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

thibs · 02-28-2021, 06:46 AM - **1 Like**

Must stop... reading this... ARGH....

timautin · 02-28-2021, 07:14 AM

Quote:

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.

Glad to help

! For the body, I'd wait the K3 III release: compared to the K1 you'd get better AF, lower noise at high ISO settings, 3 times the burst, and 1.5 times the reach. The only downside is the lower resolution, and worse field of view.

Quote:

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

I nearly never use manual focus, only to take identification shots of animals in the darkness at crazy ISO settings ^^

Quote:

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.

I have some with the K3, but not with the K5 (I bought the K3 before the 150-450, and stopped using the K5). I'm on my phone right now and for whatever reason the photos of my post are not loading, just the text. Aren't there some small birds portraits in the photos listed under the "K3 + 150-450" line?
Anyway, you didn't tell us what you intend to shoot with that lens? Close ups of what?
I also have the 1.4 converter, I prefer not to use it (I find that you loose too much sharpness, and prefer to do my best to get closer to the subject). IIRC using it with the 150-450 on the K1 is not a good idea (to much vignetting).

RobG · 02-28-2021, 03:49 PM

Originally posted by Mccsiz

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.

I'm pretty sure I used the DFA 150-450 for this, not the HDDA 55-300, although it's only at 290mm.

Sturt Desert Pea in rain by RobGeraghty, on Flickr

Mike L · 02-28-2021, 07:41 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Mccsiz

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."
Loyd

These are both with the K3 plus 150-450

RobG · 02-28-2021, 09:51 PM

FWIW there is a thread for photos from the DFA 150-450 lens. Anyone interested in the lens will find lots of examples there!

**Mccsiz** · 02-28-2021, 10:00 PM

Originally posted by timautin

Glad to help

! For the body, I'd wait the K3 III release: compared to the K1 you'd get better AF, lower noise at high ISO settings, 3 times the burst, and 1.5 times the reach. The only downside is the lower resolution, and worse field of view.

I nearly never use manual focus, only to take identification shots of animals in the darkness at crazy ISO settings ^^

I have some with the K3, but not with the K5 (I bought the K3 before the 150-450, and stopped using the K5). I'm on my phone right now and for whatever reason the photos of my post are not loading, just the text. Aren't there some small birds portraits in the photos listed under the "K3 + 150-450" line?
Anyway, you didn't tell us what you intend to shoot with that lens? Close ups of what?
I also have the 1.4 converter, I prefer not to use it (I find that you loose too much sharpness, and prefer to do my best to get closer to the subject). IIRC using it with the 150-450 on the K1 is not a good idea (to much vignetting).

I haven't used my K5 for a very long time. I wonder if it needs an update?

As for subjects, I too am a birder, so the lens will satisfy my urge to score some gorgeous distance shots like the ones I have seen on these threads. I also like taking candid shots of people. But mainly, I want to explore shapes and contrasts. I already do all of the above with the lenses I own, but I need more sharpness and more range. I have been hunting for a lens that isn't too cumbersome and, if used properly, provides crisp and clear pictures. I really love the 100 Macro, but it is too limited. The 150-450 holds promise, but I have to be sure. It costs 2750.00 Canadian dollars before taxes, and it would be a special order. In Canada, that means, "Please order carefully, special orders are not returnable. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled."

Thank you for offering me detailed advice, especially as it relates to the K3. If I buy this lens, I will not be buying a K3 III. I'll be lucky if I can buy a K3 X!

Cheers,
Loyd

---------- Post added 02-28-21 at 09:01 PM ----------

Originally posted by RobG

FWIW there is a thread for photos from the DFA 150-450 lens. Anyone interested in the lens will find lots of examples there!

Thanks Rob

Cheers,
Loyd

---------- Post added 02-28-21 at 09:03 PM ----------

Originally posted by Mike L

These are both with the K3 plus 150-450

Hi Mike,

How close are you to the subject, and are you using any form of stabilization?

Cheers,
Loyd

**dadipentak** · 03-01-2021, 06:09 AM

Originally posted by mee

Is there going to be a new thread about every. single. piece of information that gets out where, upon, we will have same discussion multiple times in the multiple threads?

Well of course.

**Yoda boy** · 03-01-2021, 08:48 AM

Originally posted by Mccsiz

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

I have used this lens on a K5,K3 & K1 ll. All with really good results and no issues. I did try the 1.7 converter with the K3 to shoot the moon and had no issues. I would recommend this lens as I personally feel it is one of the best that Pentax has.

**Mccsiz** · 03-01-2021, 08:59 AM

Yoda Boy,

If you don't mind my asking, where in Ontario did you purchase the lens?

Cheers,
Loyd

timautin · 03-01-2021, 11:42 AM - **6 Likes**

Originally posted by Mccsiz

Do you have any samples of close-ups using the K5 or K3 plus 150-450?

Back on the computer, I checked for more photos using K3 + 150-450. I don't have much, as I bought the K1 soon after the K3...

