Thanks for this Kobie, I have been toying with the idea of getting the 150- 450 for a while. I currently have a Sigma 150 - 500 DG which I use with the 1.4x converter on my K3iii, but the quality is a bit hit and miss. So I am now convinced that I need to go for the Pentax 150 - 450.
This is great info….thanks! I ordered the 150-450mm ( get it next week😃) and am happy to hear the 1.4 teleconverter is compatible. Beautiful shots of the Tree Swallows!
I'm happy to see you're getting good results with the HD 1.4x TC. I've not had such good luck with mine as I find it really softens my images. I have better results with my used and cheap Kenko 1.5x TC. As is said, "Your results may vary."
Super useful dude! Just about to pick this lens up and already have the 300da* and the 1.4 tc so will be interesting to see how it compares. Also have the plm so be interested in that
Great vid. How you got those beautiful Swallows,Swan,Deer in pretty early Spring conditions. Real glad to see the 1.4 and 450mm. Glad it's such a good modern,"Light" option. When you borrow your neighbors forklift, take the 600mm Beast out for a walk.
You do align your lenses to your camera? I used lens align. The longer the lens the more of a pain it is but it's something that has to be done with super telephotos.
Yes, I check every lens I acquire. I spent over 4 hours on the 600 F/4 trying every variation, every focal distance, every focus point, multiple subjects. It's set as sharp as it'll get.
Great video! I will continue to rely on my 55-300 mmPLM and 1.4TC x 300 mm/F4. I would rather invest money in traveling and taking shots. I have good gear but much less photography. But, once again, great video.
Just checked B&H, they have it on sale for 396.95, 200 bucks off regular price. It has been ordered. There is a dead branch in the neighbors tree that a pair of Starlings are nesting again this year. I got some great shot with both the 55-300PLM and DFA 150-450 with the K3iii last year. Can't wait to add the TC and compare the results.
Hey Kobie. I have the lens and have tried the Tamron 1.4 tele. Does not autofocus on the 150-450- or the PLM 55-300. This converter works well on prime lens including the old FA'S. Any advice or is it because of it being Tamron ? thanks
Unfortunately third party teleconverters are hit and miss. The only one that'll work across pretty much all Pentax lenses is the Pentax HD 1.4 AW rear teleconverter.
Really interesting Kobie. I’m looking forward to the long PLM and converter video, as I have that lens but am disappointed in the 300mm end. Try to stay off 300mm, but did buy it to get that longer reach. I had been wondering if a converter would be worth it, or if it would just give the same results as doing a crop in post processing. Anyway, really looking forward to that video. Thank you.
Wow... $5,800 for the FA* 600 F/4 - $400 for the PENTAX-DA AF Rear Converter, I just saved $5,400! (And the cost of a hernia operation...) I owe you a couple of beers. BTW, I have been using a sling strap for years and love it for walking around.
Another question. I have read that teleconverters can soften the image. Some say you are better off just cropping with the newer cameras. Any thoughts on that? Thanks...
Normally yes that is correct. However, Pentax really did their homework on the HD 1.4x AW converter. From reviews, it's regarded as the best converter period. There might be a very slight loss of detail but it's so minimal you wouldn't be able to tell. Shooting the 150-450 without and with, I can't tell.
I've tried the telecom verter 1.4 with my K70 and the 55 to 300 The auto focuses on little sluggish I tried to keep it in catch and focus seems to work. Some nice shot you got.
Did the same test a couple of years ago with K1-ll and KP, 70-200, 55-300 plm and 150-450mm. You loose F-stop, AF and sharpness in the long end. Better to use Crop in K1-ll or K3lll and it will be the same focal length as with TC but no losses and MP enough. No use using TC at 208mm? Put the camera on a tripod, 150-450mm in 450mm / plm in 300mm with TC vs camera in crop mod whithout TC and see. I did and sent it back. Waiting for the new FF TC if it ever will come. I did miss the 900mm I got with D500 and Tamron 150-600G2 (20MP) so i did test K1-ll crop mod + TC (16MP) = 945mm but far away from Tamron in sharpness even if i got really great shots better then expected. Your shots are also great Kobie, really nice but probably even better whithout TC. I will test Sony TC 1.4x at my 200-600 with A7IV, the claim only f-stop will be lost, not AF, not not sharpness, I have to find out. I stick with K1-ll and 150-450mm whithout TC even if it is only 450mm on FF, IQ is prioity. Test crop mode in camera nex time on your frog. Best regards Bengt
It's the same as any other lens you fine focus adjust. The procedure doesn't change. Unless you're saying you've never done fine focus adjustment on any lens before.
