Sigma 100-300mm f/4 versus Pentax DA* 300mm f/4

[Tbear]

I am currently torn as to which lens will be my next major purchase. I love wildlife photography and I am desperate to upgrade my DA 50-200mm. I have read rave reviews of the Sigma. The DA* 300mm will have to perform very very well in reviews for me to justify the extra $300.

[OniFactor]

well, it IS a prime, so it's optics are going to be better at 300 than the zoom. it's DA*, so it's sealed.. is that a big thing to you? personally, if i had the cash for either, i'd get the DA*, because of the sealing

[ivoire]

if the DA* is as sharp as the 300f* and fa* (awesome resolution), its worth the xtra $300. i got lucky and got the 300 f* on fleabay for $730 and am waiting to see how the DA* compares. weathersealing would be a big plus for me.

[creampuff]

SDM alone is worth the price difference imo. Plus the SMC coating and weather sealing is a bonus. Personally I don't quite like the colour rendition of some Sigma lenses.

[Tbear]

Originally Posted by OniFactor

well, it IS a prime, so it's optics are going to be better at 300 than the zoom. it's DA*, so it's sealed.. is that a big thing to you? personally, if i had the cash for either, i'd get the DA*, because of the sealing

Originally Posted by ivoire

if the DA* is as sharp as the 300f* and fa* (awesome resolution), its worth the xtra $300. i got lucky and got the 300 f* on fleabay for $730 and am waiting to see how the DA* compares. weathersealing would be a big plus for me.

Originally Posted by creampuff

SDM alone is worth the price difference imo. Plus the SMC coating and weather sealing is a bonus. Personally I don't quite like the colour rendition of some Sigma lenses.

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely wait for the DA* 300mm.

[selar]

I have a friend who has 100-300 Sigma. He thought I was crazy buying old F*300 while for same price I could have got new 100-300 Sigma. One photo from F*300 convinced him. Now he is unhappy with 100-300 Sigma.