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11-14-2018, 04:39 AM   #16
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QuoteOriginally posted by biz-engineer Quote
Having both DFA*70-200 and DFA150-450, with Pentax I'd go for the DFA*70-200 without hesitation. DFA*70-200 and DFA150450 are completely different lenses.

- DFA150450 is more of the "amateur" lens for safaris and wildlife, better than third party equivalent such as Tamrons and Sigma, but yet not such a fast lens like the serious ones for wildlife, sharpness is good but colors rendering and bokeh are so..so.

- DFA70-200 is more of the pro-league Pentax pedigree, f2.8, with star* class color and contrast rendering, and also this kind of lens turns into a 100-300 f4 when mounted on a TC, without much loss of image quality. If Ricoh release a FF 1.4 TC next year, that will be good.

I'd definitely go for the DFA*70-200.
the * 70-200 is definitely " faster " with F2.8 available through out its focal ranges


according to Pentax the * [ star ] designation means:


A star symbol denotes a lens being part of Pentax's top of the line (sometimes called "professional") lenses. They are usually larger lenses with fast apertures, all-weather protection and superior optical performances.


Read more at: HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Review - Specifications | PentaxForums.com Reviews

with regard to the 150-450

" All in all, this new Pentax zoom is nothing short of professional-grade when it comes to build quality. It is built like a tank and rivals only the best lenses, past and present . . . "

Read more at: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Build Quality | PentaxForums.com Reviews

" The build quality of the 150-450mm is stellar. The weather sealed, all-metal body is rugged and durable. Its exterior matches that of other recent Pentax zooms. The textured rings operate smoothly and precisely. It boasts the largest number of external controls on any Pentax lens, with some unique features, like the preset mode and dedicated AF buttons. . . . "

Read more at: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Conclusion | PentaxForums.com Reviews

I suggest a thorough reading of the three applicable " in depth review " articles

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

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

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

11-14-2018, 04:59 AM - 3 Likes   #17
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Hi Violet,

I think it really boils down to what your after. Do you need the longer reach or the faster speed. You already have the 70-200 range covered. The 150-450 will give you a lot more reach. I think you answered your own question when you said you tend to shoot longer.

I own the Tamron 70-200 which is nice but I hardly ever use it. For me it is a little long on the short end and short on the long end. I do not shoot portraits but have taken some nice shots at Boothe Memorial and Wooster Jr. High with it. I also own the Sigma 50-500 which gets more use shooting wildlife out at Milford Audubon.

I could lend you the Tamron if you would like to check out the focal range and see if it does what you want. If interested PM me.
11-14-2018, 05:05 AM   #18
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QuoteOriginally posted by steve_k Quote
. . . I could lend you the Tamron if you would like to check out the focal range and see if it does what you want. If interested PM me.
that is a very nice offer
11-14-2018, 06:22 AM   #19
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QuoteOriginally posted by Violet Quote
Is there anyone who has used both of those and can compare them?
It REALLY depends on what you typically shoot.

Both are amazing. The 70-200mm is probably the best all-around lens I've ever tested.

The 150-450 offers a combination of reach and IQ unmatched on the K-mount.

The latter almost always requires a monopod or tripod to use at the long end.

Both will serve you well but seriously, the choice should be easy once you determine what you intend to shoot with them.

11-14-2018, 07:15 AM   #20
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Wow. Thanks again to everyone who responded. I really appreciate the thought and time you put into your replies. Lots of good input to consider and it looks like I have some more reading to do.

QuoteOriginally posted by DeadJohn Quote
Check prices on the Sigma 50-500 and maybe prices have become sane again, but if the Pentax 150-450 is in the same price range get the Pentax.
I looked around and as best as I can remember from last night the prices for the Sigma 50-500 for Pentax were in the $1300-1400 range. Thanks for the tip.

