Pentax DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM 300mm
The 300mm f/4 prime delivers a 450mm equivalent field of view on APS-C, paired with a weather-sealed, dust-resistant build for reliable outdoor use. Its SDM autofocus motor operates smoothly and quietly, complementing the solid, 1070g all-metal construction. This lens is best for Pentax DSLR wildlife and sports shooters who need a rugged, long-reaching telephoto that can withstand harsh conditions.
Snapshot
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q4 2015100/100
Reviewers praise this lens as exceptionally sharp with excellent contrast and bokeh, ideal for wildlife and action photography.
- Sharpness and image quality
- Great contrast and bokeh
- Fast auto-focus and weather sealing
- Heavier than some alternatives, but includes tripod ring
- Q3 201193/100
Buyers praised the lens for its reach, sharpness, and performance as a macro lens. Wildlife photos and versatility were highlights.
- Great reach and image quality for wildlife photography e.g. bears, whales.
- High performance as a macro lens with adapter, achieving 1:2 ratio.
- Fast autofocus, sharp, and weather sealed; heavy but expected.
- Useful range from 0.4m to 5m for versatile shots.
Based on 35 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 300 |
| Focal Length Max | 300 |
| Elements | 8 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Coating | Pentax SP |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/32 |
| Min Aperture | f/4 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Pentax K |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 1.1 kg / 2.4 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 77 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | SDM |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 1400 |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.2 |
vs Competition
| Spec | Pentax DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM 300mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 300mm | 28-300mm | 18-50mm | 17-28mm | 12-35mm | 18-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/32 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Pentax K | Sony E | Sony E | Nikon Z | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 1070 | 590 | 290 | 450 | 306 | 326 |
| AF Type | SDM | VXD linear motor | stepping motor | Stepping Motor | Autofocus | Linear motor |
| Lens Type | telephoto | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentax DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM 300mm | 53.9 | 7.2 | 40.7 | 42 | 44.6 | 4.7 | 33.6 | 94.9 | 36.8 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 98 | 78.2 | 65.1 | 85.8 | 96.7 | 66.3 | 97.7 | 55 | 82.4 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 86.9 | 82.1 | 86.1 | 91.7 | 82.2 | 84.2 | 78.6 | 89.6 | 36.8 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 86.9 | 87.3 | 75.2 | 85.8 | 88.2 | 84.2 | 68 | 69.1 | 36.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 53.9 | 82.1 | 85.4 | 51 | 86.5 | 84.2 | 80.6 | 85.1 | 96.9 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 98 | 75.7 | 72.5 | 40.3 | 78.5 | 77.6 | 95.8 | 89.6 | 82.4 |