White AF.C are auto modes that use the subject recognition system and deep learning. There is no control over the initial focus point (the camera picks what it thinks is right). The red AF.C are more direct even in expanded mode. With red, it uses the center AF point to initially get focus and tracks from there in the expanded tracking modes (SEL-EX S/M/L).
Okay Kobie I have squirreled away enough money to buy the 150-450 is it worth buying? I've been getting good wildlife pictures with the 55-300 I would prefer a longer lens I sometimes use my 500mm mirror lens which is fine for stationary wildlife but useless for BIF photography as zone focusing is so-so.
From what I've heard, the 150-450 has the edge in image quality especially at the long end. It's not as versatile as a 50 mm+ lens though but it is weather sealed and has a lot of options to assist with capturing the shots (AF buttons on the lens itself, programmable focus distance and focus limiters) which the 50-500 doesn't have. It really comes down to what you want. If you're intent is solely the telephoto reach, I'd go with the Pentax. If you want a huge focal range for convenience, then the Sigma 50-500.
It is also important to realize you are now shooting at f8 (ffor. TC+ffor. Lens). So light issues and sometimes too much DOV. But it is a nice combo and easily traveled with.
Actually the interesting thing is that the depth of field doesn't change. It's even written in the manual of the HD 1.4x converter. The amount of light would be an issue if you're not shooting in daylight. BUT, that's also dependent on the camera. The K-3 III does well even in less than ideal light.
@@KobieMC Interesting. Great to learn about that. The K3 generally handles the combo well. I was photographing Whooping Cranes a month ago in Texas with the combo. Love it.
Thanks Paul! The shot settings are shown with each image (aperture, focal length, shutter speed and iso). I shot in TAv, highlight weighted metering with AF.C set to SEL-EX M with AF hold on low (there were trees between me and the subjects) and full 11 fps high speed continuous shooting.
I’ve never tried the 1.4 convertor on my 150-450 but I have used it extensively on the 55-300 PLM. In my experience it’s a winning combination except when the lens is at 300mm where I find it’s soft. Autofocus doesn’t appear to suffer either on both my K3iii or my KP so all in all I think it’s a great combination at a budget price.
I'm a bit disappointed when it comes to far subjects which was the whole point of getting it. I've gotten super sharp images with it but I do think something might be off with mine. There's a lot of ghosting in the images.
If 150-450 was not so heavy I would get it for plane spotting. But running around with it for whole day on airshows - no, thank you :D Even if it is great lens. I ditched 55-300PLM for exactly the reason you mentioned: ghosting at long ranges, it was so bad that the lens was unusable for anything over airfield that required 300. I was getting better results from 70Ltd + 1.4TC and heavy crop then from 55-300 PLM. For now I got 60-250, I hope I will not regret it.
It covers FF and work whithout problems on K1-ll 150-450, you loose 1 stop, AF almost the same but it will be softer through the whole range. If you can get away with 16MP set K1 in APS-C mode instaed, it will be better. Best regards Bengt
Which on the K-3 Mark III and K-1/II isn't an issue. And since even my K-3 can easily shoot at F/8-F/11 while tracking birds etc, if you want the reach, it's fine. As long as the AF system can work in lower light which Pentax does well, it's not that big a deal. But generally, yes a 2.8 or F/4 lens would be ideal. However, Pentax doesn't make a new 600 F/4 or a 500 F/4 or a 400 F/2.8. So, you gotta pick your battles. Besides, the Canon 800 F/11 seems to work just fine, so why couldn't the 150-450 + 1.4x converter at F/8 work just as well?
