“Big” lens problem of a different kind

**Vaskebjorn** · 11-15-2019, 10:01 AM

The 600 must be a beast. I saw one on ebay and sometimes torture myself with looking at it. It costs a massive amount of cash though.

Originally posted by Buffy

I have the FA* 600mm f/4, the Sigma 300mm f/2.8, and the Sigma 150-500mm. Although fast, the 300mm is really too short for most birding. The 600mm is excellent except it weighs a ton which makes being stationary desirable. The 150-500mm, although slower, works pretty well in bright light and is hand-holdable,

ecostigny · 11-15-2019, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by Vaskebjorn

The 600 must be a beast. I saw one on ebay and sometimes torture myself with looking at it. It costs a massive amount of cash though.

I was curious about the 600, so I looked it up on PF: SMC Pentax-FA* 600mm F4 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

241 oz. translates to 15 lb. You'll develop some upper body strength toting that beast around.

**aslyfox** · 11-15-2019, 11:24 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ecostigny

I was curious about the 600, so I looked it up on PF: SMC Pentax-FA* 600mm F4 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

241 oz. translates to 15 lb. You'll develop some upper body strength toting that beast around.

reminds me of a movie line

" that's not a [ lens ] "

Weight 1070 g (37.7 oz.) w/ Hood: +90g w/ Tripod Foot: +80g

SMCPentax-DA *300mmF4 SDM

" this is a [ lens ] "

Weight 6830 g (241 oz.)

Pentax-FA* 600mm F4 ED [IF]

**Buffy** · 11-15-2019, 12:43 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by ecostigny

I was curious about the 600, so I looked it up on PF: SMC Pentax-FA* 600mm F4 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

241 oz. translates to 15 lb. You'll develop some upper body strength toting that beast around.

I actually tote it around with a little Radio Flyer wagon.

**aslyfox** · 11-15-2019, 12:45 PM

Originally posted by Buffy

I actually tote it around with a little Radio Flyer wagon.

a little wagon can handle it ??

**Buffy** · 11-15-2019, 12:49 PM

Originally posted by Vaskebjorn

The 600 must be a beast. I saw one on ebay and sometimes torture myself with looking at it. It costs a massive amount of cash though.

It is a beast--I had to buy a new tripod especially for it. With a Wimberley head and camera+grip there's about 21 pounds on the tripod. (The added weight of the grip is useful for balancing.)

**Vaskebjorn** · 11-15-2019, 02:03 PM

So no handholding I suppose, at least for me

. I think i could manage a 2 kilo lens. I use the 300 and that is just a kilo and the 50-135 is about the same.
But the look is amazing

Originally posted by Buffy

It is a beast--I had to buy a new tripod especially for it. With a Wimberley head and camera+grip there's about 21 pounds on the tripod. (The added weight of the grip is useful for balancing.)

**aslyfox** · 11-15-2019, 04:30 PM

the largest lens I try to hand hold, and it can be done, is the D FA 150- 450mm F 4.5- 5.6 ED DC AW

Diam x Length 95 x 241.5 mm (3.7 x 9.5 in.)

Weight 2000 g (70.5 oz.) w/ Hood: +130g w/ Tripod Foot: +195g = 2325 g ( 82 oz )

Read more at: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

compared to

Diam x Length 176 x 457 mm (6.9 x 18 in.)

Weight 6830 g (241 oz.)

Read more at: SMC Pentax-FA* 600mm F4 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

**Buffy** · 11-16-2019, 06:58 AM

Originally posted by Vaskebjorn

So no handholding I suppose, at least for me

. I think i could manage a 2 kilo lens. I use the 300 and that is just a kilo and the 50-135 is about the same.
But the look is amazing

I seriously doubt anyone can reliably handhold the FA* 600. If it's weight was in a compact form factor handholding might be possible--albeit very tiring--but it's just too lengthy.

**aslyfox** · 11-16-2019, 07:23 AM

Originally posted by Buffy

I seriously doubt anyone can reliably handhold the FA* 600. If it's weight was in a compact form factor handholding might be possible--albeit very tiring--but it's just too lengthy.

perhaps a very strong basketball player with a long wingspan ??

Wilt Chamberlain comes to mind immediately 7' 8"

Shaquille O'Neal 7' 7"

Hakeem Olajuwon 7' 6"

Bill Russell 7' 4 ''

**Robin** · 11-16-2019, 07:42 AM - **1 Like**

The best way to handhold a FA*600, is if you mate has it over his shoulder, with both hands wrapped around the barrel!

