photozone 55-300mm f/5.8 review

[jms698]

Pentax SMC DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED - Review / Test Report

"The Pentax SMC DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED is a viable choice when it comes to an affordable long range tele lens. The resolution figures are pretty decent and in field conditions it shines with a snappy contrast characteristic. The secondary characteristics (vignetting, distortions, CAs) are about average for a lens in this class. All-in-all it is optically superior compared to its smaller cousin, the SMC DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED. The build quality of the lens is fine and the AF is fast enough for most applications. A sound offer relative to its pricing."

Optical Quality: 2.5 stars (better copy might get 3 stars)
Mechanical Quality: 3 stars
Price/Performance: 3.5 stars

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Looking at the rest results the lens looks pretty good to me (I just ordered one, in fact). The only real problem is less than stellar resolution, especially at the longer focal lengths. However, resolution isn't really any worse than the competition (e.g. Tamron 70-300mm or 18-250mm). CA especially is much better than Tamron.

[Noisychip]

Overall it looks good, allthough the resolution figures could be better IMO. Still a good deal.

[miriya]

that's selling about $500, South Korea here.

[SpecialK]

Many people rate the Tamron and Sigma 70-300's about equal in IQ. The Pentax 55-300 is noticeably better than the Sigma I had.