Pentax 300/2.8 SMC FA* IF ED

jasonbourn · 08-01-2018, 03:22 AM

Hello. I would like to ask if it is worth buying a Pentax lens - Pentax 300/2.8 SMC FA* IF ED . Mainly for photographs of wild birds (with the camera Pentax K5). currently i have Pentax DA* 300 mm f/4 ED [IF] SDM. Regards

Is there anyone who has used both lenses?

**sergysergy** · 08-01-2018, 03:47 AM - **1 Like**

Although the 300 2.8 is a superb lens I don't think you should upgrade. The 300 2.8 is hard to find and is probably 3x times more expensive. If you are interesting in birding I would go for something longer instead. Maybe the 150-450.

Wild Mark · 08-01-2018, 04:00 AM

I have the A*300/2.8 and F*300/4.5 so I have some insight into your question.

The F*300/4.5 is awesome. It is light and sharp. It is compact. Colours are great. The DFA 300/4 is arguable the same (some say it isn't) but is WR. Consider the two equal.

The A*300/2.8 is OUT OF THIS WORLD. It is HEAVY but razor sharp. It is not compact but an absolute artwork in colours and bokeh. The FA*300/2.8 is autofocus and arguably better - but I find manual focus on the A* a delight.

So, is the FA* worth six times the DFA 300/4?

Almost definitely. I honestly believe that I will probably not use my F*300 again except on hikes.

The question you need to ask is - can you spare $5-6K for a lens?

---------- Post added 01-08-18 at 09:04 PM ----------

PS - the A* is possibly better than the FA* when you consider the use of the Pentax 1.4X L teleconverter (made for this lens). This teleconverter is sheer genius making the A* effectively a 450mm f4. No loss in image quality NONE. The teleconverter does not allow autofocus so the FA*300/2.8 would be downgraded to a manual lens.

LennyBloke · 08-01-2018, 05:04 AM

Like Wild Mark I have the A*300/2.8 and F*300/4.5 and all the points he makes are completely valid but I would emphasise the point about weight!

Your DA*300/4.0 is fairly compact and light (in comparison to the 2.8's) and produces very high quality results. Hand-holding the 2.8 is almost impossible (for me) but the DA*, FA* and F* are all perfectly hand-holdable and allow you to be quite re-active to moving wildlife. If you invest in one of the f2.8's you'll probably looking at a fairly heavy duty tripod and some practice at your technique to actually start getting better images than you can from your DA*.

I share Wild Mark's enthusiasm but the practicalities mean I use my F* far more often.

Hope that helps a little

**pearsaab** · 08-01-2018, 05:16 AM - **1 Like**

I have the DA300 and the sigma 300mm 2.8. Both lens are excellent but if I'm going to do a lot of walking I would prefer to use the DA300. I have also had the f300 4.5 and it was so light and took awesome shots. If you are going to do bird shots you need more than 300. Yes there are excellent adapters that will work and give you more power. You may find this more enjoyable to hike around with.
P.S I also have the sigma 500mm 4.5. Love the lens but I don't go hiking. I park my butt somewhere and wait for the bird to come

**aslyfox** · 08-01-2018, 05:36 AM

I have the SMC DA * 300mm F4 ED (IF ) SDM, the HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5 - 5.6 ED DC AW and the HD Pentax -DA AF rear converter 1.4 AW

I can only tell you I like all of those

the * 300 is easy to hand hold

Diam x Length 83 x 184 mm (3.3 x 7.2 in.)
Weight 1070 g (37.7 oz.), w/ Hood: +90g, w/ Tripod Foot: +80g

Read more at: SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

the 150-450 a little harder

Mount
Diam x Length 95 x 241.5 mm (3.7 x 9.5 in.)
Weight 2000 g (70.5 oz.), w/ Hood: +130g, w/ Tripod Foot: +195g

Read more at: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

adding the 1.4 converter

Dimensions (D x L) 65 x 20mm (2 9/16 x 25/32 in.)
Weight 126g (4.4 oz)

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/pentax-da-14x-aw-af-rear-converter/spec...#ixzz5MvhLezO8

adds to the difficulty to hand holding the 150- 450 zoom

I am quite satisfied but obviously from the weight alone, one is easier to transport

**TER-OR** · 08-01-2018, 06:04 AM

I can't comment on the differences between the lenses, but I have used my DA300 on my K5 and my K3II.
It works better and you get better cropping and sharpness on the K3II. I'm not saying it doesn't work well on the K5 but the focus is faster and more trustworthy on the K3II and without the AA filter, the images are sharper. The K5 looks more like film images to me, which have their own charm.

