[RonHendriks1966]

I'm sitting on this question. I want a fast telelens. Pentax doesn't make them at the time. There are some options, not all of them as handy. I want to use them for sports, and want the f2.8 since I also want to use them in a venue-arena.

Options:

1. Pentax FA*300mm/f2.8, this would be nice, but I never found one, and I think maybe outside of my budget.
2. Pentax A*300mm/f2.8, this is a manual focus lens so there are limitations in use. I do a lot of prefocus, so there is a way to work around it.
3. Sigma 300mm/f2.8, this is a rather fast AF lens, but there is no manual overwrite in focus, so if it missfocusses then you have to start again. Not HSM, since those are only for canikon.

I have a possiblity to perchase the Sigma and the A* at the time. Wich one to choose and why? Or something else?

Some pictures I take wit my current lenses. So with longer telelens there will be different views that I can't make at the time.

I use an old Nikkorlens at the time that works with an adapter as a 375mm/f5.6 manual focus and no connections. Justin Henin at a WTA tournament.


Volleybal, this was with K-7 so I used FA*85mm


Red Bull Crashed Ice with DA*50-135mm


So I hope some input on my discionmaking process.

[Adam]

If you can get your hands on an FA*, go for it as it's still the best. The sigma isn't a bad alternative, though, and an HSM version will almost certainly be released in the future.

Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG Autofocus Lens for Pentax 195109 B&H

[HawaiianOnline]

I recommend the Sigma 300mm f2.8, it's a great performer although I wish I had something a bit longer (600 f4). Due to its weight, I'd recommend using a monopod with it. These were taken with a Sigma 300mm f2.8 with either the Pentax 1.7X AFTC or the Tamron 1.4X TC

[tranq78]

I'm sitting on this question. I want a fast telelens. Pentax doesn't make them at the time. There are some options, not all of them as handy. I want to use them for sports, and want the f2.8 since I also want to use them in a venue-arena.

Options:

1. Pentax FA*300mm/f2.8, this would be nice, but I never found one, and I think maybe outside of my budget.
2. Pentax A*300mm/f2.8, this is a manual focus lens so there are limitations in use. I do a lot of prefocus, so there is a way to work around it.
3. Sigma 300mm/f2.8, this is a rather fast AF lens, but there is no manual overwrite in focus, so if it missfocusses then you have to start again. Not HSM, since those are only for canikon.

I have a possiblity to perchase the Sigma and the A* at the time. Wich one to choose and why? Or something else?

Nothing really wrong with a Sigma 300/2.8, but you will almost certainly prefer the images taken from the Pentax A* or FA* 300/f2.8's. There is a reason they are sought-after lenses, the colors and rendering are amazing.

A FA*300/2.8 will cost almost twice as much as an A*300/2.8. The A*300/2.8 is easy to focus manually with a little bit of practice -- that large focal length + wide aperture really makes images "snap" into place.

Scroll to the bottom of this thread for my discussion on the differences between the A* and FA*.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/128619-pentax-...side-side.html

[borno]

I thought the FA*300 f2.8 would be the perfect lens to get, but my copy was not very sharp at distances over about 30 feet. I sold a lot of stuff to get that lens and after pentax CO said they would fix it under warranty I was relieved. Too bad after sending it twice they finally told me "it was designed for film and may not be optimal for digital". They also did admit to copy variation as they were produced in batches. That is a lot of money to spend and still want for faster AF and sharper images. I was pretty steamed and traded it at a loss and had to save more for the canon 300 2.8 is after getting the 400mm f5.6 and a refurbed 40d. I would get the sigma if I really wanted to get one in K mount because at least they will work on it if you have a problem. The 120-300mm f2.8 would be really nice.

[RonHendriks1966]

Thanks for input and sharing thoughts. I'm going to look at the Sigma tomorrow. See how that feels on my K-5 and how snappy the AF is.

The feel and image colour of the A* are still tempting me since I really like my FA*85 colour.

[RonHendriks1966]

And then there is again some doubt because Sigma is coming with a new lens. The 120-300mm/f2.8 lens new version with wheaterseal, HSM and OS is coming in Pentax K-mount.

So any new thoughts on that?

120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM - Sigma-Benelux

[Piotr]

Go with Sigma. AF is important for such long lens.
In addition it works with pentax AF 1.7x and Sigma x2 converter and still with AF.

Pentax PENTAX K20D,Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX APO
1/200s f/4.0 at 300.0mm iso200


Pentax PENTAX K20D,Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX APO
1/250s f/5.0 at 300.0mm iso200


Pentax PENTAX K20D,Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX APO
+TC2 1/80s f/4.0 at 300.0mm iso200

[DanielT74]

I was selling the A*300/2.8 here a while ago and you can dig out that thread with some (unspectacular) images which still showcase what it can do.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/expired-listings/115583-sale-%5Bexpired%5...worldwide.html

In my opinion it is a brilliant lens (sold it due to budget and because I don't need 300mm very often). It is very easy to focus if you don't mind a 3kg beast in your hands.

To my mind unless one really needs AF, the only reason not to get it, is weight and bulk. Otherwise it is as good as it gets.

Here is a couple of the last ones I took:

[RonHendriks1966]

Yeay does are amazing.

[Clinton]

I'm going to wait for the announced weather sealed Sigma 120-300mm/2.8 before I get into the 300/2.8 glass.

[RonHendriks1966]

I'm going to wait for the announced weather sealed Sigma 120-300mm/2.8 before I get into the 300/2.8 glass.

That is my plan to. I lowered my offer on the 300/2.8 prime, don't wanna get stuck with that lens when I want to change, but that was turned off.

Here a test for the precious model. The lens design changed, so not the same lenses.

Shutterbug: Sigma’s 120-300mm f/2.8 APO HSM Zoom Lens

[Clinton]

That is my plan to. I lowered my offer on the 300/2.8 prime, don't wanna get stuck with that lens when I want to change, but that was turned off.

Here a test for the precious model. The lens design changed, so not the same lenses.

Shutterbug: Sigma’s 120-300mm f/2.8 APO HSM Zoom Lens

The bit at the end where he says it's sharper (and confirmed it with Sigma) than the prime was pretty telling.

I'm really looking forward to this lens. Flexibility and 300mm/2.8 is quite a hot ticket.

[borno]

I wouldn't go back to manual focus after having an AF 300mm f2.8, the DOF is pretty slim.

[Mike.P®]

I wouldn't go back to manual focus after having an AF 300mm f2.8, the DOF is pretty slim.

A* 300mm f2.8 with Pentax 2X-L teleconverter - hand held and quite a heavy crop.