One Mid-Life Crisis and Two Owls Later - My Pentax DA* 300mm f4 Lens Review

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
  • I've been shooting with the Pentax DA* 300mm f4 lens for about six months now and I have no regrets. Well one maybe. Why did I never photograph wildlife before?
    If you are looking for a fast telephoto prime lens for your Pentax camera, then you have few (very few) options. Thankfully the Pentax DA* 300mm lens does not disappoint. You're going to have to pay for it, but you're gonna love using it.
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    #pentax #wildlife

ความคิดเห็น • 128

  • @snappiness
    @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Any other DA* lens shooters out there? I will admit to drooling over the 200mm f2.8 and 50-135 before :)

    • @gedav1234
      @gedav1234 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      As a Nikon shooter I love my Nikon 180mm f2,8 an old but fantastic lens.

    • @freshlycutfilm7613
      @freshlycutfilm7613 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I use my 70-200 DA* pretty often! That 300mm looks so awesome!!

    • @basvanloenhout3463
      @basvanloenhout3463 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The Pentax 50-135mm f2.8 DA* lens is a great lens to use. It is pretty lightweight for a f2.8 telezoom lens.

    • @leesimpkins5234
      @leesimpkins5234 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I purchased the DA* 60-250 f4 lens used. It has great image quality even wide open and was almost always on my K-3 during a Tanzania safari. It even works well with the HD DA 1.4x teleconverter. The only downside is that focus is slower than I would like. It is OK for most wildlife, but forget BIF (at least at my skill level).

    • @JBDinitzen
      @JBDinitzen 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I am a happy owner of the DA* 60-250. It sits on my K5IIs 50% of the time. Such a versatile lens.

  • @CampanelliCMP
    @CampanelliCMP 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I'm experienced with 3 DA star lensens, attached to my KP:
    - I had DA*16-50/2.8 - not worth quarter of the price. Is is just bad and nice color and contrast don't compensate problems with purple fringing and lack of sharpness.
    - I still have DA*50-135/2.8 - amazing in every way, from 3.5 is as sharp as DFA100 macro... It gives extraordinary unique, warm color, out-of-the-world contrast with object isolation and super pleasant bokeh thanks to its 9 aperture blades. It also handes very well in poor lighting conditions. AF in LV is a joke, but through OVF it is not bad. It is my best pal during hiking trips and trekking in autumn and winter.
    - I sill have DA*55/1.4 portrait lens. It is mesmerising. It is usable at 1.4-1.7 and it is perfect from 2.0. It has georgeus Takumar-style bokeh with 9 blades, circular till 3.5. Bokeh is buble-gum-vanila-pudding joy and circles are just awasome. Lens is very sharp. It has fixed rear lens in order to eliminate purple fringing in dept of field, but outside DOF it shows some purple edges. WR gives additional benefit. Problem is slow and not instant AF. There is a significant lag between presing AF button and responce. It is unusual and pain in the ass and be sure you use that lens for stills. My copy also has fault that is after longer period of time (~month) SDM AF needs some time (usual its couple of seconds) to wake up after turing camera on. Like rusty bike after WD40.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Good to know about that DA*55! I forgot about that lens. I had looked at it before because I saw some people even used it on FF mode on the K1. Either way, looks like a good one.
      And yeah, I only hear great things about that 50-135.

  • @speterlewis
    @speterlewis 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Have both the 200 2.8 and the 300 4.0. Both are very good, and the biggest difference I noticed on the K-3 vs K-1 is that the CA issues wide open that I found annoying on the K-3 disappeared on the K-1 (and had the same experience on a Tamron 70-200 2.8). The K-1 just makes everything better!

  • @Big.E
    @Big.E 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome as always, as I am someone who is totally smitten with the world of Pentax and have been since becoming hooked on photography. I find using Pentax an experience more than anything. Your fondness of Pentax shines through. Thank you 😊 👍

    • @jbp6759
      @jbp6759 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's a good way to put it. It is an experience, a great one. :)

  • @Gynra
    @Gynra 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The SDM in my DA* 300 f4 died, but I had if repaired and now it works fine. It's a superb lens, and I'm looking forward to trying it out on the K-3 III when I get mine (hurry up Pentax!!). I, too, am considering the DA* 200 f2.8. I reckon it would make a great portrait lens, among other things. Out of the longer reach lenses, the DA* 60-250 mm f4 is my absolute favourite, as it's wickedly sharp and so versatile. It's an APS-C designated lens, but it doesn't vignette too much on full-frame, and I understand by removing the baffle, this can be overcome, though I hesitate to try it myself.

