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05-15-2015, 05:38 PM   #1
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Nikon 80-400 VRIi vs Pentax DFA 150-450

Hi any one have both lenses by chance & want to do a comparison?

05-15-2015, 05:45 PM   #2
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I will be amazed, because I wouldn't own both of them myself, but hey, who knows? Stranger things have happened.
05-15-2015, 05:52 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by normhead Quote
I will be amazed
Yeah, me too. Who would own two $2,500 lenses that are essentially the same focal length?

Although I suppose it is possible Kenspo had an 80-400. Or still does, not sure if he ever said if he kept is Nikon gear.
05-15-2015, 05:52 PM   #4
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I did a comparison of my Nikon D800 + AF-S 80-400mm VR vs. a rented Pentax K-3 + DA* 60-250mm and in the end I chose the Pentax over the Nikkor (even though I still own the D800).

Here are some links: For long lenses, I'm sold on Pentax.

YMMV

Michael

05-15-2015, 06:02 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by MJSfoto1956 Quote
I did a comparison of my Nikon D800 + AF-S 80-400mm VR vs. a rented Pentax K-3 + DA* 60-250mm and in the end I chose the Pentax over the Nikkor (even though I still own the D800).

For long lenses, I'm sold on Pentax.

YMMV

Michael
I am surprised, as it seems to be common knowledge that in-lens stabilization is better than in-camera on the long end. Then of course, what do I know.... I am not into long lenses.
05-15-2015, 06:08 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by MJSfoto1956 Quote
I did a comparison of my Nikon D800 + AF-S 80-400mm VR vs. a rented Pentax K-3 + DA* 60-250mm and in the end I chose the Pentax over the Nikkor (even though I still own the D800).

Here are some links: For long lenses, I'm sold on Pentax.

YMMV

Michael
Hi thanks.just had a chance to try a 80-400 new model on a D4 today & that combo is lighter than my K5II+DA*300?.14TC,quite surprised how light and easy to shoot with it was...I think the lens is 1.36 kg vs 2kg for the 150-450
as a Nikon shooter why did you choose Pentax(besides the WR,tank build)

---------- Post added 05-16-15 at 03:11 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by jatrax Quote
Yeah, me too. Who would own two $2,500 lenses that are essentially the same focal length?

Although I suppose it is possible Kenspo had an 80-400. Or still does, not sure if he ever said if he kept is Nikon gear.
many here seem to have lots of $$ so hoping its a relevant comparison as well with the Canon 100-400 as all in same price class/FL ..I really hope the Pentax is just 'that' much better
05-15-2015, 06:41 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Shanti Quote
80-400 new model on a D4 today & that combo is lighter than my K5II+DA*300?.14TC
? Are you sure about that?



D4 (1340g) + 80-400 (1570g) = 2910g
K-5II (760g) + DA*300 (1070g) + HD 1.4 TC (126g) = 1956g.

In Australia, the D4 + 80-400 combo also costs about $9900, vs the K-5II + DA*300 + 1.4 TC costs less than $3000.

05-15-2015, 06:50 PM - 2 Likes   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by aleonx3 Quote
I am surprised, as it seems to be common knowledge that in-lens stabilization is better than in-camera on the long end. Then of course, what do I know...
I was surprised too. But in the end not only did I get more "keepers" with the K-3 + DA* 60-250mm than the Nikon FX system (which I attribute to Pentax's superb SR) but that when printed at 20"x30" I couldn't tell the difference between the two system in terms of IQ, which sold me. For wide angle, I still shoot the D800 for everything under 85mm which makes for a nice two body system. I found both the Canon 100-400mm and the Nikkor 80-400mm to be "clunky" compared to the Pentax system.

Michael
05-15-2015, 07:00 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by MJSfoto1956 Quote
I was surprised too. But in the end not only did I get more "keepers" with the K-3 + DA* 60-250mm than the Nikon FX system (which I attribute to Pentax's superb SR) but that when printed at 20"x30" I couldn't tell the difference between the two system in terms of IQ, which sold me. For wide angle, I still shoot the D800 for everything under 85mm which makes for a nice two body system. I found both the Canon 100-400mm and the Nikkor 80-400mm to be "clunky" compared to the Pentax system.

Michael
Thanks, Michael, now if the upcoming Pentax FF is anything nearly as good as D800, then perhaps a good chance for you to own just one system again?
05-15-2015, 07:06 PM - 2 Likes   #10
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I have both lens.
However, I am going to sell the Nikon AF-S 80-400 vr since I am going to shift back to Pentax's FF.

The photos for reference below is from Nikon D810 with Nikon AF-S 80-400 vr
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1280472

The photos for reference below is from Pentax K-3 with Pentax DFA 150-450mm
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1296769&extra=page%3D1

My conclusion is the AFC from Nikon is much better than Pentax, whilst AFS performance seem to be the same level from both lens. Although I did try the AFC of the Pentax's combination, however, I did not post any photos mainly due to the result was not up to my standard and satisfaction.
The advantage of the Pentax's lens is AW, whist Nikon's is not weather sealed.
Regarding the image quality, I think the Nikon's lens is a little bit better in the aspects of CA.
Concerning about sharpness, I think both lens are great.
But of course, the statements above are based on my own impressions not being tested with scientific method.
05-15-2015, 07:11 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by dsport Quote
I have both lens.
However, I am going to sell the Nikon AF-S 80-400 vr since I am going to shift back to Pentax's FF.

