Pentax 300mm f/4 Super Takumar Lenses: A Closer Look
**What is Pentax 300mm f/4 Super Takumar lens?**
The Pentax 300mm f/4 Super Takumar Lens is a telephoto lens designed for Pentax film cameras. It was originally released in the 1960s and quickly gained popularity among professional photographers due to its exceptional optical performance and build quality.
**Key Features and Specifications**
– Focal Length: 300mm
– Maximum Aperture: f/4
– Minimum Aperture: f/32
– Construction: 6 elements in 4 groups
– Filter Size: 67mm
– Closest Focusing Distance: 3 meters
– Weight: Approx. 1.2 kg
**Optical Performance**
The Pentax 300mm f/4 Super Takumar Lens is renowned for its outstanding optical performance. The lens is constructed with six elements arranged in four groups, which helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and produce sharp, high-contrast images.
Wide open at f/4, this lens exhibits excellent center sharpness and decent edge-to-edge sharpness. Stopping down to f/8 further improves the overall image quality, providing exceptional detail and clarity.
**Build Quality and Handling**
Pentax lenses are known for their exceptional build quality, and the Super Takumar series is no exception. The 300mm f/4 lens features a robust all-metal construction, providing durability and reliability in various shooting conditions.
The lens barrel is smooth to operate, allowing precise focusing and easy manual control. The long focus throw ensures accurate focusing, even when shooting at the lens’s maximum aperture. Additionally, the built-in lens hood helps to reduce flare and protect the front element.
**Usage and Applications**
The Pentax 300mm f/4 Super Takumar Lens is a versatile telephoto lens suitable for a wide range of applications. Its long focal length makes it ideal for wildlife photography, sports events, and other situations where a significant amount of magnification is required.
Moreover, its fast maximum aperture of f/4 allows for excellent subject isolation and beautiful background blur, enhancing the overall visual impact of the images. This lens also performs well in low-light conditions, making it a valuable tool for photographers who frequently shoot in challenging lighting situations.
**Availability and Pricing**
As the Pentax 300mm f/4 Super Takumar Lens is no longer in production, it can be found secondhand or through online marketplaces. The price may vary depending on the condition and availability, but you can expect to find it in the range of $300 to $500.
**Final Thoughts**
The Pentax 300mm f/4 Super Takumar Lens is a classic piece of camera equipment cherished by many photographers for its exceptional optical performance, solid build quality, and versatility. If you are looking to expand your creative possibilities and capture stunning telephoto images, this lens could be a valuable addition to your camera bag.
Remember, while this lens was designed for film cameras, it can still be used on digital camera bodies with the appropriate adapter. So, if you have a compatible Pentax digital camera, you can enjoy the benefits of this exceptional lens in the digital age.
