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

**harish** · 04-20-2021, 08:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mccsiz

I am almost ready to buy. I will go with new: 2700.00 Canadian dollars, cash upfront because it is a special order. I hope I'm not making a mistake.

Cheers,
Loyd

This is one of my prized acquisition - feels wonderful in hand, heavy but substantial in a good way. I am still learning how to make good wildlife photos, but I enjoy it.

**Mccsiz** · 04-20-2021, 10:24 AM

Thanks mlt

It's photos like yours that reassure me. I too have a K3.

Cheers,
Loyd

**harish** · 04-21-2021, 01:58 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by harish

This is one of my prized acquisition - feels wonderful in hand, heavy but substantial in a good way. I am still learning how to make good wildlife photos, but I enjoy it.

From the backyard.

**Mccsiz** · 04-21-2021, 05:46 PM

Originally posted by harish

From the backyard.

Thanks Harish. Every lens is about learning.

Cheers,
Loyd

---------- Post added 04-21-21 at 05:51 PM ----------

Will this lens require a camera software update? I have no idea how to update the software in my K3. Necessary or not, does anyone have any advice about software (firmware??) updates?

Cheers,
Loyd

Ishpuini · 04-22-2021, 12:10 AM

Nice discussion. I used to carry my 150-450 on a monopod when I first got it, but quickly found this rather bothersome since I left it extended to be able to setup fast fro a shot. I carried the lens attached to a BlackRapid sport strap in one hole of the tripod mount and the monopod attached to the other hole and pointing up. It worked, but involved a dangerous swing to get the monopod to the ground in a stable position. Dangerous for people standing close to me that is.

I abandoned that approach and left the monopod, esp since I found the recent cameras having more than decent SR to stabilize the lens in most conditions. Esp with high ISO IQ improving over the years I expect the need for support for sharp shots to become less and less.

Wim

Andrea K · 04-22-2021, 02:59 AM

At 300mm what is the maximum aperture value?

**harish** · 04-22-2021, 05:44 AM

Originally posted by Andrea K

At 300mm what is the maximum aperture value?

At 270mm its 4.5 and at 300mm its 5.6.

dlhawes · 04-22-2021, 07:59 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by siva.ss.kumar

Wow. Great shots. I sometimes think I should have gotten the 150-450 instead of 560

I've got both, but I don't think they're equivalent enough to make a "which should I get" distinction. "Yo' lens is DIFFr'nt, Mrs. Gump." The 560 is great where you can get set up and not have to move around, given its length, diameter, and weight, all of which militates against flexibility in the field. The only gripe I have with the 150-450 lack of a focus-lock switch; if the front end is pointed up at all at maximum, it'll slide back in, or if it's pointed downwards at all at the minimum, it'll slide out. You need to put a rubber band on the barrel, or some thick tape to make it stay put (and neither of those options will prevent surreptitious extension). You can use the 150-450 hand-held, I find, but that's totally impractical with the 560 (I've seen folks do it, and I've tried it even with a strap attached, but by my lights, that's a tripod-only sort of lens).

Too bad Tamron doesn't make its 150-600 available for Pentax.

**Mccsiz** · 04-22-2021, 08:14 AM

Originally posted by dlhawes

I've got both, but I don't think they're equivalent enough to make a "which should I get" distinction. "Yo' lens is DIFFr'nt, Mrs. Gump." The 560 is great where you can get set up and not have to move around, given its length, diameter, and weight, all of which militates against flexibility in the field. The only gripe I have with the 150-450 lack of a focus-lock switch; if the front end is pointed up at all at maximum, it'll slide back in, or if it's pointed downwards at all at the minimum, it'll slide out. You need to put a rubber band on the barrel, or some thick tape to make it stay put (and neither of those options will prevent surreptitious extension). You can use the 150-450 hand-held, I find, but that's totally impractical with the 560 (I've seen folks do it, and I've tried it even with a strap attached, but by my lights, that's a tripod-only sort of lens).

Too bad Tamron doesn't make its 150-600 available for Pentax.

Does this sliding in and out of focus happen when the lens is set to auto?

And, what happens when you follow a moving object? Does the lens lose focus?

This sounds like a serious problem.

Cheers,
Loyd

**Denver** · 04-22-2021, 10:04 AM

Originally posted by Mccsiz

Thanks Harish. Every lens is about learning.

Cheers,
Loyd

---------- Post added 04-21-21 at 05:51 PM ----------

Will this lens require a camera software update? I have no idea how to update the software in my K3. Necessary or not, does anyone have any advice about software (firmware??) updates?

