Post your HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW pictures!

**mattt** · 03-22-2021, 11:55 AM

Originally posted by Mike L

you can use it for architecture too

That sort of pottie humour is right up my alley

Are there any specific " I used to own the Sigma 120-400 4.5-5.6 APO DG OS but replaced it with the 150-450" posts I can check out? or if not, can any of you speak to that? I'm an owner of the Sigma lens, but wonder now and again if its worth upgrading to a more modern lens... love to hear your thoughts.

**Erictator** · 03-22-2021, 12:17 PM

Originally posted by mattt

That sort of pottie humour is right up my alley

Are there any specific " I used to own the Sigma 120-400 4.5-5.6 APO DG OS but replaced it with the 150-450" posts I can check out? or if not, can any of you speak to that? I'm an owner of the Sigma lens, but wonder now and again if its worth upgrading to a more modern lens... love to hear your thoughts.

Sorry, I never had one, maybe others will comment... but I did have the Sigma 400mm Apo f5.6 Tele prime (not macro version) and the 150-450mm blew it away in image quality.

I also had the Tamron SP400mm F4.0 Tele prime and THAT was a super sharp and contrasty lens, and the 150-450mm still beats it in overall sharpness and much better in flare and no fringing issues.

The HDFA 150-450 is on par with my current DA*300mm prime for image quality, and that is saying something. The 300mm might edge it out a hair in sharpness, but then it's not a zoom and its not 450mm either. The 150-450 focuses faster too. The DA *300mm kicks it's but in size and weight though, and that is a serious consideration... lugging a big heavy lens around requires planning and stamina if you are going to take a hike.

The 150-450mm has a learning curve, because long large heavy lenses are not simple things to use, but once you've got the knack, the 150-450 is a beast! I can't wait to try mine on a K3 III !!!

Hope that helps,
Eric

Mike L · 03-22-2021, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by mattt

That sort of pottie humour is right up my alley

Are there any specific " I used to own the Sigma 120-400 4.5-5.6 APO DG OS but replaced it with the 150-450" posts I can check out? or if not, can any of you speak to that? I'm an owner of the Sigma lens, but wonder now and again if its worth upgrading to a more modern lens... love to hear your thoughts.

I've had the Sigma 135-400 and 150-500 lens but never the 120-400.

I tried a rental Pentax 150-450 at the same as I owned the Sigma 150-500 but never did a side by side comparison. My non-scientific conclusion is that the Pentax blows the Sigma out of the water, I get keepers with the Pentax that would have not been worth shooting with the Sigma.

**steamloco76** · 03-22-2021, 04:38 PM - **2 Likes**

A few photos from the last week taken with the DFA 150-450 WR and KP

Attached Images

**tmlawes** · 03-22-2021, 05:19 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mattt

That sort of pottie humour is right up my alley

Are there any specific " I used to own the Sigma 120-400 4.5-5.6 APO DG OS but replaced it with the 150-450" posts I can check out? or if not, can any of you speak to that? I'm an owner of the Sigma lens but wonder now and again if it's worth upgrading to a more modern lens... love to hear your thoughts.

I own the Sigma 150-500 f5-6.3 APO HSM and the Pentax 150-450mm. I've used both on the K3 and K1-II. The Pentax blows the Sigma out of the water in terms of image quality and focusing speed. The Sigma is so soft at 500mm, I had pretty much stopped using it over 450mm by the time I decided to buy the Pentax anyway. I keep the Sigma around for when I'm photographing from my sea kayak. If it went into the water during an accidental flip, I'd be less sad.

**tmlawes** · 03-22-2021, 05:28 PM - **6 Likes**

Putting the autofocus to the test. K-1ii in crop mode.

**mattt** · 03-22-2021, 05:35 PM

Thanks for the feedback. Your glowing praise is condemning to my wallet. I can’t see any specific remarks about the tripod mount. Is is Arca compatible out of the box?

**tmlawes** · 03-22-2021, 06:40 PM

Originally posted by mattt

Thanks for the feedback. Your glowing praise is condemning to my wallet. I can’t see any specific remarks about the tripod mount. Is is Arca compatible out of the box?

I use the Wimberley P-40 Arca-Swiss plate. It fits and works great.

Paul the Sunman · 03-22-2021, 06:45 PM

I can't remember the last time I used that lens on a tripod.

noelpolar · 03-22-2021, 09:09 PM - **17 Likes**

Went f13 to get all the bird sharpish

and 0.3 sec @ 150mm

both hand held.... like normal.

