Pentax 300mm primes

**termy** · 08-06-2020, 08:05 AM

Hi everyone.

Looking at 300mm primes, and considering between the three Pentax ones, ie, the DA*300, the FA*300 f4.5 and the F*300 f4.5.

Appreciate fellow members who have got experience with any of the two among the three, to share your views and experience of them.

Generally, the DA*300 seems to be completely useable at f4.0, and even at f4.0, able to handle chromatic aberration very well.

How about the two older 300 primes?

Are they very useable at f4.5, and handle CAs well even at f4.5?

**UncleVanya** · 08-06-2020, 08:38 AM

My FA* is very sharp at f4.5 and I don't recall a ton of CA related issues, but I've not looked carefully at the output recently.

**gofour3** · 08-06-2020, 09:56 AM

I have the F*300/4.5 and the older K300/4. As stated above using them (300mm lenses) at middle apertures is best. You're not going to get much DOF wide open.

The F*300/4.5 is nice as it has a built-in locking metal hood and a tripod mount. The K300/4 has no tripod mount, but does has a built-in hood as well, but it's not as good as the one on the F* lens..

I use both mine on Pentax film cameras only.

Phil.

**UncleVanya** · 08-06-2020, 11:54 AM - **1 Like**

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. (EDIT: This lens with the foot is heavier than the lens above, but without the foot it is lighter.)

Last edited by UncleVanya; 08-13-2020 at 06:54 PM.

**aslyfox** · 08-06-2020, 12:42 PM

I wonder if the OP has looked at the owner reviews and the in depth review ?

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

Quote:

Is it possible to combine outstanding function and beauty in a lens? Yes, one of the Pentax lenses that proves it is the DA* 300mm F4.0 ED Supersonic Drive Motor (SDM).

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

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

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

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

**UncleVanya** · 08-06-2020, 03:02 PM - **3 Likes**

The 300 f2.8 is made from unobtanium.

hcc · 08-06-2020, 03:47 PM

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.

**ismaelg** · 08-06-2020, 04:08 PM

I'm not familiar with them, but the F, FA, K etc. are full frame image circle, while the DA is APS-C from what I understand. Not sure if this is important for the OP.

Thanks,

**aslyfox** · 08-06-2020, 04:17 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ismaelg

. . . , while the DA is APS-C from what I understand. Not sure if this is important for the OP.

Thanks,

not exactly:

Quote:

Unofficial Full-Frame Compatibility Tests by Pentax Forums
★★★ Full coverage at all tested F-stops and all focal lengths
Show details
Notes
Two ED elements.
Designed for APS-C but officially full-frame compatible per Ricoh. The Pentax K-1 includes full-frame correction profiles for this lens.

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

**ismaelg** · 08-06-2020, 05:03 PM

Thanks for the clarification. Good to know!

**termy** · 08-06-2020, 06:31 PM

dear all, thanks a lot for the pointers.

Yeap, did go thru the reviews section.

Will think it through.

The head is pointing at the DA*300 (best CA control, best in minimum focussing distance).

The heart is looking at the F*300 (for the looks if nothing else, although it is no less an optical performer, against the DA*300)

And the totally not rational self is looking at a 300mm f2.8.
(The size and weight might be too much to bear though).

Sandy Hancock · 08-06-2020, 08:32 PM - **1 Like**

Don't ignore the fact that the DA*300 can be bought new, with the warranty that comes with that.

You also get AW sealing along with the silent AF, quick shift and DA* build quality. Although it is a bit bigger than the F* and FA*, compared to the DFA150-450, it feels tiny

I have been extremely happy with mine, on both crop and full frame cameras.

**Cee Cee** · 08-06-2020, 10:06 PM - **1 Like**

the closer min focus distance of the DA*300 is an advantage for small birds etc, really annoying to have a bird in your sights then having to back up to get the shot focused

Sandy Hancock · 08-06-2020, 10:11 PM

Originally posted by Cee Cee

the closer min focus distance of the DA*300 is an advantage

Yes. That too. It focusses impressively close for a long lens.

garywakeling · 08-07-2020, 03:00 AM

I have the F* and absolutely love it, the tripod foot works well but is removable if you want and the lens is so light. I also have the older M series lens which is fine, but I will never sell the F*
A link to my single in month photos
Single Feb 19 SMC F*300mm 4.5 | Flickr

08-06-2020, 08:05 AM	#1
termy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,154	Pentax 300mm primes Hi everyone. Looking at 300mm primes, and considering between the three Pentax ones, ie, the DA300, the FA300 f4.5 and the F300 f4.5. Appreciate fellow members who have got experience with any of the two among the three, to share your views and experience of them. Generally, the DA300 seems to be completely useable at f4.0, and even at f4.0, able to handle chromatic aberration very well. How about the two older 300 primes? Are they very useable at f4.5, and handle CAs well even at f4.5?

