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

**Pål Jensen** · 07-03-2017, 09:28 AM

Originally posted by Canada_Rockies

Yesterday my wife and I went for a walk on a local urban trail. I felt like taking the K-3 and a single lens, the DA* 16-50/2.8. I had not used it for over a month. I mounted it, pressed the AF button and nothing happened, so I left the camera turned on with the lens attached an had another coffee. When I came back, it moved slowly, but it focused. I exercised the focus mechanism by focusing near and far alternately for a couple of minutes, and the old girl was like new. Worked like a charm during the walk. As snappy as it has ever been since I bought it in 2007. .

Mine behave in exactly the same way....

Gedeon · 07-07-2017, 03:47 AM - **16 Likes**

**Mccsiz** · 02-26-2021, 10:02 AM

Originally posted by D1N0

As far as I can see there is not a thread for this specific lens yet, so I made one. It's kind of confusing to discuss different lenses in the same thread.

---------- Post added 04-02-15 at 20:44 ----------

This selectable quickshift mode and three stage focuslimiter sound like pretty nice features, once you learn to work with them. This lens will probably be pretty good for fast action.

Thank you D1N0. I am considering this lens and hope the rest of the responses are on topic. This thread is now a year old. Perhaps there are new experiences to share?

Csiz

bxf · 02-26-2021, 11:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mccsiz

...This thread is now a year old....

More like 3.64383561644 years

**Mccsiz** · 02-26-2021, 12:21 PM

Originally posted by bxf

More like 3.64383561644 years

Ha Ha! Johnny come lately. Did you ever own the 150-450 lens? I started reading the reviews. I certainly like the sample photos. If I go for the lens, it will be a significant investment. Any help is appreciated.

Cheers,
Loyd

phoebus · 02-26-2021, 12:25 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mccsiz

Ha Ha! Johnny come lately. Did you ever own the 150-450 lens? I started reading the reviews. I certainly like the sample photos. If I go for the lens, it will be a significant investment. Any help is appreciated.

Cheers,
Loyd

Could just try the review section - 2 pages dedicated to this lens: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

timautin · 02-26-2021, 03:32 PM - **14 Likes**

Originally posted by Mccsiz

Any help is appreciated

It's not clear if you're asking help to give some mercy to your wallet, or to convince yourself / your wife?

If the former, stop scrolling, close this window, and never come back. You've been warned

K1 + 150-450:

Now, the lens isn't taking the pictures, we do. A K10D / K7 / K5 / K3 / KP + 55-300 or DA* 300 f/4 gives very similar results than K1 + 150-450 if you don't zoom into the picture.

K3 + 150-450:

Here are older pictures of only 800px (back then internet speeds were not wat they are today). I just give you the links as Pentax Forum would upscale them, making them pixelated. Opening them in a new window should show them at the right size.

K5 + DA* 300 f/4:

http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1055_Heron_cendre.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/309_Cardinal_rouge.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/464_Guifette_noire.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/491_Colibri_a_gorge_rubis.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/698_Raton_laveur.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/720_Epervier_de_Cooper.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/802_Guepier_d_Europe.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/807_Bergeronnette_grise.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/863_Flamant_rose.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1043_Vautour_fauve.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1050_Flamant_rose.jpg

K7 + DA* 300 f/4:

http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/184_Renard_roux.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/193_Renard_roux.jpg

K10D + DA* 300 f/4 (even on my 27" 4K monitor, this is plain sharp. You can't zoom into the picture a lot of course, as 4K is 3840*2160 = 8.3 mpx, which is nearly the 10 mpx of the K10D):

http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/210_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/207_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/203_Cordulie_bronzee.jpg

To sum up, the 150-450 is an amazing lens. So amazing that I never used my DA* 300 since I bought it, and the DA* is absolutely fantastic as well. But if today you don't take pictures similar to the above with a K-whatever + 55-300 PLM or DA* 300, the 150-450 won't change anything, nor will a K1, or any lens / body. If you are beginning, I recommend you to start with a 55-300 instead (or the DA* 300 if you're not on a budget).

Finally, the monitor on which you process and select your photos does imho a huge part of the job. I currently use a Dell U2720Q (4K 27"), previously an iMac (QHD 27"), and previously a 13" MacBook (1280x800 IIRC). Going from the MacBook to the iMac was at least as much a leap forward than going from APS-C to full frame. It didn't make me take better pictures of course, but enabled me choosing the sharp ones. QHD -> 4K is another big step (but requires good / young eyes).

