[netuser]

Yes.

------

Thanks

Then DA*300 just rocks

[asdf]

Thanks

Then DA*300 just rocks

Check this out:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31629-da-lens-...ts-thread.html

Note that a "full frame" lens will always seem to perform better on a cropped sensor, because you're cropping its "sweet spot."

Here's a bit of wild speculation: in two years time, 35mm sensors will become so cheap that Pentax will be forced to make a full frame camera. Pentax refuses to make a >1500USD DSLR, but in a couple of years we'll have full frame cameras for around 1500USD.

[palmor]

I tried today the Canon EF 400mm f/5,6 L USM on the 40D body and made some great shots.


Besides the focal lenght I also liked the silent/speed of the ultrasonic motor.

taking into consideration my initial question, which one should I get ? DA ? FA ?

DA seems not long enought, FA seems not to fast focus since it doesn't have SDM and it's noisy ... noise is not very good for birds

Please advice.

Thanks

So the SDM motors of Pentax do not increase focus speed, they are just silent focusing. So don't be caught up in that aspect of the screw drive (FA* 400) vs SDM (DA*300).

I have never used the FA 400 but I would bet it is faster focusing then th eDA*300+TC is. While this combo works (and IQ is great IMO) it can hunt and for birding focus just a little bit too late. Like I mentioned though I believe the IQ is fantastic and is the combo I currently use.

Here are some threads were I posted examples of this lens and most of them are with the Kenko 1.5x TC

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/62693-snowy-egret.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/60514-red-winged-blackbird.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/59249-just-chickadee-titmouse.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/46102-i-love-usable-iso-...other-one.html

[netuser]

So the SDM motors of Pentax do not increase focus speed, they are just silent focusing. So don't be caught up in that aspect of the screw drive (FA* 400) vs SDM (DA*300).

I have never used the FA 400 but I would bet it is faster focusing then the DA*300+TC is. While this combo works (and IQ is great IMO) it can hunt and for birding focus just a little bit too late. Like I mentioned though I believe the IQ is fantastic and is the combo I currently use.

...

Too bad SDM motors is only for the silent and not for the speed
DA*300+TC keeps being silent ? b

[netuser]

Too bad SDM motors is only for the silent and not for the speed
DA*300+TC keeps being silent ? b

Notes: Supersonic motor, Quick-shift focus, SP (Super Protect) coating, Filter window, Detachable tripod mount

I took that from pentax website. Supersonic motor is no better/fast than the old way of the screw drive ?

[aredmossinel]

I took that from pentax website. Supersonic motor is no better/fast than the old way of the screw drive ?

Quiet: yes.
Faster: no systematic relationship.

Reliable: Frankly, the SDM seems to be a bit of a risk. The micromotor has given many people issues with long term reliability...not necessarily in the 300mm, but it seems to be one of the common factors with a lot of complaints.

Fast Example
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/58774-anyone-e...5-problem.html

[netuser]

Don't want to spend money and then the SDM lens is not good

BUT don't want to buy FA 400 and then a couple of months later Pentax has DA* 400 f5.6 .....

[Andrew Faires]

The FA*400mm f/5.6 is a decent lens. I've used and abused mine for the last couple of years and the only time it hasn't yielded sharp photos is when there is a touch of motion blur or a focus error on my part.

I've also used my 400 paired up with a Tamron 1.4x teleconverter and that produces decent results as well and will AF in good light, though it's a slower focus.

As for AF speed, the 400 is decent in the speed department, but it's noisy. I'm expecting with the k-7 coming out, the AF speed will improve a bit more on that body, but can only guess at this point. I don't have a DA*300 to compare to though.

I believe the FA*400 is a fair bit smaller than the EF 400 f/5.6, but the Pentax version isn't as sharp as the Canon when both are used with good long-lens technique. And again, the Pentax 400 is pretty loud when focusing.

Here's a shot using the k10d and FA*400


And here's one where I cropped about 1/2 of the image to get the final framing

[pentaxman]

Here is one I took with my DA* 300 @ F5.6 and ISO 400. This is straight JPEG out of the camera - no PP. I really like the bokeh.

[netuser]

Here is one I took with my DA* 300 @ F5.6 and ISO 400. This is straight JPEG out of the camera - no PP. I really like the bokeh.

Great images

I'm now in the fence, for a while, hoping for a new DA* 400 ....

[Blue]

For what its worth, I have an A 400mm f5.6 lens and I think it is optically better than the FA 400mm f5.6. The only advantage of the FA version is AF. As a matter of fact, I have a Tokina 400mm f5.6 that I think is as optically good as the FA 400. Granted that is based on slide film work.

[netuser]

Got DA*300

[Raybo]

400 mm focal length is 400 mm focal length on any camera. The sensor is about 2/3 of the size of 35 mm film, so the picture looks like a 35 mm film shot cropped to show the center 2/3 and then magnified to the size chosen.

I cannot comment much on the FA400 (other than I'd love to try one ), but I do have a DA*300 and a Sigma 150-500 HSM zoom. The Sigma is a big, heavy beast to carry but does work well. Note that this one does have HSM. I do not find that it beats the DA*300 and a Tamron 1.4x TC for IQ, but it is pretty close.

Here are a few bird shots with the DA*300 on the K20D (no TC)

Western Meadowlark


Not sure who


Bald Eagle (the zoom would have been nice - I underestimated wingspan while waiting for takeoff )


Killdeer


And with the Sigma

Marsh Wren (one of our tinier birds) - Sigma at 340mm


California Quail - Sigma at 370mm


Western Kingbirds - Sigma at 400mm

I'd just to to say........... very nice images kevindt !

[Bart]

Got DA*300

Congratulations!
Be sure to enjoy it