[OldNoob]

Iv been trying to find an in-depth HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR review but my searches haven't yielded anything . i have been able to find a couple of samples, possibly im not searching correctly .
Anyone know of an in-depth review of the WR version of this lens?I understand the optics are suppose to be better than the previous version.

[David&karen]

We really want that also, and comments on the AF when mounted on the K3.

D&K

[GaryH]

We really want that also, and comments on the AF when mounted on the K3.

D&K

I have the new HD lens. I sold my DA 55-300 just days before receiving it. I also have the K3. The new lens handles pretty much like the old one. Auto focus is pretty much the same on my K5iis . On the K3, using AFC, it is like a different lens. Fast accurate focus without a lot of hunting. I learned that the body is an important part of the AF equation just as the lens is.
Bottom line, if you need WR, get it!

[David&karen]

Thanks Gary!

[Adam]

Iv been trying to find an in-depth HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR review but my searches haven't yielded anything . i have been able to find a couple of samples, possibly im not searching correctly .
Anyone know of an in-depth review of the WR version of this lens?I understand the optics are suppose to be better than the previous version.

Our review is coming soon!

We really want that also, and comments on the AF when mounted on the K3.

My impression was that the overall AF performance of this lens is not too impressive- it's still loud and slow due to the long focusing throw, and hunts in low light. But micro-adjustments aren't too bad. I'll see to it that a formal comparison to the 60-250mm is made in the review.

[audiobomber]

I understand the optics are suppose to be better than the previous version.

The glass is the same, the only difference is the coatings, which should improve flare resistance and show better colour & contrast. Odd, because colour & contrast were already the main strengths of this lens.

I am deeply disappointed that they didn't give it DC focus and rounded aperture blades in the makeover. Just adding WR is not enough for me to upgrade to the new version, because I have other WR lenses.

[krebsy75]

Adding DC would have required a complete redesign of the lens.

[audiobomber]

Adding DC would have required a complete redesign of the lens.

It would need a different barrel, but optically would be the same. Just like the 16-50 and 50-135mm f2.8 that Tokina sells. No other camera manufacturers sell screw drive. Pentax has to catch up.

They should have at least rounded the aperture blades, like they did with the DA Limiteds. Mechanically, the 18-135mm is a much nicer lens than the 55-300 due to solid construction, silent AF and smoother bokeh.

[krebsy75]

Screw drive is definitely lame.

[snake]

Screw drive is definitely lame.

How so?

[krebsy75]

It's lame from a perception standpoint. Canon has had the EOS system since the 80s. Lenses that make a lot of noise may be off-putting for sone users.

Personally, I don't mind much. I'm more concerned with optical performance and focus accuracy.

[southlander]

I have the original non-WR 55-300. I pre-focus to the range of my intended target and then when the target comes into that range, the lens has very little focusing to do. Quick and reasonably quiet like that. Only time I really curse it is when I momentarily loose the target completely out of the focussing spots and it racks from one end to the other while I have no idea where my target has gone. Panning incoming aircraft is an example where I end up like this. Plane is small initially and I sometimes loose it between the 9 focus spots. The K-3's new focus capabilities should greatly reduce the incidence of that, in particular the setting that delays the K-3 from immediately seeking a new focus. Plus 25 focus spots should make it harder to loose a subject. I hope to get a K-3 in next few weeks and then I'll find out for myself.

[normhead]

Is there even a thread on this lens? WIth the demise of my Sigma 70-300 some have suggested I might be interested.

[audiobomber]

Is there even a thread on this lens? WIth the demise of my Sigma 70-300 some have suggested I might be interested.

I agree with them, you should be interested.

I don't think the HD 55-300 WR has been available until just now. Henry's is selling it, but only online, no stores have it, and it looks like there are no reviews yet. Pentax Forums is working on a test. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/243208-ther...ml#post2586780

[normhead]

Is it internal or external focus? (Does the front element move in and out as it focuses) the big thing for me with the 70-300, is for close ups, that barrel extends way out in front of the body of the lens, creating more magnification, the closer you get, without that, I'm probably better off using my 60-250.