If you want some full res JPEGs or DNGs, I can send you some.

Hope this helped

Last edited by timautin; 02-26-2021 at 04:07 PM.

noelpolar · 02-26-2021, 03:50 PM

Nice photo's.... makes me want to go out and buy a DFA 150-450..... but.... I already did...

Generally.... as far as the lens goes.... there is only one major draw back..... and that is it's price..... especially in Australia.... but one seems to forget that after a few months.

timautin · 02-26-2021, 04:00 PM

Thanks

. Yes it is expensive, and indeed even more in Australia than in France were I bought it

. It's also heavy.
But it's worth it and I do not regret any cent / drop of sweat

**acoufap** · 02-27-2021, 12:46 AM

Originally posted by timautin

It's not clear if you're asking help to give some mercy to your wallet, or to convince yourself / your wife?

If the former, stop scrolling, close this window, and never come back. You've been warned

K1 + 150-450:

Now, the lens isn't taking the pictures, we do. A K10D / K7 / K5 / K3 / KP + 55-300 or DA* 300 f/4 gives very similar results than K1 + 150-450 if you don't zoom into the picture.

K3 + 150-450:

Here are older pictures of only 800px (back then internet speeds were not wat they are today). I just give you the links as Pentax Forum would upscale them, making them pixelated. Opening them in a new window should show them at the right size.

K5 + DA* 300 f/4:

http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1055_Heron_cendre.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/309_Cardinal_rouge.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/464_Guifette_noire.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/491_Colibri_a_gorge_rubis.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/698_Raton_laveur.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/720_Epervier_de_Cooper.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/802_Guepier_d_Europe.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/807_Bergeronnette_grise.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/863_Flamant_rose.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1043_Vautour_fauve.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1050_Flamant_rose.jpg

K7 + DA* 300 f/4:

http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/184_Renard_roux.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/193_Renard_roux.jpg

K10D + DA* 300 f/4 (even on my 27" 4K monitor, this is plain sharp. You can't zoom into the picture a lot of course, as 4K is 3840*2160 = 8.3 mpx, which is nearly the 10 mpx of the K10D):

http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/210_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/207_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/203_Cordulie_bronzee.jpg

To sum up, the 150-450 is an amazing lens. So amazing that I never used my DA* 300 since I bought it, and the DA* is absolutely fantastic as well. But if today you don't take pictures similar to the above with a K-whatever + 55-300 PLM or DA* 300, the 150-450 won't change anything, nor will a K1, or any lens / body. If you are beginning, I recommend you to start with a 55-300 instead (or the DA* 300 if you're not on a budget).

Finally, the monitor on which you process and select your photos does imho a huge part of the job. I currently use a Dell U2720Q (4K 27"), previously an iMac (QHD 27"), and previously a 13" MacBook (1280x800 IIRC). Going from the MacBook to the iMac was at least as much a leap forward than going from APS-C to full frame. It didn't make me take better pictures of course, but enabled me choosing the sharp ones. QHD -> 4K is another big step (but requires good / young eyes).

If you want some full res JPEGs or DNGs, I can send you some.

Hope this helped

Great series! Thanks for sharing

**gaweidert** · 02-27-2021, 07:16 AM - **1 Like**

There is a thread dedicated to this lens in the Len Club area, but many people post in the 300mm plus thread instead. As an early adopter of it I am a big fan of it. It is awesome close up too.

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

**Mccsiz** · 02-27-2021, 10:21 AM

Originally posted by timautin

It's not clear if you're asking help to give some mercy to your wallet, or to convince yourself / your wife?

If the former, stop scrolling, close this window, and never come back. You've been warned

K1 + 150-450:

Now, the lens isn't taking the pictures, we do. A K10D / K7 / K5 / K3 / KP + 55-300 or DA* 300 f/4 gives very similar results than K1 + 150-450 if you don't zoom into the picture.

K3 + 150-450:

Here are older pictures of only 800px (back then internet speeds were not wat they are today). I just give you the links as Pentax Forum would upscale them, making them pixelated. Opening them in a new window should show them at the right size.

