> Otherwise, the Tokina 100-300/4 AF, which is said to be even > better than its manual-focus forebear. Big and heavy, but a fine > performer.
I've never used the autofocus version of the AT-X 100-300/4, but it must be fantastic if it's better than the manual focus version. I have some sample shots and a transcription of resolution and contrast results from the Modern Photo review of the manual focus version at http://www.cetussoft.com/pentax/x1003004/ . The two versions are optically and mechanically quite different. The manual focus design is a one-touch zoom, while the autofocus design is a two-touch design (I believe). Fred
