HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6ED DC AW

Dave L · 05-05-2015, 01:03 PM

This lens has been in stock at SRS Microsystems in the UK for three days. Not sure though if I could handle either the weight, or the price!

But it's great news to see such a lens developed by Pentax and now on sale, very good for the brand.

**monochrome** · 05-05-2015, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

Yep, always darkest before the dawn.

Frankly, over the next two years I'm positioning for the FF, 24~70 and 70~200. I'll keep the K-3, and the Limiteds, for when I don't need .50 caliber gear.

I'm not afraid.

thibs · 05-05-2015, 01:15 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

Frankly, over the next two years I'm positioning for the FF, 24~70 and 70~200. I'll keep the K-3, and the Limiteds, for when I don't need .50 caliber gear.

I'm not afraid.

I might give'em a new home

**monochrome** · 05-05-2015, 01:17 PM

Originally posted by thibs

I might give'em a new home

Please note I edited that part out referring to the film gear. Every time I start to think about selling it I edit the thought. But I'll keep you in mind.

P.S. - the 150~450 is also on my want list but I don't want to admit it.

Last edited by monochrome; 05-05-2015 at 01:28 PM.

**jatrax** · 05-05-2015, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

Frankly, over the next two years I'm positioning for the FF, 24~70 and 70~200. I'll keep the K-3, and the Limiteds

I'm not 100% sold yet but I think that is where I'm going as well. FF and 24-70 anyway. If the DA*60-250 works reasonably on FF I'll stick with that. I already have FA 20-35 and 28, 50 & 135 primes.

Quicksand · 05-05-2015, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

P.S. - the 150~450 is also on my want list but I don't want to admit it.

Heck, I'll even admit it. And given unlimited (or considerably less limited) resources I'd buy one now.

But here in the real world I'll stick with what I have, which is a 400mm Tele-Takumar.

**monochrome** · 05-05-2015, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by Quicksand

But here in the real world I'll stick with what I have, which is a 400mm Tele-Takumar.

Long is an entirely different and special skill. I once had an SMC 500/4.5 but it outranked me. Given that I'm still working on wide and normal I should just not go there.

And even though a 400 Tele-Tak is a very nice lens - collecting for the sake of filling shelves just doesn't do it for me any more.

Quicksand · 05-05-2015, 01:50 PM

Oh yeah, using that 400mm Tele-Tak is . . . let's just say "meditative." As far as my skills are concerned it's best used for things that don't really move.

But still, I take it out once in a while when I'm in the mood. I'm sure having this modern AF 150-450 is crazy different.

wisent · 05-05-2015, 02:01 PM

Got my 150-450 yesterday. It is sharp at 450mm from f6.3 onward. I expected it to be a little bit sharper at f5.6, but I guess it's usable. Like every new lens, it comes with a learning curve. But one thing is already very clear: The AF of my K50 is not the ideal partner for the lens. Don't get me wrong: it works, but I just feel that it will be a whole other level with the AF of the K3/K3II. So I ordered a K3... never ending story...
I will post some pictures later.

Stavri · 05-05-2015, 02:10 PM

Originally posted by wisent

Got my 150-450 yesterday. It is sharp at 450mm from f6.3 onward. I expected it to be a little bit sharper at f5.6, but I guess it's usable. Like every new lens, it comes with a learning curve. But one thing is already very clear: The AF of my K50 is not the ideal partner for the lens. Don't get me wrong: it works, but I just feel that it will be a whole other level with the AF of the K3/K3II. So I ordered a K3... never ending story...
I will post some pictures later.

I guess the K3/ii is sold separately

. Enjoy the lens

rawr · 05-05-2015, 02:32 PM

Any comments on usage and performance of the 150-450 with the HD 1.4TC?
I'm particularly interested to see if 210-630mm f5.6-f8 with the TC would still be AF capable. The K-3/II should do it, I think.

gidewey52 · 05-05-2015, 02:35 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

Please note I edited that part out referring to the film gear. Every time I start to think about selling it I edit the thought. But I'll keep you in mind.

