[slip]

Well, I'm not sure anyone can put a set standard value on it (especially with the 300's SDM so rare to fail). What is the silent focusing of the SDM worth to you? Currently it seems possible to get the lens in great condition for around $800. I think something in the $550 - $650 range would be a great price for a lens of that quality for sure! If you're shooting birds and trying to be as quiet as possible, then maybe screwdrive isn't worth that much to you. Just my two cents.

thanks. every lens I buy used I try to make sure if I need to sell it, it will be worth the amount I paid

Randy

[aikilink]

thanks. every lens I buy used I try to make sure if I need to sell it, it will be worth the amount I paid

Randy

No problem - I'd wait for a few more responses to get other input. I know I wouldn't mind being able to get a screwdriven *300 for $600. :-) On the other hand someone else might feel it'd be worth the extra $200 to get a SDM one instead.

Best of luck! :-)

[BrianR]

Are we talking $700 Canadian dollars?

[gatorguy]

any ideas what the lens would be valued at with the screw drive conversation? the owner just confirmed it is indeed SDM failure

thanks

Randy

Since you can buy a brand-new one from Adorama for less than $800 I'd run from that used one you have your eye on.

Edit: OOPS! Adorama's $779 lens is used, but rated as excellent condition.
http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20681006.html?

[normhead]

Since I'd want to use AF, I'd tell the guy to have the conversion done before we negotiate the price, or get an estimate to get it fixed and subtract that from the price. IN it's current state, I'd offer $250. Especially since we recently had a guy told he had to fix the SDM to get the screw drive to work properly. If memory serves me well, whatever had to be fixed in the SDM also affected the screw drive.

There may be people who have successfully done screw drive conversions on this lens, but that doesn't mean it's always possible or always successful.

[slip]

Are we talking $700 Canadian dollars?

yes. I offered him 400 but said no.

[aikilink]

yes. I offered him 400 but said no.

Talking CAD, I think 400 is a pretty low offer personally, for such a lens. Maybe you could have an agreement that if the repair fails, he'll let you return it? You could have him ship it to UnlceVanya directly, and if the screwdrive conversion isn't successful, it could be sent back - properly financing the conversion attempt and shipping of course.

[snostorm]

Personally, I'd prefer a screwdrive converted DA*300 over one with SDM because that would open up the possibility of using existing Sigma and Tamron 1.4x TCs instead of being forced to get a Pentax AW 1.4 at significantly higher cost with only relatively minor optical advantage (IMO). I rarely shoot my many 300mm lenses without a TC since I'm primarily a birder, and I've stuck with my FA* 300/4.5 for a number of reasons even though the DA*300 is slightly faster and slightly better in optical performance. I saw the downsides to the DA* that it's larger and heavier (I mostly shoot handheld) and it's only really functionally compatible with the HD AW 1.4x (which was introduced long after I'd made this decision).

I'd probably pay as much as $500 for a SDM failed DA* 300 as this is really about the minimum you'd end up paying for a lens in this class.

Scott