Whilst the AF adjustment is simple and easy to reverse, just don't be too quick to blame the camera/lens.

Testing my DA 300mm yesterday I was convinced it had some back focus. Just tested it again using a ruler, with centre focus box, exactly over the 75 line, as suggested on here on everything from -5 to + 10 and this was the best one.

[IMG]http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/chriseast/010_zps9f89f229.jpg[/IMG]

Adjustment on this one? 0

edit: Just noticed the although the ruler is perfectly in focus at the 75 mark with what appears to be perfect fade into OOF either side, the carpet is sharply in focus for the 2cm or so in front of the 75. Is that right - sort of thought it would be the 1cm either side of the 75 that would be in focus?

I've used Black Circles for some years now and they have always been the cheapest, though they don't always have a fitter near me. You shouldn't have that problem.

You will get some credit from this purchase towards your next purchase as well, plus 2.5% Quidco cashback if you use Quidco.

I guess it might be that, as you said yourself, the shorter lenses have a deeper DOF so any problem simply might not be apparent. My longest lens, other than my new 300mm, is 50mm and I have never had a hint of a problem, when viewing photos taken, so have never bothered to check until now.

If you had run the poll yesterday I would have been one of the 35%. Either that or that around 40% of us are getting older and our eyesight can't tell the difference....

Possibly, but I've had one before and rarely found myself in a situation where it might be practical. Might have to get the weights and barbell out again (or just carry the lens about...)

User error

I've tried it on a tripod with a fixed object and it's fine. If anything it focused slightly better at -2 so clearly wasn't the lens/camera back focusing, just me.

As Bill said, available light, aperture and shutter speed all seem to be that much more critical with a lens of this size and weight. I was basically expecting to be able to get away with the sort of shutter speeds, aperture and ISO that I might do with a smaller and lighter lens and that was foolish.

A lens this long and heavy (at least compared to everything else I have) is going to need a technique far superior to mine to use at 1/60 and have clear images......

Looking at some later attempts with this in mind it is producing some stunning image quality. The only concern for me really in deciding whether to keep it or not is the weight. I am considerably under average size, small hands/short arms, and probably going to struggle in anything less than good light. The 55-300 would probably be a better choice in that respect, but from what I have seen so far there isn't any comparison in image quality.

Thanks all.

It's brightening up a bit so I think I'll stick it on the tripod with a fixed object later to rule out any user error!

The AF Fine adjustment in the custom menu seems to make a difference so I'll play with that first before anything else. If that works I'll just have to remember the settings for this lens. Every other lens is fine and I don't have many so shouldn't be too hard to remember.

Cheers Matt

I have a K-r so is that the AF fine adjustment option? Can't see an 'apply one' or apply all' option.

Got my Amazon special today.

It's a miserable misty day so probably not the best time to test it, but it seems, to my eyes anyway, to be focusing slightly behind and to the left?

It might just be me being fussy, but I've read about back/front focusing, but never actually experienced it. I've posted a few shots below and would appreciate any advice. If the focus does need adjusting how do I test for certain and go about it?

No PP adjustment except for a crop on the 3rd picture.

Focused on the front raspberry in the first picture and just on the wagtail generally in the other two. In the second photo the wagtail is in good focus except for the insect in the beak.

[IMG]http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/chriseast/004_zpsbd9f4319.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/chriseast/010_zps0bd2274f.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/chriseast/013_zps9043abf4.jpg[/IMG]

Received today in perfect condition, really well packaged and even with a free gift! Great guy to deal with and recommended wholeheartedly to anyone else.

Hi Adrian

Sorry for your loss. People without pets don't realise how hard it can be when they go. That last photo is superb and made me smile which I guess is what it is all about.