Tair's 3S 300mm f/4.5 — a fast Soviet M42 long-telephoto prime for distant subjects.
The Tair-3S 300mm f/4.5 is a Soviet long telephoto prime, a version of the Tair-3 design made in M42 and other mounts. The S variant was among the production versions of this fast long lens used for sport, wildlife and distant subjects on Soviet camera systems.
This is a manual-focus M42 screw-mount lens with a 300mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/4.5. Focus is by hand over a long helicoid and it commonly uses a preset aperture. It is a large, heavy all-metal telephoto usually supplied with a tripod mount. Exact weight and element figures are not asserted here beyond the verified focal length and aperture.
At 300mm f/4.5 the lens gives long reach with a comparatively bright aperture, allowing faster shutter speeds for wildlife, sport and distant landscape detail. It renders cleanly stopped down and is best supported on a tripod or monopod owing to its size. It suits patient long-lens photography rather than fast handheld action.
Used copies are affordable relative to Western long lenses but bulky and heavy. Inspect the barrel for internal haze and fungus, confirm the aperture and preset ring function, and check the long focus travel and tripod mount. Verify the M42 mount before purchase. An M42 adapter allows long-lens use on mirrorless with a firm support.