Telephoto Lens for Pentax LX

[jaophotography]

I am looking for a large telephoto lens for my Pentax LX. I already have a

500mm, and am wondering about a 400-800mm or maybe bigger(600-1600mm).

[michael_kuhne]

You don't say which 500mm. You might be best off to get a decent 1.4x teleconverter to go with it.

[stephen hazelton]

Just a thought, Jon- I'm a Pentax user also. But I have noticed that when you get into the oddball (IE, non-consumer) lenses in the Pentax system, Pentax made them, but they seem very scarce and/or overpriced. If you are looking at a significant chunk of money for the lens in question, you might want to consider getting a Canon (including FD) or Nikon lens, and then just buy a cheap film body to go with it.

[stemked]

Jon,

 

If you have the 500mm f4.5 Takumar you can use the 1.4X-L TC (and screw to K adaptor)on it with excellent results. The 1.4X-L would logically work also on the Pentax 500mm f4.5 lens as well.

 

The biggest weak point of this lens is its poor close focusing ability, otherwise it is a great lens.

[jaophotography]

I was really wondering about a zoom lens (800-1600). The 500mm that I have is an opteka.

Can anyone tell me about zoom lenses of this mm? (or close)

[stemked]

"I was really wondering about a zoom lens (800-1600). The 500mm that I have is an opteka. Can anyone tell me about zoom lenses of this mm?"

 

Yes, they are typically pieces of junk. Sorry to be so blunt, but its true. I fooled around with a Phenoix(?) once in this range. Terrible contrast. But what does one expect from a sub $150 lens in this range? If noting else the f stop on those lenses is typically something like f22 on the long end.

 

Pentax used to and I think Sigma may still make a zoom in the 135-600mm range. Both of these lenses list well above $2,000 (more likely $5,000 for the Pentax now). Doesn't sound like that is what you are interested in though.