[Nitrok]

Ok seems like im down to two lenses here.

1. Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF
++ Versatility (Zoom)
+ Still sharp with 1.4x TC
+ AF Speed
- Weight
- No weather sealing
- No HSM (?)
- $60 more expensive than Pentax 300mm (on B&H)

2. Pentax SMCP-DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM
+ Weather sealing
+ Still sharp with TC
+ Slightly better image quality (?)
+ HSM
+ Lighter weight
-- Versatility (No Zoom)

I did pros and cons quickly so if anyone has something to add please tell me now.
Though the Pentax has more pros, the versatility of Sigma looks more tempting to me.
This is hard choice.

[Ex Finn.]

Birds, longer the better with steady tripod. What kinda other wild life did you plan on shooting?. Something safe or something that could have you for lunch!.

Cheers, Mike.

[Abbazz]

Ok seems like im down to two lenses here.

1. Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF
++ Versatility (Zoom)
+ Still sharp with 1.4x TC
+ AF Speed
- Weight
- No weather sealing
- No HSM (?)
- $60 more expensive than Pentax 300mm (on B&H)

2. Pentax SMCP-DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM
+ Weather sealing
+ Still sharp with TC
+ Slightly better image quality (?)
+ HSM
+ Lighter weight
-- Versatility (No Zoom)

I did pros and cons quickly so if anyone has something to add please tell me now.
Though the Pentax has more pros, the versatility of Sigma looks more tempting to me.
This is hard choice.

I would take the Pentax. I have the F*300/4.5 and it is definitely a stunning lens. The DA*300 should be at least as good from what I've heard and that means better image quality than even the better zoom out there. As you noted, it's very important if you plan to use a teleconverter to gain more reach.

To me the other important point in your list is the lighter weight. A little less weight can make quite a difference after a day long hike. It might also make the difference between a lens that goes with you on a trip vs. a lens that stays at home.

If you need the versatility of a zoom, you can always add the very good Pentax 55-300 later. It doesn't cost a lot of money and it covers the useful 55-100 range, which the Sigma 100-300 doesn't. The 55-300 also delivers pictures virtually indistinguishable from the Sigma up to 200mm and, at 300mm, you will have the DA*300 .

Cheers!

Abbazz

[Nitrok]

Birds, longer the better with steady tripod. What kinda other wild life did you plan on shooting?. Something safe or something that could have you for lunch!.

Cheers, Mike.

Definitely something safe at first.

I would take the Pentax. I have the F*300/4.5 and it is definitely a stunning lens. The DA*300 should be at least as good from what I've heard and that means better image quality than even the better zoom out there. As you noted, it's very important if you plan to use a teleconverter to gain more reach.

To me the other important point in your list is the lighter weight. A little less weight can make quite a difference after a day long hike. It might also make the difference between a lens that goes with you on a trip vs. a lens that stays at home.

If you need the versatility of a zoom, you can always add the very good Pentax 55-300 later. It doesn't cost a lot of money and it covers the useful 55-100 range, which the Sigma 100-300 doesn't. The 55-300 also delivers pictures virtually indistinguishable from the Sigma up to 200mm and, at 300mm, you will have the DA*300 .

Cheers!

Abbazz

You have many good points there.
So what TC should i get for DA*300 (if I buy it)?
Would Kenko AF Teleconverter 1,5x MC DG work with it and is there any compatible 1,4x TC for this lens?

[AdrianM]

I have both the Sigma 100-300 f4 and DA*300 f4 which I generally use with Kenko 1.5x TCs (the PAF MC for the 100-300, and the Pz SHQ for the DA*300). Both are fabulous lenses and really sharp, even with a TC. I have found the Sigma 1.4x TC really sharp optically but not very rugged and after a while the contact pins drop and the drive mechanism gets messed up. After breaking two in just over a year, I gave up and bought some Kenkos. The advantage of the TC is that you can take it off if you need more light compared to longer lenses and it has a better wide open aperture than some of the bigger lenses. I find that focus on the DA*300 focus hunts a little bit on the K20D when the TC is used, but this doesn't occur on the K-7 or K-X under similar conditions (tried it in the shop, but haven't yet got approval from the boss to buy!). The reason I bought the DA*300 was for birds and bushwalking. I found that I was rarely using anything less than 300mm, and the weight was getting to me when going walking. The 100-300 is really useful for sport and aircraft, and birds.

