Pentax K7 with 55-300mm Lens?

*markpsf* · 07-17-2009, 11:34 AM

I have the K7 and want a zoom telephoto, lightweight, and inexpensive, for occasional wildlife shooting.

The 55-300 has a good reputation but is slow on auto focusing. Has anyone tested it with the K7 to see if the Af speed of the K7 makes a significant difference?

Thanks.

Mark

mtngal · 07-17-2009, 11:53 AM

It seemed to me it was faster with the K-7, but I didn't time it or anything. It did all I wanted and seemed to work quite well when I was shooting butterflies. I even managed to have a couple of shots of in-flight butterflies focused correctly (though the shutter speed was too slow and the pictures were lousy).

*mabelsound* · 07-17-2009, 11:55 AM

Focusing is not amazing, but definitely improved on the K-7. It's a wonderful, compact combo!

*markpsf* · 07-17-2009, 12:39 PM

Worth the minimal risk. For my needs the weight and price are perfect and since most of my shooting is in bright daylight I should do fine with it.

Thanks for the input.

Mark

Originally Posted by mabelsound

Focusing is not amazing, but definitely improved on the K-7. It's a wonderful, compact combo!

Pentaxor · 07-17-2009, 01:43 PM

I had my K-7 with the 55-300 tested yesterday. I would say that the 55-300 is reasonably fast on the K-7, but not ultra-fast. though fast enough for outdoor wild-life shooting. it would also be quite a bit of the challenge for the lens to be used on lowlight. you may encounter a bit of focusing errors due to poor lighting but you'd still be able to focus under lowlight. I usually use the selective AF point but use the AUTO AF point should the need for it arises. the AUTO AF would make it much easier for the lens to focus quickly under difficult lighting condition.

the next test for the 55-300 would be for action photography done at 300mm FL. though I'm a bit skeptical that the lens would perform good enough under such challenge. if it performs at my level of expectations, I may no longer consider getting a faster 300mm prime.

*markpsf* · 07-17-2009, 01:54 PM

I'll save your advice for when I start playing with it.

I'm clear that shooting fast moving wolves at dusk should not be one of my plans for the lens!

Mark

Originally Posted by Pentaxor

I had my K-7 with the 55-300 tested yesterday. I would say that the 55-300 is reasonably fast on the K-7, but not ultra-fast. though fast enough for outdoor wild-life shooting. it would also be quite a bit of the challenge for the lens to be used on lowlight. you may encounter a bit of focusing errors due to poor lighting but you'd still be able to focus under lowlight. I usually use the selective AF point but use the AUTO AF point should the need for it arises. the AUTO AF would make it much easier for the lens to focus quickly under difficult lighting condition.

the next test for the 55-300 would be for action photography done at 300mm FL. though I'm a bit skeptical that the lens would perform good enough under such challenge. if it performs at my degree of expectation, I may no longer consider getting a faster 300mm prime.

jamonation · 07-17-2009, 02:57 PM

I just got a 55-300mm (on my K20) and tbh, manual focusing works really well. I haven't used telephoto lenses much, but I expect it has to do with long focal lengs where things tend to "pop" quite visibly. So if you're feeling like you aren't sure about AF, I can vouch for easy manual focusing with it.

jogiba · 07-17-2009, 04:39 PM

For a wider FL range the 28-300mm Tamron or Sigma is another option.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=...10/_kvKntLMbIw

lesmore49 · 07-17-2009, 05:50 PM

The 55-300 lens is a great lens. I use it on both my K10D and KM, for wildlife shots...have a number of different Owls / Hawks, Eagles, etc. in the Boreal Forest and prairies around here. Use it all seasons. Still works well, even in - 25 C weather (Canada). Tha clarity is superb.

I find with wildlife, mostly the 55-300 focuses fine, but in wooded areas, a lot of time I switch it to manual focus to avoid 'focus hunting' because of branches, leaves, etc. that are between me and the animal / bird subject.

You may find because of photo situations like this that sometimes manual focus is better...out there in the woods,

kittykat46 · 07-17-2009, 08:01 PM

This lens does have great IQ and responsive focusing in good light.
However, it was frustrating with AF on the K100D in less than bright light.

Glad to say its a lot better on the K-7. Its "never" going to be a great indoor lens, but its quite usable in available light now.

wll · 07-18-2009, 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by markpsf

I have the K7 and want a zoom telephoto, lightweight, and inexpensive, for occasional wildlife shooting.

The 55-300 has a good reputation but is slow on auto focusing. Has anyone tested it with the K7 to see if the Af speed of the K7 makes a significant difference?

Thanks.

Mark

Mark,

I can attest to what others have said about the 55-300mm zoom. It is a great little lens, the IQ is very, very good, and much, much better than its little brother, the 50-200mm.

If you are looking for a small high quality zoom, the 55-300mm is it.

----- yep, it is not the fastest zoom in the world, but you can't have everything, In lower light situations I just manual focus, and for me that is fine.

wll

ManuH · 07-18-2009, 08:25 PM

I did some more tests with the DA 55-300 on the K-7 and the results are reasonably good. Focusing point to point is quite fast, and tracking is even possible. I did some difficult shots (a toddler running towards me, less than 20 ft away, 300mm f/5.8) and some were impressively sharp. The only time the 55-300 is frustrating is when it has to go through the whole focusing range, it's very slow to do so. But as I said point to point is fast enough for most situations.