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Zoom Lenses

Posted 10/06/2020 - 19:03 Link
Good Afternoon

I've been out of the photography game for the while so I'm not sure what is currently out there!

What are the best options for a telephoto zoom? Looking for something that goes to at least 400mm.

Thankyou!
HarisF1
Posted 10/06/2020 - 20:06 - Helpful Comment Link
Hi there, welcome to the forums.

The world of photography has gone through some very decent improvements in terms of lenses. For the Pentax system, the best telephoto zoom available is the D-FA 150-400mm.
All the gear with no idea
Nigelk
Posted 10/06/2020 - 20:27 - Helpful Comment Link
I think it is actually the D-FA 150-450mm. In Pentax land as far as new lenses go I think this is your best and only option. Secondhand there are the Sigma 50-500mm and the 150-500mm
robbiec
Posted 10/06/2020 - 21:26 - Helpful Comment Link
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HarisF1
Posted 10/06/2020 - 21:56 Link
HarisF1 wrote:
Hi there, welcome to the forums.

The world of photography has gone through some very decent improvements in terms of lenses. For the Pentax system, the best telephoto zoom available is the D-FA 150-400mm.

D-FA 150-450mm*

All the gear with no idea
1stEverPentax
Posted 10/06/2020 - 22:56 Link
Hi Erin,

welcome to the forum.

It would help to know which body you have or were intending using, also what do you intend using it for primarily and what sort of budget do you have?

With this information people could offer more targeted advice.

Regards

Karlo
Posted 11/06/2020 - 19:43 Link
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll get googling on those!

I have a K5ii, looking to use it for wildlife/birds, ideally less than £1k but I'm prepared to invest.
Daronl
Posted 12/06/2020 - 19:31 Link
I love the 150-400, it is a superb tool for the price; I am using a more expensive Nikon Tele zoom on my D500 which is super (on the D500).

However, if the new Pentax APSC body coming out this year can focus and track anything like the Nikon D500 then I will die a happy man and sell the Nikon kit.

the Pentax 150-450 is a beautiful lens and on everything except fast moving , small wildlife subjects Produces much nicer IQ (contrast, sharpness and colour rendition. In my opinion.
Daronl
tigershoot
Posted 12/06/2020 - 20:35 Link
I have the 150-450mm lens and love it, although I do find that, no matter how hard I try, some shots are back focussed whereas others are absolutely spot on.
K3iii, K3ii, K-5, K-x, DA150-450mm, DA16-85WR, DA16-45, DA18-55WR, DA18-135WR, DA35 F2.4, M100mm F4 Macro, DA55-300mm, FA50mm 1.4, AF360 Flash, AF540 Flash
Kmount
Posted 20/06/2020 - 19:21 Link
When I considered a long telephoto there were 2 options.

OEM 150-450 and Sigma 50-500.

The former was costly but AW level,the later no WR but reasonably priced seeing i picked up a used one.

I was also influenced by a few issues of QC on the OEM,it can get stuck at 200mm.More concerning were the reports of the screws holding the optics in the barrel can shear off which results in the gizzards falling out of the lens.

Both lenses produce great images but weigh a ton.

With a crop Pentax the plm55-300 is effectively a 450 FOV at the long end,its light and produces excellent images,focus is rapid.
davidwozhere
Posted 22/06/2020 - 01:34 Link
The OP said he has a K5ii. Certainly a K5 won't play with a PLM. The DA 55-300 is the next best thing and well suited for purpose. If he has £500 (ish) then an F* or FA* 300 would do quite well also. I'm delighted with my FA*300. It's old but its very good!
Both the *istDS and the K5 are incurably addicted to old glass

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