Can anyone recommend a decent 300mm manual lens?

kevinWE · 06-22-2020, 04:48 AM

I'm looking for a nice sharp 300mm manual lens that wont break the bank. Any suggestions? Sample shots would help tons. Thanks in advance.

Paul the Sunman · 06-22-2020, 05:01 AM - **2 Likes**

Is there any reason for manual apart from price? Are you only looking at primes? Full frame or crop? What maximum aperture would you be content with? What sort of subjects do you intend to use it for?

More information would be useful.

**marcusBMG** · 06-22-2020, 05:11 AM

The tamron adaptall 300mm f5.6's are pretty good for the price, and have no direct equivalent in the pentax legacy line up. I suggest either the v1 or the SP 54B. Or alternatively, the zoom 60-300mm 23A - probably the best adaptall lens for the money. Factor in the cost of a mount, and, I suggest, a tripod mount ring to go with.

Bear in mind that if you look at more costly options like faster glass, you are soon in to the price range of a DAL/DA 55-300mm, which will be competitive, if not better, than the iq of many vintage lenses.

kevinWE · 06-22-2020, 05:37 AM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

Is there any reason for manual apart from price? Are you only looking at primes? Full frame or crop? What maximum aperture would you be content with? What sort of subjects do you intend to use it for?

More information would be useful.

Price is key right now, plus I'm an all manual guy most of the time any way. I feel comfortable with manual glass, it's how I shoot 90% of the time. I'm not a fan of zooms, strictly looking for a prime. This lens will be mounted on my KP.

**pepperberry farm** · 06-22-2020, 05:37 AM - **2 Likes**

I'd recommend the SMC A 400/5.6 - it can be had at a decent price, excellent optics, and is built like a tank.... and has a tripod foot...

kevinWE · 06-22-2020, 05:44 AM

Originally posted by marcusBMG

The tamron adaptall 300mm f5.6's are pretty good for the price, and have no direct equivalent in the pentax legacy line up. I suggest either the v1 or the SP 54B. Or alternatively, the zoom 60-300mm 23A - probably the best adaptall lens for the money. Factor in the cost of a mount, and, I suggest, a tripod mount ring to go with.

Bear in mind that if you look at more costly options like faster glass, you are soon in to the price range of a DAL/DA 55-300mm, which will be competitive, if not better, than the iq of many vintage lenses.

Hi, thanks for the reply. I was looking at this adaptall and it may be my only decent option. I was hoping there may be a hidden gem out there that I didn't know about.

**BigMackCam** · 06-22-2020, 05:45 AM - **1 Like**

If you're happy to work with a preset lens, I'd heartily recommend a Soviet Tair-3 4.5/300 in M42 mount. For such a simple optical formula, the performance is quite excellent - especially if you stop down a little. You can pick one up cheaply, as not many folks seem to realise how good they are.

Otherwise, as Marcus suggests above, the Tamron Adaptall 5.6/300 and 60-300 are decent, inexpensive choices. I find the 60-300 a little unwieldy in use, but it's certainly capable of very good results...

D1N0 · 06-22-2020, 06:01 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

I find the 60-300 a little unwieldy in use, but it's certainly capable of very good results...

The Tair beats the Tamron by a long shot when it comes to unwieldy.

**marcusBMG** · 06-22-2020, 06:12 AM - **1 Like**

Aye, optically the tair is the one. But they aren't just like a tank, it IS a tank. The 3A/300A is the one to get, that is basically a (variant) t-mount - I haven't tried a photosniper with its distinctive focus mechanism (though they are a bit cool..). But the bug with the 300A's is that there is a felt wedge around the inner focus barrel, with time it gets gummed up and sticky and then focus movement is like a misfiring wartburg with the handbrake on.

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-22-2020, 07:44 AM

i have a k300/4, which i have used a lot, and posted extensively especially when used with the 1.7x af converter. the combo makes a useful 500mm f6.7 af with manual focus zone limits. i also have an Nikkor-H 300/4.5 converted to M42 mount, which i think is actually a sharper lens and suffers less CA

johnha · 06-22-2020, 08:14 AM

The SMC-Tak 300/4 is a beautiful lens, extremely well built and a pleasure to use. The reviews mention CA but whether it's worse than the other options mentioned is debatable.

The Tamron ADii 60-300 is also well made (I haven't used mine on digital), the ADii KA mount gives you access to all exposure modes.

Sigma & Tokina both made manual 400/5.6 options which would be more appealing to me than a 300 prime (I have several zooms that go to 300).