K5 + DA* 300 f/4:

http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1055_Heron_cendre.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/309_Cardinal_rouge.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/464_Guifette_noire.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/491_Colibri_a_gorge_rubis.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/698_Raton_laveur.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/720_Epervier_de_Cooper.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/802_Guepier_d_Europe.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/807_Bergeronnette_grise.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/863_Flamant_rose.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1043_Vautour_fauve.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1050_Flamant_rose.jpg

K7 + DA* 300 f/4:

http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/184_Renard_roux.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/193_Renard_roux.jpg

K10D + DA* 300 f/4 (even on my 27" 4K monitor, this is plain sharp. You can't zoom into the picture a lot of course, as 4K is 3840*2160 = 8.3 mpx, which is nearly the 10 mpx of the K10D):

http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/210_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/207_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg
http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/203_Cordulie_bronzee.jpg

To sum up, the 150-450 is an amazing lens. So amazing that I never used my DA* 300 since I bought it, and the DA* is absolutely fantastic as well. But if today you don't take pictures similar to the above with a K-whatever + 55-300 PLM or DA* 300, the 150-450 won't change anything, nor will a K1, or any lens / body. If you are beginning, I recommend you to start with a 55-300 instead (or the DA* 300 if you're not on a budget).

Finally, the monitor on which you process and select your photos does imho a huge part of the job. I currently use a Dell U2720Q (4K 27"), previously an iMac (QHD 27"), and previously a 13" MacBook (1280x800 IIRC). Going from the MacBook to the iMac was at least as much a leap forward than going from APS-C to full frame. It didn't make me take better pictures of course, but enabled me choosing the sharp ones. QHD -> 4K is another big step (but requires good / young eyes).

If you want some full res JPEGs or DNGs, I can send you some.

Hope this helped

Timautin,

Your post has been the ultimate in helpful. I own both the K5 and the K3 bodies (original versions). After viewing your photos, I am wishing for a K1! There is a vibrancy to the K1 photos that the others do not have.

When you are taking most of the sample pictures with the 150-450, are you using the auto focus?

Do you have any samples of close-ups using the K5 or K3 plus 150-450? Gaweidert says in his post that the lens "is awesome close up too." I am partial to such photos but tend to use my Pentax 100 Macro WR with an HD Pentax DA 1.4 AW AF Rear Converter. When I want to have a bit of fun, I do my close-ups with a Pentax DA Fish-eye 1:3.5-4.5 10-17 ED (IF) lens.

Thank you to all for your comments,
Loyd

**gaweidert** · 02-27-2021, 09:01 PM

Here is a few shots using a K1 taken from the same position while at Yellowstone in 2016. The first shot was at 450 mm and the second one ,almost at my feet, at 250mm setting. Minimum focus of this lens is 200cm. At the top of page 14 of the lens dedicated thread mentioned above are a few grab shots I made around my yard when I first got the lens in June 2015. Shows what close up looks like on a K3.

**Mccsiz** · 02-27-2021, 10:27 PM

Originally posted by gaweidert

Here is a few shots using a K1 taken from the same position while at Yellowstone in 2016. The first shot was at 450 mm and the second one ,almost at my feet, at 250mm setting. Minimum focus of this lens is 200cm. At the top of page 14 of the lens dedicated thread mentioned above are a few grab shots I made around my yard when I first got the lens in June 2015. Shows what close up looks like on a K3.

Thank you. I checked out your aviation photos as well. Did you use any stabilization, or are all those photos hand-held shots?

Saw an amazing photo of a cat. I wonder if it was a "close-up"? Also read that the lens works with DA 1.4 AW AF Rear Converter. Have you tried this?

Cheers,
Loyd

**gaweidert** · 02-28-2021, 06:44 AM

The warbird shots they were all hand held. I do not have the DA 1.4 teleconverter because it vignettes on a full frame camera. If the cat was taken with the 150-450 lens it is probably not cropped all that much. The lens lets you get pretty close to your subject and sometimes when I am just sitting around I pull the camera out. For the record I will be 70 in a few weeks and not as steady as I used to be. Image stabilization is a wonderful thing.

I do occasionally hit the old Weider home gym we have in the basement. Got it for the the kids years ago. They insisted they needed it but wanting something and having something are different things. A few years ago I dusted it off, gave it a PM and put it back in use. I am in no way religious in using it and can go a few months between stretches of more serious routine.

I once took some shots with the lens using a Tamron 1.4x and an old Vivitar 2x Macro teleconverter stacked together with the lens on my K3. They were of a grizzly saw and her three cubs at Yellowstone. They were over a mile off and I figured that it might be my only chance to get such a shot. Technically they are not great, but passable. Also caused a small bear jam while setting it up. Put it in live view so little get cold get a glimpse too. I now have two bear jams to my credit.