I'd say instead of thinking of changing lenses, look to upgrading your camera body at this point.

**sergysergy** · 08-01-2018, 06:12 AM

Originally posted by pearsaab

i also have the sigma 500mm 4.5. Love the lens but i don't go hiking. I park my butt somewhere and wait for the bird to come

hahahaha

jasonbourn · 08-01-2018, 07:29 AM

Originally posted by TER-OR

I can't comment on the differences between the lenses, but I have used my DA300 on my K5 and my K3II.
It works better and you get better cropping and sharpness on the K3II. I'm not saying it doesn't work well on the K5 but the focus is faster and more trustworthy on the K3II and without the AA filter, the images are sharper. The K5 looks more like film images to me, which have their own charm.

I'd say instead of thinking of changing lenses, look to upgrading your camera body at this point.

Thank you very much for the answers. Charge is not a problem, I take pictures from hiding (without walking)
It is worth buying a lens with a f 2.8 light having f 4.0 ?

I am waiting for the successor of Pentax K3II

**TER-OR** · 08-01-2018, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by jasonbourn

Thank you very much for the answers. Charge is not a problem, I take pictures from hiding (without walking)
It is worth buying a lens with a f 2.8 light having f 4.0 ?

I am waiting for the successor of Pentax K3II

F4.0 to 2.8 is a big difference. Usually in sunlight you're stopped down anyway, so at that point (if the glass is the same) the difference is really lens size. I have no issues with the glass quality of the DA300! I've only used it wide open infrequently, at dusk so ISO is pretty high to start with. The DA300 seems nice and sharp around f8.0 to f10, which also allows me to keep the shutter speed pretty high, around 250 or 400.

Honestly, if you're asking for opinions, keep the DA and get a new body once it's out. I think that's much more bang-for-the buck. Heck, even a used K3II once the new body comes out will be a big upgrade at budget price.

The DA300 on K-5D is a pleasant combination.

normhead · 08-01-2018, 08:58 AM - **1 Like**

I'd echo what everyone else said. Have my Tamron 300 2.8, and i wouldn't trade it for the world. That being said, I use it mostly in my blind or when doing the road warrior thing, cruising Algqonuin Park, looking goer moose and foxes near the highway.

that being said, the DA 55-300 PLM has become my walk around lens. I still have my DA*60-250 and 1.4 TC.

Something that hasn't been mentioned, someone above has a 300 2.8 lens and the Sigma 500 4.5. I have the Tamron 300 2.8 and the 1.7 x AF adapter That give me 510 ƒ4.5, or with the 1.4 420mm ƒ4, With the coming 2x TC that will be 600mm ƒ5.6.

An example of the Tamron 300 2.8 with the 1.7x on one of the days when I actually lunges this kit for an 8,00 step hike. (I know it's hard to believe anyone would do that, but occasoionally I do.)

The Sigma 500 4.5 is 3150 grams.

The pentax 300 2,8 is 2495 grams. The 1.7 adapter is 144 games. You save yourself a pound and a half going to the 300 2.8 and 1.7 TC. Plus you could use the A*300 2.8 in the same capacity if you could find it cheaper.

To me, the real advantage of 2.8 lenses for wildlife and birds is ability to use TCs when needed. I saw a guy with a Nikon 600 ƒ4 with a 1.4 TC on it this winter. That's the value of fast long glass. The ability to extend your reach.

If you don't plan to use aTC, just by a Nikon 3x00 and a 150-600 and save youself money and grief. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've used the tamron without a TC. The vast majority of my work is done with the HD DA 1.4 TC, on the Tammy, to maintain full AF. And of course, I'm hungrily awaiting the coming 2x TC. 600 ƒ5.6 with full AF is almost to die for.