Mike L · 03-25-2021, 04:08 PM - **5 Likes**

A few feathered friends from western New South Wales

Juvenile Masked Woodswallow getting in some flying practice

Mummy Purple-back fairy wren delivering lunch

Dad with his contribution

A furry friend chilling in the shade

markwoodfin · 04-10-2021, 03:17 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mattt

That sort of pottie humour is right up my alley

Are there any specific " I used to own the Sigma 120-400 4.5-5.6 APO DG OS but replaced it with the 150-450" posts I can check out? or if not, can any of you speak to that? I'm an owner of the Sigma lens, but wonder now and again if its worth upgrading to a more modern lens... love to hear your thoughts.

Hi,
I have both the Sigma 120-400mm and last year replaced it with the Pentax 150-450mm. TBH I wouldn't bother for that extra 50mm. Some people rave over the 150-450mm. My Pentax was a second hand copy but still I was not happy with it for a long time. Even now it is tricky (for me) to get a decent shot of anything that moves. No such problem with the Sigma. Using the Pentax now on K1 where before I was using the Sigma on crop sensors. On FF, the 150-450mm is very soft at F5.6 and not especially sharp until stopped to F9 or beyond. Then it is good, probably better than the Sigma in controlled experimental comparisons but really not sure it is in real world shooting. And it is very heavy. You can also consider the Pentax DFA 300mm F4 with a 1.4 converter that is much cheaper, lighter and I think sharper with nicer bokeh.

**tduell** · 04-10-2021, 04:05 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by markwoodfin

Hi,
On FF, the 150-450mm is very soft at F5.6 and not especially sharp until stopped to F9 or beyond. Then it is good, probably better than the Sigma in controlled experimental comparisons but really not sure it is in real world shooting.

That isn't my experience. I find the 150-450 to be sharp wide open.
If you aren't getting sharp shots until f9 maybe you have a front or back focus problem.
Have you checked your AF fine adjustment?

Cheers,
Terry

noelpolar · 04-11-2021, 01:20 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by tduell

That isn't my experience. I find the 150-450 to be sharp wide open.
If you aren't getting sharp shots until f9 maybe you have a front or back focus problem.
Have you checked your AF fine adjustment?

Cheers,
Terry

Not my experience either. Sounds like a specific lens issue.... needs to go to a repair facility I'd guess.

I recently spent some time with a friend and used his 150-500 sigma.... the sigma was ok... but DFA a leap better....

Paul the Sunman · 04-11-2021, 01:24 AM - **1 Like**

Sharp as a tack for me.

04-11-2021, 01:20 AM - 1 Like	#2489
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by tduell That isn't my experience. I find the 150-450 to be sharp wide open. If you aren't getting sharp shots until f9 maybe you have a front or back focus problem. Have you checked your AF fine adjustment? Cheers, Terry Not my experience either. Sounds like a specific lens issue.... needs to go to a repair facility I'd guess. I recently spent some time with a friend and used his 150-500 sigma.... the sigma was ok... but DFA a leap better.... Last edited by noelpolar; 04-11-2021 at 01:52 AM.

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03-22-2021, 11:55 AM	#2476
mattt Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,907	Originally posted by Mike L you can use it for architecture too That sort of pottie humour is right up my alley Are there any specific " I used to own the Sigma 120-400 4.5-5.6 APO DG OS but replaced it with the 150-450" posts I can check out? or if not, can any of you speak to that? I'm an owner of the Sigma lens, but wonder now and again if its worth upgrading to a more modern lens... love to hear your thoughts.

03-22-2021, 12:17 PM	#2477
Erictator Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,344	Originally posted by mattt That sort of pottie humour is right up my alley Are there any specific " I used to own the Sigma 120-400 4.5-5.6 APO DG OS but replaced it with the 150-450" posts I can check out? or if not, can any of you speak to that? I'm an owner of the Sigma lens, but wonder now and again if its worth upgrading to a more modern lens... love to hear your thoughts. Sorry, I never had one, maybe others will comment... but I did have the Sigma 400mm Apo f5.6 Tele prime (not macro version) and the 150-450mm blew it away in image quality. I also had the Tamron SP400mm F4.0 Tele prime and THAT was a super sharp and contrasty lens, and the 150-450mm still beats it in overall sharpness and much better in flare and no fringing issues. The HDFA 150-450 is on par with my current DA300mm prime for image quality, and that is saying something. The 300mm might edge it out a hair in sharpness, but then it's not a zoom and its not 450mm either. The 150-450 focuses faster too. The DA 300mm kicks it's but in size and weight though, and that is a serious consideration... lugging a big heavy lens around requires planning and stamina if you are going to take a hike. The 150-450mm has a learning curve, because long large heavy lenses are not simple things to use, but once you've got the knack, the 150-450 is a beast! I can't wait to try mine on a K3 III !!! Hope that helps, Eric

03-22-2021, 02:26 PM	#2478
Mike L Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,472	Originally posted by mattt That sort of pottie humour is right up my alley Are there any specific " I used to own the Sigma 120-400 4.5-5.6 APO DG OS but replaced it with the 150-450" posts I can check out? or if not, can any of you speak to that? I'm an owner of the Sigma lens, but wonder now and again if its worth upgrading to a more modern lens... love to hear your thoughts. I've had the Sigma 135-400 and 150-500 lens but never the 120-400. I tried a rental Pentax 150-450 at the same as I owned the Sigma 150-500 but never did a side by side comparison. My non-scientific conclusion is that the Pentax blows the Sigma out of the water, I get keepers with the Pentax that would have not been worth shooting with the Sigma.