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07-03-2017, 09:28 AM	#1426
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by Canada_Rockies Yesterday my wife and I went for a walk on a local urban trail. I felt like taking the K-3 and a single lens, the DA* 16-50/2.8. I had not used it for over a month. I mounted it, pressed the AF button and nothing happened, so I left the camera turned on with the lens attached an had another coffee. When I came back, it moved slowly, but it focused. I exercised the focus mechanism by focusing near and far alternately for a couple of minutes, and the old girl was like new. Worked like a charm during the walk. As snappy as it has ever been since I bought it in 2007. . Mine behave in exactly the same way....

07-07-2017, 03:47 AM - 16 Likes	#1427
Gedeon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 246

02-26-2021, 10:02 AM	#1428
Mccsiz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 425	Originally posted by D1N0 As far as I can see there is not a thread for this specific lens yet, so I made one. It's kind of confusing to discuss different lenses in the same thread. ---------- Post added 04-02-15 at 20:44 ---------- This selectable quickshift mode and three stage focuslimiter sound like pretty nice features, once you learn to work with them. This lens will probably be pretty good for fast action. Thank you D1N0. I am considering this lens and hope the rest of the responses are on topic. This thread is now a year old. Perhaps there are new experiences to share? Csiz

02-26-2021, 11:56 AM - 1 Like	#1429
bxf Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Lisbon area Posts: 1,660	Originally posted by Mccsiz ...This thread is now a year old.... More like 3.64383561644 years

02-26-2021, 12:21 PM	#1430
Mccsiz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 425	Originally posted by bxf More like 3.64383561644 years Ha Ha! Johnny come lately. Did you ever own the 150-450 lens? I started reading the reviews. I certainly like the sample photos. If I go for the lens, it will be a significant investment. Any help is appreciated. Cheers, Loyd

02-26-2021, 12:25 PM - 1 Like	#1431
phoebus Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Buckinghamshire (UK) / Morbihan (FR) Photos: Gallery Posts: 470	Originally posted by Mccsiz Ha Ha! Johnny come lately. Did you ever own the 150-450 lens? I started reading the reviews. I certainly like the sample photos. If I go for the lens, it will be a significant investment. Any help is appreciated. Cheers, Loyd Could just try the review section - 2 pages dedicated to this lens: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

02-26-2021, 03:32 PM - 14 Likes	#1432
timautin Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 346	Originally posted by Mccsiz Any help is appreciated It's not clear if you're asking help to give some mercy to your wallet, or to convince yourself / your wife? If the former, stop scrolling, close this window, and never come back. You've been warned K1 + 150-450: Now, the lens isn't taking the pictures, we do. A K10D / K7 / K5 / K3 / KP + 55-300 or DA* 300 f/4 gives very similar results than K1 + 150-450 if you don't zoom into the picture. K3 + 150-450: Here are older pictures of only 800px (back then internet speeds were not wat they are today). I just give you the links as Pentax Forum would upscale them, making them pixelated. Opening them in a new window should show them at the right size. K5 + DA* 300 f/4: http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1055_Heron_cendre.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/309_Cardinal_rouge.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/464_Guifette_noire.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/491_Colibri_a_gorge_rubis.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/698_Raton_laveur.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/720_Epervier_de_Cooper.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/802_Guepier_d_Europe.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/807_Bergeronnette_grise.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/863_Flamant_rose.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1043_Vautour_fauve.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1050_Flamant_rose.jpg K7 + DA* 300 f/4: http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/184_Renard_roux.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/193_Renard_roux.jpg K10D + DA* 300 f/4 (even on my 27" 4K monitor, this is plain sharp. You can't zoom into the picture a lot of course, as 4K is 38402160 = 8.3 mpx, which is nearly the 10 mpx of the K10D): http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/210_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/207_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/203_Cordulie_bronzee.jpg To sum up, the 150-450 is an amazing lens. So amazing that I never used my DA 300 since I bought it, and the DA* is absolutely fantastic as well. But if today you don't take pictures similar to the above with a K-whatever + 55-300 PLM or DA* 300, the 150-450 won't change anything, nor will a K1, or any lens / body. If you are beginning, I recommend you to start with a 55-300 instead (or the DA* 300 if you're not on a budget). Finally, the monitor on which you process and select your photos does imho a huge part of the job. I currently use a Dell U2720Q (4K 27"), previously an iMac (QHD 27"), and previously a 13" MacBook (1280x800 IIRC). Going from the MacBook to the iMac was at least as much a leap forward than going from APS-C to full frame. It didn't make me take better pictures of course, but enabled me choosing the sharp ones. QHD -> 4K is another big step (but requires good / young eyes). If you want some full res JPEGs or DNGs, I can send you some. Hope this helped Last edited by timautin; 02-26-2021 at 04:07 PM.