@@KobieMC I don't know how good is 55-300 PLM at 300mm, but I have the previous version 55-300 WR and at 300 looses a lot of quality. So if a lens doesn't perform well at full extended zoom. a teleconverter will worsen the results. That's why it's not worth it. On a faster and optical better lens, ok, the loss is less visible.
Thanks for this Kobie, I have been toying with the idea of getting the 150- 450 for a while. I currently have a Sigma 150 - 500 DG which I use with the 1.4x converter on my K3iii, but the quality is a bit hit and miss. So I am now convinced that I need to go for the Pentax 150 - 450.
This is great info….thanks! I ordered the 150-450mm ( get it next week😃) and am happy to hear the 1.4 teleconverter is compatible. Beautiful shots of the Tree Swallows!
You're quite welcome! It's a great combo! And thank you for the compliment 🙂
I'm happy to see you're getting good results with the HD 1.4x TC. I've not had such good luck with mine as I find it really softens my images. I have better results with my used and cheap Kenko 1.5x TC. As is said, "Your results may vary."
Super useful dude! Just about to pick this lens up and already have the 300da* and the 1.4 tc so will be interesting to see how it compares. Also have the plm so be interested in that
I picked up one of those straps, its awesome with my DA* 70-200, thanks for the suggestion!
Great vid. How you got those beautiful Swallows,Swan,Deer in pretty early Spring conditions. Real glad to see the 1.4 and 450mm. Glad it's such a good modern,"Light" option. When you borrow your neighbors forklift, take the 600mm Beast out for a walk.
Very useful! Thank you!
You're very welcome!
Well done with the swallows Kobie, I'll have to try mine with the TC
You do align your lenses to your camera? I used lens align. The longer the lens the more of a pain it is but it's something that has to be done with super telephotos.
Yes, I check every lens I acquire. I spent over 4 hours on the 600 F/4 trying every variation, every focal distance, every focus point, multiple subjects. It's set as sharp as it'll get.
@@KobieMC I imagine it could have a subluxation. I don’t have that lens. I use the sigma 500mm F/4.5
Great video! I will continue to rely on my 55-300 mmPLM and 1.4TC x 300 mm/F4. I would rather invest money in traveling and taking shots. I have good gear but much less photography. But, once again, great video.
Just checked B&H, they have it on sale for 396.95, 200 bucks off regular price. It has been ordered. There is a dead branch in the neighbors tree that a pair of Starlings are nesting again this year. I got some great shot with both the 55-300PLM and DFA 150-450 with the K3iii last year. Can't wait to add the TC and compare the results.
Hey Kobie. I have the lens and have tried the Tamron 1.4 tele. Does not autofocus on the 150-450- or the PLM 55-300. This converter works well on prime lens including the old FA'S. Any advice or is it because of it being Tamron ?
thanks
Unfortunately third party teleconverters are hit and miss. The only one that'll work across pretty much all Pentax lenses is the Pentax HD 1.4 AW rear teleconverter.
I got a 2x converter that came on a me pentax 35mm. So ill be adding that to my bag of goodies.
Really interesting Kobie. I’m looking forward to the long PLM and converter video, as I have that lens but am disappointed in the 300mm end. Try to stay off 300mm, but did buy it to get that longer reach. I had been wondering if a converter would be worth it, or if it would just give the same results as doing a crop in post processing. Anyway, really looking forward to that video. Thank you.
I got k3 mark 3 with 55-300plm and would be nice to see AF fine adjustment for this lens. Got in my bag 1.4tc
Wow... $5,800 for the FA* 600 F/4 - $400 for the PENTAX-DA AF Rear Converter, I just saved $5,400! (And the cost of a hernia operation...) I owe you a couple of beers. BTW, I have been using a sling strap for years and love it for walking around.
Another question. I have read that teleconverters can soften the image. Some say you are better off just cropping with the newer cameras. Any thoughts on that? Thanks...
