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

**clackers** · 07-22-2015, 05:57 PM

Originally posted by Mike.P®

Here is one of my favourites from the day ... maybe the last time I will see her as from next year she will no longer be flying.

The Vulcan is a beautiful warbird.

As I understand it, you were watching the pilot who first bombed Port Stanley airfield during the Falklands conflict.

**c.a.m** · 07-22-2015, 06:21 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mike.P®

Here is one of my favourites from the day ... maybe the last time I will see her as from next year she will no longer be flying.

Mike,

Besides being a keen photographer, I'm an aviation enthusiast and an aeronautical engineer. That's one of the finest pictures of the Vulcan I've ever seen. Absolutely wonderful angle and overall perspective, great lighting, and a perfect cloud background. Superb! I'm sure that a RAF Squadron would love it!

- Craig

PS. on the other hand, I should have shielded my eyes when scrolling through this thread - your Vulcan and the other shots revved up my LBA!

rawr · 07-22-2015, 07:12 PM - **1 Like**

I saw some videos on YouTube about the RIAT. There were many photogs there, crowded into what looked like a pretty small stand. But I haven't seen photos as good as yours from the event Mike.

Pity there weren't any modern Sukhois on the flight program though

Kunzite · 07-23-2015, 12:40 AM

Originally posted by clackers

The Vulcan is a beautiful warbird.

I'm afraid warbirds are Romulan, not Vulcan

Mike, great images! Though I'm not sure if they really challenge the 150-450 - sure it looks sharp (I understand those are cropped) but otherwise I'd say it's down to your skill.
Can you say a few words about your experience with this new lens, compared to whatever you used before etc? Thank you.

RobG · 07-25-2015, 09:08 PM

I have to say I'm really impressed by all the photos out of this lens, but I have to ask; given the price, would I be better off getting a Nikon (say a D5100) or Canon (say 600D), and an image stabilised lens of a similar focal length? I love my Pentax gear, but I have the impression that my hit rate with BIF or other moving targets would be better than a K3 with the FA 15-450.

rawr · 07-25-2015, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by RobG

I love my Pentax gear, but I have the impression that my hit rate with BIF or other moving targets would be better than a K3 with the FA 15-450.

It's an issue that troubles me too. A D7200 + a Sigma 150-600 locally comes to about AUD $2400, with nice reach and AF. Locally the price of the Pentax 150-450 is $2990. Or if you already have a Nikon body, the Sigma 150-600 C is just $1200.

RobG · 07-26-2015, 01:16 AM

Originally posted by rawr

It's an issue that troubles me too. A D7200 + a Sigma 150-600 locally comes to about AUD $2400, with nice reach and AF. Locally the price of the Pentax 150-450 is $2990. Or if you already have a Nikon body, the Sigma 150-600 C is just $1200.

Thanks for the figures; you see my quandary.

RockvilleBob · 07-26-2015, 01:34 AM

Originally posted by rawr

It's an issue that troubles me too. A D7200 + a Sigma 150-600 locally comes to about AUD $2400, with nice reach and AF. Locally the price of the Pentax 150-450 is $2990. Or if you already have a Nikon body, the Sigma 150-600 C is just $1200.

It would be good to know how the Pentax 150 to 450 compares to the Sigma 150-600. I have the Sigma 150 - 500 and find that 400 is it for fair to good IQ. If the IQ of the Pentax lens is solid at 450 I feel it is a better alternative than a 600 zoom that degrades after 400. Additionally the Pentax and with an improved AF it will likely work well with the 1.4TC. The posts I see on the Forum for the Pentax 150-450 seem to have outstanding IQ even at 450. My results with the Sigma are quite good to about 350, OK to about 400 and beyond 400 fair to not so good. My Sigma lens results may be as much me or just the copy of the lens I have than the results others get with the Sigma zoom.

**Rondec** · 07-26-2015, 02:42 AM

Mike P would be the one to comment. He made mention in another thread that he had a copy of the Sigma 150-600 on his 7D and didn't find it as good as the Bigma, he really seems to like the 150-450. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/16-pentax-news-rumors/287834-hd-pentax-d-...ml#post3312626

RockvilleBob · 07-26-2015, 02:44 PM

Originally posted by Mike.P®

Personally I would take the Sigma 50-500mm OS over the Canon 100-400mm (MKI), Sigma 150-600mm C or S version any day. On the other hand the 150-450mm is turning out to be (for me at any rate) one of those rare lenses that you would have to prise out of my cold dead hands to get it off me ... the only others being the DA* 50-135mm and DA* 60-250mm.

