Pentax DA* 50-135 f2.8 vs Pentax DA* 60-250 f4

ilpostino · 04-11-2023, 01:57 AM - **1 Like**

I have a DA* 50-135 f2.8 that I used to take pictures during the closing weekend of biathlon world cup 22/23 season. I had press credentials and had access to stand in the tracks. The atletens was fast and I was surprised by how fast and snappy the lens was on focus as the athletes came towards me. I am using it on a Pentax K-3 II.

I am thinking about buying the Pentax DA* 60-250 f4. Because of the "overlap" with the above 60-135 I am not sure if I should keep both. I imagine the difference in aperture requires the 60-250 requires more light, but is it as fast as the 50-135 when it comes to focusing?

**mlag** · 04-11-2023, 02:41 AM

I would also consider, evaluate the impact of the extra 40% bulk (weight , size) of the 60-250 before you get rid off the 50-135....

PS: ever tried the 1,4x hd da convertir on the 50-135?

ilpostino · 04-11-2023, 02:42 AM

Originally posted by mlag

ever tried the 1,4x hd da convertir on the 50-135?

Not yet, but dont I loose auto focus and such by osing most tele converters?

**seventhdr** · 04-11-2023, 03:41 AM

Not if you use the Pentax DA 1.4x converter. It has contacts for auto focus.

Regards

Chris

Sandy Hancock · 04-11-2023, 03:41 AM - **1 Like**

The 60-250 is considerably heavier, and the focus is slower. I have had two copies of each lens over the years, so don't shoot me down in flames unless you have equivalent experience. On top of that, if the 60-250's SDM fails, you can't covert it to screw drive.

The 60-250 does not have internal zoom, which when shooting action like competitive cross-country skiing could be an issue. Its substantial focus breathing means that its extra focal length is also not particularly useful if you are shooting at closer distances, which is likely at biathlon events.

That said, it is optically impeccable. But so is the 50-135, and you lose a stop of light.

pschlute · 04-11-2023, 04:15 AM

I agree with Sandy. Optically the 60-250 is superb, but is is no speed demon for AF which for sports events can be crucial.

I would suggest the DFA 70-200 2.8 or 70-210 4.0 would be better choices.

ilpostino · 04-11-2023, 04:15 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

*snip*

Thanks for your valuable feedback.

Originally posted by seventhdr

Not if you use the Pentax DA 1.4x converter. It has contacts for auto focus.

I just realised that, thanks.

**mlag** · 04-11-2023, 06:14 AM

Originally posted by ilpostino

Not yet, but dont I loose auto focus and such by osing most tele converters?

On a f2,8 lens and with latest pentax 1,4x HD da convertor it should be OK...but the proof is in the eating of the cake.
Is an option if you have the tc or if the long range is less frequent or light weight is important...

Kozlok · 04-11-2023, 07:19 AM

While the image quality isn't nearly as good, the 55-300 PLM is still reasonably decent. If you need longer FL, the 55-300 could be a low-cost, light-weight solution with blazing fast focus performance. If it's outdoors, the loss in aperture size isn't nearly as impactful.

ilpostino · 04-11-2023, 08:08 AM

I had a Pentax DA L 55-300mm f4-5,8 that I sold because I found it too slow (and noisy) but thanks for your tip, Kozloc. I will have a look at the lenses you recomend.

garywakeling · 04-11-2023, 11:56 AM - **1 Like**

I have both the 50-135 and 60-250, I think they are both wonderful lenses , however if fast focusing and more reach are your main requirements then either the 70-210 f4 or the 70-200 f2.8 would be better options. The speed of focusing of both lenses is much faster and quieter. The slower lens is remarkably lighter than is looks, the f2.8 is much heavier but the quality is fantastic. Good luck on your choice, all four give quality results and you just need to work out priorities, price, speed, range

**UncleVanya** · 04-11-2023, 01:17 PM

I own both and use both on my KP and my A7Riii Sony using the Monster adapter. I’ve also used the DFA 70-210/4. I did not find the 70-210 to be remarkably faster than the 60-250/4 but my experience isn’t typical - it was faster, just not dramatically faster. The 70-210 is internal zoom which I like a lot. A few comparisons have been made between these lenses and honestly my impression is that on sharpness alone the DA* lens is slightly better - but this is a small difference at best.
Sdm failure appears rare in this lens but it can’t be converted to screw drive as indicated above.
The 50-135 plus 1.4x is a 70-189/4. However as others say the focus breathing is severe so at short distances the extra focal length isn’t effective.

**mikesbike** · 04-11-2023, 02:34 PM

Seems to me adding the 1..4x TC to your excellent DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 would provide approxipately the equivelent of the DFA 70-210 f/4 and would not only save size ans weight, but you'd have the option when there are times when you need f/2.8 aperture and/or the shorter FL. More flexibility, more capability.

