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06-29-2022, 05:28 AM - 1 Like   #1
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Switch from the 55-300 PLM to the DA300?

Hi,
So I've been using the 55-300 PLM for a couple of years and in general, I'm happy with it, but I realized that 95% of my use of that lens is at 300 mm (birds, wildlife etc.) where it is already quite slow and the IQ is a bit worse. I wonder if it makes sense to switch to the DA 300? It is faster (which would be my main reason for switching) and I don't use the 55-299 range anyway
On the contrary, DA 300 is a lot more expensive but I'd be willing to pay for these 1,5 stops of light. I read the reviews and I know that the AF will be slower (ok, everything will be slower than the PLM).
I'd be grateful for your thoughts.
Thanks,
Chris

06-29-2022, 05:38 AM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by Chris_K Quote
So I've been using the 55-300 PLM for a couple of years and in general, I'm happy with it, but I realized that 95% of my use of that lens is at 300 mm (birds, wildlife etc.)
It's a classic, a lot of people buy a zoom and use it fully extended for birding, because birds are small and shy. But other wildlife isn't necessarily small and shy, depending on species and location, animals can be larger and/or closer. For instance , the 200-400mm FF equivalent is the most used range at African safari. Also, 55-300mm is a very useful range for photographing auto/motor sports. So, if you switch to 300mm fixed, you need to be sure that you won't need the versatility required for sports, african safaris or birding at the galapagos.
06-29-2022, 06:02 AM   #3
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you may also want to consider the F* or FA* 300/4.5 options...
06-29-2022, 06:04 AM   #4
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I have considered the same thing. Aside from the $$$, the versatility of the zoom is important to me. I am currently in the Black Hills and wildlife opportunities are overwhelming. The major drawback of a fixed lens in this situation would be changing my location to adjust the composition. The terrain can be a challenge, or even dangerous, and the subject is not usually cooperative. If shooting from a blind or similar fixed location I would think the prime would shine. As for IQ degradation of the PLM at full focal length, I extend to 300mm but then back off slightly to +/- 275 and get acceptable results. The speed of focus is a gift. As always you need the proper tool for the particular job.

06-29-2022, 06:04 AM - 1 Like   #5
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I own the lighter weight FA* 300 and the 55-300 PLM and rarely take the FA* with me unless I plan to shoot smaller birds or other subjects where I know I will need the 300mm and more than the flexibility.

So my answer is switching isn’t likely… adding is. You will want both for different reasons I suspect.
06-29-2022, 06:05 AM   #6
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Plus the DA* 300 mm f/4 mates wonderfully with their automatic DA 1.4 X teleconverter, giving the Full-Frame equivalent of a 630 mm f/5.6 telephoto on APSC, perfect for little critters.

Regards

Last edited by RICHARD L.; 06-29-2022 at 11:44 AM.
06-29-2022, 06:05 AM   #7
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I have experience with all three lenses (the light and compact 55-300 PLM / DA 300 4.0 / 150-450). The 55-300 PLM is extremely sharp as a tele at F8. I would find that the heavier DA300 adds little (possibility to shoot high ISO with the PLM, slow -and bad- AF of DA 300 4.0, in addition, the bright DA 200 2.8 is -much- better than the DA 300 in terms of sharpness, you can do quite a bit crop). For "upgrading" I would go for the DA 200 or the great 150-450 (saving up if necessary because this real telephoto zoom lens is more than worth it, but heavy again of course...). I myself notice that I am more and more inclined to link the light 55-300 PLM (and the 18-50 PLM) to my KP ....

---------- Post added 06-29-22 at 02:18 PM ----------

Addition : it's true that the 1.4 converter works well with the DA 300. However, I bought a 2nd copy of the DA 300 whose AF is bad, haven't used it for a while and wonder if I can still get it to work, then divestment of 2 X 1,200 (??)... But these are just my opinions and experiences, those of the others are just as valuable...

06-29-2022, 06:42 AM - 1 Like   #8
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I have both and use both for different situations. And I do use both almost exclusively with the DA 1.4 converter on my KP. There is no doubt that the IQ and sharpness is better on the 300 in most situations. The PLM is no slouch and can be very close in really good light. I will use the PLM when we go to the beach and I want to have a smaller kit. If I go to the beach just for photography I will carry the 300, and the PLM may be on the other camera that will go on a tripod for landscapes. I kayak in the salt marsh looking for wildlife and have used both. One morning I used the PLM because I wanted to shoot sunrise photos at wider angles, but I don’t want to switch lenses out there. A little later I was shocked when a marsh rabbit (which is a nocturnal animal that usually is hiding in the daylight) hopped in the water right in front of me and swam right by me. Because I had the zoom I was able to get some great close ups of an event few people ever see.