How are you finding the focus speed of the Pentax 150-450. I have been disappointed in the focus speed of most Pentax long lenses. I own the DA*300 - a great lens but not that great for fast action. I have tried the Pentax 560 and find its focus speed lacking for wildlife lens. I would also be interested in any experience you may have with the Pentax 150-450 and the Pentax 1.4TC. Thanks.

Shanti · 07-26-2015, 03:01 PM

Originally posted by RockvilleBob

How are you finding the focus speed of the Pentax 150-450. I have been disappointed in the focus speed of most Pentax long lenses. I own the DA*300 - a great lens but not that great for fast action. I have tried the Pentax 560 and find its focus speed lacking for wildlife lens. I would also be interested in any experience you may have with the Pentax 150-450 and the Pentax 1.4TC. Thanks.

For me the focus is faster than the DA*300 with my K5II & even better with the K3II,with the limiter set,it can work well for birds
this was taken in 15m sec wind,the branch moving back & forth quite fast..K3IÌ +150-450+ grip handheld AFC- center spot,so improvement has been made

**DDoram** · 07-26-2015, 07:01 PM

The 150-450 is the fastest focussing long lens from Pentax that I have used (DA300, DA 60-250 are slower. While this example pic doesn't show focus speed, I really like this lens.

redpit · 07-26-2015, 11:59 PM

Hello again! Some feedback from my experience with the lens and the K-5IIs. I'm interested in aviation photography that's why I bought the lens. I had the chance to try it in 2 events in various conditions with and without the HD 1.4X TC.

This lens is surely very sharp and much brighter than the Bigma 50-500 although it underexposes a bit. The contrast and the colors are great also. My pictures of still subjects and slow moving planes and people on the ground were superb and only when I was intentionally shooting with very slow shutter speeds I had problems with motion blurred shots.

In the air though the situation was quite different! I was shooting TAv mode with SR enabled, shutter speeds 1/1600 to 1/2000 (fast moving jets performing aerobatics) and aperture f/8 or f/9. The AF set was continuous and auto (11 AF points). From what I've seen so far the pictures are not tack sharp, it seems that something is missing or something interferes with the lens capabilities and degrades the pictures!

I don't know what could be wrong, but since with the Bigma gives great sharpness (although the lens isn't as sharp as the DFA and the ISO is much higher) I presume that the problem should relate to the camera SR which is the difference between the two systems. At the end of the day I had less keepers with the DFA than the Bigma and only a few that were top class pictures. I was negatively surprised as I told you I have no doubt that the Pentax lens is BETTER than the Bigma and it has no front or back focus issues. I will make further tests with various settings in order to see what works best. I am thinking of trying:

1. Slower shutter speeds. Maybe the SR will be more effective if it has more time for "calculations"...

2. Even faster shutter speeds. That means that I will go over the 1/2000 that I had rarely reach in the past (as it was not necessary).
3. Deactivate the SR. I'm not sure if I could get sharp images of fast moving jets without SR @450mm, but I will give it a try and find out.
4. Change the AF to single central point or to just 5 AF points...

A friend of mine has a K-5 so I will try to find an opportunity to shoot the Bigma and the DFA side by side at the same conditions and see the results (although the cameras have some differences, it is the best comparison I can organize).

When I find some time I will post some of the good pictures for you to see. Meanwhile if you have any ideas or comments on the shooting settings or the tests I will be glad to know!

RobG · 07-27-2015, 01:03 AM

Originally posted by redpit

In the air though the situation was quite different! I was shooting TAv mode with SR enabled, shutter speeds 1/1600 to 1/2000 (fast moving jets performing aerobatics) and aperture f/8 or f/9. The AF set was continuous and auto (11 AF points). From what I've seen so far the pictures are not tack sharp, it seems that something is missing or something interferes with the lens capabilities and degrades the pictures!

I don't know what could be wrong, but since with the Bigma gives great sharpness (although the lens isn't as sharp as the DFA and the ISO is much higher) I presume that the problem should relate to the camera SR which is the difference between the two systems.