Cheers,
Loyd

most firmware updates require you to download the update to an sd card, put the card in your camera and turn it on and it will usually see the update and install it.

redpit · 04-23-2021, 01:03 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mccsiz

Does this sliding in and out of focus happen when the lens is set to auto?

And, what happens when you follow a moving object? Does the lens lose focus?

This sounds like a serious problem.

Cheers,
Loyd

@dlhawes talks about lens creeping due to its weight when you hold it upwards or downwards, not sliding out of focus!

For me this is not such a problem as I shot aviation and always have my hand on the zoom ring to zoom in and out, so I just stop it to the focal length I want.

Andrea K · 04-23-2021, 01:36 AM

Originally posted by harish

At 270mm its 4.5 and at 300mm its 5.6.

300mm f5,6.....

dlhawes · 04-23-2021, 05:35 AM

Originally posted by redpit

@dlhawes talks about lens creeping due to its weight when you hold it upwards or downwards, not sliding out of focus! ....

Right, I should have said "focal length lock switch" instead of "focus-lock". My error. So it has nothing to do with whether you're using autofocus or manual focus.

Ishpuini · 04-23-2021, 06:02 AM

Originally posted by dlhawes

Right, I should have said "focal length lock switch" instead of "focus-lock". My error. So it has nothing to do with whether you're using autofocus or manual focus.

Strange, my DFA150-450 does come with a zoom lock switch on the barrel (on the righthand side when mounted). I keep it engaged when the lens is in storage, though not while photographing. But you can set it to the locked position once your focal length is set, and it won't creep anymore. Corrected by noelpolar (see below): indeed the lock only locks in retracted position.

Wim

noelpolar · 04-23-2021, 06:32 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Ishpuini

Strange, my DFA150-450 does come with a zoom lock switch on the barrel (on the righthand side when mounted). I keep it engaged when the lens is in storage, though not while photographing. But you can set it to the locked position once your focal length is set, and it won't creep anymore.

Wim

My switch only locks the lens in it's retracted position...... has this changed during the lens production life? (mines 5+ years old).

04-21-2021, 01:58 PM - 2 Likes	#1473
harish Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 59	Originally posted by harish This is one of my prized acquisition - feels wonderful in hand, heavy but substantial in a good way. I am still learning how to make good wildlife photos, but I enjoy it. From the backyard. Attached Images

04-23-2021, 06:02 AM	#1484
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	Originally posted by dlhawes Right, I should have said "focal length lock switch" instead of "focus-lock". My error. So it has nothing to do with whether you're using autofocus or manual focus. Strange, my DFA150-450 does come with a zoom lock switch on the barrel (on the righthand side when mounted). I keep it engaged when the lens is in storage, though not while photographing. But you can set it to the locked position once your focal length is set, and it won't creep anymore. Corrected by noelpolar (see below): indeed the lock only locks in retracted position. Wim Last edited by Ishpuini; 04-23-2021 at 06:43 AM.

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04-20-2021, 08:47 AM - 1 Like	#1471
harish Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 59	Originally posted by Mccsiz I am almost ready to buy. I will go with new: 2700.00 Canadian dollars, cash upfront because it is a special order. I hope I'm not making a mistake. Cheers, Loyd This is one of my prized acquisition - feels wonderful in hand, heavy but substantial in a good way. I am still learning how to make good wildlife photos, but I enjoy it.

04-20-2021, 10:24 AM	#1472
Mccsiz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 425	Thanks mlt It's photos like yours that reassure me. I too have a K3. Cheers, Loyd

04-21-2021, 05:46 PM	#1474
Mccsiz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 425	Originally posted by harish From the backyard. Thanks Harish. Every lens is about learning. Cheers, Loyd ---------- Post added 04-21-21 at 05:51 PM ---------- Will this lens require a camera software update? I have no idea how to update the software in my K3. Necessary or not, does anyone have any advice about software (firmware??) updates? Cheers, Loyd

04-22-2021, 12:10 AM	#1475
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	Nice discussion. I used to carry my 150-450 on a monopod when I first got it, but quickly found this rather bothersome since I left it extended to be able to setup fast fro a shot. I carried the lens attached to a BlackRapid sport strap in one hole of the tripod mount and the monopod attached to the other hole and pointing up. It worked, but involved a dangerous swing to get the monopod to the ground in a stable position. Dangerous for people standing close to me that is. I abandoned that approach and left the monopod, esp since I found the recent cameras having more than decent SR to stabilize the lens in most conditions. Esp with high ISO IQ improving over the years I expect the need for support for sharp shots to become less and less. Wim

04-22-2021, 02:59 AM	#1476
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	At 300mm what is the maximum aperture value?

