I sold the lens for parts and replaced with a DA 300/4 and DA 1.4x converter. I lose the flexibility of a zoom but i dont trust the build of the 150-450 so wont have another. The prime is also notably lighter and more compact

I am very sad to see this but i think the writing has been on the wall for some time

https://petapixel.com/2026/09/08/the-current-chapter-of-pentax-dslrs-is-official...

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/dslr-cameras/sensors-that-move-camera...

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/dslr-cameras/pentax-refused-the-mirro...

https://fstoppers.com/gear/last-dslr-maker-just-discontinued-its-whole-lineup-90...

Camera was on my lap with my hand loosely on top of it. Car hit a big bump and the loose hold was not enough to keep the camera from falling. Not a mistake I intend to repeat anytime soon!

I am certainly not alone in having issues with the 150-450:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/189-repairs-warranty-service/441632-pentax-1...

Yes we were in the back of a land cruiser being driven off road. This was on about day 10 of the safari but i did not appreciate the ground was much rougher than anything we had driven on previously. Luckily had the 55-300, 70-200 and sigma 50-500 with us so the loss of the 150-450 was manageable with back up lenses. We had been on safari previously and had a camera failure on that trip so came with lots of back ups. Safaris are pretty hard on camera gear. Lots of vibrations, lots of bumps, lots of dust.

No not insured but did get some small amount back on the general travel insurance policy. £300. I have never thought camera insurance is worth the money. Paying the premiums Over the years It would have been far more expensive than the cost of just replacing the one lens that broke.

And yes. It could have been worse. Could have had a broken camera too.

Was on safari a few weeks ago in Kenya. Driving over bumpy ground off road and the camera fell off my lap onto the floor. I think it was about a 40cm fall onto a soft rubber floor mat. Landed camera down on the K3m3 grip which was fine, but with the impact the lens mount on the 150-450 snapped off completely. The lens did not hit anything as it fell and the camera/grip which did bear the impact was totally undamaged. First time I have ever dropped a lens in over 35 years of photography!

I did get a quote for repair but this is £1300 so just not worth doing.

I had read several reports in the past of the 150-450 mount snapping off and despite the great images from it, I just don't think it is that well constructed. It is a heavy lens and he screws holding the mount on are absolutely tiny and locate into a plastic component. Clearly not designed for strength.

Don't think I will get another. Lens has been replaced with a DA*300F4 and a DA 1.4x converter, which although doesn't have the flexibility of a zoom and is slower to AF, is much much lighter to hold.




If anyone needs a lens hood or removable handle/tripod mount for this lens (both of which are undamaged) then please let me know. I have them going spare. The handle also fits the DFA*28-70/2.8

An update - after telling me the lever was no longer available, John Pye got back to me and said they had located some stock in Europe. A few days later it arrived and was fitted in 30secs and the diopter adjustment is now back to like new. Happy days!

No longer available. 😕

Same thing just happened to my K5ii. I will see if John Pye still can supply the part......

Thank you. Yes thats the issue exactly. I think the eye sensor is just too sensitive or faulty. As it has only recently happened I suspect the latter.