There really isn't much point in P-TTL for macro work. Much better to work manually.

G

What's wrong with your AF080C, Clarky?

G

The F and FA lenses work well in continuous focus, and will allow you to shoot birds in flight very effectively. I would rate an AF 300mm as much more useful than an MF version.

G

Peter,

The F and FA versions work well in MF mode too.

G

You just need patience. I hardly ever buy lenses new, and have been able to find everything I want, including an F* 300 and FA*200, on Ebay.

G

I used to have the K 300mm f4. Super image quality, but heavy, and slow to focus. I was using it in East Africa, and didn't get many memorable pictures from it because it wasn't the easiest lens to use.

Although you say you don't want an F or FA lens, the F 300 f4.5 is a superb, compact, lens, and easy to focus manually. I would rate it as better than any other Pentax 300mm from a usability point of view, whether on a film or a digital camera, MF or AF. And optically it is superb.

They're not easy to find, and not overly cheap when you do, but I don't think you'd regret buying one, if you happened to have the opportunity.

G

Edit: I misread your post. You actually said you didn't want an FA. The only advantage of the F over the FA is the tripod mount, and whilst useful, I wouldn't say it is essential. The lens is not that massive, and a KM would support it adequately, I should think, on its own tripod socket.

That said, given the choice, I'd always go for the F. But you'll be very lucky to have the choice.

I think you should direct that at the readers of Depressing Review.

G

PS: But that 200mm does look good!

Lovely shots, Robbie. Ravishing colour.

G

If you mean trailing-curtain sync, it is not available on the *ist D or K100D (unless it has been introduced in firmware revisions, which I doubt). However, most modern Pentax flashguns have it, and an AF240T can be had on Ebay for peanuts.

Or buy a K10D.

G

Unlike the *ist D, wireless requires two flashguns, one on the camera, and a remote slave.

Set the camera to P, and then follow the flashgun instructions.

G