Rather than going for the very large and heavy DFA 70-200mm f/2.8, I chose the DA* 50-135mm, which I've now had for over 10 years, plus the relatively compact DA* 200mm f/2.8 prime lens. In this way I can stick with f/2.8 capability and extend FL range if needed, yet not have all that much size/weight on camera when in use, for easier handling. I know, I don't the have the instant zoom capability, when it is important to go from close to far and back again, however the DA* 50-135mm can provide more at the shorter distance end. So between these two lenses I actually have more range. And I not only love imaging from my relatively compact and easy-handling DA* 50-135mm, I also love my results from my DA* 200mm f/2.8 lens!

**UncleVanya** · 04-11-2023, 05:17 PM

Originally posted by mikesbike

Seems to me adding the 1..4x TC to your excellent DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 would provide approxipately the equivelent of the DFA 70-210 f/4 and would not only save size ans weight, but you'd have the option when there are times when you need f/2.8 aperture and/or the shorter FL. More flexibility, more capability.

Rather than going for the very large and heavy DFA 70-200mm f/2.8, I chose the DA* 50-135mm, which I've now had for over 10 years, plus the relatively compact DA* 200mm f/2.8 prime lens. In this way I can stick with f/2.8 capability and extend FL range if needed, yet not have all that much size/weight on camera when in use, for easier handling. I know, I don't the have the instant zoom capability, when it is important to go from close to far and back again, however the DA* 50-135mm can provide more at the shorter distance end. So between these two lenses I actually have more range. And I not only love imaging from my relatively compact and easy-handling DA* 50-135mm, I also love my results from my DA* 200mm f/2.8 lens!

That's a nice lens that I also own. I'm not sure its in the same league as the DFA 70-200 however.

jslifoaw · 04-11-2023, 09:15 PM

The 60-250 is considerably more usable (even without modification) on FF compared to the 50-135 if that is important. However, it is true that the 50-135 is a faster and more reliable focusing lens for me.

The added telephoto range is not trivial if the long end is important, and while I prefer internal zooming, the 60-250 extending design makes it compact to travel with for its quality, range, and speed.

04-11-2023, 01:57 AM - 1 Like	#1
ilpostino Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Norway Posts: 72	*Pentax DA 50-135 f2.8 vs Pentax DA* 60-250 f4** I have a DA* 50-135 f2.8 that I used to take pictures during the closing weekend of biathlon world cup 22/23 season. I had press credentials and had access to stand in the tracks. The atletens was fast and I was surprised by how fast and snappy the lens was on focus as the athletes came towards me. I am using it on a Pentax K-3 II. I am thinking about buying the Pentax DA* 60-250 f4. Because of the "overlap" with the above 60-135 I am not sure if I should keep both. I imagine the difference in aperture requires the 60-250 requires more light, but is it as fast as the 50-135 when it comes to focusing?

04-11-2023, 02:34 PM	#13
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	Seems to me adding the 1..4x TC to your excellent DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 would provide approxipately the equivelent of the DFA 70-210 f/4 and would not only save size ans weight, but you'd have the option when there are times when you need f/2.8 aperture and/or the shorter FL. More flexibility, more capability. Rather than going for the very large and heavy DFA 70-200mm f/2.8, I chose the DA* 50-135mm, which I've now had for over 10 years, plus the relatively compact DA* 200mm f/2.8 prime lens. In this way I can stick with f/2.8 capability and extend FL range if needed, yet not have all that much size/weight on camera when in use, for easier handling. I know, I don't the have the instant zoom capability, when it is important to go from close to far and back again, however the DA* 50-135mm can provide more at the shorter distance end. So between these two lenses I actually have more range. And I not only love imaging from my relatively compact and easy-handling DA* 50-135mm, I also love my results from my DA* 200mm f/2.8 lens! Last edited by mikesbike; 04-11-2023 at 02:41 PM.

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04-11-2023, 02:41 AM	#2
mlag Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Zuiderkempen - Grote Netewoud - Belgium Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,390	I would also consider, evaluate the impact of the extra 40% bulk (weight , size) of the 60-250 before you get rid off the 50-135.... PS: ever tried the 1,4x hd da convertir on the 50-135?

04-11-2023, 02:42 AM	#3
ilpostino Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Norway Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by mlag ever tried the 1,4x hd da convertir on the 50-135? Not yet, but dont I loose auto focus and such by osing most tele converters?