The photos for reference below is from Nikon D810 with Nikon AF-S 80-400 vr
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1280472

The photos for reference below is from Pentax K-3 with Pentax DFA 150-450mm
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1296769&extra=page%3D1

My conclusion is the AFC from Nikon is much better than Pentax, whilst AFS performance seem to be the same level from both lens. Although I did try the AFC of the Pentax's combination, however, I did not post any photos mainly due to the result was not up to my standard and satisfaction.
The advantage of the Pentax's lens is AW, whist Nikon's is not weather sealed.
Regarding the image quality, I think the Nikon's lens is a little bit better in the aspects of CA.
Concerning about sharpness, I think both lens are great.
But of course, the statements above are based on my own impressions not being tested with scientific method.
Great shots from both lenses... hmm.. may be I should start saving for long lenses.
05-15-2015, 07:13 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by aleonx3 Quote
Thanks, Michael, now if the upcoming Pentax FF is anything nearly as good as D800, then perhaps a good chance for you to own just one system again?
Maybe... I'd need to see a lot more lenses from Pentax before I made the switch. I'm ok with a two-brand DSLR system and don't feel compelled anymore to buy into a single brand. In fact, I generally carry a Coolpix A around as well. So that makes me a three-body photographer. If the Ricoh GR were to be more "compatible" with the Pentax K-3 (i.e. controls, accessories, flash, etc.) then I'd be happy to add that and sell the Coolpix A -- the fact is, I'm sold on a "pocketable" camera as a key component but sharing components/accessories is indeed still important, especially when you travel.

YMMV

Michael
05-15-2015, 07:15 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Shanti Quote
Hi thanks.just had a chance to try a 80-400 new model on a D4 today & that combo is lighter than my K5II+DA*300?.14TC,quite surprised how light and easy to shoot with it was...
Are you kidding me ?

I have a K5 (same size as the K5Iis) and the battery grip + the DA*300/4 + HD 1.4X TC .... quite "light" and small actually.
05-15-2015, 07:17 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by rawr Quote
? Are you sure about that?



D4 (1340g) + 80-400 (1570g) = 2910g
K-5II (760g) + DA*300 (1070g) + HD 1.4 TC (126g) = 1956g.

In Australia, the D4 + 80-400 combo also costs about $9900, vs the K-5II + DA*300 + 1.4 TC costs less than $3000.
forgot to say I had battery grip on,and with the da 300 +tc +tripod mt it was lighter or the same..maybe it was the balance on Nikon made it feel that way? was not about price as D4 is way too much $$..just ease of handling

---------- Post added 05-16-15 at 04:22 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by dsport Quote
I have both lens.
However, I am going to sell the Nikon AF-S 80-400 vr since I am going to shift back to Pentax's FF.

The photos for reference below is from Nikon D810 with Nikon AF-S 80-400 vr
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1280472

The photos for reference below is from Pentax K-3 with Pentax DFA 150-450mm
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1296769&extra=page%3D1

My conclusion is the AFC from Nikon is much better than Pentax, whilst AFS performance seem to be the same level from both lens. Although I did try the AFC of the Pentax's combination, however, I did not post any photos mainly due to the result was not up to my standard and satisfaction.
The advantage of the Pentax's lens is AW, whist Nikon's is not weather sealed.
Regarding the image quality, I think the Nikon's lens is a little bit better in the aspects of CA.
Concerning about sharpness, I think both lens are great.
But of course, the statements above are based on my own impressions not being tested with scientific method.

Thanks what kind of bird is that? really nice-- the AF C was my main concern,but might be improved on K3II or FF ..but I doubt as good as Nikons 3D..but maybe we get lucky

---------- Post added 05-16-15 at 04:24 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by jpzk Quote
Are you kidding me ?

I have a K5 (same size as the K5Iis) and the battery grip + the DA*300/4 + HD 1.4X TC .... quite "light" and small actually.
try the Nikon combo & get back to me-- at 400 mm zoom extended balance was perfect & easier to hold than the Pentax

---------- Post added 05-16-15 at 04:36 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by rawr Quote
? Are you sure about that?



D4 (1340g) + 80-400 (1570g) = 2910g
K-5II (760g) + DA*300 (1070g) + HD 1.4 TC (126g) = 1956g.

In Australia, the D4 + 80-400 combo also costs about $9900, vs the K-5II + DA*300 + 1.4 TC costs less than $3000.
the new 80-400 is 1340 g (2.95 lb),
DA*300 + tripod mt + lens hood is 1282g
K5II + Grip 1112g
so Pentax total is 2520 Nikon is 2680

Last edited by Shanti; 05-15-2015 at 07:37 PM.
05-15-2015, 07:42 PM   #15
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Well, as one once said " It's in the "hands" of the beholder" !!

I'll take your word for it: there are no Nikon dealers here with this sort of gear.

JP
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