[Kath]

Warning: Black Friday Thread ahead...

So, I have the lovely F*300 with its beautiful image rendering. Recently, while out shooting birds in flight,I was feeling the autofocus was too slow.

I'm being quite tempted by the prices on the DA*300, hoping for increased focus locks. I have my technique down (using other lenses), but I'm interested to hear from folks using the DA*300. In your experience, how is the AF speed? Do you find it quick enough for birds in flight or other fast moving, unpredictable subjects?

It would be especially great to hear from anyone who actually owns/uses both these great lenses.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Kath

[bertwert]

I don't have either but:
FA vs DA
Screwdrive vs SDM
FF vs APS-C
No WR vs WR
f4.5 vs f4

[jatrax]

I do not have the F* but do have the DA*. From my experience with other screwdrive lenses, and my 16-50 that is now converted to screwdrive there is no significant difference in AF speed. In fact on faster cameras, like the k-3, the screwdrive might be a touch faster. I like the DA* a lot but it is not what I would consider a fast focusing lens.

I don't think you gain anything by swapping your F* for a DA* except silent AF and WR. Bertwert listed the primary differences, though as far as FF is concerned the DA* is supposedly also fine with FF, though we will have to wait and see of course. I'll also add the hood on the F* is integrated and unlike the DA* one only needs pulled out, not removed>reversed>re-installed.

[jddwoods]

I do not have the DA* 300 but I have the DA* 200 which I would presume is similar. The DA* 200 focuses very quietly which is a big advantage for bird and wildlife photography but quiet does not mean quick. The SDM focus is slow compared to screwdrive on a K-3. Perhaps the DA* 300 may have quicker autofocus than my DA* 200 but I would not expect fast autofocus with either lens. Hopefully you can test out the autofocus on the DA* 300 before you buy it. I bought my DA* 200 for quiet autofocus. If you are looking for quick you may just as well keep your F* 300. If I want to shoot birds in flight I just focus manually.

[y0chang]

Sdm does better tracking, because screw drive has less precision in small micro movements. Gear drive always has some backlash. Speed wise there is little difference. You might want to save up for 150-450mm , the f* is top quality lens.

[jddwoods]

I did forget one advantage of DA* over the F* and that is quick shift which can speed up autofocus somewhat. Whether that is worth the cost of replacing one top quality lens for another is really up to you. You already have top quality lens and for what it seems you use it for, birds in flight, optical quality would be my top concern and both lenses deliver top optical quality and sharpness.

[Basie]

The DA* 300 is not a lens quick focusing on my K5. It is a lovely lens, but you need lots of perseverance and luck, I think , to get good shots of BIF. I have some, but would not be a go to lens with the K5 for birds

[bertwert]

K5

That might be the fact it is with the K-5?
I hear K-3 AF is a lot faster.

[ChatMechant]

DA*300 af was not fantastic on k-5, with k-3 it is much better. For me missed shots are more user error than focus issues. One thing that I appreciate about the DA* is the quickshift which I use all the time, and the WR is nice for peace of mind. My DA*300 is converted to screwdrive now, and it is really not loud at all, nor can I tell a difference in speed one way or the other.

[Imp]

FF vs APS-C

Or is it???

Also, how about DA* vs. HD 55-300 in AF speed?

[Des]

how about DA* vs. HD 55-300 in AF speed?

Not a direct answer to this question, but in this detailed comparison the (screw-driven) 55-300 was significantly better than the SDM DA*60-250:
HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR Review - Autofocus vs DA* 60-250 | PentaxForums.com Reviews
Looking at the detail of this comparison, the two lenses performed about the same when shooting a person running at right angles to the camera (what is called "parallel"). On each of the other tests (person running towards the camera, frisbee flying at right angles to the camera and frisbee flying towards the camera), the 55-300 did much better.

Screw-driven AF isn't necessarily slow - the noise makes it seem slow.

The body matters for a screw-driven lens. I find my 55-300 and Sigma 400 are both noticeably faster and quieter on the K-3 than on the K-30.

[audiobomber]

Or is it???

Also, how about DA* vs. HD 55-300 in AF speed?

DA*300 is much better than the HD 55-300 for BIF.

[Imp]

DA*300 is much better than the HD 55-300 for BIF.

Significantly so? and on k-3 in comparison or on lower level cameras like the k-30/50?

[Kath]

Hmmmm... This is making me think... I *have* been using the F*300 with the K50 a lot lately, instead of the K3, mostly due to logistics. Maybe I'll put it on the K3 and do some comparisons with AF speed.

Thanks for all of your input on this. The DA*300 may not be the cure I am seeking.

[audiobomber]

Significantly so? and on k-3 in comparison or on lower level cameras like the k-30/50?

I use a K-3 for birding. The DA*300 locks more quickly and will stay on target better.