| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-M* 300mm F4
This was the first Pentax "*" lens. It is very compact for this focal length and very easy to handhold. It has some weight to it and all of the weight is in the front. On a tripod (which gives the best results in this focal length) the camera and lens combination is front-heavy. The focus ring is smooth but requires about 270 degrees from infinity to close focus (about 4 meters or 13 feet). There is a built-in lens hood but it is quite short and only extends about an inch past the front element. The lens has all metal construction and is beautifully made. The focus ring turns past infinity to allow for focus variations due to temperature differences.
In use, this lens gives great images. Wide open it is quite usable and the f4 aperture give decent blurring of the background. It is incredibly sharp stopped down to f5.6 or greater. The image quality is much better than any consumer-level zoom in this focal length and the sharpness and great contrast is readily visible in any comparison.
The shortcomings include the slow focusing, lack of a tripod collar, and the short built-in lens hood. Of course, the functionality on new camera bodies is limited by the lack of the "A" electrical contacts. The newer F* and FA* 300mm f4.5 lenses correct some of these issues.
The purchase price listed was for a used lens in mint condition about 15 years ago, and may not reflect the current market price. |
