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
Torrentes · 753 weeks ago
I don't agree with your comments about DA* 300, specially with regard of Slower AF Speed:and Not So Goog AF Accuracy. I bought a copy of this lens 2 years ago for wildlife photography and I'm very please with the perfomance. This lens is tack sharp, even better than Canon or Nikon 300mm F4 lenses (please see www.colorfoto.de test), focus from 1,4m to infinity in about 1 s or less (idem than Canon 300 F4) and my copy focus with great accuracy for still objects and reasonably good for moving objetcs (this depends also on the camera AF system)
Bye,
RiceHigh 110p · 753 weeks ago
My bottom line: The DA*300 is a perfect lens IF it does not use the SDM and that IF it is officially certified to be Full Frame compatible!
loock · 753 weeks ago
Second, F* 300 f 4.5 from '87 is faster then FA* 300 f 4.5, and way faster then DA* 300 f4 SDM ( in SDM mode).
loock · 753 weeks ago
Sone F tele lens are more sensitive and prone to hunting, yes, but F*300 f 4.5 is OK, better then smc-F 135 f 2.8, and if with good targeting, iven F 135 f 2.8 is OK and fast.
RiceHigh 110p · 753 weeks ago
For a body with powerful AF motor inside, the difference could be minimal, e.g., the MZ-S.
Michael A. · 753 weeks ago
Chris Sabato · 753 weeks ago
Michael A. · 753 weeks ago
RiceHigh 110p · 753 weeks ago