Replacement for SMC Pentax 300mm F4

WoRaS · 03-14-2012, 01:14 AM - **1 Like**

I would consider Sigma 100-300 f/4. Sharpness is excellent (even at f/4!), and it has THE FASTEST autofocus for Pentax I have ever seen. I am using it mainly for airshows. I was able to get really good results with Pentax K-x:

Czech International Air Fest 2010

Malopolski Air Show 2010

And with Pentax K-r I got even better results (no pictures on my website yet, but there will be some soon)!

Sandy Hancock · 03-14-2012, 05:00 AM

The Pentax DA 55-300 is outstanding value for money: surprisingly good IQ, light and compact.
The DA* 300/4 is just an incredible lens; if you can afford the $ that would be my recommendation.
I have both. I travel with the zoom, but I take the money shots with the DA*.

Greyser · 03-14-2012, 07:56 AM

Originally posted by WoRaS

I would consider Sigma 100-300 f/4. Sharpness is excellent (even at f/4!), and it has THE FASTEST autofocus for Pentax I have ever seen.

Another good thing about Sigma 100-300 AF - it's almost silent. It is fine versatile lens. I had two of them recently. However, for the small wildlife the 300mm prime (comparing to FA*300 and most likely DA*300) is still superior IMHO. 300mm prime paired with good 1.4X TC is even better.

Sudhakar · 03-14-2012, 09:48 AM

Sigma 100-300/f4 seems to be good choice. However I could not find on net/ebay for the price estimate (or to buy). Will keep scouting. It meets my needs flexibility/300mm reach/ constant aperture/faster AF/Sharp iamges.

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03-14-2012, 01:14 AM - 1 Like	#16
WoRaS Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Krakow Posts: 54	I would consider Sigma 100-300 f/4. Sharpness is excellent (even at f/4!), and it has THE FASTEST autofocus for Pentax I have ever seen. I am using it mainly for airshows. I was able to get really good results with Pentax K-x: Czech International Air Fest 2010 Malopolski Air Show 2010 And with Pentax K-r I got even better results (no pictures on my website yet, but there will be some soon)!

03-14-2012, 05:00 AM	#17
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	The Pentax DA 55-300 is outstanding value for money: surprisingly good IQ, light and compact. The DA* 300/4 is just an incredible lens; if you can afford the $ that would be my recommendation. I have both. I travel with the zoom, but I take the money shots with the DA*.

03-14-2012, 07:56 AM	#18
Greyser Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Los Angeles, California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,150	Originally posted by WoRaS I would consider Sigma 100-300 f/4. Sharpness is excellent (even at f/4!), and it has THE FASTEST autofocus for Pentax I have ever seen. Another good thing about Sigma 100-300 AF - it's almost silent. It is fine versatile lens. I had two of them recently. However, for the small wildlife the 300mm prime (comparing to FA300 and most likely DA300) is still superior IMHO. 300mm prime paired with good 1.4X TC is even better.

03-14-2012, 09:48 AM	#19
Sudhakar Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hyderabad Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 236 Original Poster	Sigma 100-300/f4 seems to be good choice. However I could not find on net/ebay for the price estimate (or to buy). Will keep scouting. It meets my needs flexibility/300mm reach/ constant aperture/faster AF/Sharp iamges.