Since I believe that a tripod mount is highly desirable on a 300mm lens, I had long wanted the F*300/4.5. But I couldn't justify the price, given how few pictures I shoot at 300mm. Last Spring I found the next-best thing: An XR Rikenon APO 300/4.5 (67mm filter).
It's one of only two manual-focus 300/4 or 300/4.5 K-mount lenses that I know of that has a reasonably close focus (2.5 m) AND a tripod mount. The other is the multicoated Soligor 300/4.5 PKA (which weighs just 740 g, and uses 72mm filters). I've used it only a few times, for indoor school event. I was very pleased with the corner-to-corner sharpness and saturated colors at f/5.6. Next time I'll test it wide open. The lens has Ricoh's beautiful purplish multicoating. If I had known that the Sigma APO Macro AF 300/4 came in black, I probably would have bought the Sigma (based on its 1:3 macro, Christian Skofteland's raves and other reviews). But I'm pleased with the Rikenon. It's well-built, it's not too heavy (1,050 g), and it focuses smoothly. I have photos of the Rikenon and Soligor, if anyone's interested. [EMAIL PROTECTED]
