Can't decide between DA 55-300 and FA 100-300

amorificus · 04-27-2012, 02:22 PM

I currently have a DA 55-300. I like its size/weight and reasonable IQ. However, I don't like that it only has 6 diaphragm blades. It makes the background and bokeh quite harsh at wide apertures.

So I'm thinking of selling it and getting a silver FA 100-300 which has 9 blades and amazing IQ (according to reviews here on our forum).

Would that be unwise? I'd like someone who's owned a 100-300 to comment please. Thanks in advance!

Adam · 04-27-2012, 02:36 PM - **1 Like**

I don't think you'll get any better IQ from the 100-300mm in reality, plus, your DA lens is much less flimsy. I'd stick with what you already have!

jimr-pdx · 04-27-2012, 02:44 PM

There are many nice ???-300 zooms out there - heck my Quantaray 100-300 was great with just a bit of contrast boost in PP. Thing is, starting at 70 or 100mm really cramped my style, so after selling some lenses and looking to step back into this FL range I concluded that going to 55mm was worth any other perceived penalties. The Q-ray focused faster, nearly all of them are a bit cheaper - but the DA or DAL 55-300 has the range that suits me. If you are sure this won't be a big deal to you, swapping and saving some cash might be worth it.

**luftfluss** · 04-27-2012, 03:27 PM

Actually, the reviews here on PF point to the DA 55-300 having better IQ than the FA 100-300. They are probably very close.

Laurentiu Cristofor · 04-27-2012, 04:55 PM

Originally posted by amorificus

I currently have a DA 55-300. I like its size/weight and reasonable IQ. However, I don't like that it only has 6 diaphragm blades. It makes the background and bokeh quite harsh at wide apertures.

Bokeh is not defined by aperture blades, it is just a matter of optical design. The only bokeh aspect that aperture blades impact is the shape of OOF highlights.

The FA IQ is not amazing - it is just on a comparable level to that of the DA. I preferred the FA over the DA because it is less expensive and more suitable to manual focus. Don't expect an improvement in your images. Don't expect a big difference in bokeh.

amorificus · 04-27-2012, 05:05 PM

hmmm yes, I think I'll just keep the 55-300. It's very reliable and versatile compared to some F and FA zooms I've tried before. The IQ of 55-300 is very good for me.

I just thought lenses with 9 blades produced very smooth photos with outstanding bokeh and creamy out-of-focus blur like the DA 55, 55-135, FA 77 and 31 etc...

Laurentiu Cristofor · 04-27-2012, 10:35 PM

Originally posted by amorificus

I just thought lenses with 9 blades produced very smooth photos with outstanding bokeh and creamy out-of-focus blur

Nope. Just a common misconception kept alive by Internet meme recycling.

04-27-2012, 02:22 PM	#1
amorificus Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 69	Can't decide between DA 55-300 and FA 100-300 I currently have a DA 55-300. I like its size/weight and reasonable IQ. However, I don't like that it only has 6 diaphragm blades. It makes the background and bokeh quite harsh at wide apertures. So I'm thinking of selling it and getting a silver FA 100-300 which has 9 blades and amazing IQ (according to reviews here on our forum). Would that be unwise? I'd like someone who's owned a 100-300 to comment please. Thanks in advance!

04-27-2012, 02:36 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	I don't think you'll get any better IQ from the 100-300mm in reality, plus, your DA lens is much less flimsy. I'd stick with what you already have! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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04-27-2012, 02:44 PM	#3
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	There are many nice ???-300 zooms out there - heck my Quantaray 100-300 was great with just a bit of contrast boost in PP. Thing is, starting at 70 or 100mm really cramped my style, so after selling some lenses and looking to step back into this FL range I concluded that going to 55mm was worth any other perceived penalties. The Q-ray focused faster, nearly all of them are a bit cheaper - but the DA or DAL 55-300 has the range that suits me. If you are sure this won't be a big deal to you, swapping and saving some cash might be worth it.

04-27-2012, 03:27 PM	#4
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,626	Actually, the reviews here on PF point to the DA 55-300 having better IQ than the FA 100-300. They are probably very close.

04-27-2012, 04:55 PM	#5
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by amorificus I currently have a DA 55-300. I like its size/weight and reasonable IQ. However, I don't like that it only has 6 diaphragm blades. It makes the background and bokeh quite harsh at wide apertures. Bokeh is not defined by aperture blades, it is just a matter of optical design. The only bokeh aspect that aperture blades impact is the shape of OOF highlights. The FA IQ is not amazing - it is just on a comparable level to that of the DA. I preferred the FA over the DA because it is less expensive and more suitable to manual focus. Don't expect an improvement in your images. Don't expect a big difference in bokeh.

04-27-2012, 05:05 PM	#6
amorificus Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 69 Original Poster	hmmm yes, I think I'll just keep the 55-300. It's very reliable and versatile compared to some F and FA zooms I've tried before. The IQ of 55-300 is very good for me. I just thought lenses with 9 blades produced very smooth photos with outstanding bokeh and creamy out-of-focus blur like the DA 55, 55-135, FA 77 and 31 etc...

04-27-2012, 10:35 PM	#7
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by amorificus I just thought lenses with 9 blades produced very smooth photos with outstanding bokeh and creamy out-of-focus blur Nope. Just a common misconception kept alive by Internet meme recycling.