Originally posted by snostorm Hi TenZ,
Personally, I'm quite satisfied with a 300/2.8 + TCs as alternatives to a 500m+ lens for my purposes (primarily birding).
If you're looking for an AF setup that you can handhold, especially with the high ISO IQ and AF light sensitivity for AF of the K-5, my most used long lens combination for birding is the FA* 300 f4.5 + 1.7x AFA at 510mm f7.7. I've been using this combo since the DS with great results for handheld shooting.. Compared with any AF alternative close to the FL, this combo is about the most economical and versatile for a lightweight (@ 2 lb) AF setup at @ 500mm.
I like the FA*'s very solid hood and ability to switch between AF to MF with just a tug of the focus ring so I can use CIF (Focus Trap) instantaneously, otherwise the F* version would have been an equivalent alternative. The F* version also has a detachable tripod mount, but I have two different clamp on tripod rings that fit my FA*, so this advantage is negated for the most part, and i handhold this lens @ 99% of the time. The M* and A* 300 f4 would be a lower cost substitutes, but with the disadvantages of considerably more CA/PF from the lack of the highest quality ED elements, a hair less sharpness wide open, and no AF at 300mm. I've owned an A*, but sold it when I was able to obtain my current FA*. I have also recently acquired a Canon FD 300 f4 L that was converted to K mount, and this lens works very well with the AFA -- optically, this lens is pretty much equal to the FA* IMO, but it obviously lacks AF alone as well as aperture automation.The DA* 300 f4 is a great alternative optically since it is, IMO a tiny bit sharper and a half stop faster than the FA*, but it's bigger, heavier, and more expensive. I'd also consider the Sigma EX 100-300 APO in this group of lenses, though it is considerably bigger and heavier.
The new 560 would have to be a totally stunning performer both optically and in AF speed, plus be an outstanding bargain and very lightweight for its apparent size -- for me to even consider it as a viable addition to what I already have.
Scott
Snostorm, thank you very much for your detailled information (wich doesn`t make it easier, lol). And yes, I`m looking for an AFsetup.
I allready have the sigma 100-300 F4 wich is an absolutely great piece of glas but I want something longer. As I said I also own the sigma 1.4 APO EX DG converter but that combo is far from satisfying and thus rarely use it.
You also mention the DA*300 but wasn`t this one a little sluggish on the AF, especially when combined with a converter?
Originally posted by Greyser I used to own quite a few of 1.4X TCs (6 or 7, I guess). More or less I tried them with the FA*300/4.5, Tamron 400/4, Both EX and EX DG Sigma 100-300/4, and Sigma 400/5.6 TeleMacro. Even on genuine Sigma lenses the Sigma 1.4X APO EX DG was one of the worst performers. The older non-DG Sigma APO EX was kind of on par with the cheapest Vivitar 1.4X AF (the Vivitar appeared to be re-branded Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF, however). What I noticed also (and it might be only mine impression) all Sigmas are less forgiving to agressive cropping than Pentax FA*.
Yes, this is something I also noticed. 100% crops from the 100-300 alone are better than 50% crops from the 1.4/100-300 combo wich makes the converter useless to me. I bought this combo together but now I still stuck @ 300mm. Exactly the reason why I`m so interested in the DA560 F5.6.