[Raybo]

I've compared both F*300 and DA*300, both are great performers. DA*300 has slightly smoother bokeh and less CA, it's QuickShift is pretty handy when shooting birds in bushes, it can focus much closer too (1.4m vs 2m). F*300 is quite a bit smaller but not much lighter. You can't go wrong w either one.

I think Frank nailed it on the head.

[selar]

For those with F*300/4.5, remove the tripod collar and store it in a safe place. Its not at all required but is a sought after item, as the collar is rarer than the lens.
The F*300 is quite compact, in fact its smaller than DA*50-135, last football test match I went to the DA*50-135 was confiscated, but not F*300. LOL.
I ran a similar thread wanting to know if I should think of replacing F*300 with DA*300, somebody in that thread said F*300 was 30g lighter.
Obviously, if I didn't have F*300 already, I'd be buying DA*300.
Maybe Photozone ran out of thumbs?!

[twitch]

For those with F*300/4.5, remove the tripod collar and store it in a safe place. Its not at all required but is a sought after item, as the collar is rarer than the lens.
The F*300 is quite compact, in fact its smaller than DA*50-135, last football test match I went to the DA*50-135 was confiscated, but not F*300. LOL.
I ran a similar thread wanting to know if I should think of replacing F*300 with DA*300, somebody in that thread said F*300 was 30g lighter.
Obviously, if I didn't have F*300 already, I'd be buying DA*300.
Maybe Photozone ran out of thumbs?!

I hope you got your lens back.... maybe they had a Pentax too and needed to take some portraits during the game?

[selar]

I hope you got your lens back....

Yeah got it back from security after the match. Thanks for asking.

[wjt]

thanks guys, has given me some food for thought. There is a F* for sale at the moment but the price is a little high.

[jurysi]

I was in a similar situation last month. I went with the FA*. I am stunned by its compact size, which makes it ideal for carrying on longer treks. The sharpness of the lens is also unbelievable. I've heard nothing but good things about the DA*, and most people I asked actually recommended it, but you probably won't be disappointed with either. They both focus fast (the FA* without SDM produces a noticeable sound). Frank summed up the main differences as I see them. On a completely subjective note I prefer the "feel" of the FA* (and most older lenses) over my DA*200. Just feels better in hand: solid, durable, more like a mechanical instrument.