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07-28-2018, 10:03 AM   #1
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Telephoto prime or zoom?

I've never owned anything beyond 200mm. I'm drawn to a prime like 300mm/f4 but will a super zoom covering the range suffice in terms of IQ? Interested in trying for birds and other wildlife.



07-28-2018, 10:07 AM - 1 Like   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by drumhead Quote
I've never owned anything beyond 200mm. I'm drawn to a prime like 300mm/f4 but will a super zoom covering the range suffice in terms of IQ? Interested in trying for birds and other wildlife.
The DA*60-250 or the DFA 150-450 will give as good IQ as the DA*300.
07-28-2018, 10:35 AM   #3
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I really like outdoor nature photography and I am in the same boat. What would be the better choice?
07-28-2018, 11:03 AM - 1 Like   #4
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The image quality of the 150-450 is amazing! Very versatile!

07-28-2018, 11:10 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by drumhead Quote
I'm drawn to a prime like 300mm/f4 but will a super zoom covering the range suffice in terms of IQ?
That depends how picky you are. There is more to an image than IQ :-)
07-28-2018, 11:18 AM - 2 Likes   #6
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for me, I find myself shooting almost exclusively at 300mm when I'm out for birds/wildlife and most zooms are not going to give you the best IQ at their longest end...

I have a DA L 55-300mm, which is a nice walk-around lens, but if I'm serious about the long-end and I want the shot, I'll take my FA* 300/4.5...
07-28-2018, 11:24 AM   #7
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When comparing the prime versus the zoom lenses, how much additional weight do you have for a zoom? At least that's what I assume you will. How much of a burden is that?

07-28-2018, 11:28 AM   #8
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I use the 55-300PLM almost exclusively now for wildlife. It's light and easy to track subjects with, but compact to carry, and WR. Image quality isn't perfect (as mentioned by pepperberry farm), but its portability scores well, focus is silent and it doesn't cost the earth.
Ideally, I'd like both that and the 150-450 but finances don't allow.
07-28-2018, 11:37 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
That depends how picky you are. There is more to an image than IQ :-)
Assuming it's a well-framed, in-focus shot of interesting subject in good light, what else is left other than IQ?



---------- Post added 07-28-18 at 02:42 PM ----------

Thanks for all suggestions. A zoom would be more versatile, I'm thinking. I only own a kit zoom having only really ever been interested in primes.
07-28-2018, 01:01 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by drumhead Quote
Assuming it's a well-framed, in-focus shot of interesting subject in good light, what else is left other than IQ?



---------- Post added 07-28-18 at 02:42 PM ----------

Thanks for all suggestions. A zoom would be more versatile, I'm thinking. I only own a kit zoom having only really ever been interested in primes.
Weight. You have to carry it to the birds.
07-28-2018, 01:07 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by quant2325 Quote
Weight. You have to carry it to the birds.
Roger that.

07-28-2018, 01:21 PM   #12
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The Jury is not in on IQ

QuoteOriginally posted by MrMojo Quote
I use the 55-300PLM almost exclusively now for wildlife. It's light and easy to track subjects with, but compact to carry, and WR. Image quality isn't perfect (as mentioned by pepperberry farm), but its portability scores well, focus is silent and it doesn't cost the earth.
Ideally, I'd like both that and the 150-450 but finances don't allow.
I use the PLM also and was playing with it a a Grand Prix horse jumping yesterday evening. It was my first effort with "sport" (movement). I agree the exteme ends can be soft but working into the low 200mm range I got some good (at least at first glance) shots. It may be newbie reasoning but I pass on a 200mm zoom and went with a 300 to have better images at the "lower"range. So far it seems to have work. Of course I am fumbling around yet. The photo is unedited taken at 260mm, f14, 1/400, 800 ISO
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07-28-2018, 01:38 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by drumhead Quote
Assuming it's a well-framed, in-focus shot of interesting subject in good light, what else is left other than IQ?
Those are 3 of the main ones. Your first post did not assume anything :-)
07-28-2018, 01:55 PM - 1 Like   #14
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Yes but those qualities come from the thing behind the camera, not the lens!
QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
Those are 3 of the main ones. Your first post did not assume anything :-)
07-28-2018, 02:49 PM   #15
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has any one checked the reviews of the lenses being discussed ( or ignored ):

you will find both user reviews and in depth reviews

https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/


as I understand it, there has been great improvements in zoom lenses over the film days


but there are trade offs for not having to change lenses like you might have to do with a prime


and don't forget the HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter

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I like both my SMC DA * 300mm F4 ED (IF ) SDM and my HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5 - 5.6 ED DC AW by themselves and with the rear converter

Last edited by aslyfox; 07-28-2018 at 03:16 PM.
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