Wanted; Feedback from anyone who has the new PLM 55-300

jddwoods · 12-10-2016, 02:05 PM

Hello All,
With the firmware update to my K-3 done I am getting very interested in the new 55-300 PLM. One thing is, I already have the HD DA 55-300 WR version. From everything I am hearing about it, the autofocus is light years better. But how does it compare in other aspects? Is it worth it for me to upgrade? I would hope the image quality is equivalent. If there is a loss in image quality, that may be a deal breaker and I will continue to put up with the current lens screw drive noise (tamed somewhat by quick shift) The loss of aperture with the new design is not a deal breaker.
If the image quality is as good, I will likely take the plunge. I would really want the DA* 60-250 but the cost is way over my budget and I would prefer something compact anyway.
Feedback appreciated!

mee · 12-10-2016, 02:24 PM

A review: Hands-On with the Pentax DA 55-300mm PLM WR RE - Hands-On Tests | PentaxForums.com

**microlight** · 12-10-2016, 03:57 PM - **1 Like**

I've had the PLM for just over a week and the IQ to me is not worse than my old SMC non-WR 55-300; my feel is that actually it's a little better wide open. The AF is much superior to the old screw drive and so far, I have no complaints about my upgrade - but then you already have HD and WR so YMMV. The build quality is at least as good as the old model, the zoom ring is slightly less stiff. Haven't had the opportunity to challenge the tracking yet.

**Des** · 12-10-2016, 04:53 PM

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/328778-opinions-55-300-re.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/334466-55-300-a.html

Adam · 12-10-2016, 05:32 PM

No reason not to upgrade IMO. You won't regret it!

**W412ren** · 12-11-2016, 02:45 AM - **1 Like**

I've had the lens since the recent sales. I am using it in the Single In December Challenge so if it helps you can follow any progress here: Single in December 2016 | Flickr
If you like!

General thoughts so far are (yes, some are obvious):
1. It will make for a much more compact travel kit than the FA80-320 or the 60-250
2. The autofocus is excellent; I cannot compare it to the older versions of the 55-300 but it is far superior to the 80-320.
3. Very pleased with the image quality so far - not much to do in post other than the standard tweaks for RAW files.
4. Seems reasonably sharp at most focal lengths but softens up a bit at the long end.
5. Extremely pleased with the bokeh it produces.
6. The max aperture; been a struggle sometimes but then it is December and the days are short and I'm fitting my images around work.
7. I have been unable to test so far with BIF, possibly today but......
8. Feels quite weighty on the K3 but balances nicely and easy to handhold.
9. The quality seems excellent; stiff zoom ring but easy to turn at the same time, doubt there will be any zoom creep
10. Plays well with a Raynox 150 and also my 55mm circular polariser - this means it will pair up with the 20-40 very nicely.

This is obviously a work in progress but its my two penn'orth so far

Conqueror · 12-11-2016, 05:19 AM - **1 Like**

I've been happy with my PLM, it allows you to travel light(er)...

Its a noticeable step up from the previous 55-300 model I had (DA metal mount non-HD).

Its better at the 55 end than 300 end.

For the money you can't go wrong.

Last edited by Conqueror; 12-11-2016 at 05:21 AM. Reason: add image

**Des** · 12-11-2016, 01:24 PM

Hope you enjoyed the Oz trip, @Conqueror. Thanks for the photo samples. I notice the blackbird in the last photo: I assume that was a sign of homesickness. I can't stand them - we are infested with them.

Conqueror · 12-12-2016, 10:12 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Des

Hope you enjoyed the Oz trip, @Conqueror. Thanks for the photo samples. I notice the blackbird in the last photo: I assume that was a sign of homesickness. I can't stand them - we are infested with them.

Yeah was good thanks... the advice from the forum to take a 55-300 was good.

I took the 15/31/55-300

Barely used the 15 and 31 though. Almost everything was on the 55-300 because of distances of subjects and its WR (I encountered a fair bit of rain in NZ).

Final 3 pics in last post are actually NZ N Island. Yeah the Lorikeet is more interesting than the blackbird!

12-10-2016, 02:05 PM	#1
jddwoods Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Newark, Delaware Posts: 1,035	Wanted; Feedback from anyone who has the new PLM 55-300 Hello All, With the firmware update to my K-3 done I am getting very interested in the new 55-300 PLM. One thing is, I already have the HD DA 55-300 WR version. From everything I am hearing about it, the autofocus is light years better. But how does it compare in other aspects? Is it worth it for me to upgrade? I would hope the image quality is equivalent. If there is a loss in image quality, that may be a deal breaker and I will continue to put up with the current lens screw drive noise (tamed somewhat by quick shift) The loss of aperture with the new design is not a deal breaker. If the image quality is as good, I will likely take the plunge. I would really want the DA* 60-250 but the cost is way over my budget and I would prefer something compact anyway. Feedback appreciated!