Here are a few others:

**acoufap** · 03-01-2021, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by timautin

Back on the computer, I checked for more photos using K3 + 150-450. I don't have much, as I bought the K1 soon after the K3...

Here are a few others:

Wow - gorgeous series! What are the three guys in the second image talking about?

timautin · 03-01-2021, 01:31 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by acoufap

Wow - gorgeous series! What are the three guys in the second image talking about?

Thanks! It was something about that branch not being big enough for 3 dudes IIRC

**Mccsiz** · 03-01-2021, 01:49 PM

Originally posted by timautin

Back on the computer, I checked for more photos using K3 + 150-450. I don't have much, as I bought the K1 soon after the K3...

Here are a few others:

You certainly have access to some colourful birds. What species is the ungulate? Is the lens reliable for moving subjects?

Cheers,
Loyd

timautin · 03-01-2021, 03:05 PM

Originally posted by Mccsiz

You certainly have access to some colourful birds. What species is the ungulate?

That's a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), common in France. The bee-eaters on the second shot are much less common, but they easily accept a hide. Then you "just" need to be in the hide before the males arrive to the colony (females sleep in the nests, the males a bit further), and leave after they left it. I shot the kingfisher of the 1st shot at the same spot.

Originally posted by Mccsiz

Is the lens reliable for moving subjects?

I never used another system enough to make AF comparisons, but it certainly suits my needs. It's a bit better than the DA* 300, and light years ahead of the Sigma 70-300 APO I started with. Which was by far my worst lens by the way. This is not suitable for BIF... And the AF was so noisy that to get a chance to take a shot I needed to switch to MF, do a manual pre-focus, switch back to AF (no quick-shift...) and then focus. All that while by being my softest lens at the same time! After using that thing every AF system seems amazing

.

If you're after BIF shots, I'd wait the first tests of the K3 III before purchasing a new body, as it has a completely new AF and brings birds tracking

Mike L · 03-01-2021, 03:18 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mccsiz

Hi Mike,

How close are you to the subject, and are you using any form of stabilization?

Cheers,
Loyd

The first photo is uncropped, shot at 290mm, I was probably about 5 or 6 metres away close enough to fill the frame.

The second photo is uncropped, shot at 450mm, these flowers aren't very big so I was probably 4 or 5 metres away.

Both of these shots were handheld with the in body stabilisation activated.

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02-28-2021, 06:46 AM - 1 Like	#1441
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Must stop... reading this... ARGH....

02-28-2021, 07:14 AM	#1442
timautin Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 346	Quote: 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. Glad to help ! For the body, I'd wait the K3 III release: compared to the K1 you'd get better AF, lower noise at high ISO settings, 3 times the burst, and 1.5 times the reach. The only downside is the lower resolution, and worse field of view. Quote: When you are taking most of the sample pictures with the 150-450, are you using the auto focus? I nearly never use manual focus, only to take identification shots of animals in the darkness at crazy ISO settings ^^ Quote: 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. I have some with the K3, but not with the K5 (I bought the K3 before the 150-450, and stopped using the K5). I'm on my phone right now and for whatever reason the photos of my post are not loading, just the text. Aren't there some small birds portraits in the photos listed under the "K3 + 150-450" line? Anyway, you didn't tell us what you intend to shoot with that lens? Close ups of what? I also have the 1.4 converter, I prefer not to use it (I find that you loose too much sharpness, and prefer to do my best to get closer to the subject). IIRC using it with the 150-450 on the K1 is not a good idea (to much vignetting).

02-28-2021, 03:49 PM	#1443
RobG Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Canberra Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,902	Originally posted by Mccsiz 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. I'm pretty sure I used the DFA 150-450 for this, not the HDDA 55-300, although it's only at 290mm. Sturt Desert Pea in rain by RobGeraghty, on Flickr

02-28-2021, 07:41 PM - 2 Likes	#1444
Mike L Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,488	Originally posted by Mccsiz 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." Loyd These are both with the K3 plus 150-450

02-28-2021, 09:51 PM	#1445
RobG Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Canberra Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,902	FWIW there is a thread for photos from the DFA 150-450 lens. Anyone interested in the lens will find lots of examples there!