QuoteOriginally posted by Docrwm Quote
Are you opposed to old glass on the long end?
No, I kind of like working with old glass though I don't get it out nearly often as I should. I have a Super-Takumar 135mm F3.5 that produces some beautiful shots. I just find that I use the zoom a lot in framing a shot that I can't necessarily physically walk up to.

QuoteOriginally posted by Fenwoodian Quote
For something different, and surprisingly affordable consider Leitax adapting Leica R 135/2.8 and 180/2.8 lenses.
QuoteOriginally posted by twilhelm Quote
To me, they are like the FA Limiteds, no one else put that much thought into the final image from a lens.
This is intriguing, at least the 180 is. But again... the zoom. I'll keep them in mind for next year's presents (birthday, anniversary)!

QuoteOriginally posted by biz-engineer Quote
- DFA70-200 is more of the pro-league Pentax pedigree, f2.8, with star* class color and contrast rendering, and also this kind of lens turns into a 100-300 f4 when mounted on a TC, without much loss of image quality. If Ricoh release a FF 1.4 TC next year, that will be good.
I'm really glad to see an evaluation from someone who has both lenses.

QuoteOriginally posted by aslyfox Quote
the * 70-200 is definitely " faster " with F2.8 available through out its focal ranges
That's helpful. I've queued up the articles for reading but I haven't gotten all the way through them yet. Thanks for the links.

QuoteOriginally posted by steve_k Quote
I could lend you the Tamron if you would like to check out the focal range and see if it does what you want. If interested PM me.
Thanks for this offer. I may take you up on that!

QuoteOriginally posted by bdery Quote
Both are amazing. The 70-200mm is probably the best all-around lens I've ever tested.

The 150-450 offers a combination of reach and IQ unmatched on the K-mount.

The latter almost always requires a monopod or tripod to use at the long end.

Both will serve you well but seriously, the choice should be easy once you determine what you intend to shoot with them.
Thanks for this. The point about the monopod/tripod is good to know though I would think that it might be true for the 70-200 as well. Both appear to be built like tanks in terms of size and weight.
11-14-2018, 08:16 AM - 1 Like   #21
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Regarding a tripod

Lots of options and prices

Look under " accessories "

https://www.pentaxforums.com/accessoryreviews/Tripods-and-Rigging-i132.html

One really interesting one - the moman mini

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/22-pentax-camera-field-accessories/36082...ml#post4206692



of course being a " mini " it might have to be attached to something or placed on something

Last edited by aslyfox; 11-14-2018 at 09:29 AM.
11-14-2018, 09:47 AM - 1 Like   #22
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There's really only one choice here in my mind. The DA 55-300 in FF terms is 80-450. Conversely 200mm on FF is 135mm APS_c. The only way you get your 55-300 on FF is to get the 150-450. You probably want more reach, not less, trust me, 200mm FF will seriously crimp your style. Imagine getting rid of your 55-300 and replacing it with a 50-135. That's what you're considering.

The only reason I don't own one is the cost. If that's not an issue, go for it. I would.

If you do get the 70-200, apparently a 2x TC is coming. In a few years you'll be all set in any case.

But I have to also point out, many times I leave my expensive glass home and just go out with the 55-300. Versatilty and light weight are at times preferable to maximum IQ, especially when the IQ is as good as the 55-300.

11-14-2018, 11:15 AM - 1 Like   #23
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QuoteOriginally posted by Violet Quote
Thanks for this. The point about the monopod/tripod is good to know though I would think that it might be true for the 70-200 as well. Both appear to be built like tanks in terms of size and weight.
I have used the 70-200 quite a lot without a tripod. With a good sling strap such as the Op/Tech or Peak design, it can be worn on the body, and raised when needed. Stability was not an issue at 200mm.

The 150-450, on the other hand, is larger, heavier, and has a longer reach that's harder to stabilize manually. I always used it with support, and even carrying it via s trap for a short period was not fun.

