Pentax 150-450mm

It's done. I took delivery about 20 minutes ago, having ordered the lens from SRS yesterday afternoon.

Initial reaction is excellent construction, fantastic lens hood, brilliant case to carry it in. The case is pretty much essential as this lens is big and heavy. Focus on the K-5 is fast and totally positive, no hunting whatsoever.

One negative point is that there are lots of buttons on the lens and no instruction leaflet. It may well be that with the K-5 many of them will have no function, but it would be nice to know what they do!

So, next step is to get out there and run it through its paces. It's looking like the next opportunity may well be Monday at Martin Mere. As soon as I have some results I'll post them up.

Hope you enjoy the lens John

Look forward to seeing your photos

Congratulations on the new lens.

I still have a couple of months until my first air show and am waiting for a review of the AF speed with the 1,4x converter before deciding whether to make a purchase.

Well done John. I was literally just looking at one over here. Looking forward to your findings and results.

Best regards

A while ago some concerns were being expressed regarding the K-3 being the only body that could fully utilise this lens. I've had a chance to look at this now and the only thing the K-3 adds is that it enables the use of four buttons placed around the body of the lens at 90 degree intervals. Apparently these buttons can be programmed to do things that we can select. I expect things like "move to infinity" or whatever. Or "Move to programmed focus point".

Otherwise, the lens is fully functional, so no particular problems there. I'm just sorry I can't get out with it sooner.

Mike, when I do get out I'll have a go with the converter and see how it behaves.

nice one wish i could afford it im looking forward to seeing some pics too

Sorry about the delay posting some pictures. last Sunday was scheduled, but then the new Wendy House arrived and had to be assembled.....clearly playhouses take priority.

Next plan is Sunday at Martin Mere, so I shall settle in one of the hides, with a flask of coffee, cold bacon sandwiches and the 150-450mm lens.

And the camera John

I've heard that this lens is so good you don't need a camera body!

It sounded like John would be perfectly happy just sitting out there with the sandwiches and the lens

In any case, he could always try out the 4 new buttons without much risk of any damage, as it doesn't sound like a K5 would have much effect in that situation.

I haven’t had much chance to do a lot with my 150-450 yet, but it does work surprisingly with the converter – usable handheld at 630mm in poor light with a K5II-s.

I also have a copy of this lens recently bought from SRS. I can confirm that it is a pleasure tu use ac dis at least on par with the least versions of Nikon 80-400 or Canon 100-400. I have posted some pics in my gallery.

It's a good job you guys reminded me I have to take a cameras well as the lens. How embarrassing would that have been?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&persist_app=1&v=_N2yp4Yrs28

Cheesy promo style video of the 150-450 in action on a "Hannibal Smith" K3...

Price too steep for me, from me to anyone that can afford one