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06-29-2012, 12:21 PM   #16
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The only reason I don't have a DA*300 already is the lack of a compatible 1.4X convertor. I expect to buy one when they release the SDM convertor shown in the 2012 roadmap. In the meantime I have a decent A*300 f4.

A 300mm f4 + TC is a great combo, you can go for speed at f4, or add the TC for distance. I need f4 frequently. Even on sunny days, it's hard to get enough light in the woods for decent shutter speeds and ISO. That's why I would rather have a 300 f4 + TC than a 560mm f5.6.

06-29-2012, 01:35 PM   #17
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QuoteOriginally posted by audiobomber Quote
The only reason I don't have a DA*300 already is the lack of a compatible 1.4X convertor. I expect to buy one when they release the SDM convertor shown in the 2012 roadmap. In the meantime I have a decent A*300 f4.

A 300mm f4 + TC is a great combo, you can go for speed at f4, or add the TC for distance. I need f4 frequently. Even on sunny days, it's hard to get enough light in the woods for decent shutter speeds and ISO. That's why I would rather have a 300 f4 + TC than a 560mm f5.6.
I think Joe.Penn uses the Tamron 1.4 and gets good results.
06-29-2012, 01:43 PM   #18
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QuoteOriginally posted by kenafein Quote
I think Joe.Penn uses the Tamron 1.4 and gets good results.
Good IQ or good AF? I have the Kenko 1.5X PZ, which is supposedly identical to the Tamron 1.4 PZ. It works well on my A*300 in manual focus and OK with screw drive lenses. I've only tried it with one SDM lens, a 50-135mm, and AF was awful. Lots of stutter and not accurate when it locked on. Most accounts I've heard with this TC and SDM lenses have reported good IQ but poor AF performance.
06-29-2012, 04:08 PM   #19
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Yes, the Tamron 1.4 TC matches well with both SDM and HSM, meaning it powers both - getting an AF lock isn't too bad, easier when tripoded though. Not sure about the kenko, but the vivitar 1.4 tc is the tamron tc without internal motor contacts...

06-30-2012, 09:42 AM   #20
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QuoteOriginally posted by crewl1 Quote
I can say it is worth the sacrifice if the focal length is of use to you.
I'd love one, but what puts me off is the size and weight. Also, I think that at longer focal lengths it's a bit easier to find your subject with a zoom.
06-30-2012, 09:54 AM   #21
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I found everything in the review to be spot on, and would recommend this lens to anyone in a heart beat, even at the new price.

I did have a scare with mine though, just yesterday. A hawk landed in our back yard and I threw the lens on to take some pictures. It wouldn't focus! Of course I jumped to conclusions and thought the SDM had died on it. Instead, it turned out the battery in my K5 was nearly drained. Fresh battery and everything was right with the world - except the impatient hawk didn't stick around while I was changing the battery.

I have to update my response. Turns out my lens has failed and has been sent in for repairs. :-( So much for that.

Last edited by Tom S.; 08-03-2012 at 12:36 PM. Reason: Update
08-03-2012, 10:45 AM   #22
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mmmmmm, tasty! Just got my new Pentax DA* 300mm f/4 and mounted it to my K5. This is one sick setup!






Last edited by jtb04a; 08-03-2012 at 10:50 AM. Reason: Photo didn't show up.
08-03-2012, 10:53 AM   #23
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I love that lens!!!!
08-03-2012, 10:54 AM   #24
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Congrats! Even 'sicker' are the images that it will produce
08-03-2012, 11:02 AM   #25
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Yep. I can't wait for football season to get here!
11-28-2012, 01:52 AM   #26
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QuoteOriginally posted by jtb04a Quote
mmmmmm, tasty! Just got my new Pentax DA* 300mm f/4 and mounted it to my K5. This is one sick setup!


OK , there are two great photos here, if the lens still looks like on those photos, I will be very happy with that
kind regards
jack
11-28-2012, 06:11 AM   #27
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I bought a DA*300 recently. I haven't had much chance to use it. IQ is superb, as expected. AF is OK, a little slow. AF with the PZ Kenko is slow, halting and sometimes misses, even on easy targets. I need a K-5 II or K-3 (currently K-x and K20D) and PENTAX SDM 1.4X TC.

Last edited by audiobomber; 12-17-2012 at 03:03 PM.
11-28-2012, 06:20 AM   #28
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I picked the 60-250 over this lens when looking for a tele in the beginning of the year, and though I don't regret my decision, I don't think I would have regretted the 300 either. AF speed really might be better with screwdrive, and it could be that future cameras will let the user choose, where both are available.
11-28-2012, 02:46 PM   #29
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QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
We've just posted an in-depth review of the longest lens in Pentax's current lineup, the DA* 300mm F4.

Many thanks to photomission for the great piece!

Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 Review - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

Nice lens, but why rate a lens 10/9 in sharpness and abberations and stating at the same time that mage quality gets much better beyond 5.6. Very soon you will rate all lenses 10 or 9 only. How bad must be a 7 in AF - well it is slow, SDM is slooooooooooow, but it does the job and with some bird manual focus works best.
12-16-2012, 06:56 PM   #30
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I'm curious to know if the listed weight of 1070g is with or without the tripod collar? How does the lens compare with older 300mm Pentax lenses?
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