[Robert N]

I am considering buying a used HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW lens for my K-3iii. Reading the Pentax Forum reviews on this lens, there are aspects I would like to check on, when used with the K-3iii.
I intend to use the lens principally with a monopod, being more convenient than a suitably heavy tripod.
On this basis, can users of this combination advise:

Is the stiffness of the the zoom ring problematic, either using with a monopod or hand held.
The lens AF speed apparently drops significantly in poor light conditions. Is this still true with the K-3iii and what is deemed as 'poor' light conditions.
With the enhanced SR performance of the K-3iii, what is the minimum shutter speed with a monopod to get sharp images of static objects at 450mm focal length.
Similarly, what is the minimum shutter speed with a tripod to get sharp images of static objects at 450mm focal length.

Looking forward to your replies.

[bertwert]

I've had this lens a short while, and while I can't offer any hints wrt the K-3iii specifically, I can recommend it. The 150-450 is the multiuse supertele lens for Pentax.

Is the stiffness of the the zoom ring problematic, either using with a monopod or hand held.

I find the zoom ring isn't really stiff - and it moves by itself if you point the camera up or down. Whether this is an issue or not is up to the individual, personally while it's a tad annoying, I wouldn't really mark it against the lens.

With the enhanced SR performance of the K-3iii, what is the minimum shutter speed with a monopod to get sharp images of static objects at 450mm focal length.

With my KP (and the K-3iii has supposedly better SR), I can get it pretty low handheld, so I wouldn't be worrying about it too much. It depends on technique really.

For example, this is shot wide open at 450mm, testing how low I can go handheld (without bracing on external objects, like a doorway) at 1/45s - and I'm sure I could go lower still, especially with a monopod to help brace the weight.


And at a 100% crop, I'm not seeing any motion blur:

Similarly, what is the minimum shutter speed with a tripod to get sharp images of static objects at 450mm focal length.

With a solid enough tripod, there really isn't a minimum shutter speed. If everything is solid without vibrations, you could theoretically take a photo forever. Until an earth quake and then you may get some image shake

[BROO]

It's a good lens and perfect for the K-3mkIII. Just a bit big and heavy but that is the price you pay for excellent optics.
The zoom ring is a bit stiff but something I rarely use. The lens generally stays at 450mm.
I don't find using a monopod improves image quality. Maybe just a little easier on the arms.
I think the combination performs well in low light conditions within reason.
Probably my favourite Pentax lens.

Spotted Pardalote | Craig Brown | Flickr

[aslyfox]

I don't use a monopod or tripod

this article could be worth the time to read

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

https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/photo-articles/?page=29

[tmlawes]

I occasionally use a monopod, if I'm in a blind or will otherwise be shooting from the same spot for a while. I typically turn off the SR when using the monopod, however. The K3III and 150-450 combo work great handheld too. This dipper was in full shade and shot handheld at 1/320 sec. I was nervous about the focus hit rate of a gray bird on gray rocks in low light but was happily surprised by the number of images that turned out in focus from this outing.

[Paul the Sunman]

I don't use a monopod or tripod

Same. I use it hand-held 99% of the time with a Peak Design Slide strap.

[aslyfox]

. . . big and heavy . . .

and the price

are the downside

its ability

the UPSIDE:

Post your HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW pictures! - Page 189 - PentaxForums.com

[jacobja]

I used my K3-III and the 150-450 lens this year on a trip in Alaska. I shot in very difficult environment, on the sea/ocean to visit the bird nests on small islands, with waves between 3 to 6 feet high.
I used the camera without monopod/tripod and as some suggested supported the lens on my arm. I'm also old school, I never bring my shutter speed under the focus length. So when I shoot at 450 mm, my shutter is at least 1/400 and I use the TAV mode, let the ISO fluctuate. The K3-III has no issues with noise.
Another rule normally is when you use your camera on a tripod, you have to disable SR, since on a tripod with SR, you can get blurry images. This was told to me in a class of photography.
Here are some shots, some pictures I cropped and they are still good.

K3-III 150-450 - Google Photos

It is a fantastic combo, the K3-33 with this lens

[chrism888]

I've the same combo and it works superbly well, if in doubt, up the ISO a tad, i mostly use mine handheld and only with a mono pod if in a hide

[nixxo2002]

Don't think twice . K3 iii with 150-450 the best combo . i have this lens mount in my camera for a past 5 month ( around 20000 shots) .
Focus is fast ( AFC with zone auto focus , full auto , select small , and spot ) works great . The zoom ring not a issue at all . great balance with k3iii even with out battery grip . i have shot a lot hand hold with low shutter speed 1/125 - to 1/160 at 450 mm with out problem ) . I don't use tripod or monopod at all . the is no need .you will amaze how fast this lens and accurate it is .My advise - when you will get the lens first think to do--- to check the sharpness at 5.6 . I bought my from BH , and return one (i wasn't satisfied with 5.6 sharpness ) the new one they send to me was tack sharp) . and few other members mention this before . the picture i posted was taken yesterday straight from camera with out any PP

Using this lens on the K-3 III with and without a mono or tripod. Depends on what I am shooting. Mostly handheld. IQ is excellent, zooming not at all stiff and AF is fast and accurate. I have the K-1 to compare with.

Some downloadable samples:

[MikeStnly]

Is anyone also using the K-3 iii and the 1.4x T.C. with this lens?

[mlag]

I used my K3-III ..... ...... I'm also old school, I never bring my shutter speed under the focus length. So when I shoot at 450 mm, my shutter is at least 1/400 and I use the TAV mode, let the ISO fluctuate.

The old school rule is valid on full frame cameras without IBIS , on APS-c you should apply the crop factor (or effective focal length) and go for at least 1/675
But on the other hand, the IBIS will already help on lower shutter speeds like 1/400, so you’re on the safe side...

I am using this lens handheld but remove the tripod mount for better handling when handheld ( on a K3II , "2" to be accurate) .

1/100 is quite feasible if your subject is static... depending on the camera IBIS, it is up to 4 or 5 stops if I remember but on long focal lengths some margin isn’t bad.

A monopod or other support gets usefull if you shoot long series ( the weight gets heavier over time - at least it feels like that after some time).

[Kobie]

I find the zoom ring to be well damped and not "sticky" at all. It's just a long zoom throw due to the barrel size. I mainly use mine hand held but I have also used it on a monopod with just a Ball Head (one of the monopod/Ball Head setup photos I've captured).