This article compares two long awaited Pentax DA* telephotos for Pentax digital SLR cameras, the Pentax DA* 200mm and the Pentax DA* 300mm. The two DA* lenses use Pentax new SDM lens based focusing motors, which are reasonably fast and superbly quiet.

This lens is very very nice lens that i have used up today. I found the AF is abit lazy, i think, especially while taking flying objects: birds, plane, UFO

Sharpness; contrast; bokeh; colors

AF is a bit lazy

wow. I love this lens. Yes, it can hunt a little, but w/e. Yes, it is hefty, but I like that heft. The photos I am taking with this lens are exciting and sharp. Best purchase I have ever made for my K5.

What I like about the lens: - While I have not scientifically tested the lens, I feel that it is sharp enough from it’s widest aperture and have never found an image that was was not good enough due to optical quality. - It follows the tradition of Pentax rendering with vivid contrast.

Sharp low chromatic aberration lens with quality build and WR

F4 aperture and AF speed isn't that fast

I have pictures and such in my blog article on this lens: http://photographybanzai.com/2010/11/24/lens-review-pentax-da-300mm-f4-sdm/

What I like about the lens; - While I have not scientifically tested the lens; I feel that it is sharp enough from it's widest aperture and have never found an image that was was not good enough due to optical quality; - It follows the tradition of Pentax rendering with vivid contrast.

What I'm not too fond of; - Maximum aperture of f4 is challenging at times with my K-7 because I like to keep the ISO low; but I'm not sure how much having f2.8 would really help…; - The lens isn't cheap hovering around $1100; but good lenses hold value well; - Pentax SDM hasn't had the best track

Excellent lens! I will find a lot of use for it.

Consistent Output; Easily Interchangeable; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Heavy

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Easy To Clean; Lightweight; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

None so far

One of Pentax's top rated DA* ("DA star") lenses, and a stablemate to the well-reviewed 200mm f/2.8, this 450mm equivalent ($1,300 street) is a digital-only prime for APS-sensored DSLRs.

The DA* 300mm f/4 is part of Pentax' professional grade lens lineup and, correspondingly, it is a beautifully crafted lens. The outer body is obviously made of metal and the broad, rubberized focus ring operates very smooth.