[HawaiianOnline]

I used to use a Bigma, but now I mainly use a Sigma 300 f2.8 with a Tamron 1.4 TC or the Pentax 1.7 TC. It gives me results like these.

Sigma 300


With 1.4 TC


With 1.7 TC


EDIT: All of these were taken on a Bogen 680B Monopod. I also use this lens for my surfing shots.

[Abbazz]

So what TC should i get for DA*300 (if I buy it)?
Would Kenko AF Teleconverter 1,5x MC DG work with it and is there any compatible 1,4x TC for this lens?

I don't know the Kenko. I have a Tamron-F 1.4x Pz-AF MC4 that reportedly works with the DA*300. It delivers very good results with the F*300/4.5 but it seems that Tamron doesn't make it anymore.

Cheers!

Abbazz

[borno]

I tried a couple different kenko 1.5x pz shq TC's on my da300 and they hunted too much for me (I thought it might not be good for the motor) but the 1.7x afa was a great match with it. I sold the DA and kept the sigma 100-300mm because the zoom is handy and the IQ is almost as good (not up close though) I might sell that too because I really would love a long lens for my 40d

[dadipentak]

If the objective is wildlife, go with the DA*300mm. It's simply better at that FL than the Sigma and therefore better when used with a TC. I use mine with the Tamron-F 1.4x Pz-AF MC4 and the Pentax AF 1.7 with good results. The DA 55-300mm is a good alternative (less expensive and easier to carry) to the Sigma zoom.

[Lowell Goudge]

there is a similar post running

see this link with shots from my 2 "go to" solutions

SMC 300 F4 and 1.7x AF TC and Sigma APO 70-200 F2.8 EX with sigma APO 2X DG teleconverter
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/806229-post9.html

[8540tomg]

After looking at Marc' Languille's "preliminary" images with the 600/4 I've concluded it is the best lens for birding. I know it's not on the list but WOW what a lens.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/79357-nature-new-superte...ary-shots.html

Tom G

[dadipentak]

there is a similar post running

see this link with shots from my 2 "go to" solutions

SMC 300 F4 and 1.7x AF TC and Sigma APO 70-200 F2.8 EX with sigma APO 2X DG teleconverter
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/806229-post9.html

Yeah I have both but use the Sigma (sans TC) for sports & such--rarely wildlife. I never carry both at the same time, though--I'm robust but there are limits ;~) Nice shots, btw!

Then there's this 1000mm

[Nitrok]

I don't know the Kenko. I have a Tamron-F 1.4x Pz-AF MC4 that reportedly works with the DA*300. It delivers very good results with the F*300/4.5 but it seems that Tamron doesn't make it anymore.

Cheers!

Abbazz

Ok, i'm leaning towards the DA*300 now. Mostly because of it's light weight and weather sealing (and SDM). And I also think I will be using my lens @300mm even if it was the Sigma 100-300mm. I also have Sigma 105mm if I need shorter fl.
The TC is my only problem now. Where to get that Tamron?

After looking at Marc' Languille's "preliminary" images with the 600/4 I've concluded it is the best lens for birding. I know it's not on the list but WOW what a lens.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/79357-nature-new-superte...ary-shots.html

Tom G

That's a beauty - too bad it's waaay beyond my budget.

[dadipentak]

The TC is my only problem now. Where to get that Tamron?

Just keep an eye on the used equipment outlets (PF marketplace, eBay, craiggslist, KEH?) and be ready to pounce.

[Eaglerapids]

I'm glad to see you're leaning to the DA* 300/4. It may not have the versatility of a zoom but to me that's made up in it's close focusing abilities which may be overlooked sometimes. And it's close focusing abilities are very very good.
I have a Tamron-F 1.4x Pz-AF MC4 and it works fine on the DA* 300.
There is one thing to remember as you begin this journey. The longer the reach the rules change and everything gets very anal. It may not be bad if it takes a little while before you find a teleconverter. You mentioned 500 shots with the big zoom. There will also be a learning curve with just a 300mm. I blew more shots just yesterday, BIF shots are still very iffy for me and all this without the converter. You will have your hands full with just the 300mm in the beginning.
I hope you have a good tripod and head, if not be prepared to spend more money. There seem to be plenty of people who use these lenses handheld successfully, maybe so but I'm not one of them. I'm not trying to be a wet blanket here but just want you to be aware of what you're getting yourself into:-). When you nail a bird shot it's sweet but my "nail" rate is pretty low, lol.