300mm plus Lens Club: discuss your long lenses

**WPRESTO** · 01-16-2018, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by Kameko

The more I use the FA* 300, the more I love it. Sharp, compact... if only it were f2.8

Were it f2.8 you'd lose the "compact" that is part of its appeal and value.

**JimS_256** · 01-16-2018, 12:56 PM - **14 Likes**

After a couple of disappointing years the eagles have returned to my favorite viewing area. Now if the weather will just cooperate...

DA*300 + 1.4TC

normhead · 01-16-2018, 01:42 PM

My Tammy is 2.8 and weighs 8 pounds, so still manageable in a shoulder bag.

**Des** · 01-16-2018, 03:48 PM

Originally posted by Kameko

The more I use the FA* 300, the more I love it. Sharp, compact... if only it were f2.8

Originally posted by ivanvernon

At 2.8 you might need a truck to carry it around!

Originally posted by WPRESTO

Were it f2.8 you'd lose the "compact" that is part of its appeal and value.

Originally posted by normhead

My Tammy is 2.8 and weighs 8 pounds, so still manageable in a shoulder bag.

I guess this is what a modern 300mm f2.8 looks like:
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens 2186 B&H Photo - $US5,500, 2.9kg
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens 4411B002 B&H Photo Video - $6,100, 2.3kg
Sigma Telephoto 300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens 195101 B&H - $3,400, 2.4kg
That extra stop costs about 1000-1500g and $2000-$4000 (compared to the DA*300 f4).

**jbinpg** · 01-16-2018, 04:05 PM - **4 Likes**

The male Pileated Woodpecker was at the suet feeder today. He allowed a close approach which is not always the case. K-3 + DA*300 + HD 1.4 RC

robtcorl · 01-16-2018, 04:21 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Des

That extra stop costs about 1000-1500g and $2000-$4000 (compared to the DA*300 f4).

And will probably get stopped down to f4 or more for best results.

robtcorl · 01-16-2018, 04:54 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by jbinpg

The male Pileated Woodpecker was at the suet feeder today.

Nice getting him in a more natural setting than mine from a year ago with the DA 300*
Taken through open mini blinds in our atrium door, no excuses for the blown red crest.

I had my suet feeders upside down to discourage starlings.

**jbinpg** · 01-16-2018, 05:06 PM

Nice shots, Rob. Yours was a female. In females, the red of the crest stops above the eye and there is no red in the mustache.

**aslyfox** · 01-16-2018, 05:08 PM

I was only able to capture these paintings made years ago by the Maasai in the Serengeti from the vehicle

our guide advised us that he frequently found lions using the area and he would not allow us to approach the kopje closely or leave the vehicle

robtcorl · 01-16-2018, 05:16 PM

Originally posted by jbinpg

Nice shots, Rob. Yours was a female. In females, the red of the crest stops above the eye and there is no red in the mustache.

Thank you!
I thought the extra red might determine boys from girls, but never bothered to look it up.

Kombivan · 01-16-2018, 05:33 PM - **1 Like**

The Australian Kookaburra shot throught the dirtiest two layers of glass in Australia. This is just a baby possibly born this season

Kameko · 01-16-2018, 07:01 PM

Originally posted by ivanvernon

At 2.8 you might need a truck to carry it around! Great shot.

Thanks!

Originally posted by WPRESTO

Were it f2.8 you'd lose the "compact" that is part of its appeal and value.

This is very true, and a pipe dream of mine

Originally posted by Des

I guess this is what a modern 300mm f2.8 looks like:

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens 4411B002 B&H Photo Video - $6,100, 2.3kg
That extra stop costs about 1000-1500g and $2000-$4000 (compared to the DA*300 f4).

That Canon looks nice and it's still lighter than my Sigma

I've heard that the DA* 300 has some vignetting on FF bodies. If it didn't I would've gone for that

normhead · 01-16-2018, 08:22 PM - **8 Likes**

The birds have started turning up at the feeders the last few days, although the most popular spot is the ground under the feeders. I spend some time sitting out in the blind to see who is coming to the feeders.

K-2 and tamron SP AF 200 2.8 ED [IF] and F 1.7x AF Adapater
400 ISO F8

Mr. and Mrs. Goldfinch

One of many in a very large flock of Dark Eyed Juncos

One of several American Tree Sparrows who hang out with the Juncos.

One of several Female Purple Finches

And of course, the every day all year round visitors, one of many Blue jays and Squirrels

robtcorl · 01-16-2018, 08:52 PM

Originally posted by normhead

Mr. and Mrs. Goldfinch

Your Mr Goldfinches don't winter molt to totally drab like down here?
Not doubting the time these were taken, just curious.

normhead · 01-17-2018, 07:44 AM - **5 Likes**

Originally posted by robtcorl

Your Mr Goldfinches don't winter molt to totally drab like down here?
Not doubting the time these were taken, just curious.

