DA* 300mm - Shooting advice

Just acquired my first long prime, a DA* 300mm off eBay for £600 (can't believe no one else bid on it!), and was just wondering what advice would you give for using it and getting the best out of it as I have only ever used zooms at that length.

Do you always use a monopod or tripod, prefer to go handheld, keep shutter speeds over say 1/450, focussing tips etc. I do find using zooms that I have got into the habit of zooming out quickly to get focus on areas of low contrast, then zooming back in to get fine focus easier (think I explained that right!) which obviously I can't do with a prime, so any advice appreciated!

Congratulations Danny. You are going to love the DA*300. If you find the 60-250 nice you definitely are going to absolutely love this one. It is slightly different than the zoom in my view, and it does take a bit of getting used to, but not a big problem at all.

My problems were only finding the subject through the viewfinder after picking it up on the naked eye initially as with the zoom I used to have it shorter range and then push it out from there keeping the subject in view, but very very rarely I would have a problem finding it, specially because the view through the lens is so absolutely fantastic also that you can literally use it as a binoculars and locate it roughly where the subject is and then focus it.

I have at times used it without the tripod, but my best results were with the tripod.

I had that in my watch list and forgot all about it until you mentioned it here.

I always use a monopod, which allows me to move around but still provides support.

If I'm shooting something static, with SR on I can get a sharp picture at 1/125s.

If I'm shooting something moving (which is usually the case ), I'll use 1/500s.

It's a very sharp lens right from f4, so I rarely stop it down past f5.6 unless I need the DOF.

I usually set these in TAv mode and let the camera choose the ISO. That way, I always get the shot but with the light determining the amount of noise in the picture.

R

Still can't believe no one else bid on it! Perhaps no one else wanted to sacrifice the last 5 minutes of Top Gear! It definately feels nice and solid, can't wait to put it to the test out 'in the field'

Seems you both like to have it supported to get the best out of it, which kinda confirms what I was thinking, trouble is now, gonna have to look for a bag that takes the monopod, or use the Tamrac 8X more often! It's a shame that neither the Lowepro Fastpack, or Kata 3 in 1 can have a monopod attached to them!

Roll on the weekend!

Are you sure? I have the Kata 3N1-20 and it came with a separate tripod attaching loop (which fits on the big chrome ring). My monopod fits in it quite nicely

R

Ahhh, that's the reason I missed it

You got it for a very good price, I must admit I probably wouldn't have bid on it anyway though as I have the F* 300mm f4.5 which does me just fine.

Have the big loop on the front of the bag, but see no way of attaching the monopod to it? Not only that it has no way to keep it secure either (would swing around, and is longer than the bag!). Got a photo by any chance please?

They are working on it link

Well spotted Stefan, cheers.

Well I'm confused now - mine came included with the bag I bought back in December

R

Yes it's already out it seems
link

Edit: found an UK shop link 14.95 GBP

I hand hold mine but try to keep above 1/500th. Very seldom do I have any problems with focus. Really an excellent lens.

I always use mine on a monopod like Reuben. Lovely lens. Framing with prime telephoto lenses is always that little bit more challenging, but you just have to use your feet

I don't have the Pentax, but with my Tamron 300 2.8 I've been known to use a monopod or one of the old Photosniper rifle style stocks.

Mostly I just hand hold it for moving subjects, but on the other hand I don't get a very good hit rate so perhaps I would be better off learning to use my monopod better.