On Fri, 4 Apr 2003 23:15:31 +0100, you wrote: >Hi, > >I'm looking for a telephoto to use for wildlife (mainly garden birds). I >have a 2x converter and I've seen both the M* and A* versions of the 300mm >f/4, at the same price (�300). Which is the better value? Between us, my >family have pZ-1p, MZ-5n, MZ-M, ME super and I'm excited by the idea of the >*ist D, having bought a Fuji S2 for work and enjoying the experience. Are >both M and A lenses likely to be compatible with the *ist D? > >Also, will the 300mm f/4 lenses work with the Pentax AF 1.7x converter? > >Andy Phillips
The A* is the better value between the two mentioned above, just because of the A setting. They are the same lens except for the A setting. As for the AF Adapter, I never could get my M*300/4 to autofocus with the AF Adapter. But it worked okay with the Vivitar 2x Macro Focusing TC. For probably less than �300, the Sigma 300/4 APO Macro is worth a look. It has a lot going for it, including AF, good optics, a decent tripod collar, and the ability to focus very close. It does not report correct apertures with the Super Program but that's no big deal since it meters okay anyway. And if you can find an F* 300/4.5 for a good price, it is a very fine lens. Any of these lenses will degrade a lot with a 2x TC. But even worse could be the blur from camera shake, especially since it is often just bad enough to prevent a really sharp photo, but not bad enough to look like camera shake. A tripod collar helps reduce the shakes somewhat. -- John Mustarde www.photolin.com