03-22-2021, 04:38 PM - 2 Likes	#2479
steamloco76 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Pennsylvania Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,710	A few photos from the last week taken with the DFA 150-450 WR and KP Attached Images

03-22-2021, 05:19 PM - 1 Like	#2480
tmlawes Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 770	Originally posted by mattt That sort of pottie humour is right up my alley Are there any specific " I used to own the Sigma 120-400 4.5-5.6 APO DG OS but replaced it with the 150-450" posts I can check out? or if not, can any of you speak to that? I'm an owner of the Sigma lens but wonder now and again if it's worth upgrading to a more modern lens... love to hear your thoughts. I own the Sigma 150-500 f5-6.3 APO HSM and the Pentax 150-450mm. I've used both on the K3 and K1-II. The Pentax blows the Sigma out of the water in terms of image quality and focusing speed. The Sigma is so soft at 500mm, I had pretty much stopped using it over 450mm by the time I decided to buy the Pentax anyway. I keep the Sigma around for when I'm photographing from my sea kayak. If it went into the water during an accidental flip, I'd be less sad.

03-22-2021, 05:35 PM	#2482
mattt Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,907	Thanks for the feedback. Your glowing praise is condemning to my wallet. I can’t see any specific remarks about the tripod mount. Is is Arca compatible out of the box?

03-22-2021, 06:40 PM	#2483
tmlawes Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 770	Originally posted by mattt Thanks for the feedback. Your glowing praise is condemning to my wallet. I can’t see any specific remarks about the tripod mount. Is is Arca compatible out of the box? I use the Wimberley P-40 Arca-Swiss plate. It fits and works great.

03-22-2021, 06:45 PM	#2484
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	I can't remember the last time I used that lens on a tripod.

03-22-2021, 09:09 PM - 17 Likes	#2485
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Went f13 to get all the bird sharpish and 0.3 sec @ 150mm both hand held.... like normal.

03-25-2021, 04:08 PM - 5 Likes	#2486
Mike L Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,472	A few feathered friends from western New South Wales Juvenile Masked Woodswallow getting in some flying practice Mummy Purple-back fairy wren delivering lunch Dad with his contribution A furry friend chilling in the shade

04-10-2021, 03:17 PM - 1 Like	#2487
markwoodfin New Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 22	Originally posted by mattt That sort of pottie humour is right up my alley Are there any specific " I used to own the Sigma 120-400 4.5-5.6 APO DG OS but replaced it with the 150-450" posts I can check out? or if not, can any of you speak to that? I'm an owner of the Sigma lens, but wonder now and again if its worth upgrading to a more modern lens... love to hear your thoughts. Hi, I have both the Sigma 120-400mm and last year replaced it with the Pentax 150-450mm. TBH I wouldn't bother for that extra 50mm. Some people rave over the 150-450mm. My Pentax was a second hand copy but still I was not happy with it for a long time. Even now it is tricky (for me) to get a decent shot of anything that moves. No such problem with the Sigma. Using the Pentax now on K1 where before I was using the Sigma on crop sensors. On FF, the 150-450mm is very soft at F5.6 and not especially sharp until stopped to F9 or beyond. Then it is good, probably better than the Sigma in controlled experimental comparisons but really not sure it is in real world shooting. And it is very heavy. You can also consider the Pentax DFA 300mm F4 with a 1.4 converter that is much cheaper, lighter and I think sharper with nicer bokeh.

04-10-2021, 04:05 PM - 2 Likes	#2488
tduell Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Melbourne Posts: 1,514	Originally posted by markwoodfin Hi, On FF, the 150-450mm is very soft at F5.6 and not especially sharp until stopped to F9 or beyond. Then it is good, probably better than the Sigma in controlled experimental comparisons but really not sure it is in real world shooting. That isn't my experience. I find the 150-450 to be sharp wide open. If you aren't getting sharp shots until f9 maybe you have a front or back focus problem. Have you checked your AF fine adjustment? Cheers, Terry

04-11-2021, 01:24 AM - 1 Like	#2490
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	Sharp as a tack for me.