[Stavri]

If I remember correctly the design of the DA560 has relatively few elements. Each element reflects or absorbs a bit of light. The coatings and fewer elements would give you a lower Iso in the same conditions.

The DA* 300 (8elments/6groups) is similarly designed when compared to the F*/FA* 300/f4.5 (9elmenets/7groups)

[Chris Mak]

If I remember correctly the design of the DA560 has relatively few elements. Each element reflects or absorbs a bit of light. The coatings and fewer elements would give you a lower Iso in the same conditions.

You're right, I just did not consciously expect such a noticeable difference to the Sigma/ Sigma + 1.4tc combo. I am still amazed at the low iso readings after a shoot, since with t-av mode I only beware not to overexpose, but hardly watch the resulting iso values. The practical benefit has greater value to me than I could suspect when switching from the Sigma to the DA560. I am slowly getting to know the DA560 in a great variety of circumstances, and although I wish it would pair better with the Pentax 1.4 tc (AF suffers in anything but good frontal light), it has some genuine strong points, and also a beautiful clarity and character. It also resolves highly, so with the 24mp K3 and the low iso values, it allows for quite some cropping provided you get the focus right. I don't use the 1.4 tc anymore. The weak point remains AF on small birds in flatter light, and low tolerance on over-exposure (leading to fringing).
Otherwise, this lens is a gem.
The DFA 150-450 most likely will also be a stellar lens in its own right. Pentax actually makes some fine lenses.
The AF motor in the new DFA lenses is new technology. Perhaps some day a 500mm/f4 prime with this new lens motor will come, now that the FF is coming and the zoom is here.

Chris

[Barry Pearson]

I've been posting to threads elsewhere about my experiences with my D FA 150-450mm lens. See:

Machines & Animals & the 150-450mm lens

Like most people when they get a new piece of equipment, I went out and tried it. Not as an academic exercise to discover parameter X and value Y. But to see how I could make use of this expensive item, combined with my main camera.

So the thread(s) summarize my experiences, together with photos to illustrate various points. Be sure to look at the whole threads, not just the initial post(s).

Although there are photos in these threads, the threads are not galleries. The photos are there to illustrate points; they are not carefully processed masterpieces!
(I've never produced a masterpiece!)

I'm trying to provide an honest commentary, not a sales-pitch. Bad news as well as good news.

[AdrianM]

My copy arrived today. Went out and took a few shots in fading light. My first impression is that the focus speed is pretty fast. Can't wait to try out some birds in flight.

---

Last edited by AdrianM; 05-11-2015 at 04:31 AM.

[Ishpuini]

I picked up mine on Saturday as well. Nice gear!! I was prepared for the size and weight but still it was more than I expected. Started working out as of yesterday...

Didn't have time to do much testing (have an exam in a few days to study for), but the few shots I took out of the window confirm what others report. Quick tests on the new HD 1.4x TC indicate good performance, though perhaps not wide open, i.e. stopping down to f/11 was needed which is in line with other glass.

If I can stay in shape, this lens is going to serve me many years!!

Wim

[gidewey52]

n't

??????

Jerry
Manassas VA

[AdrianM]

??????

Jerry
Manassas VA

Computer problems - keyboard was disconnecting intermittently. Post has been fixed.

[gidewey52]

Thanks Adrian . . . glad to hear about AF speed. Mine will be on order in 30 days.

Jerry
Manassas VA

[Stavri]

70-200 comes in the same padding. It is really nice!

Kenneth when are we going to see pictures from the D-FA* 70-200 f2.8?....(just send it over if you're too busy)

[jpzk]

I've been posting to threads elsewhere about my experiences with my D FA 150-450mm lens. See:

Machines & Animals & the 150-450mm lens

Like most people when they get a new piece of equipment, I went out and tried it. Not as an academic exercise to discover parameter X and value Y. But to see how I could make use of this expensive item, combined with my main camera.

So the thread(s) summarize my experiences, together with photos to illustrate various points. Be sure to look at the whole threads, not just the initial post(s).

Although there are photos in these threads, the threads are not galleries. The photos are there to illustrate points; they are not carefully processed masterpieces!
(I've never produced a masterpiece!)

I'm trying to provide an honest commentary, not a sales-pitch. Bad news as well as good news.

Good to see y0u have this lens too.
Did you post here?: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/294721-post-your-hd-pentax...-pictures.html

---------- Post added 05-11-15 at 10:28 PM ----------

My copy arrived today. Went out and took a few shots in fading light. My first impression is that the focus speed is pretty fast. Can't wait to try out some birds in flight.

Looking forward to see some samples here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/294721-post-your-hd-pentax...-pictures.html

JP

---------- Post added 05-11-15 at 10:29 PM ----------

I picked up mine on Saturday as well. Nice gear!! I was prepared for the size and weight but still it was more than I expected. Started working out as of yesterday...

Didn't have time to do much testing (have an exam in a few days to study for), but the few shots I took out of the window confirm what others report. Quick tests on the new HD 1.4x TC indicate good performance, though perhaps not wide open, i.e. stopping down to f/11 was needed which is in line with other glass.

If I can stay in shape, this lens is going to serve me many years!!

Wim

Stay in shape and post some pictures here too: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/294721-post-your-hd-pentax...-pictures.html

[GlassJunkie]

Dragged out the new DFA 150-450, began test. 450mm (jpg), outdoor light 15ft. Then a comp with FA* 300 F2.8 and HD 1.4x TC (eff 420)... Something told me that 450MM would be a bit larger than 420... Here are actuals (resized w/o crop) for your input....You may not see it here but in the origs the mag on the eff 420mm (300 and 1.4x) is greater than the 450mm DFA

[Pål Jensen]

It may be because the lens does not have the angle of view of a 450mm lens at closer focusing distances. Not uncommon....

[colodion]

Measurements have done with 1.4x TC gives me a real extension of 1.5x with 450mm would 300DA *

http://www.pentaxeros.com/forum/objetivos/sabeis-cuanto-aumentan-realmente-los-duplicadores/

[Canada_Rockies]

It may be because the lens does not have the angle of view of a 450mm lens at closer focusing distances. Not uncommon....

Stranger things have happened with internal focus and zoom lenses.

[Stavri]

Dragged out the new DFA 150-450, began test. 450mm (jpg), outdoor light 15ft. Then a comp with FA* 300 F2.8 and HD 1.4x TC (eff 420)... Something told me that 450MM would be a bit larger than 420... Here are actuals (resized w/o crop) for your input....You may not see it here but in the origs the mag on the eff 420mm (300 and 1.4x) is greater than the 450mm DFA

Interesting comparision, The d-Fa image look slightly punchier on my calibrated screen, the IQ is too close to to call. I'd love to see some 100% center and corner crops when you find the time si vous plait...