[gut1kor]

Hi,

I am considering to buy a super telephoto lens ranging b/n 300mm - 500mm around the budget 1500$ in a couple of months.
Some people suggested M42 lenses but I am not comfortable with them, not without AF. Is there one available as of now (in production) that delivers pro-grade image quality in Pentax mount?

Cheers
Guna

[hcc]

My 5c thought...

If you like a prime, the FA* lenses are well regarded. They are K-mount bayonnet. They can be found on the PF marketplace at reasonable prices IMO.

I recently bought a FA*300 f4.5 and I am most impressed. The lens is outstanding. I selected then the FA*300mm f4.5 for its compact size and relatively light weight. I am very impressed by the IQ which is better than I expected!

Food for thought.

[twitch]

FA*300 f/4.5 (+ AFA x1.7?)
DA*300 f4 (+ AFA x1.7?)
Sigma 50-500 (but not "pro grade quality" until stopped down to f/8ish, if at all).


Outside your budget are:
Sigma 500 f/4.5
FA* 300 f/2.8

[gut1kor]

the FA* lenses are well regarded

Yes, I agree. But their availability is an encounter with luck. On the other hand having latest SDM/HSM lenses may add value in future with improvements in AF systems. So as of now around my budget it seems I have only two choices (BTW, I don't know but I am not liking TCs :-(...).
1. In pro-grade the FA* 300 and DA* 300 with TC
2. In the consume grade the Bigmas (50-500 and 150-500)

If I am not greedy, having a super telephoto lens around that budget that delivers pro-grade image quality is a dream come true....

Guna

[hcc]

Yes, I agree. But their availability is an encounter with luck. ..

Guna, I must disagree with you. Use the PF Marketplace and place a Wanted ad. Recently I was looking for the FA*300mm f4.5. I missed one on the PF markeplace and I placed a Wanted in the Marketplace. Two PF members contacted me within a week and proposed me their lenses. I used the Wanted ads for a couple of other lenses and I am been very happy to deal with PF members.

So: do not disregard the FA* series, consider to use the PF Marketplace and be patient.

[Bob from Aus]

The above choice are all good, but also at least consider the Sigma 50-500. At 500 at close range it works very well. However using 500 from about 50m on it becomes soft. In my opinion if it needs to be flexible or 500mm its a great buy. If you can live with just 300mm get the new DA pentax.

[gut1kor]

Use the PF Marketplace and place a Wanted ad

Once I decided the choice then I should try this on our forum. Never thought of it though. Thanks.

Bob, thanks for your inputs.

Cheers
Guna