[Just1MoreDave]

My usage is very similar and it's tough to spend what long lenses go for. I have a Tokina AT-X SD 400mm f5.6 which I like. Autofocus, a tripod mount, internal focus so it doesn't change in length, 72mm filter, slide out hood. I paid $250 a couple of years ago and I think that's fair. Minimum focus distance is 2.5m. I don't think it's quite as good as a Pentax-A 400/5.6 but it is close. I have the manual focus version of this lens also, which I would sell to you cheap but shipping is not cheap, like $70. The manual focus version, just labeled SD, is not quite as good, but still usable, physically about the same, but doesn't focus as closely (4m I think). The manual focus version is good for the moon, eclipses, etc.

Your profile says you use a K10D. You could get a K-5 or K-3 instead and gain several stops in ISO and/or dynamic range. AF will be better. With some extra pixels, cropping is easier. I don't know what the going price is but lots of cameras are going to be sold to upgrade to the K-3 Cubed.

[bschriver11]

If you are going walking with the lens then size and weight should also be a consideration. I just purchased the DA* 300mm for the same reasons you describe and I am pleased with my decision, the optics are excellent even cropped to near 100%.The size and weight are not a problem, it is very easy to hand hold and maneuver. No lens is ever long enough anyway, there will always be times you wish you had more. For me the size, weight, and image quality make the DA* 300mm a winner.

[roberrl]

Since you're in the UK you could hire from SRS and give some of the options a try to see if they suit.

[bobore]

My grab & go camera is the very lightweight K-x, along with a Tamron 28-300mm XR lens. With binoculars around my neck, the camera remains in a holster pouch where I can grab it & easily carry it in-hand for extended periods of time because of the low overall weight.

[angerdan]

A tele zoom wasn't even on my radar until lock down. Then I spotted a mint HD 55-300 and decided to give it a go
But - it isnt very fast (f5.8) and doesn't reach that far for little birds (450mm equiv on APS-C)

There are alternatives:
<= F5.6 <= 2000g Lenses | PentaxForums.com

there was a similar thread recently and 300* seemed a front runner there

F*/FA*/DA* 300mm f/4.x are all excellent choices. DA* 300 + HD 1.4x TC also a very good combo.

[Driline]

My usage is very similar and it's tough to spend what long lenses go for. I have a Tokina AT-X SD 400mm f5.6 which I like. Autofocus, a tripod mount, internal focus so it doesn't change in length, 72mm filter, slide out hood. I paid $250 a couple of years ago and I think that's fair. Minimum focus distance is 2.5m. I don't think it's quite as good as a Pentax-A 400/5.6 but it is close. I have the manual focus version of this lens also, which I would sell to you cheap but shipping is not cheap, like $70. The manual focus version, just labeled SD, is not quite as good, but still usable, physically about the same, but doesn't focus as closely (4m I think). The manual focus version is good for the moon, eclipses, etc.

Your profile says you use a K10D. You could get a K-5 or K-3 instead and gain several stops in ISO and/or dynamic range. AF will be better. With some extra pixels, cropping is easier. I don't know what the going price is but lots of cameras are going to be sold to upgrade to the K-3 Cubed.

I have the Tokina SL 400mm/5.6 Manual lens along with the Pentax A 400mm/5.6. You are correct. The Pentax is better but the Tokina is no slouch and is much smaller and lighter weight if that's an issue. $40 dollars for the Tokina and $250 for the Pentax A 400mm/5.6 if you can find one.

[bobore]

To add to my post above, my main goal these days is getting shots that help in bird identification. So 300mm punched out beyond 400 on the lightweight K-x is often enough. But on a more serious birding trip, I use the first version Tamron AF 70-300mm (58mm filter) coupled to a five-element Sigma 1.4x teleconverter (like the Tamron lens, an early AF product made in Japan). The result is a comfortably lightweight combo that punches out to 630mm at the far end. Autofocus in good light is reasonably efficient, and the Sigma converter effectively holds sharpness. Of course this won’t replace a dedicated big-bertha lens, but low weight is a key priority for me & this setup has been serving me well for years.

[steamloco76]

I claim no photographic expertise

I just post a lot

I have both lenses and the DA * 300

I got an " experienced " 150 - 450 off ebay, it was like new and a slight discount

the DA * 300 was purchased from a forum member

I bought the PLM on sale

I prefer the 150-450

yes, it is big, heavy and expensive

but the length and quality is worth it

IMHO

[ I got the PLM for the occasions I didn't want to carry the 150-450 ]

I bought all three 55-300PLM, DA*300 and DFA150-400 here on the Forum Marketplace, plus the HD DA 1.4X (my second copy, the first was a DOG). I love the PLM for just about everything except marginal light birding. The DA*300/4 with 1.4TC is truly amazing for its size and weight. S-L-O-W AF is the only true black mark. I use the combo for handheld wildlife photography all the time. Had I not found the 150-450 for half the cost of new, I’d still be more than satisfied with the 300 and 300 plus TC. I do really love the 150-450, and have learned to hand hold it most of the time-unless I need long range, then it gets the monopod with gimbal.

[robbiec]

A tele zoom wasn't even on my radar until lock down. Then I spotted a mint HD 55-300 and decided to give it a go

Am really impressed with is abilities for wildlife / bird photographs - and its become kind of addictive to go for an evening walk on the hunt for something interesting. Mostly I shoot it wide open and 300mm

But - it isnt very fast (f5.8) and doesn't reach that far for little birds (450mm equiv on APS-C)

But what to get next? The 150-450 is eye wateringly expensive. Big Sigma zooms seem common(ish) but soft.

Pentax 400mm manual focus lenses aren't that readily available in UK (though I have looked at a couple of lovely ones on Ebay in Japan) and I wonder if a prime would be a nuisance. Older 500mm may also be a handful in the field

Sign up to www.pentaxuser.com in the UK. There is a kit finding section and it will bring up 2nd hand stuff or new stuff at very good prices. I've seen a new 150-450 pop up for under 1200 as the bricks and motars unload Pentax stuff.