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10-14-2017, 10:46 AM   #31
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QuoteOriginally posted by csa Quote
I've read here in the forums of members having a problem updating, using a full battery. I'm not willing to take the chance!
Fortunately the camera comes with working firmware... so you don't have to upgrade.

10-14-2017, 11:13 AM   #32
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QuoteOriginally posted by normhead Quote
I always update to the newest anyway, so it's not really an issue for me. Apart from not using a charged battery, you can't really mess that up IMHO.

---------- Post added 10-14-17 at 01:42 PM ----------

Hey look here, oops maybe too late.
SMC Pentax K300mm f4 lens - PentaxForums.com

ƒ4 gives you the opportunity to eventually get a 1.7x and up your FL to 510mm ƒ6.3.. with limited AF.
That particular lens is average. Price:IQ might be a good value though.
10-15-2017, 03:34 AM - 1 Like   #33
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QuoteOriginally posted by derekkite Quote
The M has fierce aberrations. The A is better.
??? I thought the two (M* and A*) are optically identical and that the only substantive difference is the mount.

QuoteOriginally posted by csa Quote
I've read here in the forums of members having a problem updating, using a full battery. I'm not willing to take the chance!
It seems like there is always a report from someone somewhere who has problems doing a firmware update. Failure is almost always traceable to not following directions, using a depleted or faulty battery, and/or using a bad SD card.* I am pretty conservative about updates and have only done three since buying my K-3 Spring of 2014 (initially after purchase, once more to get the runaway mirror mitigation,** and the current update to v1.30). I did the v1.30 update recently (I don't remember why) with no problems.


Steve

* Using corrupted and/or improperly formatted cards seems to be more common than battery problems. Still, the number of users who have bricked their cameras during an update is fairly small.

** Unless your K-3 is fairly early production, runaway mirror should not be a concern for you.
10-15-2017, 06:27 AM   #34
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"Still, the number of users who have bricked their cameras during an update is fairly small."

Thanks Steve, since I wouldn't be able to replace my K3, I am just too hesitant to take a chance on the update of the firmware; and there's no one close that could assist me.

My K3 will be two years old next month.


Last edited by csa; 10-15-2017 at 06:42 AM.
10-15-2017, 12:33 PM   #35
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QuoteOriginally posted by stevebrot Quote
The only information passed to the body by the A* is the maximum aperture, aperture range, and whether the the aperture ring is at the "A" position.


Steve
OK, I thought it was more (focal length). ...
Perhaps A * 300/4 have better SMC coating than M*300.
F * 300 / 4.5 is really good, albeit f 4.5 but with a really good tripod mount, but maybe not for 400?
I sold my nice F300 / 4.5 this spring for 500 and bought the DA300 / 4, perhaps stupid?
10-15-2017, 01:08 PM - 1 Like   #36
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QuoteOriginally posted by stevebrot Quote
Still, the number of users who have bricked their cameras during an update is fairly small.
Yes, but it does happen. I decided to do a FW update on a K-7 before a big game - fresh battery, freshly formatted quality SD card, followed Pentax's FW update instructions exactly - and it bricked itself. Of course I was left without a camera before the big game and had to scramble to borrow another DSLR. Had to pay to have it fixed - they wouldn't accept that it bricked itself.

FW updates to my K-3 have all been fine, though.

Mike
10-15-2017, 02:34 PM   #37
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QuoteOriginally posted by Bophoto Quote
F * 300 / 4.5 is really good, albeit f 4.5 but with a really good tripod mount, but maybe not for 400? I sold my nice F300 / 4.5 this spring for 500 and bought the DA300 / 4, perhaps stupid?
The going rate for the F*/FA*300 f4.5 seems to be around $US600-700: F* / FA* 300 4.5 - price check? - PentaxForums.com
But don't feel too bad about it - they do sometimes go for less.

If you could happen to snare one of these within budget Carol it would meet all your requirements.


Last edited by Des; 10-15-2017 at 02:40 PM.
10-15-2017, 03:30 PM - 1 Like   #38
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I agree with Des. The F* 300m f/4.5 might go for more than the FA* 300mm (same optics) because of the tripod foot. I have the FA* version, which I love. The screw-driven AF is faster than my SDM tele lenses and very accurate and sure. Handling is excellent. Weight is not bad, and shifting between AF and MF is instant by pulling or pushing on the lens collar right where you hold it.

