Pentax F* vs DA* 300mm

**pacerr** · 03-24-2014, 08:51 PM - **1 Like**

The DA* 300's a fantastic lens, BUT . . . remember, you can't 'zoom with your feet' in the nautical environment. If boating use is the primary consideration I'd choose the zoom with no hesitation.

A zoom makes a 'whale' of a difference there, as does a body that has the robust MPS to allow cropping a bit for eye catching composition.'

I'd suggest the DA 60-250 . . . or a very economical trial of the DA 55-300 to see if that FL would work. If you've got good composition even that lens won't cost you commercial opportunities if your technique is good and your shots are worth publishing in the marine world.

Good luck.

H2

Last edited by pacerr; 03-24-2014 at 08:57 PM.

ironlionzion · 03-25-2014, 10:09 AM - **1 Like**

I was also lured into the classic glass and look of the F*300. I just picked up a nice copy off ebay for $1030 shipped. They do command a premium over used DA*300 because of their rarity and collectors status, but I like to think the screw drive will outlast SDM and be much simpler and cheaper to fix if something goes wrong. The F*300 and DA*300 have nearly identical IQ, but the F* weighs less but lacks WR.

SaltyPentax · 03-25-2014, 05:13 PM

Ironlionzion, I am under the spell of the classic glass as well. I think the advice of the posts is sound and I will follow the wisdom behind acquiring a 60-250 DA* for the majority of my needs. However, I think I just need to bite the bullet and also start saving a little for the F*. Won't sleep till I get it!

Thanks!

steve1307 · 03-25-2014, 10:02 PM

I agree the DA*60-250 would be the ideal for versatility, but I can disagree with the 300mm either.

A couple of weeks ago i went shooting 18 foot skiff racing in Sydney Harbour. Even though winds were moderate our launch couldn't keep up with the the racing skiffs.

I had a DA*300, a DA55-300 and DA18-135 used while out on the water. (i dont have a DA*60-250) 2 bodies K-7 and K-5IIs

Of about 650 shots 340 were with DA*300 (which I was preferring, fixed on my K-5IIs) but I definitely need to be able to zoom to much shorter to capture the action as it came closer. I did use the 300 for some "close-up" detail in tandem with a wider angle when the action did get closer

About 180 shots taken with either DA zooms were within the 60-250 range.
130 were wider but quite a few of these were, general Sydney harbour scenery, overall race scene and the finish celebrations when we could get a lot closer.

If I had a 60-250 it would have gotten a least equal use to the 300.

Best advice is .....Get both

SaltyPentax · 03-26-2014, 04:40 PM

Too true! I like the idea of both and no doubt, I will enjoy shooting with the F* at times. I can only imagine it is like driving a classic sports car - not all the bells and whistles but plenty of charisma. It's so nice to have a forum of like minded people, kind of like a polarizing filter for common sense - it reduces the unwanted effects of overspending one's hobby budget. At least all this camera gear is nothing compared to the hole in the water a boat can be...

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03-24-2014, 08:51 PM - 1 Like	#16
pacerr Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Paris, TN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,350	The DA* 300's a fantastic lens, BUT . . . remember, you can't 'zoom with your feet' in the nautical environment. If boating use is the primary consideration I'd choose the zoom with no hesitation. A zoom makes a 'whale' of a difference there, as does a body that has the robust MPS to allow cropping a bit for eye catching composition.' I'd suggest the DA 60-250 . . . or a very economical trial of the DA 55-300 to see if that FL would work. If you've got good composition even that lens won't cost you commercial opportunities if your technique is good and your shots are worth publishing in the marine world. Good luck. H2 Last edited by pacerr; 03-24-2014 at 08:57 PM.

03-25-2014, 10:09 AM - 1 Like	#17
ironlionzion Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 409	I was also lured into the classic glass and look of the F300. I just picked up a nice copy off ebay for $1030 shipped. They do command a premium over used DA300 because of their rarity and collectors status, but I like to think the screw drive will outlast SDM and be much simpler and cheaper to fix if something goes wrong. The F300 and DA300 have nearly identical IQ, but the F* weighs less but lacks WR.

03-25-2014, 05:13 PM	#18
SaltyPentax Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 33 Original Poster	Ironlionzion, I am under the spell of the classic glass as well. I think the advice of the posts is sound and I will follow the wisdom behind acquiring a 60-250 DA* for the majority of my needs. However, I think I just need to bite the bullet and also start saving a little for the F*. Won't sleep till I get it! Thanks!

03-25-2014, 10:02 PM	#19
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	I agree the DA60-250 would be the ideal for versatility, but I can disagree with the 300mm either. A couple of weeks ago i went shooting 18 foot skiff racing in Sydney Harbour. Even though winds were moderate our launch couldn't keep up with the the racing skiffs. I had a DA300, a DA55-300 and DA18-135 used while out on the water. (i dont have a DA60-250) 2 bodies K-7 and K-5IIs Of about 650 shots 340 were with DA300 (which I was preferring, fixed on my K-5IIs) but I definitely need to be able to zoom to much shorter to capture the action as it came closer. I did use the 300 for some "close-up" detail in tandem with a wider angle when the action did get closer About 180 shots taken with either DA zooms were within the 60-250 range. 130 were wider but quite a few of these were, general Sydney harbour scenery, overall race scene and the finish celebrations when we could get a lot closer. If I had a 60-250 it would have gotten a least equal use to the 300. Best advice is .....Get both

03-26-2014, 04:40 PM	#20
SaltyPentax Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 33 Original Poster	Too true! I like the idea of both and no doubt, I will enjoy shooting with the F* at times. I can only imagine it is like driving a classic sports car - not all the bells and whistles but plenty of charisma. It's so nice to have a forum of like minded people, kind of like a polarizing filter for common sense - it reduces the unwanted effects of overspending one's hobby budget. At least all this camera gear is nothing compared to the hole in the water a boat can be...