I can always tell the difference between the males and females.... in sumer thy look like this

so they do look quite a bit different.

01-16-2018, 04:05 PM - 4 Likes	#27305
jbinpg Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Prince George, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,546	Pileated Woodpecker on birch The male Pileated Woodpecker was at the suet feeder today. He allowed a close approach which is not always the case. K-3 + DA300 + HD 1.4 RC Last edited by jbinpg; 01-16-2018 at 04:11 PM.*

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01-16-2018, 06:53 AM	#27301
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,108	Originally posted by Kameko The more I use the FA* 300, the more I love it. Sharp, compact... if only it were f2.8 Were it f2.8 you'd lose the "compact" that is part of its appeal and value.

01-16-2018, 12:56 PM - 14 Likes	#27302
JimS_256 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 1,107	After a couple of disappointing years the eagles have returned to my favorite viewing area. Now if the weather will just cooperate... DA*300 + 1.4TC

01-16-2018, 01:42 PM	#27303
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	My Tammy is 2.8 and weighs 8 pounds, so still manageable in a shoulder bag.

01-16-2018, 03:48 PM	#27304
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by Kameko The more I use the FA* 300, the more I love it. Sharp, compact... if only it were f2.8 Originally posted by ivanvernon At 2.8 you might need a truck to carry it around! Originally posted by WPRESTO Were it f2.8 you'd lose the "compact" that is part of its appeal and value. Originally posted by normhead My Tammy is 2.8 and weighs 8 pounds, so still manageable in a shoulder bag. I guess this is what a modern 300mm f2.8 looks like: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens 2186 B&H Photo - $US5,500, 2.9kg Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens 4411B002 B&H Photo Video - $6,100, 2.3kg Sigma Telephoto 300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens 195101 B&H - $3,400, 2.4kg That extra stop costs about 1000-1500g and $2000-$4000 (compared to the DA*300 f4).

01-16-2018, 04:21 PM - 1 Like	#27306
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	Originally posted by Des That extra stop costs about 1000-1500g and $2000-$4000 (compared to the DA*300 f4). And will probably get stopped down to f4 or more for best results.

01-16-2018, 04:54 PM - 2 Likes	#27307
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	Originally posted by jbinpg The male Pileated Woodpecker was at the suet feeder today. Nice getting him in a more natural setting than mine from a year ago with the DA 300* Taken through open mini blinds in our atrium door, no excuses for the blown red crest. I had my suet feeders upside down to discourage starlings.

01-16-2018, 05:06 PM	#27308
jbinpg Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Prince George, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,546	Nice shots, Rob. Yours was a female. In females, the red of the crest stops above the eye and there is no red in the mustache.

01-16-2018, 05:16 PM	#27310
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	Originally posted by jbinpg Nice shots, Rob. Yours was a female. In females, the red of the crest stops above the eye and there is no red in the mustache. Thank you! I thought the extra red might determine boys from girls, but never bothered to look it up.

01-16-2018, 07:01 PM	#27312
Kameko Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: White Rock Photos: Albums Posts: 450	Originally posted by ivanvernon At 2.8 you might need a truck to carry it around! Great shot. Thanks! Originally posted by WPRESTO Were it f2.8 you'd lose the "compact" that is part of its appeal and value. This is very true, and a pipe dream of mine Originally posted by Des I guess this is what a modern 300mm f2.8 looks like: Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens 4411B002 B&H Photo Video - $6,100, 2.3kg That extra stop costs about 1000-1500g and $2000-$4000 (compared to the DA300 f4). That Canon looks nice and it's still lighter than my Sigma I've heard that the DA 300 has some vignetting on FF bodies. If it didn't I would've gone for that

01-16-2018, 08:22 PM - 8 Likes	#27313
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	The birds have started turning up at the feeders the last few days, although the most popular spot is the ground under the feeders. I spend some time sitting out in the blind to see who is coming to the feeders. K-2 and tamron SP AF 200 2.8 ED [IF] and F 1.7x AF Adapater 400 ISO F8 Mr. and Mrs. Goldfinch One of many in a very large flock of Dark Eyed Juncos One of several American Tree Sparrows who hang out with the Juncos. One of several Female Purple Finches And of course, the every day all year round visitors, one of many Blue jays and Squirrels

01-16-2018, 08:52 PM	#27314
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	Originally posted by normhead Mr. and Mrs. Goldfinch Your Mr Goldfinches don't winter molt to totally drab like down here? Not doubting the time these were taken, just curious.

01-17-2018, 07:44 AM - 5 Likes	#27315
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by robtcorl Your Mr Goldfinches don't winter molt to totally drab like down here? Not doubting the time these were taken, just curious. I can always tell the difference between the males and females.... in sumer thy look like this so they do look quite a bit different.