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10-01-2019, 11:45 AM   #1
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Is a Fa*600/F4 Really worth it?

Hello fellows Pentaxians


For those (and only those) who possess this beauty,
how many times are you using it during a year (including 2019)?

I am asking that question because of the usability of this beast (Weight, transport and so on)...

And Yes, I am spotting one!

10-01-2019, 11:48 AM - 2 Likes   #2
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@Ducatigaz has one, so perhaps he will chime in.

He does post photos here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/55946-300mm-plus-lens-clu...ng-lenses.html
10-01-2019, 11:51 AM - 3 Likes   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by Jome Quote
Hello fellows Pentaxians


For those (and only those) who possess this beauty,
how many times are you using it during a year (including 2019)?

I am asking that question because of the usability of this beast (Weight, transport and so on)...

And Yes, I am spotting one!
The half dozen people I know who own 600mm fast lenses use them weekly or more and sell their images. To them $10,000 is worth it. To a wealthy hobbyist bragging rights are worth it if it only comes out of the trunk twice a year.

Otherwise no one can answer but you.
10-01-2019, 11:53 AM - 1 Like   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by monochrome Quote
The half dozen people I know who own 600mm fast lenses use them weekly or more and sell their images. To them $10,000 is worth it. To a wealthy hobbyist bragging rights are worth it if it only comes out of the trunk twice a year.

Otherwise no one can answer but you.
That doesn't help me
and I have seen a 560 new for 4000$


Last edited by Jome; 10-01-2019 at 11:59 AM.
10-01-2019, 12:02 PM - 1 Like   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Jome Quote
That doesn't help me
and I have seen a 560 new for 4000$
I see. A new 560 versus a complete and pristine legacy *600/4 is a really good thought exercise.
10-01-2019, 12:14 PM - 2 Likes   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by monochrome Quote
I see. A new 560 versus a complete and pristine legacy *600/4 is a really good thought exercise.
Now you see my concern...
10-01-2019, 12:27 PM - 2 Likes   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Jome Quote
That doesn't help me
and I have seen a 560 new for 4000$
My response to your original question can only be with another question- the real question is how often would YOU use it, and how important having one would be to YOU. Everyone's needs are different. For some people, they would use it on a regular basis, as it is the best tool for their main interest. For others, only occasional use will still justify putting out the expense, because when the need arrises, having it is indispensable. Nothing else will do. For still others, the lack of use in their case would not make sense.

The DA 560mm f/5.6 is a very fine lens and a very good value. It is very well made with AW construction and HD coatings. It is a good alternative, but it is still a stop slower than the older FA* 600mm f/4, which can make a difference in some situations, and which also is a FF lens.

10-01-2019, 12:32 PM - 2 Likes   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by mikesbike Quote
My response to your original question can only be with another question- the real question is how often would YOU use it, and how important having one would be to YOU. Everyone's needs are different. For some people, they would use it on a regular basis, as it is the best tool for their main interest. For others, only occasional use will still justify putting out the expense, because when the need arrises, having it is indispensable. Nothing else will do. For still others, the lack of use in their case would not make sense.

The DA 560mm f/5.6 is a very fine lens and a very good value. It is very well made with AW construction and HD coatings. It is a good alternative, but it is still a stop slower than the older FA* 600mm f/4, which can make a difference in some situations, and which also is a FF lens.
There is ONE think that can stop me: my Wife Acceptance Factor!!!!
10-01-2019, 12:35 PM - 2 Likes   #9
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I would not even look at a da560, it’s not worth $4000 maybe a $2800 lens. I owned one for a few years before moving to Canon for the 600 F4 IS II.

I use my 600 for 90% of my shooting, if you are into wildlife photography it’s a must have lens.

People will say it’s to big or hard to travel with and won’t get used much but it’s not true. I travel with mine and it’s never been a problem you just need to get the right gear. You will also need a good tripod and gimbal head.

I’ve never used the Pentax 600 but if you can get a good clean lens I wouldn’t hesitate to pick it up.
10-01-2019, 03:15 PM - 2 Likes   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by KiloHotelphoto Quote
I would not even look at a da560, it’s not worth $4000 maybe a $2800 lens. I owned one for a few years before moving to Canon for the 600 F4 IS II.
But that's *$10000* for just one stop over the DA560, KHP.

Not a value proposition, it's a lens National Geographic buys for its pros.





10-01-2019, 04:01 PM   #11
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In the words of Missy Elliot:
"Is it worth it?
Let me work it
Let me lay down flip it and reverse it"

Sorry, couldnt help it lol
10-01-2019, 04:05 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by monochrome Quote
I see. A new 560 versus a complete and pristine legacy *600/4 is a really good thought exercise.
It's an exercise I have performed on numerous occasions, and my brain is still flabby.




10-01-2019, 04:42 PM - 1 Like   #13
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Well, you know: K500/4.5; K1000/8; Wimberley . . . . . . . . .
QuoteOriginally posted by luftfluss Quote
It's an exercise I have performed on numerous occasions, and my brain is still flabby.





Last edited by monochrome; 10-01-2019 at 05:02 PM.
10-01-2019, 06:23 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by clackers Quote
But that's *$10000* for just one stop over the DA560, KHP.

Not a value proposition, it's a lens National Geographic buys for its pros.
The da560 was $8000 at launch price, not sure what that would be equivalent to today with inflation but it was never worth that.
10-01-2019, 06:27 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by KiloHotelphoto Quote
The da560 was $8000 at launch price, not sure what that would be equivalent to today with inflation but it was never worth that.
Launch prices are not the market value, you know that. They are targeted only at early adopters who for whatever psychology feel they must buy, and buy now.

The Canon 600mm f4 is $10000 *today*.

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