Pentax AF 300mm(ish) Fully Compared
There are not much choices in Pentaxland for telephoto to super-telephoto lenses. In fact, the starting focal for that is at least 300mm IMO, even if we are to use the lenses on the Pentax DSLRs all of which are with a crop factor of 1.5X. To choose a fixed prime for 300mm that supports AF, Pentaxians have only 3 choices over years up till now, since Pentax launched their "new" AFSLR system in 1987, i.e., the F*300/4.5, FA*300/4 and the DA*300/4 SDM. I do note that many Pentaxians do have many confusions for the actual differences between them. So, I write this article to clear them up. And, I share my own personal opinions according to my practical experiences with the lenses, in addition:-
| Specifics | F*300/4.5 | FA*300/4.5 | DA*300/4 SDM |
| Lens Design: | 9 elements in 7 groups, ED and IF (Extra-low Dispersion / Inner(Internal) Focusing) | 9 elements in 7 groups, ED and IF, generally believed to be optically identical to the F* | 8 elements in 6 groups, ED and IF |
| (Officially) Guaranteed Image Circle Size: | 135 Full Frame | 135 Full Frame | APS-C |
| First Marketed: | 1987 | 1991 | 2008 |
| Discontinued: | 1991 | 2004 | Not Yet |
| Size: | 160 x 84mm (Dia.) | 160 x 73mm (Dia.) | 184 x 83 mm (Dia.) |
| Filter Thread: | 67mm | 67mm | 77mm |
| Weight: | 880g | 935g | 1070g |
| Tripod Collar: | Yes: Detachable, Rotatable | Nil: No Support / Not Available! | Yes: Built-in, Rotatable |
| Lens Hood: | Built-in: Screw-in/out Type, Handy, Slim and Lightweight | External: Bayonet, Metal, Bulky, Thick, Large and Heavy | External: Bayonet, Plastic, Slim, Large but Not Heavy w/ Detachable Window for Polarizer |
| Closest Focus and Magnification: | 2.0m @ 0.17X | 2.0m @ 0.17X | 1.4m @ 0.24X |
| AF Drive: | Body Motor | Body Motor | Lens Motor (SDM) |
| AF Noise: | Very Noisy | Noisy | Silent |
| AF Speed: | Faster | Faster | Slower |
| AF Accuracy: | Good | Good | Not So Good |
| AF Hunting: | Most Noticeable | Less Noticeable | Not Noticeable |
| AF/MF Switching: | Push-pull Ring-form Switch - But with Limitation, i.e., Body's AF/MF Switch Needed to be at MF Position! | Push-pull Ring-form Switch - Without Limitation, i.e., Body's AF/MF Switch Can be at Either AF or MF Position | Quick Shift Manual Focusing - No Instant Push-pull Mechanism for Complete AF/MF Switching, but there is yet a Small AF/MF Selector |
| MF Feel (Damping & Smoothness): | Worse* | Better | Worse* |
| IQ: | Very Good (Best from f/6.7 to f/11) | Very Good (Best from f/6.7 to f/11) | Very Good (Best from f/5.6 to f/11) |
| Colour Response - Could be Subjective!: (1 Best, 3 Worst*) | 3 | 1 | 2 |
Some sample images of mine (w/ F*300 on K100D):-
Chinese Dragon Boat Racing
Read Also:-
Compatibility of DA Lenses on Full Frame
Summary Matrix for Equipment Tests and Reviews
The SDM Petition Online
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