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02-11-2012, 11:12 AM   #16
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Tripod mount compatibility (Canon f/4 or f/2.8?)

QuoteOriginally posted by bobell69 Quote
The lack of a tripod mount is an easy fix. A member on the list showed how he used a Tripod bracket mount designed for a Canon 70-200 F2.8 lens and I ordered one out of China for about $8.00 including free shipping. Works like a charm. I leave it on my FA* 300 all of the time. Really adds to the functionality of the lens. I also use the lens hand held for my grandchildren's soccer games and it works fine.
Sorry to take this slightly off topic, but just want to confirm if it is indeed the tripod mount of the canon 70-200 2.8 lens that is compatible with our FA* 300 f/4.5 lens before ordering from China. There are mounts available for both the 70-200 f/4 and f/2.8 canon lens. Thank you for your help.

02-11-2012, 01:39 PM   #17
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The new lens is the better product. All the arguments were given above.
There is no good reason to sell the 4.5 lens if you are happy with it.
Prices paid on eBay suggest that the swap will cost not too much depending on how beaten up your lens is.
The only real advantage of the FA lens is that it work with film cameras.
SDM is rather silent compared to the classic AF that makes a difference in closer range shootings.
The announced tele converter should work better with the current lens.
02-11-2012, 05:00 PM   #18
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I'm pretty sure this was with the Tamron 1.4x TC: Bokeh seems fine to me. FA*300mm F/4.5



Another one with the Tamron 1.4x TC



FA*300 F/4.5 (no TC): Nice Bokeh?




Crested Pigeon: FA*300mm F/4.5 with Tamron 1.4x TC




FA*300mm F/4.5 with Tamron 1.4x TC



Last edited by bossa; 02-11-2012 at 10:00 PM.
02-11-2012, 06:09 PM   #19
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This shot does show some CA @ 200% but almost non-existent otherwise. If you go to the flicker sight and look at the full size image you can see it's pin sharp right to the edge. If the DA300 is anything like this then I'll gladly buy one and sell the FA*. I really like the Full Time Manual focus on my DA200 and wish I had it on the FA* rather than that clutch mechanism.





Last edited by bossa; 02-11-2012 at 07:50 PM.
02-12-2012, 07:41 AM   #20
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The DA*300 is a FF lens.

I tried these side by side in the shop before choosing the DA*.
The AF on the FA is fractionally faster.
I found the DA fractionally sharper (just arrived on holiday today - there were some 'water motor-bikes - or whatever you call them ! - around 1 km away and I took a few shots from the balcony, my wife was amazed that on zooming in you could actually have recognised the riders had you met them on the beach).
The DA is far quieter (important if it's to be used for shooting birds).
The DA has quick shift.
The DA has WR (I tested this in a downpour, on the K7 - it never batted an eyelid).
And of course there is also the small matter of a real guarantee with the DA !

If the benefits of the DA are worth it to you then change, if they are not, or a slightly faster AF is more important, then stick with the FA. In either case it's a win win !

Last edited by Frogfish; 02-12-2012 at 08:18 AM.
02-12-2012, 08:00 AM   #21
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Glad to see this thread as I am just starting to use my newly acquired FA* 300 4.5.

Of course, I had been wondering the same exact thing if the DA* would suit me better.

But in the end, I am very happy with my FA* and can't find a compelling reason to switch although I am happy to see everyone's opinion on these two lenses.

I've done the research on the tripod mount for the FA* - here is what I have in my cart at Amazon:

Amazon.com: Opteka Tripod Collar Mount for the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM, EF 300mm f/4L USM, & EF 400mm f/5.6L USM SLR Lenses: 47th Street Photo
02-12-2012, 08:25 AM   #22
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Not too much to add, but I was searching for a lens in this focal length a few months ago, and it came down to these two lenses. Availability and price at the time led me to the FA, and I couldn't be happier. I know the the DA is an absolutely fantastic lens, and the advantages listed above have been well discussed (WR, quickshift, quiet focus, perhaps slight increase in image quality), but unless you really NEED any of these attributes, I believe the benefits you will realize by upgrading will probably best be described as marginal. I would suggest hanging on to the FA, and perhaps await the 560 (or even look into the DA 200 if they play indoor sports).

02-12-2012, 08:33 AM   #23
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So to break it but the DA* isn't WR but AW, look up the specs
02-12-2012, 08:39 AM - 1 Like   #24
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QuoteOriginally posted by Anvh Quote
So to break it but the DA* isn't WR but AW, look up the specs
Not sure what AW stands for but:

PENTAX - smc PENTAX DA Star 300mm F4 ED(IF) SDM

"The tightly sealed, weather-resistant and dust-resistant construction enhances durability for use in both rainy and dusty conditions, making the DA Star 300mm F4 ED (IF) SDM lens a perfect companion for the weather-resistant PENTAX DSLR bodies."
02-12-2012, 08:54 AM   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by Anvh Quote
So to break it but the DA* isn't WR but AW, look up the specs
From Pentax : Sealed against water and dirt.

smc DA* 300mm f/4.0 ED (IF) SDM - K-mount - PENTAX Photo
02-12-2012, 06:47 PM   #26
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AW all weather, it's on the side off some of the DA* lens boxes, it's on the DA*16-50 but not on mine DA*50-135 box.
It's also in the 2010 lens folder i've but sadly can't find it on the web so fast...

AW is more weather resitance then WR.


To prove i'm not making it up.
www.pentax.jp/english/news/2010/201007.html
www.pentax.jp/english/news/2011/201101.html

Last edited by Anvh; 02-12-2012 at 07:04 PM.
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