  • @odemata87
    @odemata87 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Fixed my (it was literally dead to focus) SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED simply by putting a screwdriver into where the focusing drive screw would go, and manipulating/working left and right. It's nothing but since then haven't had a issue for several months (fingers crossed)

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good to know if it happens to me again, something to try. Thanks!

  • @StephenPieri
    @StephenPieri 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I have the 200mm f2.8 da star and except for the occasional slow-miss-focus-lock , l think it's a great lens, i use it for sports, portaits, lunar, anything really. On my k200d it sometimes seemed to have exposure problems but on my k5 and k3 this didnt occur.
    Its sharp, clear and i just love using it. Keep up the videos i enjoy them!

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! Good to know about that 200mm too!

    • @velouli
      @velouli 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I own the 200mm,too. Sadly it isn't very sharp wie open, but usable. I like the low er sie and weiht versus the 300'er.

  • @regalwalnut
    @regalwalnut 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    You're too young for a mid-life crisis, but okay. (I'm way past that age and lived it.) When your child is their mid-teens (and the parenting pressure amps up), we'll see what you want to buy then, LOL. Love your channel and videos.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Haha, that is the joke between me and my wife. It seems like I have these crises quite often. Who knows what the real midlife crisis will bring ;)

    • @Carthodon
      @Carthodon 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@snappiness Hopefully a ferrari.

  • @richardbraham2486
    @richardbraham2486 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yes I love it. A great piece of kit especially on a k3!

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Perfect combo :)

  • @miguelorellana4107
    @miguelorellana4107 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When I purchased my DA* 300mm F4, I shaked a lot. I saved a lot for buying it brand new. It is definitely the best lens I've ever had, regarding IQ. Sometimes ghosts a little, but the images that it delivers are amazing. I also own the 43mm f1.9 ltd lens, and it is also my second favorite lens. I'm looking forward to the SMC-A 28mm f2.8 lens for a wider look and the TC 1.4x for extra reach.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'll try the HD DA Teleconverter eventually. It's on my list. The 43mm is still one of my favorites too :)

  • @minoa7596
    @minoa7596 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for the video. You got some really great shots there.
    Add the HD DA 1.4x tele-converter for 420mm f5/6. Expensive but delivers the goods.
    The *200, *60-250 and *50-135 are all awesome. For family stuff I'd recommend the *50-135 on crop cameras. I'm absolutely in love with the output from that lens.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have been looking at that teleconverter for a while. I might rent it first. I've heard only good things as far as teleconverters go.

    • @danigonzalez4299
      @danigonzalez4299 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness get one with SDM failure. Its worth every penny.

  • @LeeIveson
    @LeeIveson 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Your getting some really nice images with that lens! I've thought about getting myself a copy of the 300 f4 a fair few times, I have the DA*50-135 & the DA*200 which are both great bits of kit, I could not fault the image quality of ether, I'd go as far as saying the 50-135 is the best rendering lens I've used so far, again if the SDM ever fails on those its nice to know I can switch them over to screw drive (which could even help speed up the slow AF on the 50-135)
    The only thing stopping me from buying the DA*300 is the focusing speed, I have the DA55-300 PLM which I use for my action stuff, its just so quick to focus, I shoot daytime sports so the f6.3 aperture is not a problem for me, maybe if I shot indoors or in low light the PLM may not be the best option.
    Top video showcasing a great lens! Keep em coming mate

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks!
      I hear great things about that 50-135 optically.
      I only ended up going for this one over the PLM for the owls. I am usually shooting f4, pushing the shutter speed lower than I should, and 6400-10000 ISO. Also for astro it helps though that's not very often I do that. I think the PLM would be more fun to use as a hiking lens capturing stuff. Or bird in flight stuff with enough light. Optically seems great too. So it sounds like you have the right lens for your needs .maybe one day you can try it out. If you were closer by I'd let you try mine out.

    • @LeeIveson
      @LeeIveson 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness Yeah the PLM really works for the stuff I do atm. That would have been a cool video trying your 300 & you try the PLM, a few thousand miles closer & it could have happened haha.

