The FA* 300mm f/4.5 - the smallest FF 300mm lens?

Ash · 12-08-2020, 10:30 PM - **1 Like**

I managed to find one of these gems. It packs such a punch in such a small package. In case there is anyone who hasn’t seen or handled one of these lenses, it is astounding how tiny it is for what it is. Gotta hand it to Pentax, they engineered a fine set of glass in a very portable package. Here, I’ve lined it up side by side with a few of its similar peers, just to demonstrate how compact it really is.

Here it is alongside the Tamron 70-200/2.8 and Sigma 400/5.6

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

**termy** · 12-08-2020, 10:35 PM - **1 Like**

the FA*300 and F*300 are very compact 300mm primes.

(Perhaps the decision to make them constant f4.5 instead of f4.0, f3.5, played a part).

And the F*300 is particularly beautiful.

Ash · 12-08-2020, 10:44 PM - **1 Like**

Here it is against the DA 55-300, both in retracted and extended forms. Note that the FA* is more compact than the DA when set at 300mm, and the DA does not cover the FF image circle.

**luftfluss** · 12-08-2020, 10:45 PM

Congrats on the new FA* 300!

(The Nikon 300/4 PF is even shorter and lighter, although thicker)

Ash · 12-08-2020, 10:52 PM

The Nikon is an attractive lens with closer focusing ability (1.4m vs 2m) and slightly lighter (750g vs 900g) but does have a larger front element (77mm vs 67mm). Images from the Nikon look good, but has a Fresnel element for reduced weight, which may render images differently. I believe the Nikon is also Chinese made as opposed to Pentax being made in Japan, which may say something about longevity.

**UncleVanya** · 12-08-2020, 11:38 PM

Originally posted by Ash

The Nikon is an attractive lens with closer focusing ability (1.4m vs 2m) and slightly lighter (750g vs 900g) but does have a larger front element (77mm vs 67mm). Images from the Nikon look good, but has a Fresnel element for reduced weight, which may render images differently. I believe the Nikon is also Chinese made as opposed to Pentax being made in Japan, which may say something about longevity.

The PF series lenses while smaller are controversial. The flare handling is weird, similar to how aspheric lenses create odd bokeh. Not a huge issue, just something to be aware of. Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/5.6E PF ED VR review - Ghosting and flares - LensTip.com

**RICHARD L.** · 12-09-2020, 03:57 AM - **1 Like**

There is no need to close the diaphragm further than f/8 with this lens. Image is even very good wide-open.

**pepperberry farm** · 12-09-2020, 04:52 AM

... love my copy of this lens....

when I finally realized that there wasn't a consumer-grade zoom that was going to satisfy me at 300mm, I saved up and bought an FA* prime....

..worth it...

**gaweidert** · 12-09-2020, 05:19 AM

I have the old manual focus SMC M* 300mm F4.0 lens. Only 132mm long. About 50mm shorter than the DA 300mm f4.0 and 38mm shorter than the FA 300, f4.5 Too short for a tripod collar. Built in lens hood. Nice little lens but mine can be a purple fringe monster. Even stopped down The price paid for being so short is that minimum focus is 4 meters.

**UncleVanya** · 12-09-2020, 06:45 AM - **1 Like**

I really like my FA* 300 but the lens hood has some issues. I’d love to find a new hood or figure out how to repair the inside where it holds in place (it’s very loose).

shyrsio · 12-09-2020, 02:44 PM

Aaahhhhh, a FA* prime... Personally, I am in love with the FA lineup and the "*" lenses in particular. the details ooze professionalism. I sure hope to lay my hands on one of these one day!

**clackers** · 12-09-2020, 04:08 PM

A magnificent lens. My hood is cracked, though.

q_crack · 12-09-2020, 04:13 PM - **1 Like**

I do not have any * lens but I can still dream. Reading threads like this is still a pleasure. An amazing lens indeed!

angerdan · 12-10-2020, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by termy

the FA*300 and F*300 are very compact 300mm primes.
And the F*300 is particularly beautiful.

