Pentax 300mm primes

**Ron Boggs** · 08-07-2020, 02:48 PM - **2 Likes**

Crisp, stunning images with all three as long as you can get your own technique up to the quality of the lenses. Telephoto's are unforgiving of marginal technique. I've owned FA*--twice-- and currently own the F* --had to have the tripod shoe b/c I pretty much only shoot from a tripod. Buddy with DA* seems to get equivilent images but different color cast than the old star lenses. Digi body messes with the color cast anyway so buy any of the three and be happy!

Note that the 67mm front filter on the F* and FA* accommodates more and less costly filters--polarizers and even macro close-up lenses (old 6x7 tele close-up lens works fabulous on F* and FA*).

Note also that the FA* has sort-of quick shift focus by pulling or pushing the focus ring if I recall correctly...or is that just the other FA*'s? Pretty much never use autofocus so didn't use the function and haven't attempted it with the F*.

noelpolar · 08-08-2020, 01:34 AM - **5 Likes**

The F* 300 is the most compact.... I take it overseas as part of a small kit...... doesn't shout 300mm at all

a f4.5 shot

f5.6

I'll take a DA21 shot....

then put on the F*300.... to study the fly on the face....

Theov39 · 08-08-2020, 03:20 AM

Originally posted by hcc

For the OP: I was after a 300mm f4-5 lens. I went for the FA*300mm f4.5 over the DA300m f4 because the FA*300m f4.5 is smaller and lighter. (I compared both lenses before my selection.) I do not use a tripod, and I tend carry my camera + lens around my neck, and I walk quite of lot. I value a lot of the (relatively) compact size and lighter weight of the FA*300 f.4.5. And I love the IQ. For my uses, the FA*300mm f4.5 is all worthwhile.

My cents.hoping that it may help.

I think this is an important factor consider if the lens is to be used as a walk-around lens. I love my DA*300 for its optical quality but I bought it specifically for relatively stationary wildlife photography. I find it too heavy to use as a walk-around lens. For that I use the DA55-300 PLM.

**termy** · 08-08-2020, 05:18 AM

Once again, thank you all who shared.

One aspect that keeps recurring in my mind, is that of purple fringing (or whatever-the-colour fringing).

For the DA*300, it is quite fully useable at f4.0, with either no fringing or very very minimal, so minimal as to be nearly nil).

What about the F*300 and the FA*300 when it comes to fringing, especially at f4.5?

---------- Post added 08-08-20 at 05:20 AM ----------

That 'fly on face' is just amazing.
(The optical prowess of the F*300 is definitely top notch).

Originally posted by noelpolar

The F* 300 is the most compact.... I take it overseas as part of a small kit...... doesn't shout 300mm at all

a f4.5 shot

f5.6

I'll take a DA21 shot....

then put on the F*300.... to study the fly on the face....

audiobomber · 08-08-2020, 06:05 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by termy

For the DA*300, it is quite fully useable at f4.0, with either no fringing or very very minimal, so minimal as to be nearly nil).

Also worth a mention that the DA*300 hits maximum sharpness at f5.6. That extra stop is useful in a forest, or at dusk/dawn. Not that I am ever mobile at dawn.

**monochrome** · 08-08-2020, 06:29 AM

Originally posted by Ron Boggs

Crisp, stunning images with all three as long as you can get your own technique up to the quality of the lenses. Telephoto's are unforgiving of marginal technique. I've owned FA*--twice-- and currently own the F* --had to have the tripod shoe b/c I pretty much only shoot from a tripod. Buddy with DA* seems to get equivilent images but different color cast than the old star lenses. Digi body messes with the color cast anyway so buy any of the three and be happy!

Note that the 67mm front filter on the F* and FA* accommodates more and less costly filters--polarizers and even macro close-up lenses (old 6x7 tele close-up lens works fabulous on F* and FA*).

Note also that the FA* has sort-of quick shift focus by pulling or pushing the focus ring if I recall correctly...or is that just the other FA*'s? Pretty much never use autofocus so didn't use the function and haven't attempted it with the F*.

I have the FA* 300/4.5 which has the push/pull MF/AF collar. It is the fastest focusing screwdrive lens I own

angerdan · 08-08-2020, 08:04 AM

I love the F* 300 4.5 for it's look, compact size and the integrated hood.
And think about it, the lens hit the market 1989, so imagine how awesome the image quality had been 30 years ago!

Originally posted by RICHARD L.

I wouldn't give up my silver FA* 300 mm f/4.5 for anything. I always use it at f/8, its optimum aperture.

