I currently have a P67II with the 105 f2.4 and 165 f2.8 (latest versions), and am about to get hold of a slightly older 75mm. I also need something longer, and am thinking about the 300mm. My thinking is that the 200mm is not different enough from the 165 that I have, and the 400 is longer (and heavier!) than I need. I can't afford the newest EDIF version of the 300, and am thinking of getting the newest of the non-EDIF versions. All seems sensible, right? Except I've just read a few threads about the non-EDIF 300, and there seems to be a general feeling that it's not the hottest lens, espcially as I often have to use my lenses in the f4-f6.7 kind of range. Does this apply to the LATEST of the non-EDIF lenses? Anyone want to offer me any advice on what I should do?

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), November 27, 2000

Answers

The latest of the non-ED IF 300mm lenses is the same optical design as the older 300mm Takumar. How good or bad the non-ED version is, depends upon what you are going to use it for. It is very sharp for handheld work at f/5.6-f/8. For tripod work at infinity settings with the tripod legs unextended, it does well. Tripod landscape work using the DOF scale can be an aggravation. The lens is susceptible to shutter shake and the DOF scale is not all that accurate. You may consider getting a 2x converter for your 165mm if your use of the 300 will be in the low performance areas I have written about. SR

-- Steve Rasmussen (srasmuss@flash.net), November 27, 2000.

Ed, considering your use of the lens, the non-ED 300mm should be OK. Shutter shake won't be a problem at those shutter speeds. Mine has never color fringed, even at f/4. The close focus of the 300 is 17 feet. You can handhold this lens down to 1/125 sec if careful. I am considering selling my 300mm Takumar and replacing it with the ED. SR

-- Steve Rasmussen (srasmuss@flash.net), November 29, 2000.

Thanks for responding Steve! My main use is steam railway photography in the U.K.. Because of the need to freeze motion (often in indifferent light), I typically use 1/250 or 1/500, with apertures usually in the f4 - f8 range. Focus is rarely on infinity - 20 to 40 metres is the most common range, though this would obviously tend to be somewhat increased on a longer lens. I handhold by preference, mainly because I often walk long distances also carrying ladders. However, I do use a tripod on occasion. I would not want a lens that would absolutely require it. Perhaps the vibration problems are reduced by the fact the I use quite fast shutter speeds, and have the mkII version, which I think has less shutter-induced vibration (though the mirror is still a problem, of course). Do you think this combination of factors means I would get good performance out of the non-EDIF version? How would the combination of 165mm and teleconverter compare optically? Presumably it would be slower, which would be a real problem for me?

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), November 28, 2000.

I've mentioned this before, but no one seems to read the archives so I'll mention it again.

Cayman camera sells the new 300mm EDIF lens for $1600 which is several hundred dollars cheaper than any USA store.

I was looking at the old 300mm lens until I found out the minimum focusing distance is something ridiculous like 20 or 30 feet. Which makes it pretty much useless for me.

-- greenants (rolland_elliott@yahoo.com), November 29, 2000.

Thanks for the info., Roland. Can't say I've ever used them before. They certainly offer some good prices. Always a bit wary of buying this way - anyone got any experience of them?

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), November 29, 2000.

Cayman camera is a very reputable supplier. I recently purchased a 55mm for my 67II for US$ 751. It arrived by FedEx on the day promised in perfect condition. I have ordered other accessories in the past and have had no problems. Since they do not have a large inventory it may take a few weeks of extra waiting - a slight inconvenience for me. All quoted prices on the equipment I purchased were significantly lower than B&H and other US suppliers.

Ed, I hope this helps!

-- john j zombek (jzombek@webtv.net), November 29, 2000.

Ed, I bought a 55-100 zoom from Cayman in May and the deal went very smoothly. You can email them for a price on your item. When you place an order they want you to fax it to them, along with payment info. Their shipping charges are very high; I paid $70.00 to have the 55-100 shipped Fed-Ex, but still saved nearly $400.00 compared to B&H. I expected the lens to be a gray market item, which would have been OK, but it had a USA warranty redeemable to the Colorado, USA address. Good luck! Bob

-- Bobby Mahaffey (mahajen@prodigy.net), November 29, 2000.

Thank you everyone! I am going to save my pennies up and try and get the EDIF version this way.

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), November 30, 2000.

Just ordered the 300mm EDIF from Cayman Camera. I should have it early next month. I'll let you know how it performs! If you would like me to do any tests using it, let me know - including how to do them!

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), January 19, 2001.

Something I've been considering as well. If you don't mind saying what was their price?

-- Garrett Adams (gadams@jps.net), January 19, 2001.

They charge US$ 1 600, including shipping and insurance. I can't vouch for it yet, as I have not yet received the item, and won't until mid-February!! One thing worth noting is that the price does not of course include customs & excise, import duty, VAT, etc., which will obviously be charged on top.

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), January 22, 2001.