04-22-2021, 05:44 AM	#1477
harish Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 59	Originally posted by Andrea K At 300mm what is the maximum aperture value? At 270mm its 4.5 and at 300mm its 5.6.

04-22-2021, 07:59 AM - 1 Like	#1478
dlhawes Guest	Originally posted by siva.ss.kumar Wow. Great shots. I sometimes think I should have gotten the 150-450 instead of 560 I've got both, but I don't think they're equivalent enough to make a "which should I get" distinction. "Yo' lens is DIFFr'nt, Mrs. Gump." The 560 is great where you can get set up and not have to move around, given its length, diameter, and weight, all of which militates against flexibility in the field. The only gripe I have with the 150-450 lack of a focus-lock switch; if the front end is pointed up at all at maximum, it'll slide back in, or if it's pointed downwards at all at the minimum, it'll slide out. You need to put a rubber band on the barrel, or some thick tape to make it stay put (and neither of those options will prevent surreptitious extension). You can use the 150-450 hand-held, I find, but that's totally impractical with the 560 (I've seen folks do it, and I've tried it even with a strap attached, but by my lights, that's a tripod-only sort of lens). Too bad Tamron doesn't make its 150-600 available for Pentax.

04-22-2021, 08:14 AM	#1479
Mccsiz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 425	Originally posted by dlhawes I've got both, but I don't think they're equivalent enough to make a "which should I get" distinction. "Yo' lens is DIFFr'nt, Mrs. Gump." The 560 is great where you can get set up and not have to move around, given its length, diameter, and weight, all of which militates against flexibility in the field. The only gripe I have with the 150-450 lack of a focus-lock switch; if the front end is pointed up at all at maximum, it'll slide back in, or if it's pointed downwards at all at the minimum, it'll slide out. You need to put a rubber band on the barrel, or some thick tape to make it stay put (and neither of those options will prevent surreptitious extension). You can use the 150-450 hand-held, I find, but that's totally impractical with the 560 (I've seen folks do it, and I've tried it even with a strap attached, but by my lights, that's a tripod-only sort of lens). Too bad Tamron doesn't make its 150-600 available for Pentax. Does this sliding in and out of focus happen when the lens is set to auto? And, what happens when you follow a moving object? Does the lens lose focus? This sounds like a serious problem. Cheers, Loyd

04-22-2021, 10:04 AM	#1480
Denver Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 220	Originally posted by Mccsiz Thanks Harish. Every lens is about learning. Cheers, Loyd ---------- Post added 04-21-21 at 05:51 PM ---------- Will this lens require a camera software update? I have no idea how to update the software in my K3. Necessary or not, does anyone have any advice about software (firmware??) updates? Cheers, Loyd most firmware updates require you to download the update to an sd card, put the card in your camera and turn it on and it will usually see the update and install it.

04-23-2021, 01:03 AM - 1 Like	#1481
redpit Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Greece Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Originally posted by Mccsiz Does this sliding in and out of focus happen when the lens is set to auto? And, what happens when you follow a moving object? Does the lens lose focus? This sounds like a serious problem. Cheers, Loyd @dlhawes talks about lens creeping due to its weight when you hold it upwards or downwards, not sliding out of focus! For me this is not such a problem as I shot aviation and always have my hand on the zoom ring to zoom in and out, so I just stop it to the focal length I want.

04-23-2021, 01:36 AM	#1482
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	Originally posted by harish At 270mm its 4.5 and at 300mm its 5.6. 300mm f5,6.....

04-23-2021, 05:35 AM	#1483
dlhawes Guest	Originally posted by redpit @dlhawes talks about lens creeping due to its weight when you hold it upwards or downwards, not sliding out of focus! .... Right, I should have said "focal length lock switch" instead of "focus-lock". My error. So it has nothing to do with whether you're using autofocus or manual focus.

04-23-2021, 06:32 AM - 1 Like	#1485
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Ishpuini Strange, my DFA150-450 does come with a zoom lock switch on the barrel (on the righthand side when mounted). I keep it engaged when the lens is in storage, though not while photographing. But you can set it to the locked position once your focal length is set, and it won't creep anymore. Wim My switch only locks the lens in it's retracted position...... has this changed during the lens production life? (mines 5+ years old).