The aperture of the FA* 300 which delivers the highest resolution is f5.6:
Pentax SMC-FA* 300mm f/4.5 ED [IF] - Review / Lab Test Report - Analysis

Originally posted by UncleVanya

While this isn't your question my impression is:
DA* 300, black, optically fastest (f4), quiet focus (sdm), heaviest, quickshift, best CA performance.
FA* 300, silver, Lighter, no tripod foot, no quickshift. (F4.5)
F* 300, white, lightest, large tripod foot.

Some corrections:
DA* 300-1240g (including hood and tripod mount) is the heaviest one
FA* 300..1067g (including hood) is the lightweight one of the trio
F* 300....1120g (including hood and tripod mount)

**UncleVanya** · 08-08-2020, 08:42 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by angerdan

Some corrections:
DA* 300-1240g (including hood and tripod mount) is the heaviest one
FA* 300..1067g (including hood) is the lightweight one of the trio
F* 300....1120g (including hood and tripod mount)

It is actually a little confusing.
Per this site the lens is either 1120g with the hood and you add 240g for the tripod foot, or if it's 1120-240 without the foot it is lighter than the fa* which has no foot. I think it is the former, and I guess I got confused.

I own the fa* and can attest that it really is a fairly easy to handhold lens. The only time I mess with a lens tripod mount using it is when I shoot the moon. Then I use an aftermarket collar that is meant for a Canon lens. reasonably well.

SMC Pentax-F* 300mm F4.5 ED [IF] Reviews - F Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

angerdan · 08-09-2020, 12:19 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

It is actually a little confusing.
Per this site the lens is either 1120g with the hood and you add 240g for the tripod foot, or if it's 1120-240 without the foot it is lighter than the fa* which has no foot.

I think it is the former, and I guess I got confused.
SMC Pentax-F* 300mm F4.5 ED [IF] Reviews - F Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

You're right about that this is confusing.
Seems like the especially dedicated thread isn't completey finished:
Weight of F* 300mm 4.5 - PentaxForums.com

But the real weight i already wrote down here - so the F* is the most lightweight one (only 880g when used without tripod mount).

**UncleVanya** · 08-09-2020, 06:01 AM

Well then I guess the moral of this story is still, these are all fine lenses and the F* and FA* are both quite a bit lighter than the DA*. However the OP really wants to know about CA's, and I can't recall a good comparison thread on that.

noelpolar · 08-09-2020, 09:53 PM

Originally posted by RICHARD L.

The Pentax Lens Reviews on this Forum give these weight information :

F* 300 mm f/4.5 - 1120 g alone, 1360 g with tripod mount

FA* 300 mm f/4.5 - 935 g alone, 1067 g with hood

DA* 300 mm f/4 - 1070 g alone, 1160 g with hood, 1240 g with hood + tripod mount.

Regards

MY F*300 weighs 922g with caps... 895 no caps (just weighed it) but no tripod foot..... my scales are pretty good...+-10g I'd say.

angerdan · 08-10-2020, 01:04 AM

Originally posted by RICHARD L.

The Pentax Lens Reviews on this Forum give these weight information :

The weight for the F* isn't correct entered into the database, that's why i'd create an own thread about it's weight. Which i also linked in this thread.
I'd measure the weight myself, so i know what weight is correct.

Edit:
1989 lens catalog says 880g, so my Soehnle 66107 scale seems to be very precise.

**Wheatridger** · 08-10-2020, 08:05 PM

I'm all about smaller and cheaper lenses, so I tried the silver FA* first. One of my first tests involved photographing the headlight of a white car, in the brightest sunset. The headlight edge was outlined in magenta, showing the worst Chromatic Aberration I've ever seen. So I bought a DA* 300 and gave it the same test. It was perfect, with no color fringing. The difference was night and day. CA can be corrected, of course, so I'd understand someone making the opposite choice.

builttospill · 08-15-2020, 12:53 PM

I'd love it if those of you who own the F* and FA* 300 (as well as other F*/FA* lenses would contribute to the F* & FA* club! - PentaxForums.com club thread. The FA and DA Limited threads get lots of attention, and I think the F*/FA* thread needs more.

**UncleVanya** · 08-15-2020, 05:04 PM

Originally posted by builttospill

I'd love it if those of you who own the F* and FA* 300 (as well as other F*/FA* lenses would contribute to the F* & FA* club! - PentaxForums.com club thread. The FA and DA Limited threads get lots of attention, and I think the F*/FA* thread needs more.

Happy to do so, but I'm not shooting with my FA* 300 much at the moment.