I love my F* 300mm

It is as short as the F* 300mm f4.5

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

12-09-2020, 03:57 AM - 1 Like	#7
RICHARD L. Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 5,146	*Pentax K1 + FA 300 mm f/4.5 @ f/8. There is no need to close the diaphragm further than f/8 with this lens. Image is even very good wide-open.**

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Misc The ruin in the smallest city of Germany	Lux Legere	Post Your Photos!	6	02-16-2020 03:01 PM
What is smallest P-TTL flash that will wirelessly fire Pentax AF540 flash?	barondla	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	31	11-19-2019 04:17 PM
Smallest medium format Pentax SLR?	carsantini	Pentax Medium Format	10	08-13-2019 09:12 AM
Smallest, cheapest flash that allows wireless triggering of AF540FGZ flash in P-ttl?	barondla	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	13	07-16-2019 11:35 AM
smallest filter for DA* 300mm f/4?	MJSfoto1956	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	04-30-2015 01:23 PM

12-08-2020, 10:35 PM - 1 Like	#2
termy Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1,109	the FA300 and F300 are very compact 300mm primes. (Perhaps the decision to make them constant f4.5 instead of f4.0, f3.5, played a part). And the F*300 is particularly beautiful.

12-08-2020, 10:45 PM	#4
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,486	Congrats on the new FA* 300! (The Nikon 300/4 PF is even shorter and lighter, although thicker)

12-08-2020, 10:52 PM	#5
Ash Moderator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,914 Original Poster	The Nikon is an attractive lens with closer focusing ability (1.4m vs 2m) and slightly lighter (750g vs 900g) but does have a larger front element (77mm vs 67mm). Images from the Nikon look good, but has a Fresnel element for reduced weight, which may render images differently. I believe the Nikon is also Chinese made as opposed to Pentax being made in Japan, which may say something about longevity.

12-08-2020, 11:38 PM	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,481	Originally posted by Ash The Nikon is an attractive lens with closer focusing ability (1.4m vs 2m) and slightly lighter (750g vs 900g) but does have a larger front element (77mm vs 67mm). Images from the Nikon look good, but has a Fresnel element for reduced weight, which may render images differently. I believe the Nikon is also Chinese made as opposed to Pentax being made in Japan, which may say something about longevity. The PF series lenses while smaller are controversial. The flare handling is weird, similar to how aspheric lenses create odd bokeh. Not a huge issue, just something to be aware of. Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/5.6E PF ED VR review - Ghosting and flares - LensTip.com

12-09-2020, 04:52 AM	#8
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 35,857	... love my copy of this lens.... when I finally realized that there wasn't a consumer-grade zoom that was going to satisfy me at 300mm, I saved up and bought an FA* prime.... ..worth it...

12-09-2020, 05:19 AM	#9
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,146	I have the old manual focus SMC M* 300mm F4.0 lens. Only 132mm long. About 50mm shorter than the DA 300mm f4.0 and 38mm shorter than the FA 300, f4.5 Too short for a tripod collar. Built in lens hood. Nice little lens but mine can be a purple fringe monster. Even stopped down The price paid for being so short is that minimum focus is 4 meters.

12-09-2020, 06:45 AM - 1 Like	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,481	I really like my FA* 300 but the lens hood has some issues. I’d love to find a new hood or figure out how to repair the inside where it holds in place (it’s very loose).

12-09-2020, 02:44 PM	#11
shyrsio Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Tirana Posts: 751	Aaahhhhh, a FA* prime... Personally, I am in love with the FA lineup and the "*" lenses in particular. the details ooze professionalism. I sure hope to lay my hands on one of these one day!

12-09-2020, 04:08 PM	#12
clackers Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,005	A magnificent lens. My hood is cracked, though.

12-09-2020, 04:13 PM - 1 Like	#13
q_crack Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 85	I do not have any * lens but I can still dream. Reading threads like this is still a pleasure. An amazing lens indeed!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

12-10-2020, 01:26 PM	#14
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,305	Originally posted by termy the FA300 and F300 are very compact 300mm primes. And the F300 is particularly beautiful. I love my F 300mm It is as short as the F* 300mm f4.5 SMC Pentax-F* 300mm F4.5 ED [IF] Reviews - F Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database