[hoopsontoast]

Just picked up a DA*300 for my K-1, what a dream lens! I was originally looking at a DA*200 but I knew I needed something longer for for the F1 GP so found this at a dealer for a decent price.

Its actually smaller than I imagined, and very usable to hand hold for a few hours, like at the F1 GP over the weekend.







I plan on adding a DA*200 and DA*55 too at some point....

One of the first test shots, pin sharp focus on the Cows nose, showing all the flies!




And a big test at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix at the weekend! AF was quick (apart from when it missed and racked all the way back, an AF Limited would be ideal) and AF-C tracking was not too bad at all I found.













Really usable shots even though very heavily cropped...

[C_Jones]

Quite a few nice shots.

[RoccoStiglitz]

Lol @ Kimi not bothering to help that lady down from the podium.

[Tas]

Just picked up a DA*300 for my K-1, what a dream lens! I was originally looking at a DA*200 but I knew I needed something longer for for the F1 GP so found this at a dealer for a decent price.

Its actually smaller than I imagined, and very usable to hand hold for a few hours, like at the F1 GP over the weekend.





I plan on adding a DA*200 and DA*55 too at some point....

One of the first test shots, pin sharp focus on the Cows nose, showing all the flies!



And a big test at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix at the weekend! AF was quick (apart from when it missed and racked all the way back, an AF Limited would be ideal) and AF-C tracking was not too bad at all I found.









Really usable shots even though very heavily cropped...

A nice series you've captured there mate, and I'd have to admit to being a fan of the DA*300 myself. I mostly use the 150-450 now, but that's for the extra reach. It's a good lens too but the 300 is one of my favourites hope it becomes one of yours too.

Tas

[KiloHotelphoto]

The DA*300 I think is the perfect walk around lens for wildlife, I was amazed at how small it is.

Great shots of the F1 action also. I'm thinking of going to the US Grand Prix in Oct. and K1 and 300 is the combo I will be taking.

[fwcetus]

So, just how good is the SDM AF on the DA* 300/4 for:

1. AF focusing speed ?

2. AF focus accuracy ?

3. SDM reliability/longevity ?

[fwcetus]

1. Faster is always better, but for subjects that interest me: no problems (even for birds-in-flight during the very low light of Winter).

2. Once the FA AF has been fine tuned to the camera body: no complaints.

3. Again, since 2008, no problems. The lens has never disappointed me.

Finally, if you wish to up your game from 300mm to 420mm, adding the HD 1.4TC does not seem to deteriorate performance.

Thanks, Michael, for your response. As a long-time (and happy) user of the F* 300/4.5, this thread, and your reply, have caused me to at least have my interest in the DA* 300/4 suitably piqued.

[obriendm]

I thought the DA 300 was only compatible with dslr frames, but not the full frame k-1...

[rawr]

I thought the DA 300 was only compatible with dslr frames, but not the full frame k-1...

It's a full-frame design. Effectively, it's really a D FA* 300 f4.

[gm4life]

Great shots! I really like mine too on a crop sensor as well. I keep thinking about the 1.4 HD teleconverter but have resisted it thus far.

[Basie]

So, just how good is the SDM AF on the DA* 300/4 for:

1. AF focusing speed ?

2. AF focus accuracy ?

3. SDM reliability/longevity ?

The DA*300 F4 is a gem on the K5. Really sharp and focusing is great within the Pentax limitations. By far my favorite and best lens. I have mine for several yearsnow and no SDM motor problems, but the SDM contacts on the lens has broken off, rendering the lens nearly useless, but it is a small easily replaceable part. It just takes more than 6 weeks to get in in my neck of the woods. The contacts is the same for all SDM lenses, but the longer lens with some leverage might have helped its earlier failure.

[Kerrowdown]

If you saw a fellow drowning, and you could either save him
or photograph the event . . . . . . . What lens would you use ?

In answer to your wee conundrum you pose.

Quickly take... "F8 and be there", then haul him out so you can get his details, so you can then sell the story. Not at all cynical, just professional.

Pulitzer prize here I come.

[twilhelm]

Great set! You really nailed the race shots.

[c.perkins]

Have had my DA*300 for a few months now and really enjoy it for what I photograph.
Takes exceptional photos using the K5IIs.
Finally hit the buy button on a new Pentax 1.4x HD teleconverter to go along with it.

Clarence

[Sandy Hancock]

Great stuff. The DA*300 is one of my favourite lenses, and the K-1 has given it a new lease of life.
With the option of using the teleconverter in crop mode I keep telling myself I don't need the 150-450....