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06-07-2018, 04:43 PM - 1 Like   #16
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QuoteOriginally posted by DriftlessPhotographe Quote
Hello,

I currently have a k70 body with a 18-135mm kit lens. I'm looking at investing in the Pentax 300mm SMC DA lens for birding as I've developed a primary interest in that area. My questions are, does anyone use this lens on the k70? If so what are your thoughts on image quality, especially on cropped images? Also any sample images would be awesome and appreciated.

Thanks all!
Your K-70 is a 24Mp APS-C camera, Driftless, and look in this forum for what must be thousands of shots with that lens and the K-3, K-3 II, KP and K-70.

Coupling it with the 1.4x HD TC is much smaller and cheaper than nearly all the alternatives for good quality birding lenses, where you really want 400mm on APS-C or 600mm on FF if possible.

06-07-2018, 05:28 PM - 1 Like   #17
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QuoteOriginally posted by Des Quote
if the SDM fails out of warranty it can be readily converted to screw-drive AF which apparently works well.
QuoteOriginally posted by Des Quote
you would probably also want to get the Pentax 1.4x TC at some stage
Here is a post with one of the pictures I took the day after converting the DA* 300 f4 to screw drive. There is also a MF picture with the 300 on the Q7. Even with Liveview, MF with the DA* 300 can be a challenge.

Please note that unlike the DA* 300 f4, the excellent HD 1.4x AF converter is not FF. Here is an example of what to expect if you use the 1.4x on the K-1. For me, the benefit of the 1.4x with the 300 on the K-1 outweighs the FF advantage of the 1.7x, unless you have a very patient subject, or use a MF lens.

While the converted 300 is no longer whisper quiet, it may be the quietest screw drive lens i own. I've not done a scientific test to verify.
06-07-2018, 05:41 PM - 1 Like   #18
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I've converted a few DA* 300 lenses but not a lot. The same can be said for the DA* 200.
06-07-2018, 06:01 PM - 1 Like   #19
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The FA*300 F/4.5 has been running closer to $800.00 USD or more on flea bay recently. I was considering acquiring one since I sold my previous copy. But at those prices, i will stick with my heavyweight Sigma 120-400. (and I mean heavy! almost 2 Kg!)

06-07-2018, 06:03 PM - 2 Likes   #20
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QuoteOriginally posted by rgknief60 Quote
While the converted 300 is no longer whisper quiet, it may be the quietest screw drive lens i own. I've not done a scientific test to verify.
QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
I've converted a few DA* 300 lenses but not a lot. The same can be said for the DA* 200.
Polish the lamp and out pop two genies. :-) Greetings to both of you.
06-07-2018, 06:36 PM - 1 Like   #21
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QuoteOriginally posted by SSGGeezer Quote
The FA*300 F/4.5 has been running closer to $800.00 USD or more on flea bay recently. I was considering acquiring one since I sold my previous copy. But at those prices, i will stick with my heavyweight Sigma 120-400. (and I mean heavy! almost 2 Kg!)
I was actually looking for an F or FA but found a DA for less than either model. I have no regrets in my purchase. All three are stellar lenses.
06-07-2018, 08:24 PM - 1 Like   #22
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Another with K-70 and DA* 300mm f/4. Stepped out into the yard hoping to see some birds. Found only starlings. First shot is cropped and auto sharpened. Next is SOOC. Just resized and converted to jpeg.

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06-07-2018, 08:47 PM - 3 Likes   #23
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QuoteOriginally posted by DW58 Quote
Another with K-70 and DA* 300mm f/4. Stepped out into the yard hoping to see some birds. Found only starlings. First shot is cropped and auto sharpened. Next is SOOC. Just resized and converted to jpeg.
When I find starlings in the yard I reach for a different instrument to take a shot with.
06-09-2018, 09:57 PM   #24
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QuoteOriginally posted by DriftlessPhotographe Quote
Hello,

I currently have a k70 body with a 18-135mm kit lens. I'm looking at investing in the Pentax 300mm SMC DA lens for birding as I've developed a primary interest in that area. My questions are, does anyone use this lens on the k70? If so what are your thoughts on image quality, especially on cropped images? Also any sample images would be awesome and appreciated.

Thanks all!
The 300 is an awesome lens. Was my first BIG lens purchase. Resolution is awesome, has great bokeh and is not too big. I have taken a few awesome shots on both my K3 II and KP with it. The autofocus isn’t DC or PLM quick but it is just fine for performance, sure a focus limiter would help... However for an approximately 1,000-1,100 dollar high performing telephoto it can’t be beat. Plus it works great with a K1 should you decide to go FF.

Enjoy one when NOT if you get one on the K70. I am sure if you get a good copy you will be as delighted as I am with mine.
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