[geekette]

What is the best zoom lens I can buy for my k-x that can zoom to at least 200-300mm? Would it be the 55-300? Something under $600.

[chickenandavocado]

agree, 55-300 sounds like the perfect candidate
reasonably good IQ, good range of FL and lightweight.

[twitch]

Da 55-300 is ideal given that criteria. Although I did manage to snag a sigma 100-300/4 for $600.... Then foolishly sold it on

[NaClH2O]

In your budget the DA 55-300 would be correct. However if you keep an eye out you can sometimes find the Sigma EX 70-200 F/2.8 link for reviews used for around that price. Get the non-macro verision it is the better of the two. It is a much superior lens to the DA 55-300.

NaCl(you'll have to pry my copy out of my cold dead hands)H2O

[Vylen]

Yep, another recommendation here for the 55-300!

[steve1307]

DA55-300 , the universal answer to every thread like this.

[Sandy Hancock]

Although I have a fast 70-200, and the DA*300, there are still times when my DA55-300 is the one I pack. It is excellent value, remarkably light and compact, and the image quality is exceptional for the price.

[jatrax]

What is the best zoom lens I can buy for my k-x that can zoom to at least 200-300mm?

The best would arguably be the DA*60-250 f/4 but in your price range the DA 55-300 is the best you can do. DA L version is less expensive if you can do without quick shift. But it does not come with a hood which you will need, so add a bit to get that too.

[newarts]

DA or DAL 55-300 is first on the list for me. It's combination of IQ & small light weight can't be beat. It also works superbly with the Raynox 150 or Marumi +5 close-up lenses.

Your K-x's high ISO will compensate for the len's speed - which is not bad (1:4.5 at 200mm).

I found the 2.8 Tamron zoom too heavy for my tastes.

Dave

EDIT: I have no direct experience but believe RioRico's recommendation of the FA 100-300mm. So if you won't miss the 55-100 range, go for it.

[RioRico]

Depends on your budget, need for speed, and weight limit. I can't help with fast lenses, but IMHO the best bargain around is the old FA100-300/4.7-5.8 (silver) for around US$100. Ignore the cheesy feel and slightly noisy AF -- its optics are fine at all focal lengths. My story: I spent 10x as much on a Lil'Bigma 170-500 that weighs 1270g without hood. The FA100-300 weighs 380g. When I want reach and need to carry a lens awhile, guess which one I schlep?

[newarts]

Depends on your budget, need for speed, and weight limit. I can't help with fast lenses, but IMHO the best bargain around is the old FA100-300/4.7-5.8 (silver) for around US$100. Ignore the cheesy feel and slightly noisy AF -- its optics are fine at all focal lengths. My story: I spent 10x as much on a Lil'Bigma 170-500 that weighs 1270g without hood. The FA100-300 weighs 380g. When I want reach and need to carry a lens awhile, guess which one I schlep?

EDIT: IGNORE THE FOLLOWING. THE LENSES WON"T WORK WITH THE K-x - see later posts...

Pentax Autofocus Zoom Lenses - KEH.com

Has three available at bargain graded (good enough) for as low as $59, They gladly accept returns too - what do you have to lose?

It is lighter than the da 55-300 too.

[northcoastgreg]

Has three available at bargain graded (good enough) for as low as $59, They gladly accept returns too - what do you have to lose?

The 100-300 zooms over at keh.com are the wrong version. They are the earlier power zoom version. The $59 one is the F version which succeeded the FA version (the only time an F lens replaced an FA lens). The version recommended is the FA 100-300 f4.7-5.8, which succeeded the F version and is a new design. But if you have up to $600 to spend, I can't see any reason not to go for the DA 55-300. It's almost certainly better than any of the old FA/F 100-300s and has more range, better build quality, etc.

[newarts]

The 100-300 zooms over at keh.com are the wrong version. They are the earlier power zoom version. The $59 one is the F version which succeeded the FA version (the only time an F lens replaced an FA lens). The version recommended is the FA 100-300 f4.7-5.8, which succeeded the F version and is a new design. But if you have up to $600 to spend, I can't see any reason not to go for the DA 55-300. It's almost certainly better than any of the old FA/F 100-300s and has more range, better build quality, etc.

Thanks for correcting me! I see the Power Zoom lenses will only work with a few high-end pentax bodies! I did not know that.

[dms]

Best zoom means many things. You did not qualify other than 200-300 mm max.. If you want fast, but older design, and 210 mm as max is OK, then my vote is for the vivitar 70-210 mm f2.8-4 series 1 version 3 (Komine built).

[geekette]

Thanks for all the replies. I believe I want to get this lens. Where is the best place to get this lens? The one with the metal mount not plastic mount. I see a lot of people got the lens for $300 and many for $400--did Pentax raise the price on it at one point due to its popularity/demand?

EDIT: Ignore the following paragraph--a bit ridiculous of a question really.

Also, I was just wondering if anyone had ever compared this 55-300 with Nikon's 55-300. Which has better image quality? I see Nikon's 55-300 is the same price at around $399. I'm at the point where I am deciding which way to go pentax or nikon because this will be my first expensive lens purchase. Do I sell my k-x and all the old manual glass and get a d7000 with its lovely autofocus fast 50 (for $130) along with its 55-300 .. or keep the k-x and go with the pentax 55-300 and pentax-f 50 1.7.