**marcusBMG** · 06-22-2020, 08:46 AM - **1 Like**

If you really want to go for it, then shop around for one of the adaptall 300mm f2.8's* (+ tc's - these are the lenses that work best with tc's). One of the plums from the MF era, typically 1/4-1/2 price of an "SMC-A" 300 2.8. And although a good one is a fair wedge, as long as you haven't paid ott these lenses will hold their value and you'll get it back if you decide to sell on.
*it is possible to find tokina or sigma 300mm 2.8's but there are vanishingly few of them on the s/h market. The tamron is the one..

**MossyRocks** · 06-22-2020, 09:07 AM - **1 Like**

While a bit newer and feature rich I have the Sigma 300mm f/4 APO Macro and have found it to be a nice lens. I basically stole mine and paid $130 for it so deals can be had if one looks. I also have the S-M-C 300/4 takumar and like the sigma more but there is 30+ years difference between those to lenses. It is one of my favorite lenses and I have a gallery full of shots with it here but didn't plan to have it all be that lens it just worked out that way. I use it a lot

**luftfluss** · 06-22-2020, 09:20 AM - **2 Likes**

Is there a target application - wildlife, distant portraits, futzing around?

Speaking from experience, the Takumar 300/4 is decently sharp wide open and improves greatly upon stopping down. CA is plentiful. It is large and heavy and minimum focus distance is something like 17 ft.

Focus action is very pleasant.

I agree with @pepperberry_farm that the SMC A 400/5.6 is a lens to strongly consider. CA is an issue but improves considerably stopped down just a little. Sharpness wide open is just OK but again, improves noticeably even half a stop down. Wonderfully long, well-damped focus throw for precise control, MFD is less than 10 ft, nice color and contrast. Probably my favorite lens ever.

Given how low-priced the various xx-300mm consumer zooms have become, it is tough to recommend a legacy 300mm lens based solely on price.

Tak 300/4

A 400/5.6

stevebrot · 06-22-2020, 10:23 AM

Originally posted by marcusBMG

If you really want to go for it, then shop around for one of the adaptall 300mm f2.8's* (+ tc's - these are the lenses that work best with tc's). One of the plums from the MF era, typically 1/4-1/2 price of an "SMC-A" 300 2.8.

$$$ Perhaps not as much money as the Pentax-A 300/2.8, but all versions of the Tamron 300/2.8 are cult items.

Steve

06-22-2020, 04:48 AM	#1
kevinWE Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 497	Can anyone recommend a decent 300mm manual lens? I'm looking for a nice sharp 300mm manual lens that wont break the bank. Any suggestions? Sample shots would help tons. Thanks in advance.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Can anyone recommend a decent camera bag?	sjwomersley	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	28	05-06-2019 05:22 PM
Can anyone recommend an android geotracking app?	robert	Pentax DSLR Discussion	15	03-05-2019 06:51 AM
Recommend a decent 2 speedlight and radio combo	jbsg02	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	9	02-27-2014 08:35 PM
Can anyone recommend a good glue for an m42 pin on an auto only lens?	srn121	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	04-04-2012 06:27 PM
Can you recommend a decent brand of filters?	rjdesq	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	14	06-14-2008 01:37 PM

06-22-2020, 05:01 AM - 2 Likes	#2
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846	Is there any reason for manual apart from price? Are you only looking at primes? Full frame or crop? What maximum aperture would you be content with? What sort of subjects do you intend to use it for? More information would be useful.

06-22-2020, 05:11 AM	#3
marcusBMG Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,870	The tamron adaptall 300mm f5.6's are pretty good for the price, and have no direct equivalent in the pentax legacy line up. I suggest either the v1 or the SP 54B. Or alternatively, the zoom 60-300mm 23A - probably the best adaptall lens for the money. Factor in the cost of a mount, and, I suggest, a tripod mount ring to go with. Bear in mind that if you look at more costly options like faster glass, you are soon in to the price range of a DAL/DA 55-300mm, which will be competitive, if not better, than the iq of many vintage lenses.

06-22-2020, 05:37 AM	#4
kevinWE Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 497 Original Poster	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman Is there any reason for manual apart from price? Are you only looking at primes? Full frame or crop? What maximum aperture would you be content with? What sort of subjects do you intend to use it for? More information would be useful. Price is key right now, plus I'm an all manual guy most of the time any way. I feel comfortable with manual glass, it's how I shoot 90% of the time. I'm not a fan of zooms, strictly looking for a prime. This lens will be mounted on my KP.

06-22-2020, 05:37 AM - 2 Likes	#5
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	I'd recommend the SMC A 400/5.6 - it can be had at a decent price, excellent optics, and is built like a tank.... and has a tripod foot...