That being said, you're correct the 70-200mm is large. It's one of the reasons I still own the 60-250 F4 instead of that one.
11-14-2018, 11:57 AM - 1 Like   #24
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QuoteOriginally posted by bdery Quote
I have used the 70-200 quite a lot without a tripod. With a good sling strap such as the Op/Tech or Peak design, it can be worn on the body, and raised when needed. Stability was not an issue at 200mm.

The 150-450, on the other hand, is larger, heavier, and has a longer reach that's harder to stabilize manually. I always used it with support, and even carrying it via s trap for a short period was not fun.

That being said, you're correct the 70-200mm is large. It's one of the reasons I still own the 60-250 F4 instead of that one.
D FA * 70-200mm 1755 g (61.9 oz.)
w/ Hood: +80g
w/ Tripod Foot: +191g

Diam x Length
91.5 x 203 mm (3.6 x 8 in.) ( without hood ? )

D FA 150-450mm 2000 g (70.5 oz.)
w/ Hood: +130g
w/ Tripod Foot: +195g


Diam x Length
95 x 241.5 mm (3.7 x 9.5 in.) ( without hood ? )

yes, there is a difference but you can use either hand held and carry with a shoulder strap, I use an Optech USA utility strap and hand strap.

I usually carry big lens on the strap but will cradle it with the off arm occasionally to ease the load or tilted on the shoulder
11-14-2018, 12:27 PM - 1 Like   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by aslyfox Quote
D FA * 70-200mm 1755 g (61.9 oz.)
w/ Hood: +80g
w/ Tripod Foot: +191g

Diam x Length
91.5 x 203 mm (3.6 x 8 in.) ( without hood ? )

D FA 150-450mm 2000 g (70.5 oz.)
w/ Hood: +130g
w/ Tripod Foot: +195g


Diam x Length
95 x 241.5 mm (3.7 x 9.5 in.) ( without hood ? )

yes, there is a difference but you can use either hand held and carry with a shoulder strap, I use an Optech USA utility strap and hand strap.

I usually carry big lens on the strap but will cradle it with the off arm occasionally to ease the load or tilted on the shoulder
To be fair - it is not only slightly heavier and longer - it has a higher magnification which makes movement more noticed.
11-14-2018, 01:05 PM - 2 Likes   #26
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
To be fair - it is not only slightly heavier and longer - it has a higher magnification which makes movement more noticed.
you are correct that is a very important factor to consider

I know it is much harder for me to handle a 10X binocular than an 7x or 8x

my point was that I didn't want the OP or anyone else to think that it is absolutely impossible to use the 150-450 without a tripod.


I can't imagine trying to use a

SMC Pentax-FA* 250-600mm F5.6 ED[IF]

Diam x Length
134 x 442 mm (5.3 x 17.4 in.)
Weight 5400 g (190.5 oz.)

without a tripod


Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-Star-250-600mm-F5.6-P...#ixzz5WrV6thYy

Last edited by aslyfox; 11-14-2018 at 01:19 PM.
11-14-2018, 01:26 PM - 1 Like   #27
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QuoteOriginally posted by aslyfox Quote
Diam x Length
91.5 x 203 mm (3.6 x 8 in.) ( without hood ? )
QuoteOriginally posted by aslyfox Quote
Diam x Length
95 x 241.5 mm (3.7 x 9.5 in.) ( without hood ? )
The 150-450 is not internal zoom, however, so it gets much longer as you zoom. Much longer.

QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
To be fair - it is not only slightly heavier and longer - it has a higher magnification which makes movement more noticed.
Right, I did write that

QuoteOriginally posted by aslyfox Quote
my point was that I didn't want the OP or anyone else to think that it is absolutely impossible to use the 150-450 without a tripod.
I didn't say it was impossible. But based on experience, I strongly recommend avoiding it.

and in poor light, at 450mm, then yes, I'll go as far as saying it's impossible. I had a miserable time capturing the sharpness samples for that lens' review and making sure user error was not degrading the results. A steady tripod, remote, timer and electronic shutter were all needed to really get the best out of the lens.
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