Originally posted by hcc Another alternative is the FA*300mm f4.5. It can be found on the second market. The lens is very well regarded by PF members and the IQ is superb In my case I chose the FA*300m over the DA*300mm because of the lighter weight and smaller size. I like to bushwalk and I prefer the smaller FA*300mm for convenience.
Food for thoughts...
There is also the even lighter F*300 which has two other advantages over the FA*300 - the lens hood is built-in, and it has a removable tripod mount. The main disadvantage is that it is much more scarce than its younger sibling, although it commands a similar price to it.
However, if you are prepared to wait, as I did, they do appear from time to time.