I traded my SMCA* 300/4 in on an SMCA* 300/2.8 ED (IF).
Relative advantages:
1 stop faster for easier focusing. Tripod mount. 49mm rear filter (I have lots of them). Completely internal focusing (IF). Came in it's own box with warranty papers. I sent them in. Scares the crap out of people.
Relative disadvantages:
Weighs more than 3x as much as the A* 300/4. Costs a lot more...
$1200 Price at local store (He had originally asked $1600) - 450 That the nice proprietor gave me for the A* 300/4. ------------ $750 + tax cash from my pocket
I may be wrong, but I think the bottom line is fair.
I am beginning to miss that light weight a bit though...
Regards, Bob... ------------------------------------------------ "A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three thousand times the memory."
From: "Fred" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Nikkor big, ugly, hard to hand hold. SMC-A*, while not actually pretty, is definitely more ergonomic, and a WHOLE lot smaller (even though its a faster lens).
Whatddaya mean - "not actually pretty"? It's a ~gorgeous~ lens !!!