Opinion needed on 55-300mm

JohnBee · 07-13-2010, 08:52 PM

In preparation to complete my Pentax lens kit this year, I was wondering if anyone else feels the DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED is the ultimate choice just short of the DA* 300mm f/4 ED?

And.. if not... what recommendations would you have and why?

VaughnA · 07-13-2010, 08:54 PM

Originally posted by JohnBee

In preparation to complete my Pentax lens kit this year, I was wondering if anyone else feels the DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED is the ultimate choice just short of the DA* 300mm f/4 ED?

And.. if not... what recommendations would you have and why?

I'm not sure about ultimate but it's a remarkable lens for the money. Look around in the galleries. You'll see it's potential.

Blue · 07-13-2010, 09:06 PM

Originally posted by JohnBee

In preparation to complete my Pentax lens kit this year, I was wondering if anyone else feels the DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED is the ultimate choice just short of the DA* 300mm f/4 ED?

And.. if not... what recommendations would you have and why?

Let me put it to you this way. That's the lens I used until I got the DA* 300mm f4. Its optically a good zoom. The only complaints I had was that it wasn't IF, and the f5.8 at 300mm. The aperture is understandable for a lens that small though.

SpecialK · 07-13-2010, 09:06 PM

There are probably 10 other threads about it. All agree it's probably the best xx-300mm bang for under $350.

JohnBee · 07-13-2010, 09:10 PM

Originally posted by SpecialK

There are probably 10 other threads about it. All agree it's probably the best xx-300mm bang for under $350.

Don't know if there was room for this, but is there anything you would recommend above the $350 mark?

Blue · 07-13-2010, 09:29 PM

Originally posted by JohnBee

Don't know if there was room for this, but is there anything you would recommend above the $350 mark?

How much above the $350 mark? There is the DA* 60-250mm/4 and the Sigma 100-300mm/4 but those are above DA* 300 territory. (I've gone through this in January

).

maxwolfie · 07-13-2010, 09:51 PM

Subscribed for interest.. Same boat here.. And like the OP, looking at options *slightly* about the $350 mark.. Is there anything out there that's a worthwhile improvement over the 55-300 DA, able to be had for a little more? Or is there quite a large gap - I.e. some of the $700 US lenses that have been previously recommended I would consider to be a large gap.

**loveisageless** · 07-13-2010, 10:44 PM

The reviews of the 55-300mm in the database may mention some other possibilities. I have the 55-300mm and it is a great lens. I don't know that you'd find anything above the $350, but below the $700 range though, that would make it worth spending the extra money. My plan is to keep using the 55-300mm, which I can use successfully hand held, until I save up enough for a *200 or *300mm lens. The lens is plenty sharp, with good contrast and color rendition. I think folks tend to discount it because it isn't an SDM lens, but I frankly don't miss the anxiety that goes with having an SDM lens and wondering if, or when, the motor will croak on me. I do notice that not many 55-300mm lenses are found for sale in the market place at any one time. The folks that have it seem to be pretty satisfied with it, or we'd likely see more of them up for sale there.

**Rondec** · 07-14-2010, 03:03 AM

The down sides of the DA 55-300 are that it is slow on the long end and tends to be slow auto focusing. I often find that it misses focus and will cycle all the way from end of the focus range to other. That said, I got mine for a little less than 300 dollars after a rebate and it is amazing in decent lighting. With the Kx, it seems that the meaning of the words "decent lighting" has changed somewhat and made the DA 55-300 useful in a lot more situations.

**Ex Finn.** · 07-14-2010, 04:01 AM

If you have the money, 60-250 does a nice job. It is freaking heavy thou.
Focus is lightning fast, good colors and contrast, undetectable fringing.
You get what you pay for.

olenl · 07-14-2010, 04:26 AM

seeing all the 55-300 hype here on pentaxforums I find it hard to make a final decision based on the photozone.de reviews of 55-300 and tamron 70-300 lenses that clearly shows tamron a winner ...

are there any other tests elsewhere suggesting otherwise?

it's really hard to pay double for the inferior lens as people here suggesting ...

VaughnA · 07-14-2010, 04:30 AM

Originally posted by olenl

seeing all the 55-300 hype here on pentaxforums I find it hard to make a final decision based on the photozone.de reviews of 55-300 and tamron 70-300 lenses that clearly shows tamron a winner ...

are there any other tests elsewhere suggesting otherwise?

it's really hard to pay double for the inferior lens as people here suggesting ...

