Pentax 300 vs 55-300

audiobomber · 12-13-2014, 10:00 AM

Depends on the lens and convertor. I regularly used the A*300 with a Kenko PZ 1.4X and fringing was pretty much like using the lens on its own. I had no concerns with cropping all the way in. It is a superior lens to the 55-300mm and A 400, but it does not compare well with a DA*300.

normhead · 12-13-2014, 10:43 AM

Long story short, you need a good quality lens to work with a TC. I'm sure the TCs work great on old FA*, A* or F* glass as well. Expecting that from a any _ _ -300 lens is probably not reasonable. But, the thing is, if you buy good enough glass to use a TC, you're getting two lenses for every one you own with a very small addition to your camera bag.

You could almost say if you don't plan to buy the TC and extend your range, do you really need a DA*?
If you are planning to buy a TC for more range, should you waste time and money on something like the 55-300?

Those are the kinds of questions prospective long lens purchasers need to answer before they buy their gear. The flip side is I have my Sigma 70-300, which has mechanical issues with the zoom ring, but I still use it. If you buy a 55-300, it will always be a good back up lens, for when you're DA*300 is away for cleaning, calibration, SDM motor maintenance, whatever.

My feeling having been through this routine is a light weight high Aperture notso hotso lens is always good to have around, even when you have better equipment, unless you can afford to back up your expensive lenses with quality glass.

GeneV · 12-13-2014, 11:34 AM

With a 24mp sensor, no AA filter and a lens as sharp as the DA*300, you don't really have to use a TC to extend your range. You can get are respectable 12mp at a 1.4x crop with no loss in speed.

I have not taken enough shots with the TC to know how they crop, but it could get even better. 11-12mp from the DA*300 and 1.4x converter would be approaching a 600mm FOV.

Driline · 12-13-2014, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by normhead

If you are planning to buy a TC for more range, should you waste time and money on something like the 55-300?

Norm, you are wise beyond your years

normhead · 12-13-2014, 12:23 PM

Originally posted by GeneV

With a 24mp sensor, no AA filter and a lens as sharp as the DA*300, you don't really have to use a TC to extend your range. You can get are respectable 12mp at a 1.4x crop with no loss in speed.

I have not taken enough shots with the TC to know how they crop, but it could get even better. 11-12mp from the DA*300 and 1.4x converter would be approaching a 600mm FOV.

When shooting small birds the TC is essential.... you are already cropping, you're going to crop even with the TC on. You can still use that 24 MP.

Uncropped 6000x 4000

Cropped 3000x2400 DA*60-260, @ 350mm with 1.4 TC.

Having a TC doesn't get you out of cropping, it just means less cropping and more resolution in your final image. In the end, you get more, useful images. Even with the TC I'm down to 7 MP here.

audiobomber · 12-13-2014, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by normhead

You could almost say if you don't plan to buy the TC and extend your range, do you really need a DA*?
If you are planning to buy a TC for more range, should you waste time and money on something like the 55-300?

My feeling having been through this routine is a light weight high Aperture notso hotso lens is always good to have around, even when you have better equipment, unless you can afford to back up your expensive lenses with quality glass.

I have the DA*300 and TC but I wouldn't dream of giving up my 55-300mm. Back up has come in handy, since I had to return the DA* twice under warranty. The main thing is, I value the 55-300's reasonably compact size. If you aren't cropping hard and can shoot stopped down a stop, it is a really nice lens, punchy colours, reasonable PF, WR available.

Originally posted by normhead

When shooting small birds the TC is essential.... you are already cropping, you're going to crop even with the TC on. You can still use that 24 MP.
Having a TC doesn't get you out of cropping, it just means less cropping and more resolution in your final image. In the end, you get more, useful images.

Totally agree.

GeneV · 12-14-2014, 02:44 PM

I also agree (and posted earlier) that the 55-300 is still a very valuable tool. I haven't tried the TC with the 55-300, but it would seem like it would be pretty dark at 300/420.

