Originally posted by akptc Another GAS attack has me thinking that I must have the DA 300/4.
To delay the inevitable, I have been comparing the IQ of the Pentax M*300/4, Pentax DA 55-300, and the Sigma 50-500, all at 300 mm (I happen to have these three lenses) against the DA 300/4.
I ask myself, given decent light, could I not achieve the same detail, sharpness, micro-contrast, etc when shooting a stationary bird with the Bigma at 300mm as someone else shooting the same bird with the DA 300/4?
Flickr.com has lots of images from all of these lenses so it should be easy to tell but it's not that easy. Just as I thought I had my final opinion, a picture by the Bigma or by the 55-300 would show up and blow me away.
Also, how about this logic - most pros use primes or super-high-end zooms, so clearly most good pics from the DA 300/4 would have been produced by more experienced nature photographers than lets say users of the other lenses. Which means that comparing pics on Flickr.com is not a sure-fire way to make a choice.
I know that skills are the paramount ingredient in making a great picture. So my quest has to do with giving myself the best chance I can afford, of taking that one amazing photo w/out having a poorer quality glass get in the way.
I wonder if this makes sense to other GAS-affected Pentaxians..
Andy
I held off getting the DA 300 for the longest time, not wanting to spend the money for “one more lens” and thinking I had it covered with those I have. But, having given in and acquired it, I will say it’s in a class all its own and produces truly exceptional images.
With a stable target where 300 will get you close enough, the quality can’t be beat. And, given that quality, your options for cropping are greatly enhanced. Of course, there’s always that trade-off with a fixed lens... just when you think the distance will be fine, there are so many situations where using your feet isn’t an option. For those, which are the majority for me, I value my zooms greatly. When my lens budget balance goes back up, I’d like to get my hands on that 150-450. That’s a nice range and I suspect the image quality would far surpass my Sigma 150-500. Good luck with your decision!
P.s., I just re-read your post and didn’t answer your question directly. IMHO, no, I don’t think you could get the same detail/sharpness/contrast with those other lenses. Sometimes, as in this case, the quality results not only from the glass itself but in the superior performance of the mechanism. I believe both are superb in the DA 300.