02-26-2021, 03:50 PM	#1433
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Nice photo's.... makes me want to go out and buy a DFA 150-450..... but.... I already did... Generally.... as far as the lens goes.... there is only one major draw back..... and that is it's price..... especially in Australia.... but one seems to forget that after a few months.

02-26-2021, 04:00 PM	#1434
timautin Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 346	Thanks . Yes it is expensive, and indeed even more in Australia than in France were I bought it . It's also heavy. But it's worth it and I do not regret any cent / drop of sweat

02-27-2021, 12:46 AM	#1435
acoufap Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Munich, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,187	Originally posted by timautin It's not clear if you're asking help to give some mercy to your wallet, or to convince yourself / your wife? If the former, stop scrolling, close this window, and never come back. You've been warned K1 + 150-450: Now, the lens isn't taking the pictures, we do. A K10D / K7 / K5 / K3 / KP + 55-300 or DA* 300 f/4 gives very similar results than K1 + 150-450 if you don't zoom into the picture. K3 + 150-450: Here are older pictures of only 800px (back then internet speeds were not wat they are today). I just give you the links as Pentax Forum would upscale them, making them pixelated. Opening them in a new window should show them at the right size. K5 + DA* 300 f/4: http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1055_Heron_cendre.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/309_Cardinal_rouge.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/464_Guifette_noire.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/491_Colibri_a_gorge_rubis.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/698_Raton_laveur.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/720_Epervier_de_Cooper.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/802_Guepier_d_Europe.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/807_Bergeronnette_grise.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/863_Flamant_rose.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1043_Vautour_fauve.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1050_Flamant_rose.jpg K7 + DA* 300 f/4: http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/184_Renard_roux.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/193_Renard_roux.jpg K10D + DA* 300 f/4 (even on my 27" 4K monitor, this is plain sharp. You can't zoom into the picture a lot of course, as 4K is 38402160 = 8.3 mpx, which is nearly the 10 mpx of the K10D): http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/210_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/207_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/203_Cordulie_bronzee.jpg To sum up, the 150-450 is an amazing lens. So amazing that I never used my DA 300 since I bought it, and the DA* is absolutely fantastic as well. But if today you don't take pictures similar to the above with a K-whatever + 55-300 PLM or DA* 300, the 150-450 won't change anything, nor will a K1, or any lens / body. If you are beginning, I recommend you to start with a 55-300 instead (or the DA* 300 if you're not on a budget). Finally, the monitor on which you process and select your photos does imho a huge part of the job. I currently use a Dell U2720Q (4K 27"), previously an iMac (QHD 27"), and previously a 13" MacBook (1280x800 IIRC). Going from the MacBook to the iMac was at least as much a leap forward than going from APS-C to full frame. It didn't make me take better pictures of course, but enabled me choosing the sharp ones. QHD -> 4K is another big step (but requires good / young eyes). If you want some full res JPEGs or DNGs, I can send you some. Hope this helped Great series! Thanks for sharing

02-27-2021, 07:16 AM - 1 Like	#1436
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	There is a thread dedicated to this lens in the Len Club area, but many people post in the 300mm plus thread instead. As an early adopter of it I am a big fan of it. It is awesome close up too. Post your HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW pictures! - PentaxForums.com