02-28-2021, 10:00 PM	#1446
Mccsiz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 425	Originally posted by timautin Glad to help ! For the body, I'd wait the K3 III release: compared to the K1 you'd get better AF, lower noise at high ISO settings, 3 times the burst, and 1.5 times the reach. The only downside is the lower resolution, and worse field of view. I nearly never use manual focus, only to take identification shots of animals in the darkness at crazy ISO settings ^^ I have some with the K3, but not with the K5 (I bought the K3 before the 150-450, and stopped using the K5). I'm on my phone right now and for whatever reason the photos of my post are not loading, just the text. Aren't there some small birds portraits in the photos listed under the "K3 + 150-450" line? Anyway, you didn't tell us what you intend to shoot with that lens? Close ups of what? I also have the 1.4 converter, I prefer not to use it (I find that you loose too much sharpness, and prefer to do my best to get closer to the subject). IIRC using it with the 150-450 on the K1 is not a good idea (to much vignetting). I haven't used my K5 for a very long time. I wonder if it needs an update? As for subjects, I too am a birder, so the lens will satisfy my urge to score some gorgeous distance shots like the ones I have seen on these threads. I also like taking candid shots of people. But mainly, I want to explore shapes and contrasts. I already do all of the above with the lenses I own, but I need more sharpness and more range. I have been hunting for a lens that isn't too cumbersome and, if used properly, provides crisp and clear pictures. I really love the 100 Macro, but it is too limited. The 150-450 holds promise, but I have to be sure. It costs 2750.00 Canadian dollars before taxes, and it would be a special order. In Canada, that means, "Please order carefully, special orders are not returnable. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled." Thank you for offering me detailed advice, especially as it relates to the K3. If I buy this lens, I will not be buying a K3 III. I'll be lucky if I can buy a K3 X! Cheers, Loyd ---------- Post added 02-28-21 at 09:01 PM ---------- Originally posted by RobG FWIW there is a thread for photos from the DFA 150-450 lens. Anyone interested in the lens will find lots of examples there! Thanks Rob Cheers, Loyd ---------- Post added 02-28-21 at 09:03 PM ---------- Originally posted by Mike L These are both with the K3 plus 150-450 Hi Mike, How close are you to the subject, and are you using any form of stabilization? Cheers, Loyd

03-01-2021, 06:09 AM	#1447
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	Originally posted by mee Is there going to be a new thread about every. single. piece of information that gets out where, upon, we will have same discussion multiple times in the multiple threads? Well of course.

03-01-2021, 08:48 AM	#1448
Yoda boy Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Central Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 144	Originally posted by Mccsiz 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 I have used this lens on a K5,K3 & K1 ll. All with really good results and no issues. I did try the 1.7 converter with the K3 to shoot the moon and had no issues. I would recommend this lens as I personally feel it is one of the best that Pentax has.

03-01-2021, 08:59 AM	#1449
Mccsiz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 425	Yoda Boy, If you don't mind my asking, where in Ontario did you purchase the lens? Cheers, Loyd

03-01-2021, 11:42 AM - 6 Likes	#1450
timautin Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 346	Originally posted by Mccsiz Do you have any samples of close-ups using the K5 or K3 plus 150-450? Back on the computer, I checked for more photos using K3 + 150-450. I don't have much, as I bought the K1 soon after the K3... Here are a few others:

03-01-2021, 12:08 PM	#1451
acoufap Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Munich, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,191	Originally posted by timautin Back on the computer, I checked for more photos using K3 + 150-450. I don't have much, as I bought the K1 soon after the K3... Here are a few others: Wow - gorgeous series! What are the three guys in the second image talking about?

03-01-2021, 01:31 PM - 2 Likes	#1452
timautin Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 346	Originally posted by acoufap Wow - gorgeous series! What are the three guys in the second image talking about? Thanks! It was something about that branch not being big enough for 3 dudes IIRC

03-01-2021, 01:49 PM	#1453
Mccsiz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 425	Originally posted by timautin Back on the computer, I checked for more photos using K3 + 150-450. I don't have much, as I bought the K1 soon after the K3... Here are a few others: You certainly have access to some colourful birds. What species is the ungulate? Is the lens reliable for moving subjects? Cheers, Loyd

03-01-2021, 03:05 PM	#1454
timautin Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 346	Originally posted by Mccsiz You certainly have access to some colourful birds. What species is the ungulate? That's a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), common in France. The bee-eaters on the second shot are much less common, but they easily accept a hide. Then you "just" need to be in the hide before the males arrive to the colony (females sleep in the nests, the males a bit further), and leave after they left it. I shot the kingfisher of the 1st shot at the same spot. Originally posted by Mccsiz Is the lens reliable for moving subjects? I never used another system enough to make AF comparisons, but it certainly suits my needs. It's a bit better than the DA* 300, and light years ahead of the Sigma 70-300 APO I started with. Which was by far my worst lens by the way. This is not suitable for BIF... And the AF was so noisy that to get a chance to take a shot I needed to switch to MF, do a manual pre-focus, switch back to AF (no quick-shift...) and then focus. All that while by being my softest lens at the same time! After using that thing every AF system seems amazing . If you're after BIF shots, I'd wait the first tests of the K3 III before purchasing a new body, as it has a completely new AF and brings birds tracking

03-01-2021, 03:18 PM - 1 Like	#1455
Mike L Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,488	Originally posted by Mccsiz Hi Mike, How close are you to the subject, and are you using any form of stabilization? Cheers, Loyd The first photo is uncropped, shot at 290mm, I was probably about 5 or 6 metres away close enough to fill the frame. The second photo is uncropped, shot at 450mm, these flowers aren't very big so I was probably 4 or 5 metres away. Both of these shots were handheld with the in body stabilisation activated.