[hoosierdome]

I have the Pentax -A 300mm and was wondering how much better the IQ is in a Pentax-DA 300MM lens. Don't want to spend that much money on a new lens if I'm not gaining much in IQ.Was thinking that if the IQ is close I might get the Pentax_DA 1.4 converter.
Thanks

[aslyfox]

have you looked at the various user reviews as well as the " In Depth Review " of the SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM ?

" Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 Review

Conclusion

The reason the DA* 300mm has so many loyal followers is that in use it is very smooth and feels like a high quality precision lens should. The mechanics and features of the lens are well thought out and make it a pleasure to use. The lens's optics deliver on its promise of exceptional sharpness. The DA* 300mm is a very well-constructed lens that handles remarkably. The lens is sharp and once it is stopped beyond 5.6 it is exceptionally sharp; it has great bokeh and no negligible chromatic aberration and distortion. We can highly recommended the DA* 300mm and think it is worth its price, despite the recent $200 price increase (April, 2012).

Pros

Faster than the previous-generation 300mm F4.5 lenses
Very sharp beyond F5.6
Negligible distortion
Well-built and well balanced
Easy to handle
Removable tripod mount
Large focus ring
Quiet SDM focus system
Quick-Shift manual focus
Weather-sealed


Cons

Heavy at over 2 lbs. (1070g)
Slight chromatic aberration
AF speed could be faster
Somewhat expensive ($1399) for an APS-C only lens

[ correction - lens is FF not only ASP_C ]

Rating

With its pros greatly outweighing its cons, this lens ranks among Pentax's best.


Read more at: Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 Review - Conclusion | PentaxForums.com Reviews


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SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

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SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F4 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

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SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F2.8 ED [IF] Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

________________________________________________________________________________

if you are willing to get an experienced lens, don't forget the market place

[yucatanPentax]

I was going to recommend the reviews, but of the A* also. Although being smaller, lighter, and less expensive (and not having AF), it does have some purple fringing at wider apertures and perhaps a bit less contrast, as reported by users.

SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F4 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

You might want to borrow or rent a DA* 300 and try both on the same scenes to see if there is enough difference to justify spending the money.

[aslyfox]

it will cost some $ but I second the idea of renting the newest one - SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM

and do your own testing

I have used Lensrentals.com with good result


LensRentals.com - Rent Photo > Pentax

[UncleVanya]

Somewhat expensive ($1399) for an APS-C only lens


Read more at: Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 Review - Conclusion | PentaxForums.com Reviews


_______________

SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

_____________________

SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F4 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

_____________________

SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F2.8 ED [IF] Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

________________________________________________________________________________

if you are willing to get an experienced lens, don't forget the market place

Correction, that is a full frame lens. Pentax has correction profiles and patents to show it.

[aslyfox]

Correction, that is a full frame lens. Pentax has correction profiles and patents to show it.

I don't use a K 1 so I went to the review of the lens - my bad

but, as you point out, if you look at the " In Depth Review " of the K 1, it does note, as you said, the lens is FF

Full-Frame Compatible DA lenses

Ricoh Imaging has confirmed that the Pentax DA★ 200mm F2.8, DA★ 300mm F4, and DA 560mm F5.6 lenses support the full-frame image circle. To this end, the K-1 includes correction profiles for these lenses in both full-frame and crop modes. These lenses were originally marketed as APS-C only.


Read more at: Pentax K-1 Review - Available Lenses | PentaxForums.com Reviews

[UncleVanya]

I don't use a K 1 so I went to the review of the lens - my bad

but, as you point out, if you look at the " In Depth Review " of the K 1, it does note, as you said, the lens is FF

Full-Frame Compatible DA lenses

Ricoh Imaging has confirmed that the Pentax DA★ 200mm F2.8, DA★ 300mm F4, and DA 560mm F5.6 lenses support the full-frame image circle. To this end, the K-1 includes correction profiles for these lenses in both full-frame and crop modes. These lenses were originally marketed as APS-C only.


Read more at: Pentax K-1 Review - Available Lenses | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Yup. The naming of those lenses is confusing but historical.

[hoosierdome]

Yes I have read the articles and yes the DA 300 is a great lens but with that said I'm looking some someone who has own both lens. When they bought the DA 300mm was there a WOW factor over the -A 300mm for IQ? Yes I can rent one but surly someone on the forum has owned both

[onlineflyer]

I own both lenses and can say the DA is a superior lens. Don't get me wrong, the A* is very good but the DA delivers better color rendition and sharpness, in my opinion.

Edit: I use both on APS-C sensor cameras, the DA by itself and the A* with the F 1.7x AF adapter for additional reach when needed. The reason I don't use the adapter on the DA is because it's such a great lens and I don't want any loss in picture quality or light.

[aslyfox]

Yes I have read the articles and yes the DA 300 is a great lens but with that said I'm looking some someone who has own both lens. When they bought the DA 300mm was there a WOW factor over the -A 300mm for IQ? Yes I can rent one but surly someone on the forum has owned both

never know what a poster has reviewed or not, so I list info and links

IMHO, you will make the best choice for you

I only have the DA * so I can't help you out

[onlineflyer]

When they bought the DA 300mm was there a WOW factor over the -A 300mm for IQ?

Definitely.

[hoosierdome]

Thanks for the infor
I just bought a used DA 300MM so I'll compare them