Next Step - 70-200 Tamron to...? Birding and Sports

**clackers** · 05-13-2021, 05:19 PM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

Originally posted by jawats

Do you use the DA 55-300 on a K-1?

I have, it's quite usable in the middle focal lengths. Not bad when you go hiking and you're not certain you'll need a long full frame lens.

**clackers** · 05-13-2021, 05:26 PM

Originally posted by 5ks

Thanks for sharing the picture - a very good real life example. I assume the vignetting would pretty much the same with DA*300 and the 1.4x TC (FF).

They are different lenses - the DA is actually *bigger and heavier*.

You can see the DA300/TC combination by another forum member here. Again, a very easy crop, IMHO, so all that's needed is to shoot a little wider than normal in composing:

Wildlife - Page 427 - PentaxForums.com

bdery · 05-13-2021, 06:08 PM - **1 Like**

The 150-450 is the lens to get.

HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

**jawats** · 05-14-2021, 05:54 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by moggi1964

I've got a 200-500 F/8 that gets you in close though I think that is mostly down to the length of the lens rather than the magnification it creates

Tak 55mm F/2 for comparison.

Well, I mean, I do have this lens:

Vivitar Tele-Vivitar 500mm F6.3 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Compatible T System - Camera-wiki.org - The free camera encyclopedia

Definitely gets me in close...and it only weighs 1670g at roughly 2' long. May also fire small ordnance, such as a 20mm vulcan round.

I just need to develop or purchase a harness system for using it with any stability. Maybe this: CCS SteadyShot with G3 Harness - Cotton - Camera Carrying System

moggi1964 · 05-14-2021, 08:21 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jawats

Well, I mean, I do have this lens:

Vivitar Tele-Vivitar 500mm F6.3 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Compatible T System - Camera-wiki.org - The free camera encyclopedia

Definitely gets me in close...and it only weighs 1670g at roughly 2' long. May also fire small ordnance, such as a 20mm vulcan round.

I just need to develop or purchase a harness system for using it with any stability. Maybe this: CCS SteadyShot with G3 Harness - Cotton - Camera Carrying System

Yeah, I'm thinking it's best suited to ordinance

**jawats** · 05-14-2021, 09:51 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by moggi1964

Yeah, I'm thinking it's best suited to ordinance

It does moon pictures well, if the ground is still, the moon is bright, the sky is clear, the tripod is perfect, and I am not breathing near it.

angerdan · 05-22-2021, 06:16 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jawats

So far, these seem like good lenses for / on my K-1:
Thoughts?

Additional options:

DA* 300mm f4 + 1.4x TC
DA 560mm f5.6
FA* 400mm f5.6 (available used)

moggi1964 · 05-22-2021, 02:19 PM

What about this one I recently got? FD mount but an adapter will work. Probably need plenty of bright light to get the best from it. It's easier to hold than I expected.

I took some pics on my Olympus M4/3 today, so 400-1000mm FFE. Kinda fun.

haroon88 · 07-21-2021, 04:27 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

my vote is the D FA 150-450mm

Second it

gatorguy · 07-21-2021, 05:15 AM

A relative Pentax-mount bargain on the Sigma 50-500, aka Bigma, on eBay ending in one day. Lens is reportedly new for all intents.
Sigma DG Pentax Mount HSM 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO Zoom Lens | eBay

haroon88 · 07-27-2021, 12:20 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jawats

So, I find myself doing more and more birding photos, as well as long-range sports (softball, soccer, etc.) and I am looking for a longer lens. I have a Tamron A001 (70-200) with TC, and it's just on the short side of too short for many bird shots. I was thinking of something in the Sigma 50-500 range, but I was curious to see what people had experienced out there. So far, these seem like good lenses for / on my K-1:

HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW
Sigma APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG (with TC of some sort)
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM (with TC of some sort)
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM
Sigma APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM
Sigma 170-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG
Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM

Thoughts?

HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW should do a great job for you

**termy** · 07-27-2021, 12:42 AM - **1 Like**

there should be a Siggy 50-500 listed in marketplace now.
Can consider it.

**clackers** · 07-27-2021, 05:27 PM

Originally posted by moggi1964

What about this one I recently got? FD mount but an adapter will work. Probably need plenty of bright light to get the best from it. It's easier to hold than I expected.

I took some pics on my Olympus M4/3 today, so 400-1000mm FFE. Kinda fun.

Nothing sharp in those pictures, Moggi ... ouch!

moggi1964 · 07-28-2021, 02:04 AM

Originally posted by clackers

Nothing sharp in those pictures, Moggi ... ouch!

Hence why it is in my box for spares

I enjoy playing with these old lenses but it is rare for cheaply made ones to surprise.

