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02-19-2017, 05:28 PM   #24721
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QuoteOriginally posted by Göran Quote
I was just wondering, if anyone could tell me if the new 55-300mm would be the way to go, if I was looking for a budget lens, with good AF and IQ. I would be using it at 300mm, for entry-level birding.
Yes.

02-19-2017, 10:58 PM - 1 Like   #24722
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QuoteOriginally posted by Göran Quote
I hope I'm not breaking any rules by asking a question here, rather than posting a picture... I was just wondering, if anyone could tell me if the new 55-300mm would be the way to go, if I was looking for a budget lens, with good AF and IQ. I would be using it at 300mm, for entry-level birding. My 18-135mm just doesn't cut it in that regard. I would also be open for more expensive lenses, but only those that cost at most 500€. If I need to move this post to another forum, please tell me! Thanks
It's a nice sharp lens, but I found it noisy and not great for BIF, but there is now a newer version with an Sdm motor, which will at least be quiet.
02-20-2017, 12:16 AM   #24723
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kevriano Quote
It's a nice sharp lens, but I found it noisy and not great for BIF, but there is now a newer version with an Sdm motor, which will at least be quiet.
Hi Göran
the 55-300mm lens I use for traveling since some years, when weight is an issue - the range from 260 to 300mm is not that good as from 55 to 250mm. For birding I've acquired a 300mm/f4 DA* lens, which is far better at 300mm. Sometimes they are offered second hand within your budget (do not forget to include a good protective filter within your budget). Recently I've added the TC 1.4 to the 300mm DA* and I'm happy with that combo in general.
Cheers
Eric
02-20-2017, 01:53 AM - 1 Like   #24724
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So you think I would be better off saving up for a DA* 300? I saw videos of the af motor screwing up, or being damaged. Is this something I would need to worry about? I would be fine saving for it, since I really want to take great pictures. And if there is a tele converter in my future that works with the lens as well, then I will be happy.


Last edited by Göran; 02-20-2017 at 01:59 AM.
02-20-2017, 05:16 AM   #24725
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QuoteOriginally posted by Göran Quote
So you think I would be better off saving up for a DA* 300?
As far as best image quality between the DA*300 and 55-300, the DA*300 would be a better choice.

There is also the 1.4 HD TC, which will turn 300mm into 420mm.


HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter Reviews - DA Teleconverters - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/257619-pentax-hd-pentax-d...lens-club.html
02-20-2017, 06:24 AM   #24726
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I also see alternatives in the F*300 and FA*300. If I see either of those for a good price, should I grab them?
02-20-2017, 08:01 AM - 1 Like   #24727
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QuoteOriginally posted by Göran Quote
I also see alternatives in the F*300 and FA*300. If I see either of those for a good price, should I grab them?
DA*300, F*300, FA*300

You'd be happy with any of these.

Some even say the F*/FA* are better than the DA*300.
I like the silent AF with WR though so I went with the DA*300.

And as others have said, it pairs beautifully with the HD 1.4xTC!

02-20-2017, 08:27 AM - 2 Likes   #24728
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QuoteOriginally posted by UserAccessDenied Quote
DA*300, F*300, FA*300

You'd be happy with any of these.

Some even say the F*/FA* are better than the DA*300.
I like the silent AF with WR though so I went with the DA*300.

And as others have said, it pairs beautifully with the HD 1.4xTC!
Alright, thanks! I'll post my first picture here with either of those 3 and will officially be a member of this amazing club :P
(Saving up can take a while, so see you...sometime this year haha)
02-20-2017, 08:36 AM - 1 Like   #24729
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More mirror lens images

Below are two of my recent images captured with the Tokina 500mm f/8 mirror lens I bought through the Pentaxforums Marketplace. The lens was on my handheld Pentax K-S2. The image of the two ring-necked ducks is cropped a bit.





Images are cross-posted from Picture of The Week thread
02-20-2017, 08:39 AM - 1 Like   #24730
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QuoteOriginally posted by Göran Quote
Alright, thanks! I'll post my first picture here with either of those 3 and will officially be a member of this amazing club :P
(Saving up can take a while, so see you...sometime this year haha)
Personally I don't think any of the * lenses is worth the extra size and cost over the PLM version of the 55-300. But YMMV.
02-20-2017, 09:46 AM - 1 Like   #24731
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QuoteOriginally posted by Göran Quote
I hope I'm not breaking any rules by asking a question here, rather than posting a picture... I was just wondering, if anyone could tell me if the new 55-300mm would be the way to go, if I was looking for a budget lens, with good AF and IQ. I would be using it at 300mm, for entry-level birding. My 18-135mm just doesn't cut it in that regard. I would also be open for more expensive lenses, but only those that cost at most 500€. If I need to move this post to another forum, please tell me! Thanks
QuoteOriginally posted by boriscleto Quote
Yes.
QuoteOriginally posted by Kevriano Quote
It's a nice sharp lens, but I found it noisy and not great for BIF, but there is now a newer version with an Sdm motor, which will at least be quiet.
QuoteOriginally posted by exposeric Quote
Hi Göran
the 55-300mm lens I use for traveling since some years, when weight is an issue - the range from 260 to 300mm is not that good as from 55 to 250mm. For birding I've acquired a 300mm/f4 DA* lens, which is far better at 300mm. Sometimes they are offered second hand within your budget (do not forget to include a good protective filter within your budget). Recently I've added the TC 1.4 to the 300mm DA* and I'm happy with that combo in general.
Cheers
Eric
QuoteOriginally posted by Göran Quote
So you think I would be better off saving up for a DA* 300? I saw videos of the af motor screwing up, or being damaged. Is this something I would need to worry about? I would be fine saving for it, since I really want to take great pictures. And if there is a tele converter in my future that works with the lens as well, then I will be happy.
Hand held. For a consumer level zoom lens it is surprisingly good, and mine works pretty well at 300mm.
02-20-2017, 09:58 AM - 10 Likes   #24732
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DA*300 @ 420mm

















02-20-2017, 10:34 AM   #24733
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QuoteOriginally posted by Göran Quote
Alright, thanks! I'll post my first picture here with either of those 3 and will officially be a member of this amazing club :P
(Saving up can take a while, so see you...sometime this year haha)
You could pick up a cheap (<€50) MF 400mm f5.6 or f6.3 to play with in the meantime.
If you search my posts (use adavanced search function for this thread) you'll find a number of example pics with MF lenses.
02-20-2017, 10:38 AM   #24734
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QuoteOriginally posted by Göran Quote
So you think I would be better off saving up for a DA* 300? I saw videos of the af motor screwing up, or being damaged. Is this something I would need to worry about? I would be fine saving for it, since I really want to take great pictures. And if there is a tele converter in my future that works with the lens as well, then I will be happy.
I would say it's worth the wait, yes, if you can.
02-20-2017, 02:11 PM   #24735
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QuoteOriginally posted by Göran Quote
I also see alternatives in the F*300 and FA*300. If I see either of those for a good price, should I grab them?
I have both the DA*300 and the F*300. They're both fantastic lenses but differ for me in these ways:

The DA generally acquires focus faster. Its newer design gives it advantages in responsiveness over the F*.

The F* is a lovely legacy lens with an image quality that surpasses the DA in many ways. The colors are richer and it has a 3D quality I can't quite describe. It's also full frame compatible, since it's a film-era lens.

I bought the DA because I wanted to use my 1.4 TC to its greatest advantage. Though I've paired the TC with the F*, it doesn't seem quite as happy in the pairing as the DA. Those two seem made for each other.
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