[Wild Mark]

Nasty dilemma

I can assure you, the lightness of the F*300 is worth noting. They are tough too. Sure things can go mechanically wrong, but the DA*300 has more to worry about in that department.

Either way you are seeking a very good lens.

[RobA_Oz]

It's about 1.5 kg, and it's not a prime. Great images, but too heavy.

I'm torn between F* and DA*. F* is very compact, but DA* seems comfortable to hold as well, and it matches K5iis perfectly
And for about the same price I get warranty. If I only could test both lenses on my shoulder. To get steady position I tend to use big or long lens on shoulder while focusing with AF.
I can rent DA*, but can't rent F* to compare.

There may be someone in your neck of the woods (well, within a couple of hours drive, anyway) who has an F*300, and who would be wiling to let you try it. I've actually helped someone here who had a similar dilemma, but with ultra-wides. I'd suggest you put a call out through the Forum. There's nothing like trying the real thing.

[micromacro]

Nasty dilemma

No kidding That's the main reason I still can't pledge to Pentax entirely, and sell my Canon. I can't just drive around and check Pentax lenses like with Canon. I keep telling myself that Canon is good travel setup, but guess what, I forget about it when I bring pictures home and like Pentax more than Canon again and again. So, instead of traveling lighter, I bring two cameras and glass. Kind of stupid.

It's been 3 days since I got LBA virus , search all the internet, and still can't decide. Hate this guessing shopping.

---------- Post added 10-12-15 at 05:12 AM ----------

There may be someone in your neck of the woods (well, within a couple of hours drive, anyway) who has an F*300, and who would be wiling to let you try it.

Hah, so far I have not met anybody with Pentax around.

[csa]

I wish I could do that. I could carry the camera with 1000g lens all day in bag, but carry and shot with that setup all day- nope. The first day my limit will be an hour, the second while hands remember that weight, I can do it longer but with care, changing hands while walking. The biggest problem are wrists. I also tend to forget about the weight while hunting birds , but always pay the price for that with wrist pain later.

Thankfully I don't need to deal with cold temperatures, but humidity is a killer.

Micro, I have this lens support from Op/Tech:

OP/TECH USA Lens Support Adaptor System Connector

When I had my Tokina 400 (which is a heavy lens), I could walk comfortably with this strap attached to the lens. Just a suggestion. Since you already use a OpTech Pro strap, this would clip right onto your current strap! You don't need to detach it, in order to take photos either. When you don't need the lens support; simply unclip it from your main OpTech strap.

[micromacro]

Thanks, Carol,
I totally forgot about that support system because recently I was all about short and light lens setups just to realize how much I miss long zooms and birding

[micromacro]

Guys, thank you for helping with my brainstorming, it's over (so happy!)
I will go for brand new DA* 300 with extended warranty till the end of this year. Santa better bring it.

[csa]

micro, that will be a great lens for you; Congratulations, and hope Santa finds your place!

[Driline]

Awww....too bad you didn't choose the F*300. That lens looks cool because it's white and gives you instant street cred. Here's mine



Here's a recent picture with my F*300. I dare to say it rivals my FA 31 for rendering and sharpness. Pixie dust galore.

[cali92rs]

Ive used the DA300 and have the F*300 - both very fine lenses.

The DA*300 was much longer but focusing was swift and silent. That was nice. Also WR ...

The F*300 was shorter, lighter. Focusing is swift, but noisy and no WR.

The FA* scratches very easily.

Despite its age I have settled with the F*300 - not much can go wrong with the crew drive mechanics. I just have to be careful with how I keep the lens to avoid fungus.

How do you compare the DA vs the F regarding focusing speed?
I had the DA* and honestly I found it to be pretty pedestrian (I wouldn't call it slow, but not faster than my 55-300 either).

[micromacro]

Awww....too bad you didn't choose the F*300. That lens looks cool because it's white and gives you instant street cred. Here's mine
Here's a recent picture with my F*300. I dare to say it rivals my FA 31 for rendering and sharpness. Pixie dust galore.

It really looks great... but I have to stay strong!
I'm really curious what black friday price will be for DA*. The recent discount is from last year bf price right now.

[Driline]

I do own the DA*200 as well. I purchased it for low light indoor events. It works beautiful, however it does not have the unique "pixie dust" rendering the F*300 has. I don't own the DA*300 so really cannot compare that lens.

[fwcetus]

I'll be in Florida for a couple of weeks again this coming winter, for a lot of "big bird" birding. Despite any humidity problems, I'll once again be using an F* 300/4.5 for bright-light shooting, an FA* 200/2.8 for early-day and late-day shooting, and a (pre-WR) DA 55-300/4-5.8 as a walkabout / bikeabout lens. [Of course, I won't be shooting in the rain...]

[Abbazz]

One more vote for the F* 300/4.5, which is one of my favorite Pentax lenses. It's a surprisingly sharp lens considering the focal length and almost free of chromatic aberrations as well as purple fringing. It's also really compact for a 300mm lens, making it a joy to carry, even for extended hikings. Last but not least, the built quality is truly first notch, much better than DA lenses (and you get true full frame coverage; one never knows...).

Cheers!

Abbazz

[csa]

It really looks great... but I have to stay strong!
I'm really curious what black friday price will be for DA*. The recent discount is from last year bf price right now.

Micro, did you see this!!!

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/94-pentax-price-watch/306015-pentax-da-30...ml#post3403275

[micromacro]

Yep, Carol
But no free extended warranty as Adorama had. I will wait a bit closer to BF