Best super telephoto prime or zoom

Frank29 · 05-09-2021, 05:03 PM

I might be coming into enough money to realize my dream of getting a very sharp wildlife lens. Not something at the upper end, like $5 to 10K dollars, but maybe in the $1000-3000 range.

What is available in this price range that is very sharp, at least 400 mm, and usable on my K-1?

Pentax, Sigma, Tamron, or others?

Frank

**luftfluss** · 05-09-2021, 05:15 PM

Not too much in the way of modern options for Pentax. The D FA 150-450 seems to be the default choice. Sigma and Tamron don't offer their 150-600 options in K-mount.

You might be able to snag a DA 560/5.6 at the upper end of your range.

**DWS1** · 05-09-2021, 05:16 PM

The only choices available new that I'm aware of are the Pentax 150-450mm or Pentax 560mm. About $2K for the 150-450mm, and about $4K for the 560mm.

**ramseybuckeye** · 05-09-2021, 05:25 PM

I'm happy with my DA*300 and DA 1.4 converter, but if I had the cash I would have the DFA 150-450 plus converter. Discussion and sample here for all of the options.

leekil · 05-09-2021, 06:14 PM

The older Sigma 170-500 is pretty good, but it doesn't seem to be the best if you use it all the way at 500; though that can be a common behavior with inexpensive zooms. But it's not very expensive!

**caliscouser** · 05-09-2021, 07:49 PM

In order of price and portability (lower -> higher)

DA*300+1.4 --> DFA 150-450 --> DA 560 --> Sigma 500 f/4.5 (used only)

(Note, I think some people reported vignetting with the DA*300+1.4 on the K-1)
I'm excluding some of the Sigma zooms as I don't think they would be better than the DFA150-450

vijaykishan · 05-10-2021, 05:10 AM

I use a MediumFormat Pentax-645 300mm F4 which I plan to pair with a 1.7X someday for some autofocus magic. The 300mm 645 translates to some 400mm equiv on Full-frame and is VERY sharp.

Sandy Hancock · 05-10-2021, 05:23 AM

I have absolutely no qualms in recommending the DFA150-450.

**aslyfox** · 05-10-2021, 06:10 AM

Originally posted by Frank29

I might be coming into enough money to realize my dream of getting a very sharp wildlife lens. Not something at the upper end, like $5 to 10K dollars, but maybe in the $1000-3000 range.

What is available in this price range that is very sharp, at least 400 mm, and usable on my K-1?

Pentax, Sigma, Tamron, or others?

Frank

it might help if the OP takes a look at this thread:

Next Step - 70-200 Tamron to...? Birding and Sports - PentaxForums.com

and the information in it

**termy** · 05-10-2021, 06:18 AM

Zoom - DFA 150-450.

Prime - DA560.
sigma 500mm f4.5.

Andrea K · 05-10-2021, 07:25 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by vijaykishan

I use a MediumFormat Pentax-645 300mm F4 which I plan to pair with a 1.7X someday for some autofocus magic. The 300mm 645 translates to some 400mm equiv on Full-frame and is VERY sharp.

Nope, the 300mm 645 translates in 300mm in every formats.

angerdan · 05-10-2021, 07:49 AM

Originally posted by Frank29

I might be coming into enough money to realize my dream of getting a very sharp wildlife lens. maybe in the $1000-3000 range.
What is available in this price range that is very sharp, at least 400 mm, and usable on my K-1?

DA* 300mm F4.0 + 1.4x TC
FA★ 400mm F5.6
Sigma DG 50-500mm F4.5
D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6
DA 560mm F5.6
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG AP

Lenses with Autofocus | PentaxForums.com

Originally posted by Andrea K

Nope, the 300mm 645 translates in 300mm in every formats.

vijaykishan did write eqivalent, so it's correct.
The Crop Factor Unmasked - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

Andrea K · 05-10-2021, 07:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by angerdan

vijaykishan did write eqivalent, so it's correct.

He has written "equivalent" but the statement is not corret. A 300mm for 645 has, in the 135 format, a FOV like every other 300mm, as he wrotes it seems that if you put the FA* 645 300mm f/4 on a K-1 then it obtains a FOV like a 400mm... that is impossible.

Example: you can say that the FOV of a 300mm for 645 is the same of the FOV of a 186mm for 135.

angerdan · 05-10-2021, 08:04 AM

Originally posted by Andrea K

A 300mm for 645 has, in the 135 format, a FOV like every other 300mm, as he wrotes it seems that if you put the FA* 645 300mm f/4 on a K-1 then it obtains a FOV like a 400mm... that is impossible.
Example: you can say that the FOV of a 300mm for 645 is the same of the FOV of an 186mm for 135.

The SMC pentax-FA* 645 300mm F4 ED [IF] mounted on a K-1 offers the field of view like a 135 format lens with 483mm focal length.
The Crop Factor Unmasked - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

Andrea K · 05-10-2021, 08:20 AM - **1 Like**

Nope, you have to evaluate the FOV column of the fist graph, so:
1 - the SMC pentax-FA* 645 300mm F4 ED [IF] has on a K-1 a FoV of 8,2°, to match this FoV on a 645 NII you have to use a 483mm.
2 - the SMC pentax-FA* 645 300mm F4 ED [IF] has on a 645 NII a FoV of 13,3°, to match this FoV on a K-1 you have to use a 186mm.