  • @jbradfordphoto
    @jbradfordphoto 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You've certainly got a lot of worthwhile photos with it! I felt exactly the same about this lens as you. Super sharp, great character, and okay autofocus. Floaty was a brilliant way to describe it, haha. I found I was hitting better in AF-S than AF-C on both the K1 and my K70...at least for perched birds, haha.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep, I stick on af-s pretty much always now.
      It's always amazing to play with a different setup and feel the difference in focusing system. I feel like I'm getting the hang of the pentax system, but then I am playing with an old canon 40d and borrowing a canon 300mm f4 and that focusing system feels so much more snappy. And they are both super old camera and lens 😄

    • @jbradfordphoto
      @jbradfordphoto 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness it really is! I find it funny how much people whinge about AF systems. The Pentax stuff so far hasn't been mind blowing, but it works if you figure it out, haha. My G9 is blazing fast but people write them off too. It's so weird. The A7iii I had wasn't really any better than the G9 in most aspects, but people praise it.
      Having said all that, I'm looking forward to some good reviews on the K3iii. Hopefully they'll loan one to dpreview for testing. I can't justify one now, but it sure looks like it turned out nice.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jbradfordphoto oh man then as soon as the canon R3 or whatever comes up people are going to say the sonys are crap, until they release one and it repeats lol. Too much talk too little taking pictures.
      I am interested in more independent reviews too. It'd be cool if Chris and jordan get one. They are nice to pentax, but not blinded lol. It does seem like it's a good step up though for Pentax. If that's true, I'll pick up a used copy in two years. Maybe. Haha.

    • @jbradfordphoto
      @jbradfordphoto 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness haha, I'm right there with ya on all of that. Pretty much took the words out of my mouth regarding Chris and Jordan too.
      It'd be cool if Pentax took some inspiration from m43 for their DA lenses, too. They have a good lineup for aps-c, but it'd be interesting to see if they could make something like the 20-40ltd but on the long end. I'm loving having my 12-60 and then the 50-200. 24-400 equiv in two smaller lenses is pretty sweet.

  • @pix4japan
    @pix4japan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Don't own any star lenses yet, but once I have saved up enough, my first choice would be the HD PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW. I don't own wide angle, which I'd love to have for more landscape shots. Enjoyed the video and sample photos you took!

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That looks like an outstanding lens :)

  • @nixxo4166
    @nixxo4166 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have both DA 300/4 and 50-135 , both my favorite lenses . DA 300 highest lens IQ in Pentax line up .

  • @TheScottab
    @TheScottab 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You would love the DFA 150-450. I have seen them for sale in great condition for around a 1000 bucks.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Next midlife crisis ;)

    • @lighthunterphoto
      @lighthunterphoto 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      sadly not in Europe :/ I cant see any used for sale :D and If brand new then DA* 300mm its better price range for a hobbyst

    • @danigonzalez4299
      @danigonzalez4299 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Its heavy and very unpleaseant to hand use specially focusing. Used one once for a F1 weekend. Great lens but not what I need and the aperture? Why is it so slow? Get a Sigma 100-300mm f4 instead

    • @richardbraham2486
      @richardbraham2486 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I love my 150-450 and have a great hit rate with it. Also use the 300 da* and it’s a great lens.

  • @newtoyouphotography7624
    @newtoyouphotography7624 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi as Nikon shooters, TOTALLY IMPRESED with the channel and the images AWSOME.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cool, thanks for stopping by 😎

  • @BigJohnnyMoe
    @BigJohnnyMoe 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've had a 300mmDA* since last summer. I think I got it for~$450. The price was so good because the previous owner had smashed the front edge, making the front threads useless for applying filters. It's unlikely I'd be using filters with this lens anyway... (thinks about those lost opportunities for a beat). These are built like a tank; the glass is in great condition regardless of the external damage. In terms of image quality this has that special coating of "pixie magic dust" for sure; best glass I own. What it does in the out-of-focus areas, sometimes I just have to giggle. It's like butter. The previous owner had already done the software switch to screw-drive so I don't have to worry about the SDM focus drive failing. I'm happy to report it works just fine for my purposes, and pairing it with the K3iii is pretty awesome.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That does sound like an awesome pairing. Love this lens!

  • @tornater5403
    @tornater5403 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I wouldn't really classify this as an expensive lens compared to other mountsc (and how good the glass actually is). I shoot mainly wide angle stuff, but I have started tighter landscapes and wildlife in that boring time of year that isn't storm/milkyway season. I do wish pentax a prime for the k1 in that 400-600. I find the 300 in the birding to be just a little too wide, and the iq drop to a crop isn't worth it. All and all Im am happy with my da*300. I am looking at the 150-450 but the extending tube in the windy conditions I live in scares me with motion blur.