Thanks for this, because photographing planes is something I like to do. I gather you are using the optical stabilisation built into the Bigma and the camera SR is off?

redpit · 07-27-2015, 01:17 AM

Originally posted by RobG

Thanks for this, because photographing planes is something I like to do. I gather you are using the optical stabilisation built into the Bigma and the camera SR is off?

Yes that's right! I use the OS of the Bigma and keep the in camera SR off, as I have found the compilation works better that way!

07-26-2015, 01:34 AM	#1238
RockvilleBob Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Lewes DE USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,780	Originally posted by rawr It's an issue that troubles me too. A D7200 + a Sigma 150-600 locally comes to about AUD $2400, with nice reach and AF. Locally the price of the Pentax 150-450 is $2990. Or if you already have a Nikon body, the Sigma 150-600 C is just $1200. It would be good to know how the Pentax 150 to 450 compares to the Sigma 150-600. I have the Sigma 150 - 500 and find that 400 is it for fair to good IQ. If the IQ of the Pentax lens is solid at 450 I feel it is a better alternative than a 600 zoom that degrades after 400. Additionally the Pentax and with an improved AF it will likely work well with the 1.4TC. The posts I see on the Forum for the Pentax 150-450 seem to have outstanding IQ even at 450. My results with the Sigma are quite good to about 350, OK to about 400 and beyond 400 fair to not so good. My Sigma lens results may be as much me or just the copy of the lens I have than the results others get with the Sigma zoom. Last edited by RockvilleBob; 07-26-2015 at 01:43 AM.

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07-22-2015, 05:57 PM	#1231
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Mike.P® Here is one of my favourites from the day ... maybe the last time I will see her as from next year she will no longer be flying. The Vulcan is a beautiful warbird. As I understand it, you were watching the pilot who first bombed Port Stanley airfield during the Falklands conflict.

07-22-2015, 06:21 PM - 1 Like	#1232
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,188	Originally posted by Mike.P® Here is one of my favourites from the day ... maybe the last time I will see her as from next year she will no longer be flying. Mike, Besides being a keen photographer, I'm an aviation enthusiast and an aeronautical engineer. That's one of the finest pictures of the Vulcan I've ever seen. Absolutely wonderful angle and overall perspective, great lighting, and a perfect cloud background. Superb! I'm sure that a RAF Squadron would love it! - Craig PS. on the other hand, I should have shielded my eyes when scrolling through this thread - your Vulcan and the other shots revved up my LBA!

07-22-2015, 07:12 PM - 1 Like	#1233
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	I saw some videos on YouTube about the RIAT. There were many photogs there, crowded into what looked like a pretty small stand. But I haven't seen photos as good as yours from the event Mike. Pity there weren't any modern Sukhois on the flight program though

07-23-2015, 12:40 AM	#1234
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by clackers The Vulcan is a beautiful warbird. I'm afraid warbirds are Romulan, not Vulcan Mike, great images! Though I'm not sure if they really challenge the 150-450 - sure it looks sharp (I understand those are cropped) but otherwise I'd say it's down to your skill. Can you say a few words about your experience with this new lens, compared to whatever you used before etc? Thank you.

07-25-2015, 09:08 PM	#1235
RobG Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Canberra Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,879	I have to say I'm really impressed by all the photos out of this lens, but I have to ask; given the price, would I be better off getting a Nikon (say a D5100) or Canon (say 600D), and an image stabilised lens of a similar focal length? I love my Pentax gear, but I have the impression that my hit rate with BIF or other moving targets would be better than a K3 with the FA 15-450.

07-25-2015, 09:40 PM	#1236
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by RobG I love my Pentax gear, but I have the impression that my hit rate with BIF or other moving targets would be better than a K3 with the FA 15-450. It's an issue that troubles me too. A D7200 + a Sigma 150-600 locally comes to about AUD $2400, with nice reach and AF. Locally the price of the Pentax 150-450 is $2990. Or if you already have a Nikon body, the Sigma 150-600 C is just $1200.

07-26-2015, 01:16 AM	#1237
RobG Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Canberra Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,879	Originally posted by rawr It's an issue that troubles me too. A D7200 + a Sigma 150-600 locally comes to about AUD $2400, with nice reach and AF. Locally the price of the Pentax 150-450 is $2990. Or if you already have a Nikon body, the Sigma 150-600 C is just $1200. Thanks for the figures; you see my quandary.