08-06-2020, 04:17 PM - 1 Like	#9
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by ismaelg . . . , while the DA is APS-C from what I understand. Not sure if this is important for the OP. Thanks, not exactly: Quote: Unofficial Full-Frame Compatibility Tests by Pentax Forums ★★★ Full coverage at all tested F-stops and all focal lengths Show details Notes Two ED elements. Designed for APS-C but officially full-frame compatible per Ricoh. The Pentax K-1 includes full-frame correction profiles for this lens. Read more at: SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Last edited by aslyfox; 08-06-2020 at 04:29 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: AF Lenses, F, FA, DA, DFA, 10 Primes, 11 Zooms, 18mm-300mm, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina	MightyMike	Sold Items	61	12-29-2019 03:41 PM
Compare D700 + Primes to K5 + Primes	charleychen	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	27	03-26-2011 02:19 PM
For Sale - Sold: smc Pentax M Primes, S-M-C Primes, THE Series 1 70~210 Zoom, Viv MFTC and more	monochrome	Sold Items	33	02-13-2009 01:29 PM
AF Microadjustment, for primes only? (OR more: "Better for primes?")	morfic	Pentax DSLR Discussion	4	10-02-2008 10:36 AM

08-06-2020, 08:38 AM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,397	My FA* is very sharp at f4.5 and I don't recall a ton of CA related issues, but I've not looked carefully at the output recently.

08-06-2020, 09:56 AM	#3
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,089	I have the F300/4.5 and the older K300/4. As stated above using them (300mm lenses) at middle apertures is best. You're not going to get much DOF wide open. The F300/4.5 is nice as it has a built-in locking metal hood and a tripod mount. The K300/4 has no tripod mount, but does has a built-in hood as well, but it's not as good as the one on the F* lens.. I use both mine on Pentax film cameras only. Phil.

08-06-2020, 11:54 AM - 1 Like	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,397	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. (EDIT: This lens with the foot is heavier than the lens above, but without the foot it is lighter.) Last edited by UncleVanya; 08-13-2020 at 06:54 PM.

08-06-2020, 12:42 PM	#5
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	I wonder if the OP has looked at the owner reviews and the in depth review ? SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Quote: Is it possible to combine outstanding function and beauty in a lens? Yes, one of the Pentax lenses that proves it is the DA* 300mm F4.0 ED Supersonic Drive Motor (SDM). Read more at: Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews SMC Pentax-FA* 300mm F2.8 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-FA* 300mm F4.5 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-F* 300mm F4.5 ED [IF] Reviews - F Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

08-06-2020, 03:02 PM - 3 Likes	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,397	The 300 f2.8 is made from unobtanium.

08-06-2020, 03:47 PM	#7
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,001	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.

08-06-2020, 04:08 PM	#8
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	I'm not familiar with them, but the F, FA, K etc. are full frame image circle, while the DA is APS-C from what I understand. Not sure if this is important for the OP. Thanks,

08-06-2020, 05:03 PM	#10
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	Thanks for the clarification. Good to know!

08-06-2020, 06:31 PM	#11
termy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,154 Original Poster	dear all, thanks a lot for the pointers. Yeap, did go thru the reviews section. Will think it through. The head is pointing at the DA300 (best CA control, best in minimum focussing distance). The heart is looking at the F300 (for the looks if nothing else, although it is no less an optical performer, against the DA*300) And the totally not rational self is looking at a 300mm f2.8. (The size and weight might be too much to bear though).

08-06-2020, 08:32 PM - 1 Like	#12
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,267	Don't ignore the fact that the DA300 can be bought new, with the warranty that comes with that. You also get AW sealing along with the silent AF, quick shift and DA build quality. Although it is a bit bigger than the F* and FA*, compared to the DFA150-450, it feels tiny I have been extremely happy with mine, on both crop and full frame cameras.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

08-06-2020, 10:06 PM - 1 Like	#13
Cee Cee Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Glenroy, Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,441	the closer min focus distance of the DA*300 is an advantage for small birds etc, really annoying to have a bird in your sights then having to back up to get the shot focused

08-06-2020, 10:11 PM	#14
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,267	Originally posted by Cee Cee the closer min focus distance of the DA*300 is an advantage Yes. That too. It focusses impressively close for a long lens.

08-07-2020, 03:00 AM	#15
garywakeling Moderator Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,757	I have the F* and absolutely love it, the tripod foot works well but is removable if you want and the lens is so light. I also have the older M series lens which is fine, but I will never sell the F* A link to my single in month photos Single Feb 19 SMC F*300mm 4.5 \| Flickr