[condor27596]

I'm not sure if anyone cares on such a boring thing.

I can say I do question my purchase, and plan to take some in-use video.
The primary reason I got this thing is for horse riding photos.
The 28-105 does not have nearly the reach.
I wonder if I should have gotten the 70-200.
Too late now.

Of course, I can use it for other things.

Word to the wise now from an actual buyer. This thing is heavy, and unweildy.

Youtu.be

Youtu.be

[BigMackCam]

Wide range of focal lengths - check; 450mm max focal length - check; full frame - check; excellent optical correction and overall image quality - check; highly durable construction and AW designation - check. Sadly, I don't believe it's possible to make a lens with all those features that is much smaller or lighter. My own Tamron 150-600 in A-mount is a wonderful lens, but it, too, is a chunky monkey

[aslyfox]

I often second guess my purchases too

I think it is part of my nature

as far as the 150-450, it can be used hand held

also consider a monopod if a tripod isn't possible

it is what it is

a very good lens with the size and weight that comes with that

this " presentation " from Pentax might be of interest to the OP and others:

HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mmF4.5-5.6ED DC AW | RICOH IMAGING

[C_Jones]

I'm not sure if anyone cares on such a boring thing.

I can say I do question my purchase, and plan to take some in-use video.
The primary reason I got this thing is for horse riding photos.
The 28-105 does not have nearly the reach.
I wonder if I should have gotten the 70-200.
Too late now.

Of course, I can use it for other things.

Word to the wise now from an actual buyer. This thing is heavy, and unweildy.

Unboxing Pentax 150-450 lens - YouTube

I think you may notice that after you use it for some shots that the distance you can attain shots at is really valuable, for horseback riding as well as other types of shooting such as birding. I have the Pentax 70-200 which I use for certain things and a Sigma 150-500 DG OS for Pentax (that I bought before they made the Pentax 150-450), and when I need distance the 150-500 naturally accomplishes the images I need.

I hope you enjoy your new purchase.

---

Last edited by C_Jones; 08-18-2020 at 01:50 PM.

[clickclick]

It is a wonderful lens. Just go use it and don't look back or think too hard about it. I often use it with a monopod or tripod. I ultimately grabbed this Oban gimbal, and find it worthwhile.

Oben GH-30 Gimbal Head GH-30 B&H Photo Video

[MarkJerling]

If it's anything like the heft of the Sigma 50-500, then it needs a monopod or one's arms get tired pretty quickly!

[stihlmania]

The 150-450 can be a superb lens once you learn how to use it. Use a monopod or a gimbal [ using both is best while learning what your camera/lens can do] to learn. Hand held shots are now a no brainer in bright light, do it if you can. Stay away from multipliers till you learn how to use this lens...learn the lens first then play around.........

[asahi67]

Congrats on your purchase, I got mine 2 weeks ago, Coupled with the 1,4 rear tele-convertor on my K3 it has wonderful reach. I use it handheld and when hiking use the supplied lens bag to balance the load when carrying the beast. A big investment but so far feel it was worth it.

[Paul the Sunman]

I use the 150-450 hand-held 99% of the time, mostly on the K1 but sometimes on the K3 for birds. I'm not a big tripod user; mostly used only for long exposures. With a good sling strap (I use the Peak Design) I don't find the DFA 150-450 unwieldy at all. I wouldn't want to have it hanging round my neck on a standard strap though. It is a fabulous lens.

Depending on distance, I find the DFA* 70-200 to be excellent for showjumping. Horse racing, where the distances are larger, may require the longer lens.

WARNING: my brand new DFA* 150-450 was full of dust when I unpacked it. I ended up having to get my K1 sensor cleaned! I've not had that experience with any other lens.

[Sandy Hancock]

The DFA 150-450 is as big as it needs to be.
It's one of my favourite lenses, and my absolute go-to for wildlife.

[redpit]

Congratulations! The DFA 150-450 is a superb lens! Having used the Sigma 50-500 OS HSM for many years and then the DFA 150-450 along with the DFA* 70-200/2.8, I can tell you that your choice was the best! The DFA is by far my most used lens for telework and delivers great images even wide open @ 450mm.I prefer its versatility and reach over the 70-200 which is my choice when there is not enough light or for portraiture.

I also use the DFA mostly handheld and I think its not that heavy and mounted on my K-1+grip it balances well and is a really steady combo, a joy to use.

[noelpolar]

The DFA 150-450 does show up muscle atrophy in older adults...... so.... get your 150 to 450 before muscle
sarcopenia gets you!

or.... get a 150-450 and be your old self..... oops.... younger self..?

[condor27596]

You guys are great. I took the 150-450 out on the porch and took pics of my daughter and friend across the parking lot. I can say this lens does work handheld, but will take practice. I also need to get a better tripod*. The one I have now was a cheapo replacement and the legs bow just enough to be worrysome (it does convert to monopod, did not try). What do you think of this one?

K&F Concept C254T Compact Camera Tripod with Lateral 809010007

I don't want to go bottom bid but neither do I want to spend $500, see below.

*I had a pretty stout carbon fiber that I lost. How do you lose a tripod, you ask? We spent the night at Lion Country Safari, in a little cabin, with a tiny light bulb. My daughter was at an age I really had to watch her. I put the tripod on the bunk bed, which was in a shadow, and it was black, and simply over looked it when we left.
It was right at $100.

[aslyfox]

you might want to look through the articles section of the forums:

Guide to Camera and Autofocus Settings for Shooting Sports
High-speed photography: horse show jumping

Read more at: Guide to Camera and Autofocus Settings for Shooting Sports - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

Shooting Long Exposures Hand-Held
Member photographic article
By PF Staff in Articles and Tips on Feb 18, 2012

Do you want to learn how to make the most of hand-held shots? Our first member-submitted photographic article, written by Heie, discusses four different techniques for holiding your camera more steadily, and, in turn, getting sharper photos!

Read more at: Shooting Long Exposures Hand-Held - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

and this area

Tripods and Rigging - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

[condor27596]

THANKS. This is at the top of my list to do.

WOW! You guys were right. I took a bunch of impromtu parking lot photos. I had to wait to get my HP from my daughter (online school).
The WOW factor I am not able to describe to you. It is beyond the FA 77. Well, I don't use that much, but I will be doing a photo comparison
for the birthday portraits soon.

The colors and sharpness are unreal.

It makes me wonder if that new *85 becomes my new portrait lens (next year, not soon).