Ignore the reviews, look at the examples and listen to the people that actually shoot with the lens. The 55-300 blows the Tamron and Sigma 70-300's away..

bdery · 07-14-2010, 04:43 AM

The 55-300 trumps the Tamron 70-300 by all accounts.

If you want to pay less, get your hands on a used FA 100-300 f4,7-f5,8. No CA, plenty sharp, good colours, reliable (but loud ) AF.

In my humble opinion, the two best xx-300 zooms for Pentax are the FA 100-300 f4,7 (NOT the f4,5) and the 55-300. I would not be getting anything else. and as long as I don't get too bothered by the 100 mm lower limit, I'll be keeping my FA.

The 300* is in anotherr league, regarding colours, and more importantly max aperture. But in the consumer range there's nothing above the 55-300.

One last option : you could also lay your hands on a used Vivitar series 1 70-210, which would come near the 60-250 in terms of quality, would be slightly faster in terms of aperture, but would be MF.

GeneV · 07-14-2010, 06:33 AM

Originally posted by olenl

seeing all the 55-300 hype here on pentaxforums I find it hard to make a final decision based on the photozone.de reviews of 55-300 and tamron 70-300 lenses that clearly shows tamron a winner ...

are there any other tests elsewhere suggesting otherwise?

it's really hard to pay double for the inferior lens as people here suggesting ...

I'd say the tests show these two lenses to be comparable to the point that the tests don't really factor in. However, the price of the Tamron is a screaming bargain if it really does perform up to the DA55-300 in the real world. I got my DAL55-300 in a package with the K-x, where all the components were a bargain when purchased together.

One other aspect of the DA55-300 that may or may not be a factor is that it is a decent lens on film. I don't know whether, how or at what apertures the Tammy covers full frame, but I've gotten some nice shots with the DA55-300 and my SuperProgram.

bpjod · 07-14-2010, 06:52 AM

I prefer the FA135/2.8 for the nice bright image in the viewfinder, faster autofocus, f/2.8 aperture and taking less space in my bag. I prefer the DA 55-300 for it's zoom capabilities and its 300mm reach. I love both and they complement each other well, but I only choose to take one of them depending on which virtues I wish to have for the day.

07-13-2010, 08:52 PM	#1
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Opinion needed on 55-300mm In preparation to complete my Pentax lens kit this year, I was wondering if anyone else feels the DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED is the ultimate choice just short of the DA* 300mm f/4 ED? And.. if not... what recommendations would you have and why?

07-13-2010, 10:44 PM	#8
loveisageless Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oakland, California Photos: Albums Posts: 1,250	The reviews of the 55-300mm in the database may mention some other possibilities. I have the 55-300mm and it is a great lens. I don't know that you'd find anything above the $350, but below the $700 range though, that would make it worth spending the extra money. My plan is to keep using the 55-300mm, which I can use successfully hand held, until I save up enough for a 200 or 300mm lens. The lens is plenty sharp, with good contrast and color rendition. I think folks tend to discount it because it isn't an SDM lens, but I frankly don't miss the anxiety that goes with having an SDM lens and wondering if, or when, the motor will croak on me. I do notice that not many 55-300mm lenses are found for sale in the market place at any one time. The folks that have it seem to be pretty satisfied with it, or we'd likely see more of them up for sale there. Last edited by loveisageless; 07-13-2010 at 10:47 PM. Reason: Add a thought.

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07-13-2010, 08:54 PM	#2
VaughnA Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,363	Originally posted by JohnBee In preparation to complete my Pentax lens kit this year, I was wondering if anyone else feels the DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED is the ultimate choice just short of the DA* 300mm f/4 ED? And.. if not... what recommendations would you have and why? I'm not sure about ultimate but it's a remarkable lens for the money. Look around in the galleries. You'll see it's potential.

07-13-2010, 09:06 PM	#3
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by JohnBee In preparation to complete my Pentax lens kit this year, I was wondering if anyone else feels the DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED is the ultimate choice just short of the DA* 300mm f/4 ED? And.. if not... what recommendations would you have and why? Let me put it to you this way. That's the lens I used until I got the DA* 300mm f4. Its optically a good zoom. The only complaints I had was that it wasn't IF, and the f5.8 at 300mm. The aperture is understandable for a lens that small though.

07-13-2010, 09:06 PM	#4
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	There are probably 10 other threads about it. All agree it's probably the best xx-300mm bang for under $350.

