TC. I would most likely want the 450 reach also, since I am used to having the 500 with my Sigma. Thanks again. I appreciate your input. Last edited by C_Jones; 05-28-2018 at 04:16 PM.*

05-28-2018, 03:33 PM - 1 Like	#5
pentaxfall Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Bangalore, India Posts: 581	My speculation is camera makers are aware of the algorithm used in focus-tracking so their lens may have edge over the 3rd party lens when it comes to focus-tracking. For lens like 150-450 advanced AF features are important.

05-28-2018, 07:18 PM	#7
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,088 Original Poster	Originally posted by Michaelina2 I understand. FWIW: I climbed on the learning curve of the HD DFA 150-450 about a month ago. Besides the 150-450's weight difference vs the DA300+HD1.4TC (I'm bulking-up ), my only material knock on the 150-450 is its minimum focusing distance (2m, or 6.56 ft) vs. the DA300+HD1.4TC (1.4m, or 4.59 ft). For subjects that attract my attention (small insects, butterflies, skippers, etc.) photographed in their natural or original position or place (in-situ), I find the added focus distance of the 150-450 makes it more difficult to get into a position for an image that's unobstructed by surrounding distractions. Good luck... If you go for the 150-450 and get a good copy (third time was a charm for me ), I'll be surprised to learn it disappoints... M Thanks a lot for the information pertaining to actual use of the 150-450. The distance that a user has to take to accommodate a subject is something I am used to doing with my Sigma 150-500. I know it is different than using a shorter range lens, but if it is necessary I do it. Thanks again for your input, and good luck with your 150-450. Happy shooting!

05-30-2018, 01:12 PM	#8
cyberjunkie Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Chiang Mai, Bologna, Amsterdam Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,198	@pentaxfall I wouldn't be so sure the 150-450 makes AF any better (or worse). All the magic is done in camera. As far as I understand, with the unlikely exception of the new 55-300 with PML motor, the maximum level of information that a Pentax lens transmits to the camera are the identification of the model (data pin), max aperture, working aperture, and for AF lenses the focal length and focusing distance. Even if there are other information provided to the camera by recent lenses, I can't imagine anything that could actually improve predictive AF. I guess it's still all about the information given by the AF sensors .

05-30-2018, 03:33 PM	#9
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by cyberjunkie @pentaxfall I wouldn't be so sure the 150-450 makes AF any better (or worse). All the magic is done in camera. As far as I understand, with the unlikely exception of the new 55-300 with PML motor, the maximum level of information that a Pentax lens transmits to the camera are the identification of the model (data pin), max aperture, working aperture, and for AF lenses the focal length and focusing distance. Even if there are other information provided to the camera by recent lenses, I can't imagine anything that could actually improve predictive AF. I guess it's still all about the information given by the AF sensors . a wise person once said: gaining knowledge: of photography techniques, basic, intermediate and advanced of how to use your specific equipment - camera bodies and lenses - to their best advantage and experience in photography may trump the latest and brightest equipment ______________________________________ by the way, in no way am I claiming to that I am that wise person too many people know the truth about me for me to think I could get away from that type of claim