06-22-2020, 05:44 AM	#6
kevinWE Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 497 Original Poster	Originally posted by marcusBMG The tamron adaptall 300mm f5.6's are pretty good for the price, and have no direct equivalent in the pentax legacy line up. I suggest either the v1 or the SP 54B. Or alternatively, the zoom 60-300mm 23A - probably the best adaptall lens for the money. Factor in the cost of a mount, and, I suggest, a tripod mount ring to go with. Bear in mind that if you look at more costly options like faster glass, you are soon in to the price range of a DAL/DA 55-300mm, which will be competitive, if not better, than the iq of many vintage lenses. Hi, thanks for the reply. I was looking at this adaptall and it may be my only decent option. I was hoping there may be a hidden gem out there that I didn't know about.

06-22-2020, 05:45 AM - 1 Like	#7
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,691	If you're happy to work with a preset lens, I'd heartily recommend a Soviet Tair-3 4.5/300 in M42 mount. For such a simple optical formula, the performance is quite excellent - especially if you stop down a little. You can pick one up cheaply, as not many folks seem to realise how good they are. Otherwise, as Marcus suggests above, the Tamron Adaptall 5.6/300 and 60-300 are decent, inexpensive choices. I find the 60-300 a little unwieldy in use, but it's certainly capable of very good results...

06-22-2020, 06:01 AM	#8
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	Originally posted by BigMackCam I find the 60-300 a little unwieldy in use, but it's certainly capable of very good results... The Tair beats the Tamron by a long shot when it comes to unwieldy.

06-22-2020, 06:12 AM - 1 Like	#9
marcusBMG Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,870	Aye, optically the tair is the one. But they aren't just like a tank, it IS a tank. The 3A/300A is the one to get, that is basically a (variant) t-mount - I haven't tried a photosniper with its distinctive focus mechanism (though they are a bit cool..). But the bug with the 300A's is that there is a felt wedge around the inner focus barrel, with time it gets gummed up and sticky and then focus movement is like a misfiring wartburg with the handbrake on.

06-22-2020, 07:44 AM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	i have a k300/4, which i have used a lot, and posted extensively especially when used with the 1.7x af converter. the combo makes a useful 500mm f6.7 af with manual focus zone limits. i also have an Nikkor-H 300/4.5 converted to M42 mount, which i think is actually a sharper lens and suffers less CA

06-22-2020, 08:14 AM	#11
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	The SMC-Tak 300/4 is a beautiful lens, extremely well built and a pleasure to use. The reviews mention CA but whether it's worse than the other options mentioned is debatable. The Tamron ADii 60-300 is also well made (I haven't used mine on digital), the ADii KA mount gives you access to all exposure modes. Sigma & Tokina both made manual 400/5.6 options which would be more appealing to me than a 300 prime (I have several zooms that go to 300).

06-22-2020, 08:46 AM - 1 Like	#12
marcusBMG Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,870	If you really want to go for it, then shop around for one of the adaptall 300mm f2.8's* (+ tc's - these are the lenses that work best with tc's). One of the plums from the MF era, typically 1/4-1/2 price of an "SMC-A" 300 2.8. And although a good one is a fair wedge, as long as you haven't paid ott these lenses will hold their value and you'll get it back if you decide to sell on. *it is possible to find tokina or sigma 300mm 2.8's but there are vanishingly few of them on the s/h market. The tamron is the one..

06-22-2020, 09:07 AM - 1 Like	#13
MossyRocks Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,982	While a bit newer and feature rich I have the Sigma 300mm f/4 APO Macro and have found it to be a nice lens. I basically stole mine and paid $130 for it so deals can be had if one looks. I also have the S-M-C 300/4 takumar and like the sigma more but there is 30+ years difference between those to lenses. It is one of my favorite lenses and I have a gallery full of shots with it here but didn't plan to have it all be that lens it just worked out that way. I use it a lot

06-22-2020, 09:20 AM - 2 Likes	#14
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,627	Is there a target application - wildlife, distant portraits, futzing around? Speaking from experience, the Takumar 300/4 is decently sharp wide open and improves greatly upon stopping down. CA is plentiful. It is large and heavy and minimum focus distance is something like 17 ft. Focus action is very pleasant. I agree with @pepperberry_farm that the SMC A 400/5.6 is a lens to strongly consider. CA is an issue but improves considerably stopped down just a little. Sharpness wide open is just OK but again, improves noticeably even half a stop down. Wonderfully long, well-damped focus throw for precise control, MFD is less than 10 ft, nice color and contrast. Probably my favorite lens ever. Given how low-priced the various xx-300mm consumer zooms have become, it is tough to recommend a legacy 300mm lens based solely on price. Tak 300/4 A 400/5.6

06-22-2020, 10:23 AM	#15
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by marcusBMG If you really want to go for it, then shop around for one of the adaptall 300mm f2.8's* (+ tc's - these are the lenses that work best with tc's). One of the plums from the MF era, typically 1/4-1/2 price of an "SMC-A" 300 2.8. $$$ Perhaps not as much money as the Pentax-A 300/2.8, but all versions of the Tamron 300/2.8 are cult items. Steve