Zoom lens?

**dms** · 12-23-2020, 09:15 PM

If you are looking to ID an animal, and not so concerned about the background/look then I think a mirror lens makes lot of sense. The two that seem to be more easily available and high quality are the older (maybe 1980's-1990's) adaptall-2 350mm f/5.6 and 500 mm f/8 (SP) lenses. The 350mm has become a rather expensive lens, but not the 500mm. I happen to have the 350mm, but it seems the 500mm is a fine lens also. These would likely make more sense because they combine higher magnification and lighter weight--which is not a good recipe for high definition (although they can do it from a tripod)--but good for ID'g something.

Bertrand3000 · 12-24-2020, 12:11 AM

Originally posted by Blackink

You mention a firmware upgrade. I have the latest 1.10 firmware for the K-50 camera. I should be good if that is all I need is a firmware upgrade, correct?

Yes, your camera is up to date! The lens will do wonders on this body!

You have to know that this lens will not use the aperture block of your K-50, that means two things:
- If your camera, one day, has an aperture block failure, your lens will still completely functional
- If you use only this lens and no others, you will not "train" the aperture block, which may lead to its failure (unless it was already replaced by a white solenoid, in that case, there is no worry to have)

ecostigny · 12-24-2020, 01:02 PM

Originally posted by DWS1

The DA 55-300mm plm is a very good lens.

Just make sure you have firmware version 1.10 or higher on your K-50 with this lens: Pentax K-50 and HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE - Compatibility | PentaxForums.com

**jatrax** · 12-26-2020, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by Blackink

for me to pull in an animal or bird at 50 or 100 yards through a lens so that I can get a better look and/or picture is what I'm looking for.

I think you are being optimistic about what a consumer 300mm lens can do. Getting an ID on a bird at 100 yards with a 300mm is going to be, difficult. Unless it is a large bird, eagles and such.

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12-23-2020, 09:15 PM	#16
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	If you are looking to ID an animal, and not so concerned about the background/look then I think a mirror lens makes lot of sense. The two that seem to be more easily available and high quality are the older (maybe 1980's-1990's) adaptall-2 350mm f/5.6 and 500 mm f/8 (SP) lenses. The 350mm has become a rather expensive lens, but not the 500mm. I happen to have the 350mm, but it seems the 500mm is a fine lens also. These would likely make more sense because they combine higher magnification and lighter weight--which is not a good recipe for high definition (although they can do it from a tripod)--but good for ID'g something.

12-24-2020, 12:11 AM	#17
Bertrand3000 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 2,009	Originally posted by Blackink You mention a firmware upgrade. I have the latest 1.10 firmware for the K-50 camera. I should be good if that is all I need is a firmware upgrade, correct? Yes, your camera is up to date! The lens will do wonders on this body! You have to know that this lens will not use the aperture block of your K-50, that means two things: - If your camera, one day, has an aperture block failure, your lens will still completely functional - If you use only this lens and no others, you will not "train" the aperture block, which may lead to its failure (unless it was already replaced by a white solenoid, in that case, there is no worry to have)

12-24-2020, 01:02 PM	#18
ecostigny Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Branford, CT Posts: 561	Originally posted by DWS1 The DA 55-300mm plm is a very good lens. Just make sure you have firmware version 1.10 or higher on your K-50 with this lens: Pentax K-50 and HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE - Compatibility \| PentaxForums.com

12-26-2020, 02:49 PM	#19
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Blackink for me to pull in an animal or bird at 50 or 100 yards through a lens so that I can get a better look and/or picture is what I'm looking for. I think you are being optimistic about what a consumer 300mm lens can do. Getting an ID on a bird at 100 yards with a 300mm is going to be, difficult. Unless it is a large bird, eagles and such.