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09-05-2013, 07:40 AM   #1
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Please Suggest me a Zoom Lens for my Pentax K-30

Hello guys, last week i have been in a dilemma choosing between Pentax K30 and Nikon D5100. After reading from forums and reviews site, i finally made a decision went on with Pentax K30. Im really happy with it. Considering most cameras used here in our place are mostly Canon and Nikon. I really feel special having a unique dslr

My lens right now:
1. Pentax DA L 18-55mm non WR kit lens
2. Pentax DA 50mm f1.8 (really love this lens)
3. Zoom lens - Can you guys suggest me a good budget lens 50-300 or 70-300 or 55-300. Budget will be a lil past $300

Im eyeing on the following:
Tamron 70-300
Sigma 70-300
Pentax DA L 55-700 (most expensive of the 3 choices)

Maybe there are also good alternatives, should i go a third party lens or stick with a more expensive pentax lens?

Im planning to buy extension tubes, reverse ring, raynox, cause i want to tap on macro photography. What would be the best or good lens to for my extension tubes reverse ring etc?

Thanks guys. Sorry for the long post.. This is my first Dslr so need to learn a lot from you guys with experience

09-05-2013, 09:04 AM   #2
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DA 55-300 all the way. If you can pay up to $300, you should be able to find this lens for sale at this price, especially the DA-L version. You could also find the metal-mount DA version for this price if you are patient.
09-05-2013, 09:07 AM   #3
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There are the Da 50-200 WR too if you can get it much cheaper than DAL 55-300.

Ive owned 2 copies of 55-300 but stayed with the 50-200 because I like it better. smaller, lighter and WR. IQ wise I dont see very much different. Maybe i got a good copy of the lens.

Quick shift is very handy on telephoto lenses because if you maybe shoot a bird and looses focus it will hunt for ages. With quick shift you just release the shutterbutton and turn the focus to infinity and focus again.
09-05-2013, 09:15 AM   #4
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Oooh, nice suggestion about DA 50-200 WR. would match nicely with the K-30. and very compact and versatile!

09-05-2013, 09:27 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by striker_ Quote
There are the Da 50-200 WR too if you can get it much cheaper than DAL 55-300.

Ive owned 2 copies of 55-300 but stayed with the 50-200 because I like it better. smaller, lighter and WR. IQ wise I dont see very much different. Maybe i got a good copy of the lens.

Quick shift is very handy on telephoto lenses because if you maybe shoot a bird and looses focus it will hunt for ages. With quick shift you just release the shutterbutton and turn the focus to infinity and focus again.
not denying the value of quick shift if you use the lens all the time, but if you only pull the zoom lens out for certain occasions (like me), it's not a big deal and probably not worth an extra $100. A half press of the lens release button, and you can turn the focus ring to one end or the other, then let autofocus fine tune.

I'm very glad to have my DA L 55-300 for the times when I want it. It doesn't feel especially large or heavy, but I don't have much to compare it to.
09-05-2013, 09:38 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by dagaetch Quote
not denying the value of quick shift if you use the lens all the time, but if you only pull the zoom lens out for certain occasions (like me), it's not a big deal and probably not worth an extra $100. A half press of the lens release button, and you can turn the focus ring to one end or the other, then let autofocus fine tune.

I'm very glad to have my DA L 55-300 for the times when I want it. It doesn't feel especially large or heavy, but I don't have much to compare it to.
Oh. I didnt know that. Thanks for sharing.

The 55-300 is large and heavy compared to 50-200.
09-05-2013, 10:49 AM   #7
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Well, the DA50-200/4-5.6 weighs 300grams, 8cm long, 49mm filter size.
While the DA55-300/4-5.8 weighs 450grams, 11cm long, 58mm filter size.
BUT, if you are up for the weight/size "penalty", then you can think of the DA55-300 as a 55-200/4. Constant f/4, because it keeps at f/4 until 200mm. Will also be sharper in that range and the extra 100mm are just a bonus. Not bad for 150 extra grams...
I have the FA80-320/4.5-5.6 /keeps f/4.5 until 200mm) and weighs 550grams, 13cm long, 58mm filter size, rotating front element. So Iīve "upgraded" to a DA L 55-300 version with some fungus on the edge of the front element for 85U$D... (I donīt think it will harm image quality...Iīll get back about that) Only thing I am worried about is the DA has 6 aperture blades while the FA has 8... Iīll see how that works out.

09-05-2013, 11:23 AM   #8
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Well, imho the 55-300 beats all lenses in this thread hands down. It may not be the lightest but in terms of color, contrast and sharpness it`s the best option. (yes, i`ve owned one untill upgrading to more heavy glass)
And, but that`s my expirience, weight on longer focal lenghts is actually a good thing, it privides some extra stability and eliminates some sway. Offcourse that`s up to a certain point

Since the OP specificly asked opinions about xx-300zooms, I`d recommend the DA55-300. I also owned the tamron and with that one you get what you pay for. It`s not bad for the money but the money isn`t much
09-05-2013, 01:17 PM   #9
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Skip the Tamron 70-300, it's nowhere near the 55-300. Purple Fringing is nearly always present with the Tammy on my K5. It wasn't so bad on the K10. As mentioned, the L version is inexpensive, and you can get an aftermarket hood. One's on my 55-300 after I broke the original hood.
09-05-2013, 03:34 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by striker_ Quote
The 55-300 is large and heavy compared to 50-200.
I have both. If I am travelling I grab the 50-200 WR. IQ is pretty similar and it is and feels much lighter and smaller. One thing to consider is the length when zoomed out - the 55-300 with the hood on is nearly a foot long. It probably doesn't matter if you are birding, but it does get you some odd looks if you are trying to take sneaky street shots with it. As with all Pentax lenses, QA/QC is abysmal - you may or may not get a good one with either of them.
09-06-2013, 08:45 AM   #11
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Thank you so much guys!!! i really appreciate the responses i received...
Ill go buy the DAL 55-300... I hope its a good macro lens when attached with extension tube with a reversed 50mm 1.8 via coupler rings
Thanks again.. Godbless!
09-06-2013, 11:33 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by carrrlangas Quote
then you can think of the DA55-300 as a 55-200/4. Constant f/4, because it keeps at f/4 until 200mm.
Got the lens today, should correct myself:
f/4 - between 55-100mm
f/4.5 between 101-199mm
f/5.6 between 200-299mm
f/5.8 300mm

So, thatīs kind of dissapointing but I am yet to compare it against the FA80-320
09-06-2013, 11:42 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by carrrlangas Quote
Got the lens today, should correct myself: f/4 - between 55-100mm f/4.5 between 101-199mm f/5.6 between 200-299mm f/5.8 300mm So, thatīs kind of dissapointing but I am yet to compare it against the FA80-320
that's still faster than the DA 50-200 over the comparable focal lengths.
09-06-2013, 12:13 PM   #14
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Outdoors you'll probably be stopping down a bit anyway - particularly in the bright sun. I'd just do some quick focus checks and go take some pictures.
09-06-2013, 03:40 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by seventysixersfan Quote
that's still faster than the DA 50-200 over the comparable focal lengths.
By about 2/3 of a stop at the long end :

.....................DA50-200...DA55-300
50-62.5mm......f4.0.............f4.0
62.5-150mm....f4.5.............f4.0 - f4.5
150-200mm.....f5.6.............f4.5
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