[PKMike]

I'm pondering between the 300 F* and 300 DA*. I presently have the 300 A* (great lens) but want to move to autofocus. Also prefer tripod mount, so not FA*.

DA* 1) 1/2 stop faster. 2) WR. 3) Newer technology.
F* 1) Smaller (a little). 2) Smaller filter size. 3) Slightly better reviews.


Image quality? Does the F* have an edge over the DA*? I like DA* for WR, but F* seems to have a very stellar reputation. Does anyone have experience with both? Any other thoughts?

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Last edited by PKMike; 02-25-2019 at 09:41 PM.

[Adam]

I would go for the DA*. In addition to better CA control and silent AF/quick-shift, the availability of in-camera correction profiles can be really useful. That said, both lenses are quite sharp, so it's hard to go wrong there.

[PKMike]

Thank you Adam for the insight.

[garywakeling]

Good timing I am playing with the F* 300 4.5 this month in the single in challenge, I love the way it sits flat on a table when I have the K1 and grip, I love the tripod mount for holding the combo steady, but it is the razor sharp quality of this lens that makes it a never sell lens for me. The autofocus works quickly, no it is not silent like the DA lens but it locks on focus easily, it is not water resistant, neither am I. If image quality is what you need, this lens will deliver, the lack of lens profiles has not compromised my month of shooting with this lens in any way.

Sharp???


Here is a link to my flickr album with the lens

Single Feb 19 SMC F*300mm 4.5 | Flickr

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Last edited by garywakeling; 02-26-2019 at 02:42 AM. Reason: adding pic

[pepperberry farm]

there is also the FA* 300/4.5, which is stellar in its own right....

[pearsaab]

what about the sigma 300mm 2.8

[siva.ss.kumar]

there is also the FA* 300/4.5, which is stellar in its own right....

I second that.

[Papa_Joe]

The F* and the FA* are optically identical. The F* is just more rugged, but the FA* has quick focus (I think).

[gofour3]

The F* and the FA* are optically identical. The F* is just more rugged, but the FA* has quick focus (I think).

The F* version also has the removable tripod mount and a builtin hood, the FA* version has neither.

Phil.

[ChatMechant]

Ive had both, on k1 and still have the F*. Yes, it does not have qs, wr or sdm like the da* but it is impossibly small, has a built in hood which I love and unbeatable image and build quality. I do miss the weather sealing of the da as i shoot in wet conditions a fair amount. Also the mfd of the f is longer, which is annoying sometimes, but since it has an aperture ring you can use it with extension tubes.

[DeadJohn]

DA* 1) 1/2 stop faster. 2) WR. 3) Newer technology.
F* 1) Smaller (a little). 2) Smaller filter size. 3) Slightly better reviews.

The reviewers might be grading on a curve. The F* is an older lens so people have lesser expectations for it.

[mikesbike]

The F* and FA* are identical optically. Both work via the camera's screw-driven AF. I can tell you my FA* 300mm f/4.5 has among the fastest accurate AF I have experienced in all of my lenses. Great for nailing faster action. I've never had a need for the tripod collar, since the lens is relatively compact and modest of weight, but I have seen someone post a tripod collar that can be used with the FA* version.

My understanding is the F* version requires both the camera and lens to be switched to MF for manual focusing. The FA* on the other hand, will enable MF via the lens switch without having to also switch the body to MF- a time-saving convenience. I know it can because I have one, and the switch allows instant response for MF/AF back and forth. It is indeed a very sharp lens as demonstrated above. Its AF speed performance might might very well be superior to that of the DA* 300mm f/4 SDM. I know it is definitely superior to the AF speed of my DA* 200mm f/2.8 SDM despite the brighter aperture of this lens.

[monochrome]

The F* and FA* are identical optically. Both work via the camera's screw-driven AF. I can tell you my FA* 300mm f/4.5 has among the fastest accurate AF I have experienced in all of my lenses. Great for nailing faster action. I've never had a need for the tripod collar, since the lens is relatively compact and modest of weight, but I have seen someone post a tripod collar that can be used with the FA* version.

My understanding is the F* version requires both the camera and lens to be switched to MF for manual focusing. The FA* on the other hand, will enable MF via the lens switch without having to also switch the body to MF- a time-saving convenience. I know it can because I have one, and the switch allows instant response for MF/AF back and forth. It is indeed a very sharp lens as demonstrated above. Its AF speed performance might might very well be superior to that of the DA* 300mm f/4 SDM. I know it is definitely superior to the AF speed of my DA* 200mm f/2.8 SDM despite the brighter aperture of this lens.

IME everything you wrote is spot on, especially the focusing accuracy and speed.

[Billk]

The silent autofocus of the DA* 300 F4 is pretty fab when you are shooting birds and critters that are close by.

[Sandy Hancock]

Between the FA* and F* I would go for the F* - the tripod foot and built-in hood are significant plusses. And the paint is more robust.

But I'm with Adam. Sure, the DA* is a little bigger, but it's 1/3 stop faster, the IQ is every bit as good, and you get AW sealing, AeroBright coating, silent AF with quick shift and better build quality.