  • @kilohotel6750
    @kilohotel6750 ปีที่แล้ว

    This lens paired with the K1 was the best combo I had when I shot Pentax. I owned the DA560 also and other than reach the 300 was a far better lens, the image quality was great.

  • @gedav1234
    @gedav1234 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I say your Pentax lens collection video. I really would love to see a video about All the cameras you own!

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Okay! I'll see about doing one. That would be fun. And embarrassing. It's too many cameras :P

    • @gedav1234
      @gedav1234 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness I think many of us have an embarrassing amount of cameras

  • @rtm2763
    @rtm2763 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have this lens and really like it. The optics and built-in quality are excellent. I hope that a third party is ready to modify this lens tripod collar so that it can be attached directly to the tripod head without the additional tripod quick release plate.

  • @borderlands6606
    @borderlands6606 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm not sure whether Pentax love is noble idealism in the face of a transient and ephemeral photographic world, or perversity in the face of the inevitable. Either way you embody its virtues. Nice lens.

  • @MichaelRusso
    @MichaelRusso 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I own the A version and it is sharp, compact and very little if any chromatic aberration or color fringing. It is just manual focus.

  • @DrawsACircle
    @DrawsACircle 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I simply had to have it, use it with my K-70 and for astrophotography with an ZWO ASI533 camera - it’s a gem!

  • @domtomazo
    @domtomazo 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a coincidence. Just yesterday I brought out my DA*300 during my lunch walk (usually just have some smaller combo), and managed to capture a few strand martins and a plane flying by. I am not that much into long telephotos, and the DA*300 is my only AF lens above the typical portrait focal lengths. I don't like big lenses, but it still feels quite alright - not extreme weight and it balances nicely "facing down" on the back while walking around. I am not really confident at f/4 for my copy yet, still doing some microadjustment and trials on the K-3 II.
    For SDM failure I think this is much less prone than the 16-50 or 50-135. If needed converting is quite straightforward, which I did for the 16-50 and 50-135.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've heard this one is less prone to SDM failure, so I made sure I paid extra for a used copy with working SDM. Made it extra sad when it went out one day. But since then it's been fine. I might convert it to screwdrive so I don't have to worry about it going out when I'm out in the field. That would be frustrating.

  • @nickcrispe1321
    @nickcrispe1321 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been back and forth between Pentax APS-C and Olympus M4/3 systems over the years. I've seen a few major jumps in image quality: from K10D to OM-D M5; and then on Pentax from PLM 55-300 to the DA*300 f/4. The PLM is indeed a light, convenient lens; so was the much less expensive Sigma 75-300 for Pentax. But the DA*300 f/4 is so much better for bird photography. Right now, that lens is my main reason to keep one foot in the Pentax camp.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I bought an adapter that can control aperture and put my DA* 300mm on my old olympus ep2. Surprisingly good quality, as long as you can control the shake. A little hard to manual focus. Would be fun to take a nice moon shot with it. Might make a video about that just as a fun one! Not a serious setup.

  • @FrancescoCoppola
    @FrancescoCoppola 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Not this tele photo lens, but I own the Pentax D FA* HD 50mm f 1.4 SDM AW. Congrats for this video full of majestic photographs!

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Now that is a lens to drool over. Very nice :) thanks.

  • @windynotes
    @windynotes 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have this lens with 1.4x (when needed) on my K3 or K7 for birding. Ya, old cameras but still good. Haha
    The older version of the 55-300 captures more than passable quality besides being compact n light for hiking. AF is a bit noisy though but ok with me.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The K-7 is a great camera. Good pairing :)
      I had the HD DA 55-300 and had a lot of fun with it. Got my feet wet. I just needed more light for those early morning owls. All those shots were 6400-10000ISO. Makes it harder to get in focus, but helps keep the shutter speed up...

  • @ransackedroom
    @ransackedroom 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sound is a bit echoey? Mic might have been a bit hot for this take.
    My Pentax DA★ 50-135mm f/2.8 is a total joy and one of the reasons I'll stay APS-C with K-mount. I'm a wide-angle landscape and reportage shooter, but when I go out with the 50-135mm, I get great results.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I thought those with perceptive ears might notice, haha. For experimenting sake I did the whole edit on an ipad for the first time. Turns out the app I used to record audio added a lot of reverb. Only noticed it when I was almost done and tried to minimize it, but it's there.
      Good to know about the 50-135. Really seems like a golden lens image quality wise from what I hear.

