Help for a Newbie

I use the 150-500mm and I find it a superb lens and have got some cracking shots with it. I have heard a lot of people saying that the lens throws out "soft" images at 500mm but I have been shooting off razor sharp images at full zoom without a problem. It is a great lens...

BUT...

If you want a lens with more coverage I would say go for the 50-500mm. I know it's three or four hundred quid more but I think it would be better for wild life. I shoot mainly motorsport with mine so I dont't really need it to go down to 50mm as I run two cameras. One with a smaller lens on.

These images were shot using the 150-500mm:

Motorpsort Shots Link

To give you some idea of wildlife stuff...

This was taken at 500mm:


As you can see that's at 500mm and as sharp as they come.

Here's another wildlife shot taken on it:


It's basically a choice as to what zoom coverage you would like!

As for autofocus.... You need to check if you camera supports HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor). I do not know if the GX10 supports this.

The 50-500 is a very good lens as Spad's pictures indicate, but you must also be aware of the weight of this lens, its very heavy if you plan on carrying it around for any length of time. Its more suited for a tripod or monopod.

Check out the gallery, mike-p took some great shots with this lens, handheld. but I also believe he is related to the Incredible Hulk.

I believe the 150-500 is somewhat lighter, but not sure by how much.

Clarky... The bugger is heavy! The difference between the two is pretty negligible... the 150-500 is just under 1.8kg and the 50-500 is just over it.

It can knacker you out lumping it about because with the camera on it weighs not far off 3kg!!! I've taken it off after spending a day walking round a race track and it feels like someone has got off my shoulders!

I only hand hold it as using a monopod or tripod is to restrictive when I am panning.

It does come with a great sling that keeps the camera in a great place to just grab hold of it.

Rachel;
Yes the lenses are auto focus if it says AF in the description but I think you'll find the 50-500 is not a HSM lens, at least not yet in Pentax mount. HSM means the lenses have the focusing motors built into the lens like the new Pentax SDM range.

As others have said it is a huge lens though and is difficult to carry and hand hold for long periods, mine is rarely off the monopod.

What you need to consider is the focal length and wether or not you would actually use the shorter end, I dont think I've ever used mine much below 200mm so the 150-500 would probably have suited me just fine.

Hope this helps

EDIT:
Hi Rachel, I just noticed your in West Yorks, if your anywhere near Leeds and want to meet up then your welcome to try my 50-500 for size and weight, bring a chaperone if you want but I'm completely harmless as several members on here will vouch fo me
Send me a PM if your interested.