At least to my mind, 300 isn't enough for birding, even with a 2x TC, it will still be the short end of things. But, the weight for carrying on hikes makes it a very attractive proposition. My Tamron is 3000 grams with hood and 1.7x AF Adapter. I can carry that for a couple of KM, and have many times.

jasonbourn · 08-01-2018, 11:29 AM

Gentlemen, I take pictures from a tripod, not out of hand. The weight of the lens does not bother me. TC cool thing but also spoils the light and this is a problem under low conditions. That's why I'm thinking over 2.8
Sorry for my bad English

Greetings from Poland

---------- Post added 08-01-18 at 11:48 AM ----------

**mikesbike** · 08-01-2018, 12:54 PM

The K-3 III will be a worthwhile change over your K-5 for its superior higher ISO performance, which in this important factor will be like converting your DA* 300 f/4 to a f/2.8 lens. There will also be an improvement in image detail. Just from the lack of an AA filter alone, I noticed image detail improvement over my K-5 when I got my K-5 IIs. I got a great deal on both by buying new discontinued models. So this alone might satisfy your needs.

That said, there is another advantage with f/2.8 other than keeping ISO lower, which is higher shutter speeds for action shots. And as Norm says, with a good teleconverter, you get a longer FL and actually save weight with this setup. However, using f/2.8, especially at 300mm, will further reduce depth of field.

I have had the FA* 300mm f/4.5 for years and I love its image quality and its excellent portability, which is perfect to suit my needs.

jasonbourn · 08-01-2018, 01:55 PM - **7 Likes**

---------- Post added 08-01-18 at 01:55 PM ----------

---------- Post added 08-01-18 at 01:56 PM ----------

Wild Mark · 08-01-2018, 02:38 PM - **4 Likes**

Based on teh photos I have just seen I feel you will prefer the f2.8 - sorry to all the DFA lovers but the f2.8 glass (A* and FA*) is another league.

If money is not a problem and you are resting with tripod it is, to me, a no brainer - you will not be dissapointed.

taken with an A*300 f2.8 and 1.4X L TC

08-01-2018, 03:22 AM	#1
jasonbourn New Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 6	*Pentax 300/2.8 SMC FA IF ED** Hello. I would like to ask if it is worth buying a Pentax lens - Pentax 300/2.8 SMC FA* IF ED . Mainly for photographs of wild birds (with the camera Pentax K5). currently i have Pentax DA* 300 mm f/4 ED [IF] SDM. Regards Is there anyone who has used both lenses?

08-01-2018, 05:36 AM	#6
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	I have the SMC DA * 300mm F4 ED (IF ) SDM, the HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5 - 5.6 ED DC AW and the HD Pentax -DA AF rear converter 1.4 AW I can only tell you I like all of those the * 300 is easy to hand hold Diam x Length 83 x 184 mm (3.3 x 7.2 in.) Weight 1070 g (37.7 oz.), w/ Hood: +90g, w/ Tripod Foot: +80g Read more at: SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database the 150-450 a little harder Mount Diam x Length 95 x 241.5 mm (3.7 x 9.5 in.) Weight 2000 g (70.5 oz.), w/ Hood: +130g, w/ Tripod Foot: +195g Read more at: HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database adding the 1.4 converter Dimensions (D x L) 65 x 20mm (2 9/16 x 25/32 in.) Weight 126g (4.4 oz) Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/pentax-da-14x-aw-af-rear-converter/spec...#ixzz5MvhLezO8 adds to the difficulty to hand holding the 150- 450 zoom I am quite satisfied but obviously from the weight alone, one is easier to transport Last edited by aslyfox; 08-01-2018 at 05:45 AM.