    • @ransackedroom
      @ransackedroom 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The lovely thing about the 50-135 is how well it works at all focal lengths, and how few optical or physical penalties it imposes on experimentation. That f/2.8 aperture isn't going to change unless I change it. The internal focus and internal zoom mean the length of the lens barely budges. It's really helpful to find the bird at 50mm, zoom in, and photograph the bird at 135mm.
      Yes, I often wish the long end were 150mm...or 200mm...or 800mm. But that's always going to be so with long lenses. The truth is that 135mm on a 20 megapixel APS-C K-S2 can always be cropped to a ~12 megapixel 200mm shot or even an ~8 megapixel 250mm shot.
      It's no DA★ lens, but my Pentax M 120mm f/2.8 is stunningly small (49mm filters!!) and offers sharp telephoto shots of perched birds. I find it excels at urban shots of anti-pigeon owl decoys. For $100 on eBay, seems like a lens worth checking out.

  • @scrptwic
    @scrptwic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I occasionally go to the park after work as I carry my * istDL or K100D in my car I photograph birds with my Tamron 75-300 4.0-5.6 I have managed to get some good pictures. I either use AV 6.3 OR M mode 6.3 200 shutter speed continuous autofocus. Center focus * istDL or multi point center weighted on the K100D

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's a nice compact cheap setup. I'll have to try a nice compact zoom on my *ist DL as well :)

  • @_innerscape_
    @_innerscape_ 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sometimes I take my K-3 out and I feel better simply with the experience of shooting. Then I come home, review the results: sometimes I'm satisfied, sometimes I feel the urge to sell everything. Then I watch your results and... damn... I should really sell everything...

  • @ryankwan1934
    @ryankwan1934 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm shooting the DA* 300 f/4 beside the Panasonic-Leica 200mm f/2.8. Let's just say, that even though the m4/3 is sensational (it's nearly perfectly optically corrected), there is no way it's worth over 3x more than the DA*.

  • @spamllama
    @spamllama 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Some great pictures here, thanks for sharing!

  • @quirkworks4076
    @quirkworks4076 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I own this and the 200 f/2.8. Both are fine (if a bit dated). My only complaint is that on my older bodies (K-10D, K-50, K-70, K-3) the CA at large apertures is pretty bad. On my K-1 the problem disappears, and it's also much better controlled on the K-3iii. These are good, solid lenses.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Interesting. I hadn't noticed much CA in my shooting, but maybe because my bar is pretty low... Only other telephotos I've used were budget ones. The 200 f2.8 would be cool on the K-1 I think.

    • @quirkworks4076
      @quirkworks4076 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness It may also have to do with just getting a good lens copy or not. For all their precision, sometimes you get a lemon. I have been a working Pentaxian since the 80s so I may be less tolerant of CA than most. Happy with how the lenses work on the newer bodies, though! Love your channel, BTW.

  • @matthieuzglurg6015
    @matthieuzglurg6015 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Got my first super telephoto lens a few month ago, it's a NIkkor 300mm f/4.5 from 1982
    It's all metal, weighs about the same as if I had a donkey in my bag and it isn't really sharp. It's manaul focus only and the focus ring is huge and really heavy to turn. I can't expect sharp results if I'm focusing closer than 10 meters, and shooting wider than f/8
    But I still love it and would love to get a super telephoto with AF for my X-T2 one day. Mayb I'll try those fringer F-X adapters ad Nikon has a lot of older telephoto primes that really lack in the fuji lineup (there is zooms, but... they're expensive as hell. Several grands at least, compare that to the 100 euros I paid for my current Nikon lens haha)

  • @fricki1997
    @fricki1997 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    4:28 a more affordable "alternative" might be the Pentacon 300mm F/4.
    Alternative only in the most far-away sense, it's manual, and absolutely humongous and heavy - it was designed for the Pentacon Six medium format camera, but you can get one with added M42 adapter for around 80-100€ here, and the benefit is that you only get the best part of the image circle when using it on APS-C or full frame.
    I got one, but haven't tried it out so far due to the ridiculous size. It's one of those lenses you take with you with purpose on a trip to a wildlife reserve. One of the few lenses where you don't attach the lens to the camera, but rather the other way around :)

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'll have to look that lens up, sounds like an absolute beast!
      I had thought about some manual alternatives, knowing it wouldn't the same experience but might be fun all the same. The 300mm f4 Takumar comes up for not very much.