P.S. - the 150~450 is also on my want list but I don't want to admit it.

It's on my "must get list!"

The FF is on my "want" list . . .

Jerry
Manassas VA

**jpzk** · 05-05-2015, 02:57 PM

Now that this lens is shipping/shipped, I would assume that this thread here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/294721-post-your-hd-pentax...-pictures.html
would be of interest.
Hope to see a whole bunch of images in there .... doesn't matter on which camera the lens is mounted but I have a feeling this will be a major hit with the K3/II cameras.

Cheers!

RobG · 05-05-2015, 03:40 PM

Originally posted by Barry Pearson

Slow, yes, but it can be done. Size-reduced "Gannet over story sea": K-5IIs + DA* 300mm f/4

Nice shot! With persistence it can be done, but a faster focusing lens with a focus limiter would make it easier.

My greatest frustration with the DA*300 is being close to a bird and in the brief time it's there, the lens decides to hunt.

---------- Post added 06-05-15 at 09:03 AM ----------

Originally posted by jpzk

You actually can do BIF with a "lowly" K5 and DA*300/4 ...

.... of course, this gear here (K3 and 150-450) is another game altogether.

That's what I'm hoping! For me, the price of this lens is a huge investment, so I want to be sure that it's going to bring me photos I can't get now - or maybe photos I can get now, but more easily. For me, the main issue with this lens is that I'll have to use a tripod, and that will be a different kind of photography to what I've been doing so far.

mee · 05-05-2015, 06:08 PM

Since we have broken off from news to simple discussion, I wonder if the FF lowers the APS-C only gear pricing? It should be interesting in seeing if Ricoh further segments each sensor size tier by pricing.

That said, APS-C gear seems to be considerably smaller (and potentially lighter) than the FF counterparts.. that is enough for consideration for me. I've been to airshows where I see people carrying (multiple) large lenses and bodies and my thought is that must be very tiring.

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05-05-2015, 01:03 PM	#766
Dave L Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hampshire UK Posts: 306	This lens has been in stock at SRS Microsystems in the UK for three days. Not sure though if I could handle either the weight, or the price! But it's great news to see such a lens developed by Pentax and now on sale, very good for the brand.

05-05-2015, 01:06 PM	#767
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by jatrax Yep, always darkest before the dawn. Frankly, over the next two years I'm positioning for the FF, 24~70 and 70~200. I'll keep the K-3, and the Limiteds, for when I don't need .50 caliber gear. I'm not afraid.

05-05-2015, 01:15 PM	#768
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by monochrome Frankly, over the next two years I'm positioning for the FF, 24~70 and 70~200. I'll keep the K-3, and the Limiteds, for when I don't need .50 caliber gear. I'm not afraid. I might give'em a new home

05-05-2015, 01:17 PM	#769
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by thibs I might give'em a new home Please note I edited that part out referring to the film gear. Every time I start to think about selling it I edit the thought. But I'll keep you in mind. P.S. - the 150~450 is also on my want list but I don't want to admit it. Last edited by monochrome; 05-05-2015 at 01:28 PM.

05-05-2015, 01:21 PM	#770
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by monochrome Frankly, over the next two years I'm positioning for the FF, 24~70 and 70~200. I'll keep the K-3, and the Limiteds I'm not 100% sold yet but I think that is where I'm going as well. FF and 24-70 anyway. If the DA*60-250 works reasonably on FF I'll stick with that. I already have FA 20-35 and 28, 50 & 135 primes.

05-05-2015, 01:22 PM	#771
Quicksand Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central Ohio (formerly SF Bay Area) Posts: 1,519	Originally posted by monochrome P.S. - the 150~450 is also on my want list but I don't want to admit it. Heck, I'll even admit it. And given unlimited (or considerably less limited) resources I'd buy one now. But here in the real world I'll stick with what I have, which is a 400mm Tele-Takumar.