Then if you put a SMC pentax-FA* 645 300mm F4 ED [IF] on a K-1 you don't obtain a FoV of 5,3° like a 483mm on 135

05-09-2021, 05:03 PM	#1
Frank29 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 53	Best super telephoto prime or zoom I might be coming into enough money to realize my dream of getting a very sharp wildlife lens. Not something at the upper end, like $5 to 10K dollars, but maybe in the $1000-3000 range. What is available in this price range that is very sharp, at least 400 mm, and usable on my K-1? Pentax, Sigma, Tamron, or others? Frank

05-10-2021, 07:49 AM	#12
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,639	Originally posted by Frank29 I might be coming into enough money to realize my dream of getting a very sharp wildlife lens. maybe in the $1000-3000 range. What is available in this price range that is very sharp, at least 400 mm, and usable on my K-1? DA* 300mm F4.0 + 1.4x TC FA★ 400mm F5.6 Sigma DG 50-500mm F4.5 D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 DA 560mm F5.6 Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG AP Lenses with Autofocus \| PentaxForums.com Originally posted by Andrea K Nope, the 300mm 645 translates in 300mm in every formats. vijaykishan did write eqivalent, so it's correct. The Crop Factor Unmasked - Articles and Tips \| PentaxForums.com Last edited by angerdan; 05-10-2021 at 07:58 AM.

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05-09-2021, 05:15 PM	#2
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Not too much in the way of modern options for Pentax. The D FA 150-450 seems to be the default choice. Sigma and Tamron don't offer their 150-600 options in K-mount. You might be able to snag a DA 560/5.6 at the upper end of your range.

05-09-2021, 05:16 PM	#3
DWS1 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 1,169	The only choices available new that I'm aware of are the Pentax 150-450mm or Pentax 560mm. About $2K for the 150-450mm, and about $4K for the 560mm.

05-09-2021, 05:25 PM	#4
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,292	I'm happy with my DA*300 and DA 1.4 converter, but if I had the cash I would have the DFA 150-450 plus converter. Discussion and sample here for all of the options.

05-09-2021, 06:14 PM	#5
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	The older Sigma 170-500 is pretty good, but it doesn't seem to be the best if you use it all the way at 500; though that can be a common behavior with inexpensive zooms. But it's not very expensive!

05-09-2021, 07:49 PM	#6
caliscouser Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,037	In order of price and portability (lower -> higher) DA300+1.4 --> DFA 150-450 --> DA 560 --> Sigma 500 f/4.5 (used only) (Note, I think some people reported vignetting with the DA300+1.4 on the K-1) I'm excluding some of the Sigma zooms as I don't think they would be better than the DFA150-450

05-10-2021, 05:10 AM	#7
vijaykishan Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Photos: Gallery Posts: 999	I use a MediumFormat Pentax-645 300mm F4 which I plan to pair with a 1.7X someday for some autofocus magic. The 300mm 645 translates to some 400mm equiv on Full-frame and is VERY sharp.

05-10-2021, 05:23 AM	#8
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	I have absolutely no qualms in recommending the DFA150-450.

05-10-2021, 06:10 AM	#9
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by Frank29 I might be coming into enough money to realize my dream of getting a very sharp wildlife lens. Not something at the upper end, like $5 to 10K dollars, but maybe in the $1000-3000 range. What is available in this price range that is very sharp, at least 400 mm, and usable on my K-1? Pentax, Sigma, Tamron, or others? Frank it might help if the OP takes a look at this thread: Next Step - 70-200 Tamron to...? Birding and Sports - PentaxForums.com and the information in it

05-10-2021, 06:18 AM	#10
termy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,154	Zoom - DFA 150-450. Prime - DA560. sigma 500mm f4.5.

05-10-2021, 07:25 AM - 1 Like	#11
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	Originally posted by vijaykishan I use a MediumFormat Pentax-645 300mm F4 which I plan to pair with a 1.7X someday for some autofocus magic. The 300mm 645 translates to some 400mm equiv on Full-frame and is VERY sharp. Nope, the 300mm 645 translates in 300mm in every formats.

05-10-2021, 07:56 AM - 1 Like	#13
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	Originally posted by angerdan vijaykishan did write eqivalent, so it's correct. He has written "equivalent" but the statement is not corret. A 300mm for 645 has, in the 135 format, a FOV like every other 300mm, as he wrotes it seems that if you put the FA* 645 300mm f/4 on a K-1 then it obtains a FOV like a 400mm... that is impossible. Example: you can say that the FOV of a 300mm for 645 is the same of the FOV of a 186mm for 135.

05-10-2021, 08:04 AM	#14
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,639	Originally posted by Andrea K A 300mm for 645 has, in the 135 format, a FOV like every other 300mm, as he wrotes it seems that if you put the FA* 645 300mm f/4 on a K-1 then it obtains a FOV like a 400mm... that is impossible. Example: you can say that the FOV of a 300mm for 645 is the same of the FOV of an 186mm for 135. The SMC pentax-FA* 645 300mm F4 ED [IF] mounted on a K-1 offers the field of view like a 135 format lens with 483mm focal length. The Crop Factor Unmasked - Articles and Tips \| PentaxForums.com

05-10-2021, 08:20 AM - 1 Like	#15
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	Nope, you have to evaluate the FOV column of the fist graph, so: 1 - the SMC pentax-FA* 645 300mm F4 ED [IF] has on a K-1 a FoV of 8,2°, to match this FoV on a 645 NII you have to use a 483mm. 2 - the SMC pentax-FA* 645 300mm F4 ED [IF] has on a 645 NII a FoV of 13,3°, to match this FoV on a K-1 you have to use a 186mm. Then if you put a SMC pentax-FA* 645 300mm F4 ED [IF] on a K-1 you don't obtain a FoV of 5,3° like a 483mm on 135