04-11-2023, 03:41 AM	#4
seventhdr Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,439	Not if you use the Pentax DA 1.4x converter. It has contacts for auto focus. Regards Chris

04-11-2023, 03:41 AM - 1 Like	#5
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,267	The 60-250 is considerably heavier, and the focus is slower. I have had two copies of each lens over the years, so don't shoot me down in flames unless you have equivalent experience. On top of that, if the 60-250's SDM fails, you can't covert it to screw drive. The 60-250 does not have internal zoom, which when shooting action like competitive cross-country skiing could be an issue. Its substantial focus breathing means that its extra focal length is also not particularly useful if you are shooting at closer distances, which is likely at biathlon events. That said, it is optically impeccable. But so is the 50-135, and you lose a stop of light.

04-11-2023, 04:15 AM	#6
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,192	I agree with Sandy. Optically the 60-250 is superb, but is is no speed demon for AF which for sports events can be crucial. I would suggest the DFA 70-200 2.8 or 70-210 4.0 would be better choices.

04-11-2023, 04:15 AM	#7
ilpostino Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Norway Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock snip Thanks for your valuable feedback. Originally posted by seventhdr Not if you use the Pentax DA 1.4x converter. It has contacts for auto focus. I just realised that, thanks.

04-11-2023, 06:14 AM	#8
mlag Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Zuiderkempen - Grote Netewoud - Belgium Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,390	Originally posted by ilpostino Not yet, but dont I loose auto focus and such by osing most tele converters? On a f2,8 lens and with latest pentax 1,4x HD da convertor it should be OK...but the proof is in the eating of the cake. Is an option if you have the tc or if the long range is less frequent or light weight is important...

04-11-2023, 07:19 AM	#9
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	While the image quality isn't nearly as good, the 55-300 PLM is still reasonably decent. If you need longer FL, the 55-300 could be a low-cost, light-weight solution with blazing fast focus performance. If it's outdoors, the loss in aperture size isn't nearly as impactful.

04-11-2023, 08:08 AM	#10
ilpostino Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Norway Posts: 72 Original Poster	I had a Pentax DA L 55-300mm f4-5,8 that I sold because I found it too slow (and noisy) but thanks for your tip, Kozloc. I will have a look at the lenses you recomend.

04-11-2023, 11:56 AM - 1 Like	#11
garywakeling Moderator Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,757	I have both the 50-135 and 60-250, I think they are both wonderful lenses , however if fast focusing and more reach are your main requirements then either the 70-210 f4 or the 70-200 f2.8 would be better options. The speed of focusing of both lenses is much faster and quieter. The slower lens is remarkably lighter than is looks, the f2.8 is much heavier but the quality is fantastic. Good luck on your choice, all four give quality results and you just need to work out priorities, price, speed, range

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04-11-2023, 01:17 PM	#12
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,398	I own both and use both on my KP and my A7Riii Sony using the Monster adapter. I’ve also used the DFA 70-210/4. I did not find the 70-210 to be remarkably faster than the 60-250/4 but my experience isn’t typical - it was faster, just not dramatically faster. The 70-210 is internal zoom which I like a lot. A few comparisons have been made between these lenses and honestly my impression is that on sharpness alone the DA* lens is slightly better - but this is a small difference at best. Sdm failure appears rare in this lens but it can’t be converted to screw drive as indicated above. The 50-135 plus 1.4x is a 70-189/4. However as others say the focus breathing is severe so at short distances the extra focal length isn’t effective.

04-11-2023, 05:17 PM	#14
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,398	Originally posted by mikesbike Seems to me adding the 1..4x TC to your excellent DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 would provide approxipately the equivelent of the DFA 70-210 f/4 and would not only save size ans weight, but you'd have the option when there are times when you need f/2.8 aperture and/or the shorter FL. More flexibility, more capability. Rather than going for the very large and heavy DFA 70-200mm f/2.8, I chose the DA* 50-135mm, which I've now had for over 10 years, plus the relatively compact DA* 200mm f/2.8 prime lens. In this way I can stick with f/2.8 capability and extend FL range if needed, yet not have all that much size/weight on camera when in use, for easier handling. I know, I don't the have the instant zoom capability, when it is important to go from close to far and back again, however the DA* 50-135mm can provide more at the shorter distance end. So between these two lenses I actually have more range. And I not only love imaging from my relatively compact and easy-handling DA* 50-135mm, I also love my results from my DA* 200mm f/2.8 lens! That's a nice lens that I also own. I'm not sure its in the same league as the DFA 70-200 however.

04-11-2023, 09:15 PM	#15
jslifoaw Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto/Victoria Posts: 460	The 60-250 is considerably more usable (even without modification) on FF compared to the 50-135 if that is important. However, it is true that the 50-135 is a faster and more reliable focusing lens for me. The added telephoto range is not trivial if the long end is important, and while I prefer internal zooming, the 60-250 extending design makes it compact to travel with for its quality, range, and speed.