05-05-2015, 01:30 PM	#772
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Quicksand But here in the real world I'll stick with what I have, which is a 400mm Tele-Takumar. Long is an entirely different and special skill. I once had an SMC 500/4.5 but it outranked me. Given that I'm still working on wide and normal I should just not go there. And even though a 400 Tele-Tak is a very nice lens - collecting for the sake of filling shelves just doesn't do it for me any more.

05-05-2015, 01:50 PM	#773
Quicksand Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central Ohio (formerly SF Bay Area) Posts: 1,519	Oh yeah, using that 400mm Tele-Tak is . . . let's just say "meditative." As far as my skills are concerned it's best used for things that don't really move. But still, I take it out once in a while when I'm in the mood. I'm sure having this modern AF 150-450 is crazy different.

05-05-2015, 02:01 PM	#774
wisent Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 62	Got my 150-450 yesterday. It is sharp at 450mm from f6.3 onward. I expected it to be a little bit sharper at f5.6, but I guess it's usable. Like every new lens, it comes with a learning curve. But one thing is already very clear: The AF of my K50 is not the ideal partner for the lens. Don't get me wrong: it works, but I just feel that it will be a whole other level with the AF of the K3/K3II. So I ordered a K3... never ending story... I will post some pictures later.

05-05-2015, 02:10 PM	#775
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	Originally posted by wisent Got my 150-450 yesterday. It is sharp at 450mm from f6.3 onward. I expected it to be a little bit sharper at f5.6, but I guess it's usable. Like every new lens, it comes with a learning curve. But one thing is already very clear: The AF of my K50 is not the ideal partner for the lens. Don't get me wrong: it works, but I just feel that it will be a whole other level with the AF of the K3/K3II. So I ordered a K3... never ending story... I will post some pictures later. I guess the K3/ii is sold separately . Enjoy the lens

05-05-2015, 02:32 PM	#776
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Any comments on usage and performance of the 150-450 with the HD 1.4TC? I'm particularly interested to see if 210-630mm f5.6-f8 with the TC would still be AF capable. The K-3/II should do it, I think.

05-05-2015, 02:35 PM	#777
gidewey52 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: United States Posts: 35	Originally posted by monochrome Please note I edited that part out referring to the film gear. Every time I start to think about selling it I edit the thought. But I'll keep you in mind. P.S. - the 150~450 is also on my want list but I don't want to admit it. It's on my "must get list!" The FF is on my "want" list . . . Jerry Manassas VA

05-05-2015, 02:57 PM	#778
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Now that this lens is shipping/shipped, I would assume that this thread here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/294721-post-your-hd-pentax...-pictures.html would be of interest. Hope to see a whole bunch of images in there .... doesn't matter on which camera the lens is mounted but I have a feeling this will be a major hit with the K3/II cameras. Cheers!

05-05-2015, 03:40 PM	#779
RobG Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Canberra Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,891	Originally posted by Barry Pearson Slow, yes, but it can be done. Size-reduced "Gannet over story sea": K-5IIs + DA* 300mm f/4 Nice shot! With persistence it can be done, but a faster focusing lens with a focus limiter would make it easier. My greatest frustration with the DA300 is being close to a bird and in the brief time it's there, the lens decides to hunt. ---------- Post added 06-05-15 at 09:03 AM ---------- Originally posted by jpzk You actually can do BIF with a "lowly" K5 and DA300/4 ... .... of course, this gear here (K3 and 150-450) is another game altogether. That's what I'm hoping! For me, the price of this lens is a huge investment, so I want to be sure that it's going to bring me photos I can't get now - or maybe photos I can get now, but more easily. For me, the main issue with this lens is that I'll have to use a tripod, and that will be a different kind of photography to what I've been doing so far.

05-05-2015, 06:08 PM	#780
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Since we have broken off from news to simple discussion, I wonder if the FF lowers the APS-C only gear pricing? It should be interesting in seeing if Ricoh further segments each sensor size tier by pricing. That said, APS-C gear seems to be considerably smaller (and potentially lighter) than the FF counterparts.. that is enough for consideration for me. I've been to airshows where I see people carrying (multiple) large lenses and bodies and my thought is that must be very tiring.