I've found the A*300/4.0 to be a less than stellar performer. A little too soft for my taste, especially considering it's reputation and how well it's been talked up here on the list. I'd imagine the M* to be similar. There's a 400mm/5.6 that may be worth looking into, although I've only used one sample for a few shots. The results seemed OK, iirc, but I wasn't jumping out of my socks. I'd say that the lens was at least as good as the A*300/4.0 that I had, which makes it pretty good, and better than what you've been using, for sure.
Shel > [Original Message] > From: Peter J. Alling > > M*300 f4 is a wonderful lens, doesn't focus very close however. On the > other hand it's very compact, not much bigger than the [K] 135 f2.5 and > weighs about the same amount. A good condition one will run you a bit > of cash though. $300-$400 at KEH, sometimes a lot more on e-bay. > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > > > >Seeing as there have been a few threads on the 80-320 and Shel asking for mf glass ideas > >for a > >possible istD purchase,i thought this would be the time to throw this out for your views. > > > >(Cameras to be used mostly would be the PZ-1 and istD,maybe the K1000) > > > >I would like to make up my mind soon,as not to keep a fellow in the dark to long. > > > >I have decided i need some longer glass. I dont do a lot of nature work,but in the past > >6-8 months i > >have missed a few opportunities to get a decent shot as my glass could not "reach out and > >touch > >something" so to speak.<g>Espesially now that not very far from my home,the north is home > >again to a > >large population of owls,which i have a fondness for.:-) > > > >Also it would probably be handy to have something for GFM to. > > > >In Pentax my long lens is the Sigma 100-300 f 5.6-6.7 D. Its ok but i would like something > >a bit longer > >and faster if possible.I have the A consumer 80-200 and a 300 Hanimex screw mount but its > >not very > >good. > > > >I am looking at several possbilities,a Sigma 300 f4 for one. Anyone have experince with > >this and either > >the Sigma 1.4 or 1.5 or 2x tele's. > >Also looking at Sigmas 55-500(web sites only)and the 100-300 f4. Any experience with > >these,and > >tele's. > > > >I know Pentax has primes in the 300-600 range but the price........... > > > >Any suggestions on long glass from the nature crowd. I'm open to other manufactures like > >Tamron > >Tokina Sigma Pentax.Cost is a bit of a factor at this time.(see what the taxman does to me > >here) > > > >Also open to AF and mf glass > > > >If the M series has some decent long primes i'm not apposed to focusing my self.<vbg>And > >they may > >be a bit cheaper to,correct. > > > >Thanks in advance
