Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

ron2352 · 10-08-2011, 07:24 PM

Any one have any thoughts on the da 300mm over the da 60mm-250mm f4.0? Would it be a better option over the telephoto? Or would it depend on what you were going to use it for? Can anyone give me the pros and cons?

chalion · 10-08-2011, 07:41 PM

I'd have to say it would depend on what you're going to use it for. If you're just going to be doing only long distance photos, the 300 would be ideal, but if you're going to be shooting different topics (landscape, wildlife, etc), the zoom may be better to frame your photography subject better. Both have the same qualities to take great photos (WR, IF, quick shift focus), plus are in the same price range and have a very high standing in the len review section.

For my use, the 300 would be my buy. I consistantly am maxxed on my 55-300 when it's attached to my K20D. My K5 sofar only has be with FA and DA primes.

Bob from Aus · 10-08-2011, 08:09 PM

Two question to ask yourself is
1. if you are a reluctant lens changer particularly outdoors where telephotos are used.
2. do you have specific things you want to photograph

If you are reluctant to change lenses and your photography subjects could be anything that meets your fancy at the time, you would probably get better use out of a high quality zoom.

I have not used the 60-260 but I believe it telescopes out to be longer as you zoom. This might be a factor for buying the 300mm which does not change length making it more robust, easier to balance and requires less staying power when holding the lens up for significant periods.

dgaies · 10-08-2011, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by Bob from Aus

Two question to ask yourself is
1. if you are a reluctant lens changer particularly outdoors where telephotos are used.
2. do you have specific things you want to photograph

If you are reluctant to change lenses and your photography subjects could be anything that meets your fancy at the time, you would probably get better use out of a high quality zoom.

I have not used the 60-260 but I believe it telescopes out to be longer as you zoom. This might be a factor for buying the 300mm which does not change length making it more robust, easier to balance and requires less staying power when holding the lens up for significant periods.

I have both lenses and agree with points 1 and 2. If you're looking for a great general purpose outdoor lens, the DA*60-250 is hard to beat. If you don't mind changing lenses, have multiple bodies and/or want to photograph something specific that requires more reach, the DA*300 might be the better choice.

Regarding the issue of the fact that the 60-250 extends when you zoom to the long end, that is true, the lens does extend. However, it only extends by 2 inches (5 cm) from its shortest length to its longest length and the balance point of the lens doesn't change dramatically as a result. So in terms of handling, I would say it's a non-issue. Don't get me wrong, I would prefer that it was an internal zooming lens (even if that meant it was a little larger), but it's not really a major issue in practice (IMO).

Bob from Aus · 10-08-2011, 08:27 PM

Thanks for filling me in on 60-250 change in length. It might be on my future shopping list, but i have a 50_500 sigma that gets longer and longer and longer and was thinking a smaller quality zoom would be a good match for for my 500mm sigma that is in the post. Short extension for me makes the 50 -250 more attractive and yes I am a reluctant lens changer so I mostly leave my zooms at home.

dgaies · 10-08-2011, 08:30 PM

Originally posted by Bob from Aus

Thanks for filling me in on 60-250 change in length. It might be on my future shopping list, but i have a 50_500 sigma that gets longer and longer and longer and was thinking a smaller quality zoom would be a good match for for my 500mm sigma that is in the post. Short extension for me makes the 50 -250 more attractive and yes I am a reluctant lens changer so I mostly leave my zooms at home.

I assume you meant you are a reluctant lens changer so you mostly leave your primes at home?

Bob from Aus · 10-08-2011, 08:33 PM

No I leave my zooms at home to force me to change fixed lenses. I have a lovely set of Ltds so I don't want to be stuck with a very ordinary zoom lens image

dgaies · 10-08-2011, 08:35 PM

Originally posted by Bob from Aus

No I leave my zooms at home to force me to change fixed lenses. I am a lovely set of Ltds so I don't want to be stuck with a very ordinary zoom lens image

Gotcha, that makes sense now

rvannatta · 10-08-2011, 10:41 PM

the only reasonable choice is to get both.

signed --- LBA.

RioRico · 10-09-2011, 02:11 PM

Originally posted by rvannatta

the only reasonable choice is to get both.

Quite right. One can never have enough lenses. [/me fondles /me ~225 lenses, lusts for more.] My only 300 is a slower but crystal-clear Alpa-Chinon 300/5.6, one of my favoured walkabouts, great for focusing my attention in certain directions -- and much easier to carry than the Lil'Bigma 170-500.

GaryH · 10-11-2011, 02:58 PM

I have both and find myself using them for different things. Lately. the DA*300 and the AFA 1.7x is taking the place of my Bigma on birding and wildlife jikes. The 60-250 and the 1.7x did a good job for me on an Alaskan cruise this summer. I found that the 18-135, 60-250 and the 1.7x made a neat travel kit and covered 18-425mm very nicely. I see the two lenses as having different uses. YMMV

RonHendriks1966 · 10-11-2011, 03:33 PM

Well I think that the 300mm is just a little sharper at f4 then the zoom is at 250mm. I don't think that you will find a difference at f5.0

The zoom has its convenience when for instance sports is a subject where you have the option to zoom toward shorter ranges.