Normally yes that is correct. However, Pentax really did their homework on the HD 1.4x AW converter. From reviews, it's regarded as the best converter period. There might be a very slight loss of detail but it's so minimal you wouldn't be able to tell. Shooting the 150-450 without and with, I can't tell.
I've used the combo with the original K3 and the K5iis. Both wonderful combos but not for flying birds. The swallow photos make me consider the K3iii.
Finally you were able to get a some sunshine.
I've tried the telecom verter 1.4 with my K70 and the 55 to 300 The auto focuses on little sluggish I tried to keep it in catch and focus seems to work. Some nice shot you got.
Thank you! 👍🏽
Kobie, are you using the latest firm ware for the K3iii for the TC to function properly? I have not yet updated my firmware so just wondering.
Yes, I'm on FW 1.41
Did the same test a couple of years ago with K1-ll and KP, 70-200, 55-300 plm and 150-450mm. You loose F-stop, AF and sharpness in the long end. Better to use Crop in K1-ll or K3lll and it will be the same focal length as with TC but no losses and MP enough. No use using TC at 208mm? Put the camera on a tripod, 150-450mm in 450mm / plm in 300mm with TC vs camera in crop mod whithout TC and see. I did and sent it back. Waiting for the new FF TC if it ever will come. I did miss the 900mm I got with D500 and Tamron 150-600G2 (20MP) so i did test K1-ll crop mod + TC (16MP) = 945mm but far away from Tamron in sharpness even if i got really great shots better then expected. Your shots are also great Kobie, really nice but probably even better whithout TC. I will test Sony TC 1.4x at my 200-600 with A7IV, the claim only f-stop will be lost, not AF, not not sharpness, I have to find out. I stick with K1-ll and 150-450mm whithout TC even if it is only 450mm on FF, IQ is prioity. Test crop mode in camera nex time on your frog.
Best regards
Bengt
Just to clarify. You used this one teleconverter: Pentax-DA HD 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter AF Teleconverter?
@@TomPop75 Correct.
Nice shots!
Thanks man!
I need to know how to fine adjust with 55-300plm and pentax k3 mark III
It's the same as any other lens you fine focus adjust. The procedure doesn't change. Unless you're saying you've never done fine focus adjustment on any lens before.
I use this combo a lot.. it's great 👌 can I ask a stupid question.. what impact on your shots when using white AFC Vs red AFC?
White AF.C are auto modes that use the subject recognition system and deep learning. There is no control over the initial focus point (the camera picks what it thinks is right). The red AF.C are more direct even in expanded mode. With red, it uses the center AF point to initially get focus and tracks from there in the expanded tracking modes (SEL-EX S/M/L).
@@KobieMC thanks! Can you explain deep learning now 🤣
Okay Kobie
I have squirreled away enough money to buy the 150-450 is it worth buying?
I've been getting good wildlife pictures with the 55-300 I would prefer a longer lens I sometimes use my 500mm mirror lens which is fine for stationary wildlife but useless for BIF photography as zone focusing is so-so.
It's absolutely worth it. It is a heavy lens compared to the 55-300 but the image quality is incredible.
@@KobieMC have been wondering which is better the 150-450mm or 50-500mm Any advice ?
Thanks for that info. It's now on my order list...
From what I've heard, the 150-450 has the edge in image quality especially at the long end. It's not as versatile as a 50 mm+ lens though but it is weather sealed and has a lot of options to assist with capturing the shots (AF buttons on the lens itself, programmable focus distance and focus limiters) which the 50-500 doesn't have. It really comes down to what you want. If you're intent is solely the telephoto reach, I'd go with the Pentax. If you want a huge focal range for convenience, then the Sigma 50-500.
@@KobieMC Thank you ! and I hope you keep getting more wonderful sunshine !!
It is also important to realize you are now shooting at f8 (ffor. TC+ffor. Lens). So light issues and sometimes too much DOV. But it is a nice combo and easily traveled with.
Actually the interesting thing is that the depth of field doesn't change. It's even written in the manual of the HD 1.4x converter. The amount of light would be an issue if you're not shooting in daylight. BUT, that's also dependent on the camera. The K-3 III does well even in less than ideal light.