12-10-2016, 05:32 PM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	No reason not to upgrade IMO. You won't regret it! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

12-11-2016, 02:45 AM - 1 Like	#6
W412ren Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Fareham, Hampshire Photos: Albums Posts: 570	I've had the lens since the recent sales. I am using it in the Single In December Challenge so if it helps you can follow any progress here: Single in December 2016 \| Flickr If you like! General thoughts so far are (yes, some are obvious): 1. It will make for a much more compact travel kit than the FA80-320 or the 60-250 2. The autofocus is excellent; I cannot compare it to the older versions of the 55-300 but it is far superior to the 80-320. 3. Very pleased with the image quality so far - not much to do in post other than the standard tweaks for RAW files. 4. Seems reasonably sharp at most focal lengths but softens up a bit at the long end. 5. Extremely pleased with the bokeh it produces. 6. The max aperture; been a struggle sometimes but then it is December and the days are short and I'm fitting my images around work. 7. I have been unable to test so far with BIF, possibly today but...... 8. Feels quite weighty on the K3 but balances nicely and easy to handhold. 9. The quality seems excellent; stiff zoom ring but easy to turn at the same time, doubt there will be any zoom creep 10. Plays well with a Raynox 150 and also my 55mm circular polariser - this means it will pair up with the 20-40 very nicely. This is obviously a work in progress but its my two penn'orth so far Last edited by W412ren; 12-11-2016 at 03:01 AM. Reason: Checking link

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
is new DA 55-300 WR PLM full frame compatible ?	trumanusa	Pentax K-1 & K-1 II	13	02-13-2017 09:45 PM
PLM or not on a 55-300	GregK8	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	13	11-18-2016 02:14 AM
Pre-order the new HD Pentax DA 55-300mm ED WR RE PLM	Adam	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	3	06-09-2016 03:24 AM
Has anyone tried the new 55-300 wr on the K3.yet?	David&karen	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	02-21-2014 06:56 AM
Has the new plastic 55-300 the same IQ than the old one?	juanraortiz	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	4	12-29-2009 02:06 PM

12-10-2016, 02:24 PM	#2
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	A review: Hands-On with the Pentax DA 55-300mm PLM WR RE - Hands-On Tests \| PentaxForums.com

12-10-2016, 03:57 PM - 1 Like	#3
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,129	I've had the PLM for just over a week and the IQ to me is not worse than my old SMC non-WR 55-300; my feel is that actually it's a little better wide open. The AF is much superior to the old screw drive and so far, I have no complaints about my upgrade - but then you already have HD and WR so YMMV. The build quality is at least as good as the old model, the zoom ring is slightly less stiff. Haven't had the opportunity to challenge the tracking yet.

12-10-2016, 04:53 PM	#4
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,421	https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/328778-opinions-55-300-re.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/334466-55-300-a.html

12-11-2016, 05:19 AM - 1 Like	#7
Conqueror Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: UK Posts: 440	I've been happy with my PLM, it allows you to travel light(er)... Its a noticeable step up from the previous 55-300 model I had (DA metal mount non-HD). Its better at the 55 end than 300 end. For the money you can't go wrong. Last edited by Conqueror; 12-11-2016 at 05:21 AM. Reason: add image

12-11-2016, 01:24 PM	#8
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,421	Hope you enjoyed the Oz trip, @Conqueror. Thanks for the photo samples. I notice the blackbird in the last photo: I assume that was a sign of homesickness. I can't stand them - we are infested with them.

12-12-2016, 10:12 AM - 1 Like	#9
Conqueror Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: UK Posts: 440	Originally posted by Des Hope you enjoyed the Oz trip, @Conqueror. Thanks for the photo samples. I notice the blackbird in the last photo: I assume that was a sign of homesickness. I can't stand them - we are infested with them. Yeah was good thanks... the advice from the forum to take a 55-300 was good. I took the 15/31/55-300 Barely used the 15 and 31 though. Almost everything was on the 55-300 because of distances of subjects and its WR (I encountered a fair bit of rain in NZ). Final 3 pics in last post are actually NZ N Island. Yeah the Lorikeet is more interesting than the blackbird!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search