10-08-2011, 07:24 PM	#1
ron2352 New Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 6	Pentax da 300mm f4.0 Any one have any thoughts on the da 300mm over the da 60mm-250mm f4.0? Would it be a better option over the telephoto? Or would it depend on what you were going to use it for? Can anyone give me the pros and cons?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 or Pentax FA* 300mm F2.8	Clinton	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	28	12-12-2011 04:21 PM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax smc A* 300mm f4 + K 200mm f2.5 + K 300mm f4 (Worldwide)	Fleafly	Sold Items	34	07-19-2011 01:19 PM
sigma 100-300mm f4 or pentax 300mm f4?	powdablu21	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	10	09-08-2010 05:14 AM
Pentax DA 55-300mm vs Tamron 70-300mm at long end (brickwall)	tcdk	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	17	11-15-2009 12:52 AM

10-08-2011, 07:41 PM	#2
chalion Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: SE Pennsylvania Photos: Albums Posts: 628	I'd have to say it would depend on what you're going to use it for. If you're just going to be doing only long distance photos, the 300 would be ideal, but if you're going to be shooting different topics (landscape, wildlife, etc), the zoom may be better to frame your photography subject better. Both have the same qualities to take great photos (WR, IF, quick shift focus), plus are in the same price range and have a very high standing in the len review section. For my use, the 300 would be my buy. I consistantly am maxxed on my 55-300 when it's attached to my K20D. My K5 sofar only has be with FA and DA primes.

10-08-2011, 08:09 PM	#3
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	Two question to ask yourself is 1. if you are a reluctant lens changer particularly outdoors where telephotos are used. 2. do you have specific things you want to photograph If you are reluctant to change lenses and your photography subjects could be anything that meets your fancy at the time, you would probably get better use out of a high quality zoom. I have not used the 60-260 but I believe it telescopes out to be longer as you zoom. This might be a factor for buying the 300mm which does not change length making it more robust, easier to balance and requires less staying power when holding the lens up for significant periods.

10-08-2011, 08:17 PM	#4
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by Bob from Aus Two question to ask yourself is 1. if you are a reluctant lens changer particularly outdoors where telephotos are used. 2. do you have specific things you want to photograph If you are reluctant to change lenses and your photography subjects could be anything that meets your fancy at the time, you would probably get better use out of a high quality zoom. I have not used the 60-260 but I believe it telescopes out to be longer as you zoom. This might be a factor for buying the 300mm which does not change length making it more robust, easier to balance and requires less staying power when holding the lens up for significant periods. I have both lenses and agree with points 1 and 2. If you're looking for a great general purpose outdoor lens, the DA60-250 is hard to beat. If you don't mind changing lenses, have multiple bodies and/or want to photograph something specific that requires more reach, the DA300 might be the better choice. Regarding the issue of the fact that the 60-250 extends when you zoom to the long end, that is true, the lens does extend. However, it only extends by 2 inches (5 cm) from its shortest length to its longest length and the balance point of the lens doesn't change dramatically as a result. So in terms of handling, I would say it's a non-issue. Don't get me wrong, I would prefer that it was an internal zooming lens (even if that meant it was a little larger), but it's not really a major issue in practice (IMO).

10-08-2011, 08:27 PM	#5
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	Thanks for filling me in on 60-250 change in length. It might be on my future shopping list, but i have a 50_500 sigma that gets longer and longer and longer and was thinking a smaller quality zoom would be a good match for for my 500mm sigma that is in the post. Short extension for me makes the 50 -250 more attractive and yes I am a reluctant lens changer so I mostly leave my zooms at home.

10-08-2011, 08:30 PM	#6
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by Bob from Aus Thanks for filling me in on 60-250 change in length. It might be on my future shopping list, but i have a 50_500 sigma that gets longer and longer and longer and was thinking a smaller quality zoom would be a good match for for my 500mm sigma that is in the post. Short extension for me makes the 50 -250 more attractive and yes I am a reluctant lens changer so I mostly leave my zooms at home. I assume you meant you are a reluctant lens changer so you mostly leave your primes at home?

10-08-2011, 08:33 PM	#7
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	No I leave my zooms at home to force me to change fixed lenses. I have a lovely set of Ltds so I don't want to be stuck with a very ordinary zoom lens image

10-08-2011, 08:35 PM	#8
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by Bob from Aus No I leave my zooms at home to force me to change fixed lenses. I am a lovely set of Ltds so I don't want to be stuck with a very ordinary zoom lens image Gotcha, that makes sense now

10-08-2011, 10:41 PM	#9
rvannatta Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Apiary, Oregon Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,181	the only reasonable choice is to get both. signed --- LBA.

10-09-2011, 02:11 PM	#10
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by rvannatta the only reasonable choice is to get both. Quite right. One can never have enough lenses. [/me fondles /me ~225 lenses, lusts for more.] My only 300 is a slower but crystal-clear Alpa-Chinon 300/5.6, one of my favoured walkabouts, great for focusing my attention in certain directions -- and much easier to carry than the Lil'Bigma 170-500.

10-11-2011, 02:58 PM	#11
GaryH Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Philadelphia, Pa Photos: Gallery Posts: 764	I have both and find myself using them for different things. Lately. the DA*300 and the AFA 1.7x is taking the place of my Bigma on birding and wildlife jikes. The 60-250 and the 1.7x did a good job for me on an Alaskan cruise this summer. I found that the 18-135, 60-250 and the 1.7x made a neat travel kit and covered 18-425mm very nicely. I see the two lenses as having different uses. YMMV

10-11-2011, 03:33 PM	#12
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Well I think that the 300mm is just a little sharper at f4 then the zoom is at 250mm. I don't think that you will find a difference at f5.0 The zoom has its convenience when for instance sports is a subject where you have the option to zoom toward shorter ranges.

Pentax da 300mm f4.0

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!