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11-24-2016, 03:38 PM - 3 Likes   #1
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Decided to get the HD Pentax DFA 150-450mm AW

I decided to get this brand new telephoto lens for my K-1. This is the Pentax HD DFA 150-450mm. f/4.5.6 ED DC AW. This beast is heavy. Tried to shoot handheld but no go. I'm using a monopod to handle this lens. I tested it at the Occoquan Wildlife Refuge here in Virginia. This lens is a winner. I will post my test shots later.



11-24-2016, 04:48 PM   #2
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Looks like you have a nice setup. You're probably getting some great shots.
11-24-2016, 04:49 PM   #3
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Congratulations. Yes, that lens is heavy. I have, however, been able to use the lens hand held with good results shooting at 1/250s with shake reduction enabled on a K-1. See the K-1 review.
11-24-2016, 05:06 PM   #4
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2 KGs...a beast to shoot beasts with!

11-24-2016, 06:58 PM   #5
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Enjoy your new lens!
11-24-2016, 07:41 PM   #6
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You'll get a lot of pleasure from that lens.
It is heavy but you do get used to it. It took me a few months to get used to shooting handheld with it.
I tried using it with a monopod but found that was more of a hindrance than a help shooting birds, so now it's always handheld with K-3 II, K-1 and with 1.4x TC.
I am very happy with mine.
Cheers,
Terry
11-24-2016, 09:32 PM   #7
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Keep shutter speeds fast and you will be fine
Not too hard with the K-1s high ISO capability

11-25-2016, 10:16 AM   #8
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I hand hold the lens and find it works very well with the K1. A monopod is useful for many situations though. Congrats on the new lens.
11-25-2016, 11:01 AM   #9
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Do you...not have a battery grip?
11-26-2016, 12:00 PM   #10
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I think that you will like the lens. I have had mine for over a year now and it is just a great lens. I'm 65 and use it mostly handheld on my K3 and K1.
11-28-2016, 05:32 AM - 2 Likes   #11
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Hi

I have been working with this lens for some eight months now and I got used to it. I too use it hand held 90% of the time. Sure it is heavy but my wife's every day handbag with everything in it a woman needs is about the same weight as this lens and she is not complaining. So I decided to man up and don't complain anymore.

I also have the 60-250 (modified for FF use, by the way) and I used to think this was a real rocket launcher. Now, however in comparison I think, well, this is really a very handy little walk around number.

However there are two issues about the 150-450 I intensely dislike.
Firstly, the pouch which is supplied with the lens. It is big enough to do your weekly grocery shopping in.

Secondly, the huge 10 gallon bucket lens hood. I think when they design lenses, and in particular this one, they simulate the worst light scenario on a computer by using specially created software. I doubt very much that I will ever use this lens under those conditions, in fact I know I don't. How can I be so sure ?

I have retired this bucket lens hood and instead permanently screwed on a smaller aluminium hood. After a few thousand photos I found it gives me all the physical and flair protection I will ever need. Here is my confirmation, I yet have to see a picture of mine with flair problems and I have shot pics in quite dicky situations. And as an added benefit it allows me to transport the lens, with the hood attached in a neat pouch I was able to buy in Japan. (See attached picture) It makes live so much easier.

I thought this bit of information might be useful to others.

Cheers

Last edited by Schraubstock; 01-31-2017 at 11:05 PM.
11-28-2016, 06:49 AM   #12
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A larger front hood also helps keep dew and frost off the front element. Important when photographing on cool damp mornings or evenings.
11-28-2016, 06:53 AM   #13
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Overhere it has a great cybermonday price at 1615 $. Have fun.
11-28-2016, 04:17 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by gaweidert Quote
A larger front hood also helps keep dew and frost off the front element. Important when photographing on cool damp mornings or evenings.
Done that, zero problem. In my frequent global travels I come across more varied and challenging conditions than most people. I have to repeat, with this setup - zero problems. And don't forget the front element is SP coated.

Also with this hood the front element is recessed deeper than any other normal lens. So if your dew and frost argument holds true it would be a problem with any other lens where often the lens hood is even more shallow.

Cheers

Last edited by Schraubstock; 11-28-2016 at 04:25 PM. Reason: additional info
12-09-2016, 12:44 AM   #15
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fwiw, it doesn't take much oblique light hitting the front element to cause a noticeable loss of contrast with this lens; as such, a shorter hood, IMO could be problematic. YMMV. good luck.
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