Originally posted by reeftool The Pentax 55-300 is probably the best choice out of the lot. I've had pretty good results from the Sigma 70-300 but I use it mostly outdoors in strong daylight and stopped down to f/8 or more. F/11 is the sweet spot on my copy. For top quality, you're going to have to spend a little more and go for either the Tamron or Sigma 70-200/2.8 offerings. If you aren't afraid of manual focusing, you can get some really fine older prime telephotos that will be well within your budget.
Sigma 70-200 F2.8 .........yum yum Now in my dreams that's what i would have! I borrowed one last year to use on my old 1000D body. So fast and snappy, nailed the focus. And the optics were very nice. I've read the Tamron 70-200 2.8 is the reverse of the Sigma. Scrum optics but slow AF.
A couple of dealers here in the UK have some open box DA 55-300 for £199. Will go with one of those tomorrow. I just need to make sure they are not the L version with plastic mount, no hood and no full time manual AF.
Many thanks for the reply.