02-27-2021, 10:21 AM	#1437
Mccsiz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 425	Originally posted by timautin It's not clear if you're asking help to give some mercy to your wallet, or to convince yourself / your wife? If the former, stop scrolling, close this window, and never come back. You've been warned K1 + 150-450: Now, the lens isn't taking the pictures, we do. A K10D / K7 / K5 / K3 / KP + 55-300 or DA* 300 f/4 gives very similar results than K1 + 150-450 if you don't zoom into the picture. K3 + 150-450: Here are older pictures of only 800px (back then internet speeds were not wat they are today). I just give you the links as Pentax Forum would upscale them, making them pixelated. Opening them in a new window should show them at the right size. K5 + DA* 300 f/4: http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1055_Heron_cendre.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/309_Cardinal_rouge.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/464_Guifette_noire.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/491_Colibri_a_gorge_rubis.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/698_Raton_laveur.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/720_Epervier_de_Cooper.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/802_Guepier_d_Europe.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/807_Bergeronnette_grise.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/863_Flamant_rose.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1043_Vautour_fauve.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/1050_Flamant_rose.jpg K7 + DA* 300 f/4: http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/184_Renard_roux.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/193_Renard_roux.jpg K10D + DA* 300 f/4 (even on my 27" 4K monitor, this is plain sharp. You can't zoom into the picture a lot of course, as 4K is 38402160 = 8.3 mpx, which is nearly the 10 mpx of the K10D): http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/210_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/207_Gorgebleue_a_miroir.jpg http://timphoto.free.fr/_ressources/_photos/_grandes/203_Cordulie_bronzee.jpg To sum up, the 150-450 is an amazing lens. So amazing that I never used my DA 300 since I bought it, and the DA* is absolutely fantastic as well. But if today you don't take pictures similar to the above with a K-whatever + 55-300 PLM or DA* 300, the 150-450 won't change anything, nor will a K1, or any lens / body. If you are beginning, I recommend you to start with a 55-300 instead (or the DA* 300 if you're not on a budget). Finally, the monitor on which you process and select your photos does imho a huge part of the job. I currently use a Dell U2720Q (4K 27"), previously an iMac (QHD 27"), and previously a 13" MacBook (1280x800 IIRC). Going from the MacBook to the iMac was at least as much a leap forward than going from APS-C to full frame. It didn't make me take better pictures of course, but enabled me choosing the sharp ones. QHD -> 4K is another big step (but requires good / young eyes). If you want some full res JPEGs or DNGs, I can send you some. Hope this helped Timautin, Your post has been the ultimate in helpful. I own both the K5 and the K3 bodies (original versions). After viewing your photos, I am wishing for a K1! There is a vibrancy to the K1 photos that the others do not have. When you are taking most of the sample pictures with the 150-450, are you using the auto focus? Do you have any samples of close-ups using the K5 or K3 plus 150-450? Gaweidert says in his post that the lens "is awesome close up too." I am partial to such photos but tend to use my Pentax 100 Macro WR with an HD Pentax DA 1.4 AW AF Rear Converter. When I want to have a bit of fun, I do my close-ups with a Pentax DA Fish-eye 1:3.5-4.5 10-17 ED (IF) lens. Thank you to all for your comments, Loyd

02-27-2021, 10:27 PM	#1439
Mccsiz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 425	Originally posted by gaweidert Here is a few shots using a K1 taken from the same position while at Yellowstone in 2016. The first shot was at 450 mm and the second one ,almost at my feet, at 250mm setting. Minimum focus of this lens is 200cm. At the top of page 14 of the lens dedicated thread mentioned above are a few grab shots I made around my yard when I first got the lens in June 2015. Shows what close up looks like on a K3. Thank you. I checked out your aviation photos as well. Did you use any stabilization, or are all those photos hand-held shots? Saw an amazing photo of a cat. I wonder if it was a "close-up"? Also read that the lens works with DA 1.4 AW AF Rear Converter. Have you tried this? Cheers, Loyd

02-28-2021, 06:44 AM	#1440
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	The warbird shots they were all hand held. I do not have the DA 1.4 teleconverter because it vignettes on a full frame camera. If the cat was taken with the 150-450 lens it is probably not cropped all that much. The lens lets you get pretty close to your subject and sometimes when I am just sitting around I pull the camera out. For the record I will be 70 in a few weeks and not as steady as I used to be. Image stabilization is a wonderful thing. I do occasionally hit the old Weider home gym we have in the basement. Got it for the the kids years ago. They insisted they needed it but wanting something and having something are different things. A few years ago I dusted it off, gave it a PM and put it back in use. I am in no way religious in using it and can go a few months between stretches of more serious routine. I once took some shots with the lens using a Tamron 1.4x and an old Vivitar 2x Macro teleconverter stacked together with the lens on my K3. They were of a grizzly saw and her three cubs at Yellowstone. They were over a mile off and I figured that it might be my only chance to get such a shot. Technically they are not great, but passable. Also caused a small bear jam while setting it up. Put it in live view so little get cold get a glimpse too. I now have two bear jams to my credit.

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