08-08-2020, 01:34 AM - 5 Likes	#17
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	The F* 300 is the most compact.... I take it overseas as part of a small kit...... doesn't shout 300mm at all a f4.5 shot f5.6 I'll take a DA21 shot.... then put on the F300.... to study the fly on the face.... Last edited by noelpolar; 08-08-2020 at 02:00 AM.*

08-09-2020, 09:53 PM	#26
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by RICHARD L. The Pentax Lens Reviews on this Forum give these weight information : *F 300 mm f/4.5 - 1120 g alone, 1360 g with tripod mount FA* 300 mm f/4.5 - 935 g alone, 1067 g with hood DA* 300 mm f/4 - 1070 g alone, 1160 g with hood, 1240 g** with hood + tripod mount. Regards MY F300 weighs 922g with caps... 895 no caps (just weighed it) but no tripod foot..... my scales are pretty good...+-10g I'd say. Last edited by noelpolar; 08-09-2020 at 09:59 PM.*

08-10-2020, 01:04 AM	#27
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,642	Originally posted by RICHARD L. The Pentax Lens Reviews on this Forum give these weight information : The weight for the F* isn't correct entered into the database, that's why i'd create an own thread about it's weight. Which i also linked in this thread. I'd measure the weight myself, so i know what weight is correct. Edit: 1989 lens catalog says 880g, so my Soehnle 66107 scale seems to be very precise. Last edited by angerdan; 08-11-2020 at 11:06 AM.

08-10-2020, 08:05 PM	#28
Wheatridger Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Colorado Front Range Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 644	My short side-by-side test... I'm all about smaller and cheaper lenses, so I tried the silver FA* first. One of my first tests involved photographing the headlight of a white car, in the brightest sunset. The headlight edge was outlined in magenta, showing the worst Chromatic Aberration I've ever seen. So I bought a DA* 300 and gave it the same test. It was perfect, with no color fringing. The difference was night and day. CA can be corrected, of course, so I'd understand someone making the opposite choice.

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08-07-2020, 02:48 PM - 2 Likes	#16
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,350	Crisp, stunning images with all three as long as you can get your own technique up to the quality of the lenses. Telephoto's are unforgiving of marginal technique. I've owned FA--twice-- and currently own the F --had to have the tripod shoe b/c I pretty much only shoot from a tripod. Buddy with DA* seems to get equivilent images but different color cast than the old star lenses. Digi body messes with the color cast anyway so buy any of the three and be happy! Note that the 67mm front filter on the F* and FA* accommodates more and less costly filters--polarizers and even macro close-up lenses (old 6x7 tele close-up lens works fabulous on F* and FA). Note also that the FA has sort-of quick shift focus by pulling or pushing the focus ring if I recall correctly...or is that just the other FA's? Pretty much never use autofocus so didn't use the function and haven't attempted it with the F.

08-08-2020, 03:20 AM	#18
Theov39 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Sydney Posts: 594	Originally posted by hcc For the OP: I was after a 300mm f4-5 lens. I went for the FA300mm f4.5 over the DA300m f4 because the FA300m f4.5 is smaller and lighter. (I compared both lenses before my selection.) I do not use a tripod, and I tend carry my camera + lens around my neck, and I walk quite of lot. I value a lot of the (relatively) compact size and lighter weight of the FA300 f.4.5. And I love the IQ. For my uses, the FA300mm f4.5 is all worthwhile. My cents.hoping that it may help. I think this is an important factor consider if the lens is to be used as a walk-around lens. I love my DA*300 for its optical quality but I bought it specifically for relatively stationary wildlife photography. I find it too heavy to use as a walk-around lens. For that I use the DA55-300 PLM.

08-08-2020, 05:18 AM	#19
termy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,154 Original Poster	Once again, thank you all who shared. One aspect that keeps recurring in my mind, is that of purple fringing (or whatever-the-colour fringing). For the DA300, it is quite fully useable at f4.0, with either no fringing or very very minimal, so minimal as to be nearly nil). What about the F300 and the FA300 when it comes to fringing, especially at f4.5? ---------- Post added 08-08-20 at 05:20 AM ---------- That 'fly on face' is just amazing. (The optical prowess of the F300 is definitely top notch). Originally posted by noelpolar The F* 300 is the most compact.... I take it overseas as part of a small kit...... doesn't shout 300mm at all a f4.5 shot f5.6 I'll take a DA21 shot.... then put on the F*300.... to study the fly on the face....

