Does the Pentax DFA 150-450 hold focus and focal length when pointed up or down?

**barondla** · 11-28-2019, 09:46 AM

Looking at the 150-450 and it seems to be a heavy lens. Just wondering if theres slippage in focal length or focus when aimed almost straight up or down? Owned a few lenses that had this problem and played with many more.

Thanks,
barondla

**Pentax Syntax** · 11-28-2019, 10:09 AM - **1 Like**

I have experienced neither using the 150-450 on a gimbal head. When hand holding, there is no slippage but the weight makes things awkward. I leave the tripod mounting handle on to help handling. This is not a “walk-around” lens. However the IQ is great and it is excellent for wildlife photography.

**aslyfox** · 11-28-2019, 10:18 AM - **1 Like**

I have experienced no problems

and you can carry it, and use it hand held

butt you might want to eat spinach

You Tube

**boriscleto** · 11-28-2019, 10:26 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Pentax Syntax

I have experienced neither using the 150-450 on a gimbal head. When hand holding, there is no slippage but the weight makes things awkward. I leave the tripod mounting handle on to help handling. This is not a “walk-around” lens. However the IQ is great and it is excellent for wildlife photography.

I walk around with it. Though I did the same with the Sigma 150-500 for years...My 150-500 developed lens creep within a month from the first time I used it. The 150-450 has not.

steephill · 11-28-2019, 10:31 AM - **1 Like**

Focal length creeps badly. Set longest focal length, point up and it shortens. Set shortest focal length, point down and it lengthens. Haven't seen any focus change.

C_Jones · 11-28-2019, 03:16 PM - **1 Like**

When I use my Sigma 150-500 DG OS for Pentax, I just hold on to the barrel of the lens if I do not want it to drift shorter or longer.

Paul the Sunman · 11-28-2019, 03:16 PM - **1 Like**

FL can be locked ... but only at 150mm. Without the lock engaged, the lens extends under its own weight if held pointing directly downward. However, mine does not extend until the angle to the vertical falls below about 30°, so I can easily point the lens downward at quite an angle before it's an issue.

My only (minor) issue with the lens is that it can't be locked at arbitrary FL. Otherwise it is ASTONISHINGLY good.

**clickclick** · 11-29-2019, 07:44 PM - **1 Like**

Mine will extend straight down too, but I haven't found it extending on it's own during normal shooting. I've I'm carrying slung over my shoulder, I'll collapse it and flick the lock.

Sandy Hancock · 11-29-2019, 07:59 PM - **1 Like**

Mine shows a little bit of gentle zoom creep - I generally lock it at 150mm when I'm walking with it. During use, keeping a hand on the zoom ring negates any movement.

I haven't noticed any focus creep.

11-28-2019, 09:46 AM	#1
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,714	Does the Pentax DFA 150-450 hold focus and focal length when pointed up or down? Looking at the 150-450 and it seems to be a heavy lens. Just wondering if theres slippage in focal length or focus when aimed almost straight up or down? Owned a few lenses that had this problem and played with many more. Thanks, barondla

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11-28-2019, 10:09 AM - 1 Like	#2
Pentax Syntax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 595	I have experienced neither using the 150-450 on a gimbal head. When hand holding, there is no slippage but the weight makes things awkward. I leave the tripod mounting handle on to help handling. This is not a “walk-around” lens. However the IQ is great and it is excellent for wildlife photography.

11-28-2019, 10:26 AM - 1 Like	#4
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by Pentax Syntax I have experienced neither using the 150-450 on a gimbal head. When hand holding, there is no slippage but the weight makes things awkward. I leave the tripod mounting handle on to help handling. This is not a “walk-around” lens. However the IQ is great and it is excellent for wildlife photography. I walk around with it. Though I did the same with the Sigma 150-500 for years...My 150-500 developed lens creep within a month from the first time I used it. The 150-450 has not.

11-28-2019, 10:31 AM - 1 Like	#5
steephill Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 588	Focal length creeps badly. Set longest focal length, point up and it shortens. Set shortest focal length, point down and it lengthens. Haven't seen any focus change.

11-28-2019, 03:16 PM - 1 Like	#6
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,074	When I use my Sigma 150-500 DG OS for Pentax, I just hold on to the barrel of the lens if I do not want it to drift shorter or longer.

11-28-2019, 03:16 PM - 1 Like	#7
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846	FL can be locked ... but only at 150mm. Without the lock engaged, the lens extends under its own weight if held pointing directly downward. However, mine does not extend until the angle to the vertical falls below about 30°, so I can easily point the lens downward at quite an angle before it's an issue. My only (minor) issue with the lens is that it can't be locked at arbitrary FL. Otherwise it is ASTONISHINGLY good.

11-29-2019, 07:44 PM - 1 Like	#8
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Mine will extend straight down too, but I haven't found it extending on it's own during normal shooting. I've I'm carrying slung over my shoulder, I'll collapse it and flick the lock.

11-29-2019, 07:59 PM - 1 Like	#9
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Mine shows a little bit of gentle zoom creep - I generally lock it at 150mm when I'm walking with it. During use, keeping a hand on the zoom ring negates any movement. I haven't noticed any focus creep.