@@KobieMC Interesting. Great to learn about that. The K3 generally handles the combo well. I was photographing Whooping Cranes a month ago in Texas with the combo. Love it.
Hi Kobie,
It is good to see you in the field again. The swallows are wonderful! How did the autofocus perform and what settings did you use?
Thanks Paul! The shot settings are shown with each image (aperture, focal length, shutter speed and iso). I shot in TAv, highlight weighted metering with AF.C set to SEL-EX M with AF hold on low (there were trees between me and the subjects) and full 11 fps high speed continuous shooting.
I’ve never tried the 1.4 convertor on my 150-450 but I have used it extensively on the 55-300 PLM. In my experience it’s a winning combination except when the lens is at 300mm where I find it’s soft. Autofocus doesn’t appear to suffer either on both my K3iii or my KP so all in all I think it’s a great combination at a budget price.
Are you disappointed in the FA*600/4? I have been able to get some very sharp images with mine (recent photo contest submission notwithstanding).
I'm a bit disappointed when it comes to far subjects which was the whole point of getting it. I've gotten super sharp images with it but I do think something might be off with mine. There's a lot of ghosting in the images.
@@KobieMC I don't get any ghosting I'm aware of. When you say far off subjects, what distance are you talking?
Anything from about 7 meters and further.
@@KobieMC I just sent you 3 shots taken from about 7m to 15m to your on-record email account.
Regarding ghosting Take your lens filter off and try again. See if it makes a difference. I am assuming of course you are using one.
I am using it. I've taken it off and it is sharper but the CA and purple fringing is almost everywhere without the filter.
@@KobieMC I have a FA* 300mm f/4.5 and it had a real edge ghosting problem until I removed the filter!
If 150-450 was not so heavy I would get it for plane spotting. But running around with it for whole day on airshows - no, thank you :D Even if it is great lens. I ditched 55-300PLM for exactly the reason you mentioned: ghosting at long ranges, it was so bad that the lens was unusable for anything over airfield that required 300. I was getting better results from 70Ltd + 1.4TC and heavy crop then from 55-300 PLM. For now I got 60-250, I hope I will not regret it.
Thank you for testing the combination. I use my 150-450 mm on fullframe and hesitated to use the APC-converter. Did you make any experiences so far?
I don't have a K-1 to see how or if it works at all. But for APS-C it's a great combo! Pentax needs to make a full frame converter though.
It covers FF and work whithout problems on K1-ll 150-450, you loose 1 stop, AF almost the same but it will be softer through the whole range. If you can get away with 16MP set K1 in APS-C mode instaed, it will be better.
Best regards
Bengt
OK, I have the 55-300 PLM and have no experience with teleconverters. Get going on that combo so I can justify spending more money.
It's not worth to buy a teleconverter and use it on that lens. Teleconverter is recommended on faster lenses because you will lose 1 stop of light.
Which on the K-3 Mark III and K-1/II isn't an issue. And since even my K-3 can easily shoot at F/8-F/11 while tracking birds etc, if you want the reach, it's fine. As long as the AF system can work in lower light which Pentax does well, it's not that big a deal. But generally, yes a 2.8 or F/4 lens would be ideal. However, Pentax doesn't make a new 600 F/4 or a 500 F/4 or a 400 F/2.8. So, you gotta pick your battles. Besides, the Canon 800 F/11 seems to work just fine, so why couldn't the 150-450 + 1.4x converter at F/8 work just as well?
@@KobieMC I'm referring at using it with 55-300.
@@sobolanul82 Ah, okay my mistake. Well, I'll see how it goes! Others have used the combo and are happy. I'll find out how it is soon enough 👍🏽
@@KobieMC I don't know how good is 55-300 PLM at 300mm, but I have the previous version 55-300 WR and at 300 looses a lot of quality. So if a lens doesn't perform well at full extended zoom. a teleconverter will worsen the results. That's why it's not worth it. On a faster and optical better lens, ok, the loss is less visible.
give me your gear, so I can try it on my own... to prevent spreading fake news..