    • @fricki1997
      @fricki1997 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@snappiness A beast it is indeed! I haven't done many test shots with it so far, shooting it hand-held is difficult, but possible. If you position your hand just right, you can at least somewhat operate the focus and aperture ring while holding the weight with your left hand.
      I would probably also use a rail to connect lens and camera through their 1/4 inch mounts for added stability.
      Speaking of aperture, it's absolutely gorgeous :) more blades than you can count, 18 in total, I believe.

    • @pedrolouisgilbarriga5518
      @pedrolouisgilbarriga5518 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      La definición en lineas por milimetro de ese objetivo solo es buena en pelicula de mediano formato. Los sensores aps-c son mucho más exigentes y la calidad de imagen de este Pentacon 300mm f/4 es homogenea pero no es buena, es muy pobre en un area tan reducida, su capacidad de resolución es muy baja... Pruebelo y nos dice. El Takumar es otra cosa más adecuada pero tampoco comparable con las ópticas modernas. Un saludo.

  • @grabshotphoto7396
    @grabshotphoto7396 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    1:30 Thoughts on the PENTAX F 300mm F/4.5

  • @ncallend
    @ncallend 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    BTW, any tips on finding owls? This is something I'm having a hard time doing.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm still getting into it myself. New discipline for me. I think the best advice is to really get to know the types of owls that love in your area, their behaviors and habits, where they like to hang out and what times of day you're most likely to see them. Get familiar with the calls that species makes. After you read up on that stuff then you can ask bird watchers in your area or use an app like iNaturalist to get an idea of where previous sightings have been and get started looking. I've stumbled upon them quite by accident just because I'm out riding my mountain bike or trail running almost every day, so I ended up learning over time where they like to be by myself. It was only later I discovered those apps.

  • @steverobinson9801
    @steverobinson9801 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've had the DA* 16-50, 50-135, and 300 and had multiple AF failures with each. I found the K-3 and DA* 300 combo frustrating. I spent a lot of time with the different AF configurations and the fine AF adjustment on the K-3. If shooting relatively still objects and if you can get it in focus the results are excellent. I had better luck with manually focusing the lens. Just my ¢¢.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Interesting! I did have to do AF fine tuning on my K-3 and KP, but not on my K-3III oddly enough. But after AF tuning it worked great on the KP and K-3. Well, great, it's not the fastest focusing lens, but it was pretty accurate once it decided to lock on.

    • @steverobinson9801
      @steverobinson9801 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness I agree. Once locked on it produced some very good images. It just wasn't consistent enough. I still have an original K-3 now with the D FA 150-450 and I'm getting much better results although it's heavier than the DA* 300.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@steverobinson9801 that's good feedback. I've considered picking up the 150-450 for a while now. There are a few times where I want to zoom out, and I can't ;) that and the reports that focusing is better on it makes me want to try it out. I do like the f4 for the early morning darkness and the compact size of the 300 though.

    • @steverobinson9801
      @steverobinson9801 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness I think that if Pentax updates the 300 like they did the 16-50 they'd have a winning combo with the K-3 III.

  • @markusesslinger
    @markusesslinger 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just wish the mounting bracket had a dovetail shape compatible with Arca swiss: It has the right size, so screwing on a baseplate feels so stupid that I already thought about modifying it with a router

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I never thought about that before! Are there any third party collars with the attachment? Maybe that's not a thing. I haven't owned many lenses with collars so it's all new to me.

  • @HirnVerstand
    @HirnVerstand 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Never ventured into the 200mm or above territory but I have the 16-50, 50-135 and the 55 of which I like the 55 best and best of all it's SDM is still working fine not like the zombie sdm of the two zooms.
    Of all three I'd say the 55 is the only one really worth the price.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good to know! I often forget about the 55mm.

    • @HirnVerstand
      @HirnVerstand 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness It's really a beautiful portrait lens (or whatever one uses it for) because subject isolation is simply incredible. And I've read it's fully compatible with full frame.
      But with the 43mm I also have it's kinda redundant unless I need the weather resistance.