07-13-2010, 09:10 PM	#5
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667 Original Poster	Originally posted by SpecialK There are probably 10 other threads about it. All agree it's probably the best xx-300mm bang for under $350. Don't know if there was room for this, but is there anything you would recommend above the $350 mark?

07-13-2010, 09:29 PM	#6
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by JohnBee Don't know if there was room for this, but is there anything you would recommend above the $350 mark? How much above the $350 mark? There is the DA* 60-250mm/4 and the Sigma 100-300mm/4 but those are above DA* 300 territory. (I've gone through this in January ).

07-13-2010, 09:51 PM	#7
maxwolfie Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 91	Subscribed for interest.. Same boat here.. And like the OP, looking at options slightly about the $350 mark.. Is there anything out there that's a worthwhile improvement over the 55-300 DA, able to be had for a little more? Or is there quite a large gap - I.e. some of the $700 US lenses that have been previously recommended I would consider to be a large gap.

07-14-2010, 03:03 AM	#9
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,652	The down sides of the DA 55-300 are that it is slow on the long end and tends to be slow auto focusing. I often find that it misses focus and will cycle all the way from end of the focus range to other. That said, I got mine for a little less than 300 dollars after a rebate and it is amazing in decent lighting. With the Kx, it seems that the meaning of the words "decent lighting" has changed somewhat and made the DA 55-300 useful in a lot more situations.

07-14-2010, 04:01 AM	#10
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	If you have the money, 60-250 does a nice job. It is freaking heavy thou. Focus is lightning fast, good colors and contrast, undetectable fringing. You get what you pay for.

07-14-2010, 04:26 AM	#11
olenl Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 113	seeing all the 55-300 hype here on pentaxforums I find it hard to make a final decision based on the photozone.de reviews of 55-300 and tamron 70-300 lenses that clearly shows tamron a winner ... are there any other tests elsewhere suggesting otherwise? it's really hard to pay double for the inferior lens as people here suggesting ...

07-14-2010, 04:30 AM	#12
VaughnA Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,363	Originally posted by olenl seeing all the 55-300 hype here on pentaxforums I find it hard to make a final decision based on the photozone.de reviews of 55-300 and tamron 70-300 lenses that clearly shows tamron a winner ... are there any other tests elsewhere suggesting otherwise? it's really hard to pay double for the inferior lens as people here suggesting ... Ignore the reviews, look at the examples and listen to the people that actually shoot with the lens. The 55-300 blows the Tamron and Sigma 70-300's away..

07-14-2010, 04:43 AM	#13
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	The 55-300 trumps the Tamron 70-300 by all accounts. If you want to pay less, get your hands on a used FA 100-300 f4,7-f5,8. No CA, plenty sharp, good colours, reliable (but loud ) AF. In my humble opinion, the two best xx-300 zooms for Pentax are the FA 100-300 f4,7 (NOT the f4,5) and the 55-300. I would not be getting anything else. and as long as I don't get too bothered by the 100 mm lower limit, I'll be keeping my FA. The 300* is in anotherr league, regarding colours, and more importantly max aperture. But in the consumer range there's nothing above the 55-300. One last option : you could also lay your hands on a used Vivitar series 1 70-210, which would come near the 60-250 in terms of quality, would be slightly faster in terms of aperture, but would be MF.

07-14-2010, 06:33 AM	#14
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by olenl seeing all the 55-300 hype here on pentaxforums I find it hard to make a final decision based on the photozone.de reviews of 55-300 and tamron 70-300 lenses that clearly shows tamron a winner ... are there any other tests elsewhere suggesting otherwise? it's really hard to pay double for the inferior lens as people here suggesting ... I'd say the tests show these two lenses to be comparable to the point that the tests don't really factor in. However, the price of the Tamron is a screaming bargain if it really does perform up to the DA55-300 in the real world. I got my DAL55-300 in a package with the K-x, where all the components were a bargain when purchased together. One other aspect of the DA55-300 that may or may not be a factor is that it is a decent lens on film. I don't know whether, how or at what apertures the Tammy covers full frame, but I've gotten some nice shots with the DA55-300 and my SuperProgram.

07-14-2010, 06:52 AM	#15
bpjod Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Wetaskiwin, Alberta Posts: 85	I prefer the FA135/2.8 for the nice bright image in the viewfinder, faster autofocus, f/2.8 aperture and taking less space in my bag. I prefer the DA 55-300 for it's zoom capabilities and its 300mm reach. I love both and they complement each other well, but I only choose to take one of them depending on which virtues I wish to have for the day.