Web Analytics RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: Pentax AF 300mm(ish) Fully Compared

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

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 FrameAPS-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 LightweightExternal: Bayonet, Metal, Bulky, Thick, Large and HeavyExternal: 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:FasterFasterSlower
AF Accuracy:GoodGoodNot So Good
AF Hunting:Most NoticeableLess NoticeableNot 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 PositionQuick 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
* Remark: "Worst" and "Worse" are still Acceptable to Good! :-)

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

Comments (9)

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Hi Ricehigh:

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,
1 reply · active 753 weeks ago
No problem, we agree to disagree or disagree to agree then! ;-) Well, everything is relative, also.

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!
First, Canon EF 300 f4 L USM is way slower then some other RING USM lenses, like 70-200 f4.

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).
2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago
AF wise - of course...

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.
The FA* has better damping for MF than the F*, that may be the reason for less hunting but slightly slower AF.

For a body with powerful AF motor inside, the difference could be minimal, e.g., the MZ-S.
Michael A.'s avatar

Michael A. · 753 weeks ago

F*300 is a very HQ gem for any travel. Small, great performer, not too heavy for its FL, very clever hood design, Tcollar on&off, mine not too loud or hunting (copy dependent I guess). Always with me when "shooting" creatures is expected... You can "keep" the other 2 RH.. :o)
Chris Sabato's avatar

Chris Sabato · 753 weeks ago

What about the FA* 300 f2.8
2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago
Michael A.'s avatar

Michael A. · 753 weeks ago

Obviously the best, BUT considerably bigger, 3x heavier, 4x more expensive!, hard to find, not that much better-just faster focusing & HQI even with 2x converter, = TOO MUCH to worry about if you have it...

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