Description: Pentax SMCP-DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Telephoto Lens
Pentax SMCP-DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM Lens - Side Profile
The Pentax SMCP-DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM Lens is a high-quality telephoto lens that is designed for exclusive use with Pentax digital SLR cameras. It offers a focal length that is equivalent (in 35mm format) to 450mm. This wide coverage is ideal for a variety of telephoto applications, including portraiture, sports and scenery.
Pentax SMCP-DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM Lens - Top Angle
Pentax DA* (DA-Star) zoom lenses come equipped with the SDM System, which assures smoother, quieter auto-focusing operation by using a built-in supersonic motor. When mounted on the K10D digital SLR camera body, the focus mode is automatically switched to SDM-assisted auto-focusing. When mounted on older Pentax digital SLR camera bodies, the conventional autofocus mode using a camera-mounted motor is selected.
Pentax SMCP-DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM Lens - Side Profile with Hood
Like all Pentax lenses, this lens is treated with smc coating for maximum light transmission, sharp definition, and high contrast images. In addition, SP (Super Protective) coating made of a special fluoride compound has been applied to the front surface of the lens through the use of a unique evaporation process. As a result, the lens offers excellent water- and oil-repellent performance and makes for easier cleaning should the lens be accidentally smeared with fingerprints or cosmetics.
Note! Not compatible with "full-frame" (35mm size) cameras
Super Telephoto Lens
High Power telephoto lenses from 400 mm to 800 mm (APS-C 300 mm 500 mm) and
longer are very expensive, even for the slower versions, but they provide
the ultimate in telephoto photography. Deep pockets are needed for most
lenses in this range, particularly the faster versions, as one lens can cost
more than the average person may spend on photography in their life. A
super-telephoto lens can reveal far-off objects barely visible to the human
eye.
A professional-quality 400 mm ƒ/2.8 lens is the ultimate dream lens of many
sports and wildlife photographers, which they may save for years to acquire.
A 600 mm ƒ/4 lens is even more striking, but the 16-times magnification of
an 800 mm ƒ/5.6 lens can also be used for astrophotography with clear, vivid
results.
Professional photographers are the primary consumers of such magnificent
lenses. A majority of the images we see in publications are shot with these
lenses.
Super Telephoto Prime Lenses
Features
Designed for Digital SLRs
The image circle in DA-series lenses is designed to perfectly match the 23.5mm x 15.7mm size of the CCD used in Pentax digital SLRs to optimize camera performance. This design also contributes to a drastic reduction in size, weight and production cost, compared to 35mm-format counterparts with similar specifications.
DA*-Series
DA*-series lenses feature tightly sealed, weather-resistant and dust-resistant construction that enhance durability for use in rain or dusty conditions.
SP Coating
SP (Super Protective) coating made of a special fluoride compound has been applied to the front surface of the lens to offer excellent water- and oil-repellent performance.
Quick-Shift Focus
Quick-Shift Focus System allows to instantly switch the focus mode from AF to manual with a slight twist of the focus ring.
High Optical Quality
Incorporates Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens elements to compensate for chromatic aberration.
Item Includes
• Pentax SMCP-DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR
• Lens Hood PH-RBK 77mm
• Lens Cap O-LC77 77mm
• Lens Soft Case S120-210
• Detachable Tripod Mount
• Rear Lens Cap B
• U.S.A Pentax Warranty
Press Release
Simply Superb, February 22, 2010
By Ryan Freeman
This lens embodies Pentax classic workmanship with the newest technology. Color rendition is true to life and the sharpness is amazing, even wide open. (The reason for this may be assisted by the fact that everything you shoot with this lens is fairly far away and often in the same infinite focal plane.) The SDM makes for a fast, quiet focus. Shifting on the fly to manual is a convenient touch, especially when you find yourself having to shoot through branches, tall grass, or shrubs to catch that elusive creature. I bought this lens for a safari in Africa. I couldn't have been happier, filling my frame with the entire head of a giraffe.
While the f/4 max aperture isn't as quick as an f/2.8, it still does an excellent job of catching the action. In fact, this is a better purchase than the 300mm f/2.8 for three reasons:
-Price: The f/2.8 is 2.5x-3x more expensive and the larger glass weighs more.
-Actual use: There is a good chance that this lens will be used primarily outside, where there is plenty of natural light, so shooting at fast speeds typically isn't a problem.
-Compensation of technology: Let's face it, noise reduction, especially that offered in the newer bodies like the K-7 allow shooting at the 1600-2000 ISO range without too much guilt. Also, shake reduction is an excellent cheat in shaving off speed.
All in all, this lens is designed to do one thing and do it well. It succeeds. This shouldn't be the first lens in your kit, but if you need to reach long, do it with this beautiful glass and you will be amazed at the results.