That said, since you already have the 1.4x Tamron TC, the DA* 200mm f/2.8 would be a fine solution you might be able to find used at something you could afford. When dealing with longer telephoto FLs in this range, there is far less difference per mm than going between the same mm at shorter FLs. The 1.4x TC brings the 200mm to 280mm, and you'd find there is very little difference visually between 280mm and 300mm. The other advantage is having a tele prime of f/2.8 vs. f/4.5 which can be very meaningful under lower light or when requiring higher shutter speeds, which can mean using half the ISO setting. For these kinds of circumstances, instead of using the TC, you could just shoot at 200mm to gain the advantages of f/2.8 and just crop a bit post process to get a 300mm equivalent. The IQ of this lens and the K-3 can easily handle that. You also gain a lens with WR. This gives you essentially 2 primes in one, a 200mm f/2.8 and a 280mm f/4, all with fine quality. I also have the DA* 200mm f/2.8 as well, and find it to be a great lens. It is quite moderate in weight and size, with excellent IQ. If I were in your shoes, this is what I would do.

Last edited by mikesbike; 10-15-2017 at 03:39 PM.
10-15-2017, 03:52 PM   #39
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QuoteOriginally posted by mikesbike Quote
The 1.4x TC brings the 200mm to 280mm, and you'd find there is very little difference visually between 280mm and 300mm.
But using the 1.4X TC with a 300mm, still would gain more reach than the 200mm, + the TC, wouldn't it?
10-15-2017, 04:21 PM   #40
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Yes, of course, but you'd then be at f/6.3 which is certainly a compromise. Don't get me wrong, I'd use my Tamron 1.4x TC on my FA* 300mm f/4.5 in a pinch to get the reach, but it is less than ideal. My thought is, there are certainly many times when having a very fine 200mm f/2.8 is just the thing to do what no slower tele lens can do.

But, just to get the reach to 420mm f/6.3 under good lighting, I understand where you're coming from. OTOH, if you should get a suitable 2x TC to put on the DA* 200mm, you'd then have a 400mm f/5.6 which is not too bad! But again, you might be even better off to post-crop the DA* 200mm + 1.4x TC = 280mm to give you a 400mm image because you can shoot at f/4 (wide open with the TC) to get a higher shutter speed and/or lower ISO. The DA* 200mm f/2.8 offers more flexibility.

Last edited by mikesbike; 10-15-2017 at 04:30 PM.
10-15-2017, 04:53 PM   #41
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---------- Post added 10-15-17 at 18:56 ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by mikesbike Quote
Yes, of course, but you'd then be at f/6.3 which is certainly a compromise. Don't get me wrong, I'd use my Tamron 1.4x TC on my FA* 300mm f/4.5 in a pinch to get the reach, but it is less than ideal. My thought is, there are certainly many times when having a very fine 200mm f/2.8 is just the thing to do what no slower tele lens can do.

But, just to get the reach to 420mm f/6.3 under good lighting, I understand where you're coming from. OTOH, if you should get a suitable 2x TC to put on the DA* 200mm, you'd then have a 400mm f/5.6 which is not too bad! But again, you might be even better off to post-crop the DA* 200mm + 1.4x TC = 280mm to give you a 400mm image because you can shoot at f/4 (wide open with the TC) to get a higher shutter speed and/or lower ISO. The DA* 200mm f/2.8 offers more flexibility.
I know the OP wanted a prime

and was concerned about weight

but the D FA 150 - 450 zoom gets you 5.6 at maximum focal length

HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

and there is that price but may be the OP or [ someone else ]could get lucky on the " experienced " lens market
10-15-2017, 05:21 PM   #42
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I said in my initial post that my budget was around $400! Now, we're talking about a lens around $2000!

Well, thanks everyone; guess I'll just stick with what I have.
10-15-2017, 05:38 PM - 1 Like   #43
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Carol, I think the A* 300/4 is an excellent choice. It has a good reputation not only on PF but on other forums dedicated to older lenses. A good copy should easily be sharper than the DA 55-300.

Sometimes around Christmas there are good deals to be had on the used market, as people sell-off old stuff either to make money or because they have a new toy and no longer need the old one.

IMO $400 for a A* 300/4 is a decent deal, provided the lens is in excellent condition optically and mechanically. It is fairly light and short and hopefully pairs well with your 1.4x TC to give you 400/5.6.

If you don't like it, you should be able to re-sell for little-to-no loss.

FWIW, a couple years ago I had a Tak 300/4 and it was significantly sharper than either of the DA 55-300's I've owned. There are, of course, a few poor copies of the A* 300/4 (and M*) floating around, so make sure you can return a defective one.

Last edited by luftfluss; 10-15-2017 at 08:45 PM.
10-15-2017, 06:14 PM - 1 Like   #44
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Thank you so much! Your post gives me encouragement!
10-15-2017, 06:43 PM   #45
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There's currently an A*300/4 on flea bay for $400 (+change for shipping), I imagine better deals may come along if you're patient. The FA*300 looks to be just under $600 from sellers in Japan (I know, I know, over budget...).

There was a DA*200mm in the marketplace a few weeks ago that went for $450 (I know, I know, too short, but it looks crackingly good and sometimes comes close to your budget, it's also quite compact for what it is).

Good luck!
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