I did just buy a 40-150 F/2.8 Pro Olympus lens and 1.4 TC. I expect better from that setup

05-22-2021, 06:16 AM - 1 Like	#52
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,643	Originally posted by jawats So far, these seem like good lenses for / on my K-1: Thoughts? Additional options: DA* 300mm f4 + 1.4x TC DA 560mm f5.6 FA* 400mm f5.6 (available used)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
To step up or not? And how far to step.	Gorgarath	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	13	02-01-2020 08:23 PM
Field Sports - DA*60~250 [or] Tamron 70~200 [or] Sigma 70~200	joe.penn	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	25	02-03-2014 06:11 AM
Next step up from Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8?	vmax84	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	42	11-24-2013 08:50 PM
Next step up from K100D (bought a new Tamron 70-200)	vmax84	Pentax DSLR Discussion	16	05-06-2013 07:14 AM

05-13-2021, 05:19 PM	#46
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by jawats Do you use the DA 55-300 on a K-1? I have, it's quite usable in the middle focal lengths. Not bad when you go hiking and you're not certain you'll need a long full frame lens.

05-13-2021, 05:26 PM	#47
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by 5ks Thanks for sharing the picture - a very good real life example. I assume the vignetting would pretty much the same with DA300 and the 1.4x TC (FF). They are different lenses - the DA is actually bigger and heavier*. You can see the DA300/TC combination by another forum member here. Again, a very easy crop, IMHO, so all that's needed is to shoot a little wider than normal in composing: Wildlife - Page 427 - PentaxForums.com

05-13-2021, 06:08 PM - 1 Like	#48
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	The 150-450 is the lens to get. HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews

05-14-2021, 05:54 AM - 1 Like	#49
jawats Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 756 Original Poster	Originally posted by moggi1964 I've got a 200-500 F/8 that gets you in close though I think that is mostly down to the length of the lens rather than the magnification it creates Tak 55mm F/2 for comparison. Well, I mean, I do have this lens: Vivitar Tele-Vivitar 500mm F6.3 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Compatible T System - Camera-wiki.org - The free camera encyclopedia Definitely gets me in close...and it only weighs 1670g at roughly 2' long. May also fire small ordnance, such as a 20mm vulcan round. I just need to develop or purchase a harness system for using it with any stability. Maybe this: CCS SteadyShot with G3 Harness - Cotton - Camera Carrying System

05-14-2021, 08:21 AM - 1 Like	#50
moggi1964 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Manchester Posts: 178	Originally posted by jawats Well, I mean, I do have this lens: Vivitar Tele-Vivitar 500mm F6.3 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Compatible T System - Camera-wiki.org - The free camera encyclopedia Definitely gets me in close...and it only weighs 1670g at roughly 2' long. May also fire small ordnance, such as a 20mm vulcan round. I just need to develop or purchase a harness system for using it with any stability. Maybe this: CCS SteadyShot with G3 Harness - Cotton - Camera Carrying System Yeah, I'm thinking it's best suited to ordinance

05-14-2021, 09:51 AM - 1 Like	#51
jawats Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 756 Original Poster	Originally posted by moggi1964 Yeah, I'm thinking it's best suited to ordinance It does moon pictures well, if the ground is still, the moon is bright, the sky is clear, the tripod is perfect, and I am not breathing near it.

07-21-2021, 04:27 AM	#54
haroon88 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 143	Originally posted by aslyfox my vote is the D FA 150-450mm Second it

07-21-2021, 05:15 AM	#55
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,094	A relative Pentax-mount bargain on the Sigma 50-500, aka Bigma, on eBay ending in one day. Lens is reportedly new for all intents. Sigma DG Pentax Mount HSM 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO Zoom Lens \| eBay

07-27-2021, 12:20 AM - 1 Like	#56
haroon88 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 143	Originally posted by jawats So, I find myself doing more and more birding photos, as well as long-range sports (softball, soccer, etc.) and I am looking for a longer lens. I have a Tamron A001 (70-200) with TC, and it's just on the short side of too short for many bird shots. I was thinking of something in the Sigma 50-500 range, but I was curious to see what people had experienced out there. So far, these seem like good lenses for / on my K-1: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Sigma APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG (with TC of some sort) Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM (with TC of some sort) Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM Sigma APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Sigma 170-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Thoughts? HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW should do a great job for you

07-27-2021, 12:42 AM - 1 Like	#57
termy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,155	there should be a Siggy 50-500 listed in marketplace now. Can consider it.

07-27-2021, 05:27 PM	#58
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by moggi1964 What about this one I recently got? FD mount but an adapter will work. Probably need plenty of bright light to get the best from it. It's easier to hold than I expected. I took some pics on my Olympus M4/3 today, so 400-1000mm FFE. Kinda fun. Nothing sharp in those pictures, Moggi ... ouch!

07-28-2021, 02:04 AM	#59
moggi1964 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Manchester Posts: 178	Originally posted by clackers Nothing sharp in those pictures, Moggi ... ouch! Hence why it is in my box for spares I enjoy playing with these old lenses but it is rare for cheaply made ones to surprise. I did just buy a 40-150 F/2.8 Pro Olympus lens and 1.4 TC. I expect better from that setup