Yesterday, I bagged some big birds with the DA* and TC, and the TC let me use all 24mp. However, this one looks good in a near-100% crop, too.

Attached Images

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Last edited by GeneV; 12-14-2014 at 03:00 PM.

12-13-2014, 12:23 PM	#35
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by GeneV With a 24mp sensor, no AA filter and a lens as sharp as the DA300, you don't really have to use a TC to extend your range. You can get are respectable 12mp at a 1.4x crop with no loss in speed. I have not taken enough shots with the TC to know how they crop, but it could get even better. 11-12mp from the DA300 and 1.4x converter would be approaching a 600mm FOV. When shooting small birds the TC is essential.... you are already cropping, you're going to crop even with the TC on. You can still use that 24 MP. Uncropped 6000x 4000 Cropped 3000x2400 DA60-260, @ 350mm with 1.4 TC. Having a TC doesn't get you out of cropping, it just means less cropping and more resolution in your final image. In the end, you get more, useful images. Even with the TC I'm down to 7 MP here. Last edited by normhead; 12-13-2014 at 12:29 PM.*

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12-13-2014, 10:00 AM	#31
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Depends on the lens and convertor. I regularly used the A300 with a Kenko PZ 1.4X and fringing was pretty much like using the lens on its own. I had no concerns with cropping all the way in. It is a superior lens to the 55-300mm and A 400, but it does not compare well with a DA300.

12-13-2014, 10:43 AM	#32
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Long story short, you need a good quality lens to work with a TC. I'm sure the TCs work great on old FA, A or F* glass as well. Expecting that from a any _ _ -300 lens is probably not reasonable. But, the thing is, if you buy good enough glass to use a TC, you're getting two lenses for every one you own with a very small addition to your camera bag. You could almost say if you don't plan to buy the TC and extend your range, do you really need a DA? If you are planning to buy a TC for more range, should you waste time and money on something like the 55-300? Those are the kinds of questions prospective long lens purchasers need to answer before they buy their gear. The flip side is I have my Sigma 70-300, which has mechanical issues with the zoom ring, but I still use it. If you buy a 55-300, it will always be a good back up lens, for when you're DA300 is away for cleaning, calibration, SDM motor maintenance, whatever. My feeling having been through this routine is a light weight high Aperture notso hotso lens is always good to have around, even when you have better equipment, unless you can afford to back up your expensive lenses with quality glass.

12-13-2014, 11:34 AM	#33
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	With a 24mp sensor, no AA filter and a lens as sharp as the DA300, you don't really have to use a TC to extend your range. You can get are respectable 12mp at a 1.4x crop with no loss in speed. I have not taken enough shots with the TC to know how they crop, but it could get even better. 11-12mp from the DA300 and 1.4x converter would be approaching a 600mm FOV.

12-13-2014, 11:42 AM	#34
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by normhead If you are planning to buy a TC for more range, should you waste time and money on something like the 55-300? Norm, you are wise beyond your years

12-13-2014, 03:29 PM	#36
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by normhead You could almost say if you don't plan to buy the TC and extend your range, do you really need a DA? If you are planning to buy a TC for more range, should you waste time and money on something like the 55-300? My feeling having been through this routine is a light weight high Aperture notso hotso lens is always good to have around, even when you have better equipment, unless you can afford to back up your expensive lenses with quality glass. I have the DA300 and TC but I wouldn't dream of giving up my 55-300mm. Back up has come in handy, since I had to return the DA* twice under warranty. The main thing is, I value the 55-300's reasonably compact size. If you aren't cropping hard and can shoot stopped down a stop, it is a really nice lens, punchy colours, reasonable PF, WR available. Originally posted by normhead When shooting small birds the TC is essential.... you are already cropping, you're going to crop even with the TC on. You can still use that 24 MP. Having a TC doesn't get you out of cropping, it just means less cropping and more resolution in your final image. In the end, you get more, useful images. Totally agree.