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Hi Group. In the late 90's I was an avid Pentax hobbyist, shooting mostly sports. At that time I accumulated quite a few Pentax lenses (purchased at a discount from my late Grandfather who had a friend at Pentax). Anyways, the interest faded but I always wanted to own a fixed 300mm F 2.8 which I thought they made at the time. Does this sound right and if so do they not make that lens anymore? Go easy, Im in no way an expert in this arena, or even a professional. Thanks!

[steephill]

SMC Pentax-FA* 300mm F2.8 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

[aslyfox]

there is still an older one

SMC Pentax-A* 300mm F2.8 ED [IF] Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

information on types of Pentax Lenses

FA vs A

smc PENTAX-FA
The second generation of autofocus lenses
Sub-groups: FA* (professional) and FA Limited (compact high-end) series
Image format covered: 24 x 36 mm
Suitable for APS-C digital sensor format and 24 x 36 mm "full frame" format
Autofocus with screw drive system
Aperture ring
Automatic aperture setting is available*
Certain zoom lenses feature the power zoom function**
In production: Only five of the original 42 lenses are still in production (as of May 2010: FA 35, FA 50, FA 30/43/77 limited)
The FA series lenses are autofocus and allow for certain modern cameras (film and digital) to automatically set aperture (Tv mode), shutter speed (Av mode), or both (Program mode). You can also set exposure manually if the camera body allows for this. On recent camera bodies (e.g. *ist and all digital SLR cameras) you use dials on the camera body to set the aperture value (the aperture ring on the lens must be in the "A" position at all times). On older models (such as ZX-5N, MZ-5N, LX, ME, MX, K1000) the aperture is set with the aperture ring on the lens.

Three FA "Limited" lenses were made available in 2001. Except for these and the 35mm f/2 and 50mm f/1.4, the FA series, which consisted of 42 lenses total, has been discontinued.

While FA lenses are identical in operation to F lenses, they feature improved electronics that support the MTF program line.

The FA series also includes 11 "star" lenses (FA*) that employ the finest of Pentax optical and mechanical engineering. . . .

smc PENTAX-A
The third generation of manual focus lenses
Sub-categhory: A*
Image format covered: 24 x 36 mm
Suitable for APS-C digital sensor format and 24 x 36 mm "full frame" format
Automatic aperture setting is available
In production: No
Remarks: smc PENTAX-A lenses are manual focus. Regarding exposure control they work like FA lenses.

The A series also includes 9 "star" lenses (A*) that exemplify the finest in Pentax optical and engineering.

https://mosphotos.com/PentaxLensesExplained.html

[zapp]

No new/current version available, only old/used lenses. Today there is less need for large aperture lenses, but it still is missing in the Pentax lens lineup. You will not find an old used lens at low price since they are quite rare/old.

Thanks everyone for the information. Several on E-bay but I would be afraid to pay the 2 grand for something sight unseen.

[pearsaab]

I have a sigma 300mm 2.8 if youre interested

[Bob 256]

The Tamron 300mm f2.8 may be very similar to the Pentax version and you can get it on on ebay for $1210US right now (including shipping) though note the issues of dust and small scratches. This listing allows a "make offer" so you might do better in pricing below the $1210. Tamron made many of the Pentax lenses with upgrades to Pentax standards (e.g., multicoating).

TAMRON SP 300mm F2.8 LD 360B for PENTAX Tamron | eBay

Also a Sigma for $399US (includes shipping). The Pentax Forum lens ratings on this lens are good and the price is right if it's in reasonable condition. Note pearsaab previous post also.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/194355054940?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D11100...Cclp%3A2563228

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Last edited by Bob 256; 11-02-2021 at 09:51 AM.