[skamaraju]

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with the new weathersealed, SDM 300mm F/4.0 selling at 1098 lowest at Amazon right now

[skamaraju]

No Takers? Shameless bump as I am on the look out for one.

[danielchtong]

with the new weathersealed, SDM 300mm F/4.0 selling at 1098 lowest at Amazon right now

I would say around 10-20% above DA*300mmF4 for a mint copy. If not for DA*300mm, the F/FA* version can even go higher. I believe recent sales confirm that as well.
Personally I like the F/FA* color rendition. But not its Canon-whiteness. The A* version , which is what I have, has the trademark of Pentax .

Daniel

[Eaglerapids]

Well, from my point of view, once the DA* came out I was only willing to pay $750 for the F/FA* lenses. I got tired of waiting for one at that price and bought the DA* 300/4 and have not regretted it one iota.

[k100d]

Matsuiyastore have regularly had models go for about $1000 USD
they don't have one right now, but why get their 300 2.8 instead
eBay Store - Matsuiyastore: Pentax: PENTAX FA 77mm f 1.8 Limited Black model Brand New

[Peter Zack]

Not having used the DA* version but owning an FA* I don't think an FA* would sell for more these days. I agree with Daniels assesment but SDM and weather seals (plus 1/3 op faster must have some value to most shooters). But I'd still pay $1000 or so to get an FA* 300/4.5.

Of all the glass I own or have used, it's still one of (if not) the best lenses to own.st

[LaRee]

I can tell you that I am getting ready to hand off $800.00 for the F*300 today. The lens is a bit scuffed up and has no tripod mount, but I fell in love with it after shooting my son's baseball games and just had to have it. Optically it is amazing and it is relatively lightweight and compact which is important to me.

[Peter Zack]

LaRee, I ordered a Canon Tripod mount for my FA* and it should be here next week. I found one that fits the barrel fine as far as I can tell. If it works, I'll post back here and tell you the result. I'm assuming the barrel on the F* version is the same size.

Alone the lens really doesn't need the tripod mount but with a TC I think it's important.

[k100d]

the F*300 is probably the preferable model because of the tripod mount and built in hood. it's also a bit lighter.

[Fl_Gulfer]

I'm surprised you guys would go for something different than the DA 300* F/4.0 I'm saving my money for one now.

[Peter Zack]

I know Daniel doesn't like the Silver look but I have to admit a little ego messaging. That big Pentax logo on the hood is fun to have around other C/N shooters and the untrained casual observer thinks it's worth the cost of a down-payment on a house. I've had lots of comments with it.

But the real reason (the above is just fun bonus points) is the very nice balance on the camera, second to none optical quality and exceptionally fast focus and accurate for an AF lens that is f4.5. It also will MF focus very well when using a TC. Bright and clear in the VF with a smooth well damped focus ring. The MF/AF clutch is nice as well. A lens hood that took an engineer to design with a velvet inner lining to absorb diffused light.

The thing is a pure joy to use. It totally stopped my LBA the day it arrived (well at least for a few months). After using it for a few days, I sold my Bigma and have not missed it one bit. Stacked with a 1.7 and 1.4 TC I can get 715mm out of it and still a good image. But at either 420mm or 510mm with either TC it will outperform the Bigma.

What's not to like about this old classic? Look at all the threads about how a Tak whatever performs better now than it did 35 ears ago. Same goes for this wonderful lens.





Taken with the 2 TC's at 714mm (handheld as well)