[theWags]

Just got my new K3, and now I'm thinking of adding another lens. I have the Pentax 17-70, and I have the older discontinued 18-250 Pentax zoom. I'm looking for something a little longer than the 18-250 for wildlife. Should I retire my 18-250 and replace with the new Pentax HD 55-300? Or should I get the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and use it with a 2x converter? Or some other option? I understand that some technical evaluation may necessary, but I am generally more interested in the practical comparisons. Ie, what differences will I actually see in my photos?

As a photographer, I am leaving the hobby stage and entering the semi-pro arena. My budget is up to $1,000.

Any advice welcome.

Thanks!

[Adam]

Just got my new K3, and now I'm thinking of adding another lens. I have the Pentax 17-70, and I have the older discontinued 18-250 Pentax zoom. I'm looking for something a little longer than the 18-250 for wildlife. Should I retire my 18-250 and replace with the new Pentax HD 55-300? Or should I get the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and use it with a 2x converter? Or some other option? I understand that some technical evaluation may necessary, but I am generally more interested in the practical comparisons. Ie, what differences will I actually see in my photos?

As a photographer, I am leaving the hobby stage and entering the semi-pro arena. My budget is up to $1,000.

Any advice welcome.

Thanks!

I'd avoid converters if you want reach. The 55-300mm should be a big step up over your 18-250 superzoom!

[theWags]

Or possibly keep the 18-250 and invest in a DA 300?

[mano]

Another vote for the DA 300. The 55-300 is a great lens, (I held on to mine even after finally getting the DA 300 to use when I travel light) but if you got the funds the DA 300 is quite a step up from the zoom.

Unless you need the flexibility of a zoom of course...

[jrpower10]

I started with the 18-250, a great all-rounder. I then went to the SMC 55-300, a pretty big improvement particularly at the long end. Then I got the DA 300, and wow. Like mano I kept the 55-300 for light travel but the 300 is amazing.

[Shamwow]

To me, 300 doesn't give much more reach over 250.

I know you want longer, but have you thought about the DA* 60-250? Big improvement over the DA 55-300.
I think if you really need more reach for wildlife, the Sigma 50-500 is probably your best option.

from my experience:
DA 55-300 < DA* 60-250 < DA* 300