08-08-2020, 06:05 AM - 1 Like	#20
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by termy For the DA300, it is quite fully useable at f4.0, with either no fringing or very very minimal, so minimal as to be nearly nil). Also worth a mention that the DA300 hits maximum sharpness at f5.6. That extra stop is useful in a forest, or at dusk/dawn. Not that I am ever mobile at dawn.

08-08-2020, 06:29 AM	#21
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Ron Boggs Crisp, stunning images with all three as long as you can get your own technique up to the quality of the lenses. Telephoto's are unforgiving of marginal technique. I've owned FA--twice-- and currently own the F --had to have the tripod shoe b/c I pretty much only shoot from a tripod. Buddy with DA* seems to get equivilent images but different color cast than the old star lenses. Digi body messes with the color cast anyway so buy any of the three and be happy! Note that the 67mm front filter on the F* and FA* accommodates more and less costly filters--polarizers and even macro close-up lenses (old 6x7 tele close-up lens works fabulous on F* and FA). Note also that the FA has sort-of quick shift focus by pulling or pushing the focus ring if I recall correctly...or is that just the other FA's? Pretty much never use autofocus so didn't use the function and haven't attempted it with the F. I have the FA* 300/4.5 which has the push/pull MF/AF collar. It is the fastest focusing screwdrive lens I own

08-08-2020, 08:04 AM	#22
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,642	I love the F* 300 4.5 for it's look, compact size and the integrated hood. And think about it, the lens hit the market 1989, so imagine how awesome the image quality had been 30 years ago! Originally posted by RICHARD L. I wouldn't give up my silver FA* 300 mm f/4.5 for anything. I always use it at f/8, its optimum aperture. The aperture of the FA* 300 which delivers the highest resolution is f5.6: Pentax SMC-FA* 300mm f/4.5 ED [IF] - Review / Lab Test Report - Analysis Originally posted by UncleVanya While this isn't your question my impression is: DA* 300, black, optically fastest (f4), quiet focus (sdm), heaviest, quickshift, best CA performance. FA* 300, silver, Lighter, no tripod foot, no quickshift. (F4.5) F* 300, white, lightest, large tripod foot. Some corrections: DA* 300-1240g (including hood and tripod mount) is the heaviest one FA* 300..1067g (including hood) is the lightweight one of the trio F* 300....1120g (including hood and tripod mount)

08-08-2020, 08:42 PM - 1 Like	#23
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	Originally posted by angerdan Some corrections: DA* 300-1240g (including hood and tripod mount) is the heaviest one FA* 300..1067g (including hood) is the lightweight one of the trio F* 300....1120g (including hood and tripod mount) It is actually a little confusing. Per this site the lens is either 1120g with the hood and you add 240g for the tripod foot, or if it's 1120-240 without the foot it is lighter than the fa* which has no foot. I think it is the former, and I guess I got confused. I own the fa* and can attest that it really is a fairly easy to handhold lens. The only time I mess with a lens tripod mount using it is when I shoot the moon. Then I use an aftermarket collar that is meant for a Canon lens. reasonably well. SMC Pentax-F* 300mm F4.5 ED [IF] Reviews - F Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

08-09-2020, 12:19 AM	#24
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,642	Originally posted by UncleVanya It is actually a little confusing. Per this site the lens is either 1120g with the hood and you add 240g for the tripod foot, or if it's 1120-240 without the foot it is lighter than the fa* which has no foot. I think it is the former, and I guess I got confused. SMC Pentax-F* 300mm F4.5 ED [IF] Reviews - F Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database You're right about that this is confusing. Seems like the especially dedicated thread isn't completey finished: Weight of F* 300mm 4.5 - PentaxForums.com But the real weight i already wrote down here - so the F* is the most lightweight one (only 880g when used without tripod mount).

08-09-2020, 06:01 AM	#25
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	Well then I guess the moral of this story is still, these are all fine lenses and the F* and FA* are both quite a bit lighter than the DA*. However the OP really wants to know about CA's, and I can't recall a good comparison thread on that.

08-15-2020, 12:53 PM	#29
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	I'd love it if those of you who own the F* and FA* 300 (as well as other F/FA lenses would contribute to the F* & FA* club! - PentaxForums.com club thread. The FA and DA Limited threads get lots of attention, and I think the F/FA thread needs more.

08-15-2020, 05:04 PM	#30
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	Originally posted by builttospill I'd love it if those of you who own the F* and FA* 300 (as well as other F/FA lenses would contribute to the F* & FA* club! - PentaxForums.com club thread. The FA and DA Limited threads get lots of attention, and I think the F/FA thread needs more. Happy to do so, but I'm not shooting with my FA* 300 much at the moment.