  • @baptistepayendessinphoto
    @baptistepayendessinphoto 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've hesitated between this 300mm and the 55/300mm and ended with the 60/250mm da*... It's a great lens too but I think the AF drive suffers when you store it for long periods : sometimes it's slow to activate.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Interesting. I hadn't heard that about SDM before. I had heard that sometimes it needs to warm up.

    • @baptistepayendessinphoto
      @baptistepayendessinphoto 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness when I don't use it for long time, it can take two to three minutes to react. I hope it's just a long warm up !

  • @douglasstemke2444
    @douglasstemke2444 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    When you get the 540mm f5.6, THEN you can talk about a mid-life crisis.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It's almost like you're giving me permission. Now to convince my wife...

    • @Durio_zibethinus
      @Durio_zibethinus 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness good luck our brave soldier.

    • @douglasstemke2444
      @douglasstemke2444 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@snappiness I have an old 600mm f5.6 A and the 150-450. Yeah, there are a few fights in there as well. But then I'm significantly older than you are...

    • @miguelorellana4107
      @miguelorellana4107 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@douglasstemke2444 How does the 540 mm f5.6 performes in IQ??? Do you know is it worth the money?

    • @douglasstemke2444
      @douglasstemke2444 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@miguelorellana4107 Sorry, I DON'T have the 560. I have the old A 600mm f5.6 and it is an EXCELLENT lens, but all manual focus. Best to check out Pentaxforums reviews for info on the 560

  • @brianmccutcheon3205
    @brianmccutcheon3205 ปีที่แล้ว

    I got a 200mm DA star lens for my wife. I thought it was a fare swap

  • @jakobmaurer630
    @jakobmaurer630 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello guys,
    I have an importang question. Does this amazing thing match with the Pentax K-3 Mark iii ? 😊

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  ปีที่แล้ว

      That's my current wildlife setup and I LOVE it.

  • @lighthunterphoto
    @lighthunterphoto 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have the 55-300mm PLM, and considering to buy the DA* 300mm mainly for wildlife shooting (maybe with a 1.4 TC), worth the upgrade for the low light and IQ ? :)

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I haven't looked at any side by side for IQ comparisons, but I've seen enough stuff from the 55-300 PLM to think it's quite good. The difference in aperture then is going to be the biggest deal. I haven't tried the 1.4 TC but I am planning to! Maybe later this year.

  • @chuckdavidson5483
    @chuckdavidson5483 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yo Snap, I mtn bike too (flat land x-country), so I'm wondering, how do you pack and carry your gear when you ride? I typically carry an Olympus TG5. Nice and compact, but kind of limited. I have a clip for carrying a full size body and lens on a pack.

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Great! I really enjoy biking with my camera gear. For this big lens I have a camera bag that I stick inside an Osprey bag made for biking. Keeps the weight nice and snug against my back so it's not bouncing around. There's a video on my channel somewhere about it.
      I have used my capture clip before but some of the trails I ride on are a little too rough. Not that it would fall off necessarily, but just the bouncing against my chest starts to hurt. For my smaller cameras on a smoother trail it was actually pretty nice. Quick access. I say if you are confident in your clip that the worst would be discomfort you can give it a try.
      Otherwise, I'll stick to just keeping them in the backpack with either a camera specific backpack or an insert in my Osprey. It's a hassle to unload them, but it's the best I've come up with so far.
      And then like your olympus my Ricoh GR just goes in a little hip pouch so it's very accessible.

  • @ianbaxter9209
    @ianbaxter9209 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have one awesome lens but a beast to hold without a tripod

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, definitely needs a hand under the lens for support. I might try a monopod at some point but haven't yet.

  • @MichaelRusso
    @MichaelRusso ปีที่แล้ว

    On a K-1 do you notice and corner darkening against a bright background?

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      No, it's good wide open on FF. 👍 It's even on Pentax's official lens roadmap as a da lens that is full frame compatible.

    • @MichaelRusso
      @MichaelRusso ปีที่แล้ว

      @@snappiness Then it is on my must own lens. Thanks!

  • @cityproofdad
    @cityproofdad 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    story of my life😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • @PaulWilkinson
    @PaulWilkinson 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I don't own any * lenses but I did buy the DA 21mm Limited a while back and spent quite a bit more money than I normally would. I then decided I didn't like focal range so it hardly came out of the bag🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️
    It's now on eBay 🤣

    • @snappiness
      @snappiness  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's what I do! Pass it on if I'm not using it and find something else I'll actually use. Even if it's an excellent lens and highly regarded by others.