DA 55-300 vs Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD

[JJJPhoto]

Well, my old Sigma 70-210mm lens is acting up (AF has erratic behavior), and I've decided it's time to replace that old gem. I want either the DA 55-300 or the Tamron 70-300, but I can't decide which to get as my travel telephoto zoom.

The 55-300 has a nice short end, quick-shift manual focus, and supposedly less CA.

The 70-300 has better close focusing, a "slightly" faster aperture range (5.6 vs 5.8), and is MUCH less expensive.

Any thoughts or opinions from people who have actually owned and used one of these lenses?

[BBear]

I have the Pentax and no regrets here. Actually i am very impressed with its performance (keep in mind it is a 5.5x Zoom lens).


The more you read about the options at this class, i think the more you'll be inclinde to get the Pentax.


Later


BB

[nulla]

I have the DA 55-300, so my opinion can only be based upon experience in one lens rather than comparison between the two.

From what I read prior to purchase and now after purchase there are not many negatives regarding this lens... considering its price I think its a great buy and a very good addition for Pentax users


Neil

[simonkit]

I've owned both & without doubt the Pentax is the better lens, the Tamron is nearly or perhaps equal to the Pentax in sharpness but generally suffers badly from CA & doesn't have as good colour/contrast rendition as the Pentax - as mentioned quick shift is useful.

Of course the Pentax should be better, it costs sunstantially more. If budget were of concern I'd definitely recommend the Tamron.

Simon

[audiobomber]

I own both and I've shot hundreds of photos with each of them. IMO the Pentax is worth the extra money and more.

[jamesm007]

Originally Posted by audiobomber

I own both and I've shot hundreds of photos with each of them. IMO the Pentax is worth the extra money and more.

At first looking at pics on the forum I concluded the Pentax was a cross between the Sigma APO and Tamron; lower CA/PF than the Tamron. With the Pentax being about as sharp as the Tamron. Thats a kinda misleading statement IMO now, and gives the wrong impression. The Pentax is much sharper than the Tamron at 300mm, and most important holds contrast and color, you dont see a drop in contrast. With the Pentax you have to look at the data to see what focal length the pic was taken at because there is no clue that you took the pic at 300mm and f5.8, its that good. Its sharp, has great contrast/color always, and this is wide open all the way from 55mm to 300mm. Its kinda why you dont hear to many complaints about its performance and there is a lot of hard to please people out there who know quality, and the Pentax DA55-300mm is impressing everyone for what it gives at the price. So bottom line if budget allows IMO there is no comparing the Tamron and Pentax. Sorry Tamron owners, for its price range the Tamron is the winner of all, and gives great bang for the buck, but...

[mhertel]

I have to agree with james..
I own both and the Pentax beats the tamron hands down.. Yes, it's more expensive, but worth it in my opinion.

[gamgee]

What others said. I don't have Tamron, but everything said about Pentax is in my opinion true.

[cardinal43]

@jamesm007:

Sorry Tamron owners, for its price range the Tamron is the winner of all, and gives great bang for the buck, but...

After reading your reply, I think you meant that the Pentax was the winner of all.