But seriously, I'd sell my soul to get my hands on one... or maybe an F*600.

**Vaskebjorn** · 11-16-2019, 09:14 AM

Robin,
No need to sell your soul. It is USD 5.200 excluding shipping. You could opt to sell something cheaper

, let’s say a family member, your pension entitlements or maybe you have some extra cash in your house. Although sleeping under a bridge with the FA* 600 might be a thing. The lens is already for sale for close to a year, nobody is shelling out the cash. Maybe you need to live cheap and save a dollar a day. You would be there in 14 years and three months.

Originally posted by Robin

The best way to handhold a FA*600, is if you mate has it over his shoulder, with both hands wrapped around the barrel!

But seriously, I'd sell my soul to get my hands on one... or maybe an F*600.

**Robin** · 11-16-2019, 09:20 AM

Originally posted by Vaskebjorn

Robin,
No need to sell your soul. It is USD 5.200 excluding shipping. You could opt to sell something cheaper

, let’s say a family member, your pension entitlements or maybe you have some extra cash in your house. Although sleeping under a bridge with the FA* 600 might be a thing. The lens is already for sale for close to a year, nobody is shelling out the cash. Maybe you need to live cheap and save a dollar a day. You would be there in 14 years and three months.

Yep, and the current US$ to ZAR is 14.71. So R76492.00... I could buy a good condition, second hand car for that!

ecostigny · 11-16-2019, 12:22 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by aslyfox

reminds me of a movie line

" that's not a [ lens ] "

Weight 1070 g (37.7 oz.) w/ Hood: +90g w/ Tripod Foot: +80g

SMCPentax-DA *300mmF4 SDM

" this is a [ lens ] "

Weight 6830 g (241 oz.)

Pentax-FA* 600mm F4 ED [IF]

I think we have a premise for the next "Crocodile Dundee" movie.

11-15-2019, 12:49 PM	#51
Buffy Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Greater Boston area, Massachusetts Posts: 389	Originally posted by Vaskebjorn The 600 must be a beast. I saw one on ebay and sometimes torture myself with looking at it. It costs a massive amount of cash though. It is a beast--I had to buy a new tripod especially for it. With a Wimberley head and camera+grip there's about 21 pounds on the tripod. (The added weight of the grip is useful for balancing.) Last edited by Buffy; 11-15-2019 at 01:11 PM.

11-16-2019, 07:23 AM	#55
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by Buffy I seriously doubt anyone can reliably handhold the FA* 600. If it's weight was in a compact form factor handholding might be possible--albeit very tiring--but it's just too lengthy. perhaps a very strong basketball player with a long wingspan ?? Wilt Chamberlain comes to mind immediately 7' 8" Shaquille O'Neal 7' 7" Hakeem Olajuwon 7' 6" Bill Russell 7' 4 '' Last edited by aslyfox; 11-16-2019 at 07:30 AM.

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11-15-2019, 10:01 AM	#46
Vaskebjorn Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Almere, The Netherlands Posts: 1,671 Original Poster	The 600 must be a beast. I saw one on ebay and sometimes torture myself with looking at it. It costs a massive amount of cash though. Originally posted by Buffy I have the FA* 600mm f/4, the Sigma 300mm f/2.8, and the Sigma 150-500mm. Although fast, the 300mm is really too short for most birding. The 600mm is excellent except it weighs a ton which makes being stationary desirable. The 150-500mm, although slower, works pretty well in bright light and is hand-holdable,

11-15-2019, 11:07 AM	#47
ecostigny Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Branford, CT Posts: 561	Originally posted by Vaskebjorn The 600 must be a beast. I saw one on ebay and sometimes torture myself with looking at it. It costs a massive amount of cash though. I was curious about the 600, so I looked it up on PF: SMC Pentax-FA* 600mm F4 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database 241 oz. translates to 15 lb. You'll develop some upper body strength toting that beast around.