07-26-2015, 02:42 AM	#1239
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,650	Mike P would be the one to comment. He made mention in another thread that he had a copy of the Sigma 150-600 on his 7D and didn't find it as good as the Bigma, he really seems to like the 150-450. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/16-pentax-news-rumors/287834-hd-pentax-d-...ml#post3312626

07-26-2015, 02:44 PM	#1240
RockvilleBob Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Lewes DE USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,780	Originally posted by Mike.P® Personally I would take the Sigma 50-500mm OS over the Canon 100-400mm (MKI), Sigma 150-600mm C or S version any day. On the other hand the 150-450mm is turning out to be (for me at any rate) one of those rare lenses that you would have to prise out of my cold dead hands to get it off me ... the only others being the DA* 50-135mm and DA* 60-250mm. How are you finding the focus speed of the Pentax 150-450. I have been disappointed in the focus speed of most Pentax long lenses. I own the DA*300 - a great lens but not that great for fast action. I have tried the Pentax 560 and find its focus speed lacking for wildlife lens. I would also be interested in any experience you may have with the Pentax 150-450 and the Pentax 1.4TC. Thanks.

07-26-2015, 11:59 PM	#1243
redpit Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Greece Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Hello again! Some feedback from my experience with the lens and the K-5IIs. I'm interested in aviation photography that's why I bought the lens. I had the chance to try it in 2 events in various conditions with and without the HD 1.4X TC. This lens is surely very sharp and much brighter than the Bigma 50-500 although it underexposes a bit. The contrast and the colors are great also. My pictures of still subjects and slow moving planes and people on the ground were superb and only when I was intentionally shooting with very slow shutter speeds I had problems with motion blurred shots. In the air though the situation was quite different! I was shooting TAv mode with SR enabled, shutter speeds 1/1600 to 1/2000 (fast moving jets performing aerobatics) and aperture f/8 or f/9. The AF set was continuous and auto (11 AF points). From what I've seen so far the pictures are not tack sharp, it seems that something is missing or something interferes with the lens capabilities and degrades the pictures! I don't know what could be wrong, but since with the Bigma gives great sharpness (although the lens isn't as sharp as the DFA and the ISO is much higher) I presume that the problem should relate to the camera SR which is the difference between the two systems. At the end of the day I had less keepers with the DFA than the Bigma and only a few that were top class pictures. I was negatively surprised as I told you I have no doubt that the Pentax lens is BETTER than the Bigma and it has no front or back focus issues. I will make further tests with various settings in order to see what works best. I am thinking of trying: 1. Slower shutter speeds. Maybe the SR will be more effective if it has more time for "calculations"... 2. Even faster shutter speeds. That means that I will go over the 1/2000 that I had rarely reach in the past (as it was not necessary). 3. Deactivate the SR. I'm not sure if I could get sharp images of fast moving jets without SR @450mm, but I will give it a try and find out. 4. Change the AF to single central point or to just 5 AF points... A friend of mine has a K-5 so I will try to find an opportunity to shoot the Bigma and the DFA side by side at the same conditions and see the results (although the cameras have some differences, it is the best comparison I can organize). When I find some time I will post some of the good pictures for you to see. Meanwhile if you have any ideas or comments on the shooting settings or the tests I will be glad to know!

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07-27-2015, 01:03 AM	#1244
RobG Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Canberra Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,879	Originally posted by redpit In the air though the situation was quite different! I was shooting TAv mode with SR enabled, shutter speeds 1/1600 to 1/2000 (fast moving jets performing aerobatics) and aperture f/8 or f/9. The AF set was continuous and auto (11 AF points). From what I've seen so far the pictures are not tack sharp, it seems that something is missing or something interferes with the lens capabilities and degrades the pictures! I don't know what could be wrong, but since with the Bigma gives great sharpness (although the lens isn't as sharp as the DFA and the ISO is much higher) I presume that the problem should relate to the camera SR which is the difference between the two systems. Thanks for this, because photographing planes is something I like to do. I gather you are using the optical stabilisation built into the Bigma and the camera SR is off?

07-27-2015, 01:17 AM	#1245
redpit Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Greece Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Originally posted by RobG Thanks for this, because photographing planes is something I like to do. I gather you are using the optical stabilisation built into the Bigma and the camera SR is off? Yes that's right! I use the OS of the Bigma and keep the in camera SR off, as I have found the compilation works better that way!