Originally posted by HarisF1 If you buy the new PLM zoom lens then maybe the extra sharpness would allow you to crop.
Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim a consumer lens - that isn't really any sharper than the earlier 55-300
I have both the DA-L 55-300 and the 55-300 PLM. I agree with Jim that the PLM isn't really sharper overall, except that my subjective impression is that the PLM is a bit sharper at 300mm f6.3. I think the bokeh is more pleasant on the PLM, but in terms of resolution at 300mm f8 they are much the same. The screw-drive versions are not internal focus, and don't suffer from focus breathing like the PLM does, so real world magnification of subjects not far away is greater on the screw-drive version.
Of course the fast and quiet AF on the PLM, its compact size when retracted, and its shorter minimum focus distance are all big advantages. Faster AF probably means more keepers. The slower maximum aperture of the PLM at the long end (f6.3, compared with f5.8 for the screw-drive versions) isn't a significant disadvantage in practice, for two reasons. First, as I said, it's better at f6.3. Second, if you want f5.6, you just need to back off to about 280mm.
Back to the main point. TBH, I doubt a consumer zoom with a TC would give better results than cropping on the K-3. The equation is different with a TC + prime.
Originally posted by Hokonui Cost is a factor hence the following suggestions, maybe; A fast 200 mm plus 2x teleconverter Or a med to fast 300 mm plus 1.4x teleconverter Perhaps something like the Sigma 120-400 mm F4.5-5.6 Or an older 400-500 mm prime like the Sigma 400 mm F5.6 perhaps What option / combo does the forum suggest?
I've tried three of these options: 300mm prime + TC, cheapish long zoom, and 400mm f5.6 prime. There is a case for each of them.
As between zoom and prime, it's the old chestnut of versatility v weight/IQ. I had a Sigma 170-500 and I found the limitations of weight and bulk and IQ too much. Others have got better results with the later model Sigma zooms, although the 2kg weight would put me off. I found even the bulk and weight of the 170-500 sometimes a chore to carry and use, and the Sigma 50-500 and 150-500 are bigger and heavier.
As between primes, here is my experience. I have a Sigma 400 f5.6 tele macro, which is one of the better 400 primes (although hard to find). It's a nice lens, and quite sharp from wide open. But since I got the FA*300 f4.5 and a Kenko 1.5x pz TC, the Sigma doesn't get so much use. The FA* is a superior lens, and it is compact and relatively light weight. IQ hardly suffers when paired with the TC. Had I known at the start, I would have just got it, and been done with it. The FA*300 seems to be going for between $US600 and $700 now, and I think it's a very good buy at that price. With the 55-300 for portability and convenience, I'm set.
The DA*300 f4 has a number of advantages over the F*/FA*300, but it's a lot more expensive, especially when paired with the DA 1.4x TC. The F*/FA* can be used with a wide range of (more affordable) TCs, unlike the DA*.
There are times when I think a long zoom would be nice (from what I can see, the DFA 150-450 is a very fine lens although very expensive), but overall the 300 prime + TC is the compromise that suits me best (including value for money). I think this is a minority view - other people can live with 2kg zooms that are half a metre long and get excellent results from them.
As for the 200mm prime plus more TC, that's not an option I have tried, but @Normhead has got excellent results with a DA*200 + stacked TCs. Have a look at his threads about it.
Other options to consider would be (1) using a small sensor camera like the Pentax Q series with a sharp medium tele lens, or (2) a Sigma or Tamron 150-600 in Canon or Nikon mount, with a cheap second-hand body.
Originally posted by luftfluss Using a manual focus tele lens requires dedication, though. I see many photos made with long MF teles posted here and elsewhere that are soft or even blurry, most often due to poor focus. To get the best results from a MF tele, you need to "live the life".
Originally posted by pepperberry farm I'm currently coming to grips with a Tokina AT-X 150, which is a manual focus, 150mm-500mm f5.6 zoom... it's a very capable lens, but I'm it's only short-coming at the moment....
All power to those who have high skills with MF, but I agree that unless you are really committed AF makes life much easier. I used a MF zoom on my old film SLR for about 23 years, and got reasonably good at MF, but as soon as I went to an AF lens for moving subjects I got far more keepers and could never look back.