11-15-2019, 11:24 AM - 1 Like	#48
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by ecostigny I was curious about the 600, so I looked it up on PF: SMC Pentax-FA* 600mm F4 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database 241 oz. translates to 15 lb. You'll develop some upper body strength toting that beast around. reminds me of a movie line " that's not a [ lens ] " Weight 1070 g (37.7 oz.) w/ Hood: +90g w/ Tripod Foot: +80g SMCPentax-DA 300mmF4 SDM " this is a [ lens ] " Weight 6830 g (241 oz.) Pentax-FA 600mm F4 ED [IF]

11-15-2019, 12:43 PM - 2 Likes	#49
Buffy Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Greater Boston area, Massachusetts Posts: 389	Originally posted by ecostigny I was curious about the 600, so I looked it up on PF: SMC Pentax-FA* 600mm F4 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database 241 oz. translates to 15 lb. You'll develop some upper body strength toting that beast around. I actually tote it around with a little Radio Flyer wagon.

11-15-2019, 12:45 PM	#50
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by Buffy I actually tote it around with a little Radio Flyer wagon. a little wagon can handle it ??

11-15-2019, 02:03 PM	#52
Vaskebjorn Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Almere, The Netherlands Posts: 1,671 Original Poster	So no handholding I suppose, at least for me . I think i could manage a 2 kilo lens. I use the 300 and that is just a kilo and the 50-135 is about the same. But the look is amazing Originally posted by Buffy It is a beast--I had to buy a new tripod especially for it. With a Wimberley head and camera+grip there's about 21 pounds on the tripod. (The added weight of the grip is useful for balancing.)

11-15-2019, 04:30 PM	#53
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	the largest lens I try to hand hold, and it can be done, is the D FA 150- 450mm F 4.5- 5.6 ED DC AW Diam x Length 95 x 241.5 mm (3.7 x 9.5 in.) Weight 2000 g (70.5 oz.) w/ Hood: +130g w/ Tripod Foot: +195g = 2325 g ( 82 oz ) Read more at: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database compared to Diam x Length 176 x 457 mm (6.9 x 18 in.) Weight 6830 g (241 oz.) Read more at: SMC Pentax-FA* 600mm F4 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

11-16-2019, 06:58 AM	#54
Buffy Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Greater Boston area, Massachusetts Posts: 389	Originally posted by Vaskebjorn So no handholding I suppose, at least for me . I think i could manage a 2 kilo lens. I use the 300 and that is just a kilo and the 50-135 is about the same. But the look is amazing I seriously doubt anyone can reliably handhold the FA* 600. If it's weight was in a compact form factor handholding might be possible--albeit very tiring--but it's just too lengthy.

11-16-2019, 07:42 AM - 1 Like	#56
Robin Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Pietermaritzburg Photos: Gallery Posts: 432	The best way to handhold a FA600, is if you mate has it over his shoulder, with both hands wrapped around the barrel! But seriously, I'd sell my soul to get my hands on one... or maybe an F600.

11-16-2019, 09:14 AM	#57
Vaskebjorn Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Almere, The Netherlands Posts: 1,671 Original Poster	Robin, No need to sell your soul. It is USD 5.200 excluding shipping. You could opt to sell something cheaper , let’s say a family member, your pension entitlements or maybe you have some extra cash in your house. Although sleeping under a bridge with the FA* 600 might be a thing. The lens is already for sale for close to a year, nobody is shelling out the cash. Maybe you need to live cheap and save a dollar a day. You would be there in 14 years and three months. Originally posted by Robin The best way to handhold a FA600, is if you mate has it over his shoulder, with both hands wrapped around the barrel! But seriously, I'd sell my soul to get my hands on one... or maybe an F600.

11-16-2019, 09:20 AM	#58
Robin Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Pietermaritzburg Photos: Gallery Posts: 432	Originally posted by Vaskebjorn Robin, No need to sell your soul. It is USD 5.200 excluding shipping. You could opt to sell something cheaper , let’s say a family member, your pension entitlements or maybe you have some extra cash in your house. Although sleeping under a bridge with the FA* 600 might be a thing. The lens is already for sale for close to a year, nobody is shelling out the cash. Maybe you need to live cheap and save a dollar a day. You would be there in 14 years and three months. Yep, and the current US$ to ZAR is 14.71. So R76492.00... I could buy a good condition, second hand car for that!

11-16-2019, 12:22 PM - 1 Like	#59
ecostigny Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Branford, CT Posts: 561	Originally posted by aslyfox reminds me of a movie line " that's not a [ lens ] " Weight 1070 g (37.7 oz.) w/ Hood: +90g w/ Tripod Foot: +80g SMCPentax-DA 300mmF4 SDM " this is a [ lens ] " Weight 6830 g (241 oz.) Pentax-FA 600mm F4 ED [IF] I think we have a premise for the next "Crocodile Dundee" movie.