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10-22-2016, 08:19 AM   #1
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DA* 300mm

Hi all. Does anybody have experience of the DA* 300mm and the 60-250? Is the extra 40mm worth it on the 300mm ?? Thanks in advance.

10-22-2016, 08:25 AM   #2
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Yes. And no. The extra 50mm isn't the real issue. Intended use is important, the 60-250 has pronounced focus breathing which makes it no "longer" than roughly a 135mm when the subject is close. As the distance increases this effect fades away. At long distances the difference is small.

The effects fade around 10 meters.

Full disclosure. I have an FA* 300 not a DA* 300 to compare with my 60-250.
10-22-2016, 08:47 AM   #3
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If you want it for sports, focus breathing on the zoom is not a problem as much as it would be for small subjects such as birds. Also if you want the 300 for sports you'd probably need a second camera with a shorter lens (zoom maybe), with the 60-250 you can cover a lot of situations with a single camera.
10-22-2016, 08:59 AM   #4
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A 300mm generally pairs nicely with a HD 1.4x teleconverter making it an effective 420mm. I use that combination together with my DA* 60-250mm as my "long reach" kit. Also, a 300mm is generally better at closeup of critters like butterflies as its distance to subject matter @ the same magnification is greater.

M

10-22-2016, 09:11 AM   #5
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Just to add. I'd be using it for wildlife/birds.
Sorry about the bad maths 😊

---------- Post added 10-22-16 at 05:19 PM ----------


Last edited by geoffw; 10-22-2016 at 09:20 AM.
10-22-2016, 11:12 AM - 1 Like   #6
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I'd suggest acquiring an inexpensive 70-300 zoom and living with it for a while to see just what FL range actually suits your needs before committing to the high-$$$ lenses. It's common to see folks without long tele experience that never use the wide - medium FL range of a tele zoom lens which could indicate a preference for a better, faster, newer, or less expensive, prime lens.


When I know I want LOOONG I've never been disappointed in the DA*300. But an SP AF 70-200/2.8 or even the DA 18-135 + crop usually accommodates if an unplanned long shot presents itself.
10-22-2016, 12:04 PM   #7
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Good tip about the 70-300mm lens as I've got access to one. A big difference in image size at around 20 meters or less. Lesser difference at longer focus distance. Zoomed to longest lengths by the way. Sorry for stating the obvious. Have to say I'm quite surprised by the difference. Looks like I may end up with the DA*300 if and when funds permit. But its the 60-250 for now. That said, I'm certainly not complaining about this lens, it's a cracking bit of glass. That good, I can't trade it in for the 300. Good that I'm in no rush.

10-22-2016, 12:09 PM   #8
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I look at my 60-250 as more of a high end walk around lens, especially on the K-1. That being said, shooting birds 10 feet away, I still got better images with the 60-250 and TC than I did with a 70-300. The problem with the 70-300s, is how soft they are in the long end.
10-22-2016, 12:25 PM   #9
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I must admit, I went for the 60-250 for better IQ. This has made me a fan of * lenses hence the interest in the 300mm. Nothing like planning ahead
10-22-2016, 08:44 PM - 1 Like   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by normhead Quote
The problem with the 70-300s,
The oft overlooked point is that a consumer-grade 70-300 - any ol' 70-300 - can be used as economical 'training wheels' by folks that are still feeling their way into tele gear. The learning curve is steep enough without dropping big $$$ on expensive lenses when you have no experience in how you'd actually use 'em.

I've also known folks that have enthusiastically invested $1000's in tele gear only to discover later that dressing in grungy clothes to slog through weeds, woods, mud and bugs to use 'em just wasn't their thing after all. Could've learned that with a used $50 xx-300mm zoom.

LBA's a wondrous thing with no regard for patience however.
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