[GhoSStrider]

PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
Tamron SP 300mm f2.8 LD IF

Asking Price
$575

Item Location
Denver, CO (United States)

Item Description
Tragedy befell me this afternoon. I was on an overpass waiting for a train to arrive. I decided to swap lenses at the last minute from my M 135m f3.5 to my FA 77mm f1.8. While I was swapping, some jerk laid on his horn as he drove past me startling me. In horror I watched my FA 77 fall to the ground and roll off the bridge to the railroad ballast below.

My relationship with my 77 goes past simple admiration. This was a lens I stated (only half joking) that I wanted to be buried with. It's the focal length that I see best with and many of my favorite images have been made with it.

Suffice it to say, I can't be without a 77mm. So, unfortunately something else has to go. That something is my Adaptall Model 60B 300mm f2.8.

I picked this up about 5 years ago from KEH. It was listed in "BGN" condition. Unlike most stuff I've picked up from KEH, it was listed about right instead of the conservative ratings that they usually apply. The glass is in good shape with only a few minor spots and such. They never affected image quality. Indeed, this is a ridiculously sharp lens. It's sharp wide open and gets stupid sharp at f5.6. I shot this photo with a K20D. If you want to see a 100% crop from that photo, let me know and I can post one.

Beyond the optics, the rest of the lens can be described as heavily used. I'll try to do my best to describe it as accurately as possible. Please know that this is a user lens and not for a collection piece.

For starters, I don't think the hood is the right version for this model. It looks like it should use a bayonet hood, but the one that came with it has two tightening screws. It works, but it's not very elegant and the hood can get loose while hiking with the lens (yes, I took a 300mm f2.8 hiking before...I'm nuts). Additionally, the tightening systems has left marks on the outer filter. It doesn't affect performance or anything, but it does look a little goofy.

The focus ring rubber is on the loose side. It's there and works, but it's not a completely tight fit anymore.

The body of the lens has seen some use as you can see in the picture.

It comes with a Ricoh Adaptall mount that I de-pinned. For a little extra cash, I could throw in a Pentax Mount. I may even have a KA available. The only problem is that the locking detent on it is a little worn (advance warning about the 300mm f2.8 Adaptall lenses...they're tough on adaptall mounts).

It also comes with a front filter and a drop in filter. I'll also include a rear lens cap for it. My hood hat that I had for it blew away on a mountain a few months ago and I haven't gotten around to replacing it yet. I can pick up another one for a little extra money. There's also a LowePro Strap that comes with the lens. The strap has a spot for a couple SD cards if you're inclined to keep them there.

I'm open to selling it or trading it for another FA 77mm. The FA 77mm doesn't have to be in perfect condition. I just ask that the glass is mostly clean (a little dust is OK) and that all functions work.

Thanks in advance, and make sure your gear is insured. My first call Monday morning is to my insurance agent. A bit late on that, I guess...

PS - Sorry abou the cruddy picture of the lens. I'll try to get a few more shots of it tomorrow. I just wasn't feeling too photographically motivated after today's events...

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
No

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling or Trading

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Fair

Shipping Destinations
North America

Shipping Charge
Standard shipping free to US/Canada addresses.

Shipping Services
USPS

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
Returns accepted for one week only if item is not received as described.

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

File Date

 

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Last edited by GhoSStrider; 08-25-2011 at 09:50 AM.

[littledrawe]

Great lens, this also works well with the Pentax 1.7X AFA and the tamron 1.4X and 2X teleconverters are good quality as well which translates to alot of flexibility and good image quality.

[GhoSStrider]

Thanks, Littledrawe. I haven't tried it with the 1.7 AFA, but I've used it with Tamron's 1.4x and 2x, and even stacked both of them for a shot of the moon once. It does remarkably well with TCs.

I've lowered the price a bit, and have thrown in free standard shipping to US and Canadian addresses.

[Pepe Guitarra]

This is a very good lens. Used at 300mm is really sharp. Used with the special1.4x TC that comes with the lens, it keeps the same excellent IQ. With the special 2x TC that comes with it, the IQ changes a bit. With the Pentax 1.7 AFA, it becomes AF (510mm f4.7) and stopped down to f8 (from 4.7) it is absolutely sharp. I use this lens for birding with the 1.7 AFA. It is heavy and I use a monopod. Mine has the original front filter. Now, I have also used it, with the Tamron 1.4x TC added to the end of pka adapter (no autofocus though!). That setting is also very good, because the Tamron 1.4xTC is one of the best of its kind.
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I forgot, with the auto (fully wired) extension tubes, I use this lens for macro photography at a 5 to 10 feet distance, no scaring the subject away.

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Last edited by Pepe Guitarra; 07-25-2011 at 10:44 AM. Reason: Clarify that there are two types of 1.4xTC involved in my comment

[naughty_boy]

Here some picture using this lens



this below picture using TC14 + Tamron 60B

[Designosophy]

This does not come with any teleconverters, does it?

[GhoSStrider]

It doesn't, but I do have a 2x that could be added. I'd rather keep my 1.4x for now.

[A-Craig]

Sucks to hear about your 77

GLWS!

[Unruely]

Trying so hard to resist..

[Clinton]

Was there no hope for the fallen 77?

[GhoSStrider]

Was there no hope for the fallen 77?

All things considered (a fall of 30 feet or so onto railroad ballast), it did OK. The glass is fine, as is the aperture. Unfortunately, the barrel is now oblong and I can no longer focus the lens.

I'm going to keep an eye open for a fungal or somehow otherwise incapicitated FA 77, and see if I can make one good one out of two bad ones.[COLOR="Silver"]

[GhoSStrider]

Bumpity Bump.

[GhoSStrider]

Bump with a price drop.

[GhoSStrider]

Bumpity.

[Pepe Guitarra]

I would buy this lens to have two of them, but I do not have the money.