08-01-2018, 08:58 AM - 1 Like	#11
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I'd echo what everyone else said. Have my Tamron 300 2.8, and i wouldn't trade it for the world. That being said, I use it mostly in my blind or when doing the road warrior thing, cruising Algqonuin Park, looking goer moose and foxes near the highway. that being said, the DA 55-300 PLM has become my walk around lens. I still have my DA60-250 and 1.4 TC. Something that hasn't been mentioned, someone above has a 300 2.8 lens and the Sigma 500 4.5. I have the Tamron 300 2.8 and the 1.7 x AF adapter That give me 510 ƒ4.5, or with the 1.4 420mm ƒ4, With the coming 2x TC that will be 600mm ƒ5.6. An example of the Tamron 300 2.8 with the 1.7x on one of the days when I actually lunges this kit for an 8,00 step hike. (I know it's hard to believe anyone would do that, but occasoionally I do.) The Sigma 500 4.5 is 3150 grams. The pentax 300 2,8 is 2495 grams. The 1.7 adapter is 144 games. You save yourself a pound and a half going to the 300 2.8 and 1.7 TC. Plus you could use the A300 2.8 in the same capacity if you could find it cheaper. To me, the real advantage of 2.8 lenses for wildlife and birds is ability to use TCs when needed. I saw a guy with a Nikon 600 ƒ4 with a 1.4 TC on it this winter. That's the value of fast long glass. The ability to extend your reach. If you don't plan to use aTC, just by a Nikon 3x00 and a 150-600 and save youself money and grief. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've used the tamron without a TC. The vast majority of my work is done with the HD DA 1.4 TC, on the Tammy, to maintain full AF. And of course, I'm hungrily awaiting the coming 2x TC. 600 ƒ5.6 with full AF is almost to die for. At least to my mind, 300 isn't enough for birding, even with a 2x TC, it will still be the short end of things. But, the weight for carrying on hikes makes it a very attractive proposition. My Tamron is 3000 grams with hood and 1.7x AF Adapter. I can carry that for a couple of KM, and have many times. Last edited by normhead; 08-01-2018 at 09:05 AM.

08-01-2018, 12:54 PM	#13
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	The K-3 III will be a worthwhile change over your K-5 for its superior higher ISO performance, which in this important factor will be like converting your DA* 300 f/4 to a f/2.8 lens. There will also be an improvement in image detail. Just from the lack of an AA filter alone, I noticed image detail improvement over my K-5 when I got my K-5 IIs. I got a great deal on both by buying new discontinued models. So this alone might satisfy your needs. That said, there is another advantage with f/2.8 other than keeping ISO lower, which is higher shutter speeds for action shots. And as Norm says, with a good teleconverter, you get a longer FL and actually save weight with this setup. However, using f/2.8, especially at 300mm, will further reduce depth of field. I have had the FA* 300mm f/4.5 for years and I love its image quality and its excellent portability, which is perfect to suit my needs. Last edited by mikesbike; 08-01-2018 at 06:51 PM.

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08-01-2018, 03:47 AM - 1 Like	#2
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,171	Although the 300 2.8 is a superb lens I don't think you should upgrade. The 300 2.8 is hard to find and is probably 3x times more expensive. If you are interesting in birding I would go for something longer instead. Maybe the 150-450.

08-01-2018, 04:00 AM	#3
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	I have the A300/2.8 and F300/4.5 so I have some insight into your question. The F300/4.5 is awesome. It is light and sharp. It is compact. Colours are great. The DFA 300/4 is arguable the same (some say it isn't) but is WR. Consider the two equal. The A300/2.8 is OUT OF THIS WORLD. It is HEAVY but razor sharp. It is not compact but an absolute artwork in colours and bokeh. The FA300/2.8 is autofocus and arguably better - but I find manual focus on the A a delight. So, is the FA* worth six times the DFA 300/4? Almost definitely. I honestly believe that I will probably not use my F300 again except on hikes. The question you need to ask is - can you spare $5-6K for a lens? ---------- Post added 01-08-18 at 09:04 PM ---------- PS - the A is possibly better than the FA* when you consider the use of the Pentax 1.4X L teleconverter (made for this lens). This teleconverter is sheer genius making the A* effectively a 450mm f4. No loss in image quality NONE. The teleconverter does not allow autofocus so the FA*300/2.8 would be downgraded to a manual lens.

