[cardoffer]

I'm new to photography and have a Pentaax 100D super with kit lens 18-55 mm.I just bought a DA 50/1.4 lens. Now I want to purchase another lens.
I'm wondering which one to get for my Pentax---Tamron 70-300 mm or Pentax 50-200 mm?
For Tmaron: more 200-300 mm and macro feature.
For Pentax: because it's Pentax lens, better IQ.

Any suggestions?

[JJJPhoto]

Any suggestions?

Split the difference and buy the new DA 55-300mm lens. It solves the dilemma of choosing between those two lenses and it will be available within the month if it isn't already.

Split the difference and buy the new DA 55-300mm lens. It solves the dilemma of choosing between those two lenses and it will be available within the month if it isn't already.

It's more like add the total of those two lenses not split the diff.... The Da 55-300 is going to be $400 ish U.S.

Still might be worth every penny, I am not sure if anyone knows yet.

The Tamron has some PF issues but is a fun lens when you figure it out. The Da 50-200 is one of my fave lenses and works great as a macro lens with a raynox 250 clipped on the end.

You can get the Tamron for 130 ish and find the DA 50-200 on the Pentax Forums market place used for around the same price sometimes...
Both are fun but I prefer the 50-200. (I have both) others love their 70-300

[cardoffer]

It's more like add the total of those two lenses not split the diff.... The Da 55-300 is going to be $400 ish U.S.

Still might be worth every penny, I am not sure if anyone knows yet.

The Tamron has some PF issues but is a fun lens when you figure it out. The Da 50-200 is one of my fave lenses and works great as a macro lens with a raynox 250 clipped on the end.

You can get the Tamron for 130 ish and find the DA 50-200 on the Pentax Forums market place used for around the same price sometimes...
Both are fun but I prefer the 50-200. (I have both) others love their 70-300

ya......Maybe I will pull the trigger for p 50-200.

[ivoire]

you can pre-order the pentax 55-300mm at amazon.com for $349. it was due out on May 31, so it shouldn't be long

Cardoffer
Well if it is $350, and it is really coming soon... It would definately be worth waiting to see the early results... If it does not have the purple fringing of the Tamron then it could be a very useful lens. One of the things I actually miss when I use my tamron is the 50mm at the wide end compared to the DA 50-200. I think that is because I have used 50mm primes so much that I am used to the 50 mm length.

[cardoffer]

Cardoffer
Well if it is $350, and it is really coming soon... It would definately be worth waiting to see the early results... If it does not have the purple fringing of the Tamron then it could be a very useful lens. One of the things I actually miss when I use my tamron is the 50mm at the wide end compared to the DA 50-200. I think that is because I have used 50mm primes so much that I am used to the 50 mm length.

Geez, I have placed the order at Abe's of Maine. One thing I'm not sure is how good 55-300 mm is. I think I 200 mm is enough for me. Do you know any information about 55-300 mm?

[JJJPhoto]

Do you know any information about 55-300 mm?

Here is a link to some sample images taken with this lens:

ÎÞ¼ÉÂÛ̳ - smc PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8ED·Ç¹Ù·½Í¼²Î¿¼

I think the site is Chinese but I don't know ... I'm reasonably sure it's not English

The Pentax website also has info about the lens. Again, my understanding is that this lens is supposed to be showing up any day now. I thought I had heard before the end of April, but maybe the other forum member is right about the release in May.

In any case, it looks like a darn good lens and will probably be worth the wait if you're in the market for a lens like that.

[cardoffer]

Here is a link to some sample images taken with this lens:

ÎÞ¼ÉÂÛ̳ - smc PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8ED·Ç¹Ù·½Í¼²Î¿¼

I think the site is Chinese but I don't know ... I'm reasonably sure it's not English

The Pentax website also has info about the lens. Again, my understanding is that this lens is supposed to be showing up any day now. I thought I had heard before the end of April, but maybe the other forum member is right about the release in May.

In any case, it looks like a darn good lens and will probably be worth the wait if you're in the market for a lens like that.

that's a famous Chinese website. Actually, that guy copy those photos from a Japanese website.

[FastPhotography]

you'll outgrow either of those lenses in no time. if you're going to use them for wildlife, get a telephoto prime, like the K300/4 or the M42 300/4. But if you also want to go macro, i'd actually suggest the sigma or tamron 70-300.

[FastPhotography]

forgot. i think i would actually reccomend the (new) pentax 50-300. (or is it 55-300? i forget) anyway, i'm not sure what the macro capability is, but i'm sure it's a lot better IQ than the sigma or tamron

[Buddha Jones]

For $350, I'd def get that one over the Tammy or the DA. Anyone have any idea how big it is?

[ivoire]

Here is a link to some sample images taken with this lens:

ÎÞ¼ÉÂÛ̳ - smc PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8ED·Ç¹Ù·½Í¼²Î¿¼

I think the site is Chinese but I don't know ... I'm reasonably sure it's not English

The Pentax website also has info about the lens. Again, my understanding is that this lens is supposed to be showing up any day now. I thought I had heard before the end of April, but maybe the other forum member is right about the release in May.

In any case, it looks like a darn good lens and will probably be worth the wait if you're in the market for a lens like that.

after seeing those pics, i'd wait for the 55-300mm. hindsight is always 20-20

i agree with fastphotography that a telephoto prime is the better long term option, thats IF you are sure about shooting wildlife and $s are not a problem. if you just want to test the waters, go with the inexpensive lens and sell it later.