Years ago I had a DA 55-300, non WR and used it mostly at 300, it had painfully slow and noisy autofocus, but it had good IQ, then I got the 300 and gave the zoom to my son, later after the PLM was out and everyone raved about the Autofocus speed I end up getting one, in addition to the 300. I use the both and I am glad to have both. Since I got the TC it feels like the 300 focuses faster, I don’t think that’s possible so I think my technique has improved.

Anyway, with my experience I would advise you to get the 300 and keep the PLM too.
06-29-2022, 06:47 AM   #9
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Many thanks, everyone, for your fast responses. I think I'll hold on with the switching. The 55-300 might be actually worth keeping. I do have lots of keepers which were shot at 300 mm, even close to wide-open. The speedy AF is a great thing and I'm afraid I'd regret not having it. I might take the lens for another Single-In challenge to explore it more.
I have also considered other options (F/FA 300 - but they are rare where I live and even more bulky than the DA). The DA 1.4 converter would be a natural continuation but I need to stay reasonable when it comes to expenses and I couldn't afford to buy both (the lens and the converter). So if I was to sell the 55-300 to cover less than half of the price of the second-hand DA300 I'd have to be sure to gain enough - and now I'm not.
OTOH, it does sound very reasonable to buy the DA 300 at some point and to decide later if I need to keep both.
Thanks again for your valuable input.

EDIT:
Ok, now I can see that the FA 300 is actually lighter than the DA 300 (surprise as the former one is a FF lens). Still, they are much less abundant here where I live so probably that's why I wasn't thinking of it.

Last edited by Chris_K; 06-29-2022 at 06:54 AM.
06-29-2022, 06:56 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Chris_K Quote
.
I have also considered other options (F/FA 300 - but they are rare where I live and even more bulky than the DA).
The F* and FA* 300 are both less bulky than the DA* 300. I’m confused by this comment. They certainly might be rarer, but not larger.
06-29-2022, 06:59 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
The F* and FA* 300 are both less bulky than the DA* 300. I’m confused by this comment. They certainly might be rarer, but not larger.
You are absolutely right (and I edited my post accordingly).
06-29-2022, 07:18 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Chris_K Quote
EDIT:
Ok, now I can see that the FA 300 is actually lighter than the DA 300 (surprise as the former one is a FF lens). Still, they are much less abundant here where I live so probably that's why I wasn't thinking of it.
The DA* 300 is considered fully full frame by Pentax. They offer k-1 correction profiles for apsc and ff use. The DA* 200 and DA 560 are also completely FF as far as Pentax is concerned. The designs were derived from FF lenses on the 200/300 and the names predate the introduction of D FA naming and the K-1.

Additionally smaller sensors make little difference in telephoto prime lenses of the same focal length. The Olympus 300mm f4 for micro 4/3 is larger than the Pentax probably due to the additional correction needed to ensure good performance on the smaller sensor. (The effective field of view of the Olympus is similar to 400mm on apsc or 600mm ff so aberrations will show more due to the sensor pixel density)
06-29-2022, 07:18 AM   #13
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Good idea to keep the PLM. I am always amazed at how good the lens is (AF and sharpness).
The DA☆300 is of course a great lens, it is an FF design! I'm just extremely disappointed by the AF. As a huge Pentax fan (!!) I don't just want to praise but just be honest. Maybe you will run into a nice DA 300 ☆. Have fun with the PLM!!!
06-29-2022, 07:34 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
The DA* 300 is considered fully full frame by Pentax. They offer k-1 correction profiles for apsc and ff use. The DA* 200 and DA 560 are also completely FF as far as Pentax is concerned. The designs were derived from FF lenses on the 200/300 and the names predate the introduction of D FA naming and the K-1.
Ok, that explains a lot. Thank you for the details.

QuoteOriginally posted by SFX Quote
Have fun with the PLM!!!
Thank you I truly think I will.
06-29-2022, 11:28 AM   #15
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My DA* 300mm and 1.4 rear converter basically lives on my K-3. I don’t honestly remember when I last used my 55-300mm. It is an expensive combination but it does allow me to get some wonderful images.
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