08-01-2018, 05:04 AM	#4
LennyBloke Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Worcestershire, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 677	Like Wild Mark I have the A300/2.8 and F300/4.5 and all the points he makes are completely valid but I would emphasise the point about weight! Your DA300/4.0 is fairly compact and light (in comparison to the 2.8's) and produces very high quality results. Hand-holding the 2.8 is almost impossible (for me) but the DA, FA* and F* are all perfectly hand-holdable and allow you to be quite re-active to moving wildlife. If you invest in one of the f2.8's you'll probably looking at a fairly heavy duty tripod and some practice at your technique to actually start getting better images than you can from your DA. I share Wild Mark's enthusiasm but the practicalities mean I use my F far more often. Hope that helps a little

08-01-2018, 05:16 AM - 1 Like	#5
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900	I have the DA300 and the sigma 300mm 2.8. Both lens are excellent but if I'm going to do a lot of walking I would prefer to use the DA300. I have also had the f300 4.5 and it was so light and took awesome shots. If you are going to do bird shots you need more than 300. Yes there are excellent adapters that will work and give you more power. You may find this more enjoyable to hike around with. P.S I also have the sigma 500mm 4.5. Love the lens but I don't go hiking. I park my butt somewhere and wait for the bird to come

08-01-2018, 06:04 AM	#7
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	I can't comment on the differences between the lenses, but I have used my DA300 on my K5 and my K3II. It works better and you get better cropping and sharpness on the K3II. I'm not saying it doesn't work well on the K5 but the focus is faster and more trustworthy on the K3II and without the AA filter, the images are sharper. The K5 looks more like film images to me, which have their own charm. I'd say instead of thinking of changing lenses, look to upgrading your camera body at this point.

08-01-2018, 06:12 AM	#8
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,171	Originally posted by pearsaab i also have the sigma 500mm 4.5. Love the lens but i don't go hiking. I park my butt somewhere and wait for the bird to come hahahaha

08-01-2018, 07:29 AM	#9
jasonbourn New Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by TER-OR I can't comment on the differences between the lenses, but I have used my DA300 on my K5 and my K3II. It works better and you get better cropping and sharpness on the K3II. I'm not saying it doesn't work well on the K5 but the focus is faster and more trustworthy on the K3II and without the AA filter, the images are sharper. The K5 looks more like film images to me, which have their own charm. I'd say instead of thinking of changing lenses, look to upgrading your camera body at this point. Thank you very much for the answers. Charge is not a problem, I take pictures from hiding (without walking) It is worth buying a lens with a f 2.8 light having f 4.0 ? I am waiting for the successor of Pentax K3II

08-01-2018, 08:22 AM	#10
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Originally posted by jasonbourn Thank you very much for the answers. Charge is not a problem, I take pictures from hiding (without walking) It is worth buying a lens with a f 2.8 light having f 4.0 ? I am waiting for the successor of Pentax K3II F4.0 to 2.8 is a big difference. Usually in sunlight you're stopped down anyway, so at that point (if the glass is the same) the difference is really lens size. I have no issues with the glass quality of the DA300! I've only used it wide open infrequently, at dusk so ISO is pretty high to start with. The DA300 seems nice and sharp around f8.0 to f10, which also allows me to keep the shutter speed pretty high, around 250 or 400. Honestly, if you're asking for opinions, keep the DA and get a new body once it's out. I think that's much more bang-for-the buck. Heck, even a used K3II once the new body comes out will be a big upgrade at budget price. The DA300 on K-5D is a pleasant combination.

08-01-2018, 11:29 AM	#12
jasonbourn New Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 6 Original Poster	Gentlemen, I take pictures from a tripod, not out of hand. The weight of the lens does not bother me. TC cool thing but also spoils the light and this is a problem under low conditions. That's why I'm thinking over 2.8 Sorry for my bad English Greetings from Poland ---------- Post added 08-01-18 at 11:48 AM ----------

08-01-2018, 01:55 PM - 7 Likes	#14
jasonbourn New Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 6 Original Poster	---------- Post added 08-01-18 at 01:55 PM ---------- ---------- Post added 08-01-18 at 01:56 PM ----------

08-01-2018, 02:38 PM - 4 Likes	#15
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	Based on teh photos I have just seen I feel you will prefer the f2.8 - sorry to all the DFA lovers but the f2.8 glass (A* and FA) is another league. If money is not a problem and you are resting with tripod it is, to me, a no brainer - you will not be dissapointed. taken with an A300 f2.8 and 1.4X L TC