[Bertminator]

I am in the process of considering purchasing a zoom lens for my Pentax K-50, and am somewhat disappointed that there is really no information on the lens I was considering. I am of course talking about the SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR lens. My 2nd option was the SMC Pentax-DA L 55-300mm f4-5.8 Ed Zoom lens, which has at least some rating on this site. Does anyone have OR would recommend the WR lens? Is there "really" a difference in quality that I should consider the Non-WR lens? I would really like to NOT make a mistake. I am primarily thinking of moon shots as well as some nature shots. Please, enlighten me on what choice to make. If the WR lenses are really not worth the money, feel free to suggest other name brands as well, but please keep in mind, I'm trying to keep the price low, as my current status, I can only afford lenses under $250.00 CDN.

Thanks to all in advance for your advice.

[AquaDome]

It is the same as the regular DA version without the L, except the L version has a plastic mount.
The L version usually comes with the camera as a kit lens and doesn't include a hood.
Optical performance, auto-focus, etc. are otherwise identical.

[JohnX]

Have you looked in the lens database here on the Forum? Plenty of comments, although few actual comparisons with other lenses.

SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

[Just1MoreDave]

I have the DA 50-200mm f4-5.6 WR lens. All of the DA 50-200 lenses have the same optical formula. The WR versions may have a different coating on the front element, I'm not sure. Non-WR lenses have 52mm filter sizes, WR uses 49mm. As stated above, L versions have plastic mounts, no quick-shift, maybe no distance scales and don't include the hood.

Optically, I think my lens is pretty good. The only thorough comparison I've done is to an SMC Pentax-F 70-210mm f4-5.6 zoom. Sharpness is the same, contrast is the same. The DA has more vignetting wide open and less flare. It has only 6 aperture blades vs. 9 on the old F series. But these two were pretty close.

I wanted a WR complement to my DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 WR, mostly for travel purposes. It works well for that because it's smaller and lighter than the 55-300. At home, I can use other lenses over 200mm, on the road I don't often need over 200mm, so it's good.

I had to adjust infinity focus on my lens myself. It was wrong from the factory. I don't know whether this is a typical issue, but you should be able to see whether a new lens works and exchange it. Mine was used.

The moon is not all that big at 200mm, but it won't be that big at 300mm either. I took this last night at 200mm, uncropped. It's with a Vivitar 200mm prime, not the DA. You can get interesting shots at 200mm if you catch the rising moon close to the horizon or a tree.

[stevebrot]

It was my understanding that the DA L zoom lenses are only sold new bundled with a camera. I would expect that purchase without body would be "gray market" and probably would not have much of a warranty.

That being said, the DA L 50-200 is optically the same as the non-L version and you can expect similar results. If you are willing to wait a little longer and save more money, I would suggest that the non-L version of either the 50-200 or 55-300 might be a better value. Both ship with the matched hood and real rear lens cap.* Both also have the very useful quick-shift focus feature and metal mount.


Steve

* Value together = $37 USD.

[schnitzer79]

i bought the DA 55-300 some time ago and im really happy with it. go for that imo due to the extra reach. its a decent lens, quite sharp at f8 and very good value for money. it all depends on your needs and what other lenses you have. at that price, its the best you can get.
the pic below was shot 2 nights ago (100% crop).

[savoche]

I am in the process of considering purchasing a zoom lens for my Pentax K-50, and am somewhat disappointed that there is really no information on the lens I was considering. I am of course talking about the SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR lens. My 2nd option was the SMC Pentax-DA L 55-300mm f4-5.8 Ed Zoom lens, which has at least some rating on this site. Does anyone have OR would recommend the WR lens? Is there "really" a difference in quality that I should consider the Non-WR lens? I would really like to NOT make a mistake. I am primarily thinking of moon shots as well as some nature shots. Please, enlighten me on what choice to make. If the WR lenses are really not worth the money, feel free to suggest other name brands as well, but please keep in mind, I'm trying to keep the price low, as my current status, I can only afford lenses under $250.00 CDN.

Thanks to all in advance for your advice.

I have both, and my 55-300 is notably better than the 50-200 wr at every focal length and aperture. I would definitely recommend the 55-300 of the two. The weather sealing is the only point the 50-200 wins IMO, and it is somewhat smaller in size.

[Bertminator]

Thank you all for the replies. schnitzer79, did you take that moon shot using the 55-300? it's awesome! I took a photo of the eclipse last night and although it was good, it was in no way as clear as yours.

[schnitzer79]

Thank you all for the replies. schnitzer79, did you take that moon shot using the 55-300? it's awesome! I took a photo of the eclipse last night and although it was good, it was in no way as clear as yours.

yep i used the 55-300 and was quite surprised myself how clear it turned out. i was gutted last night since i was waiting for the eclipse but the clouds were so dense, the moon could hardly be seen

[narual]

If you keep an eye on KEH, you can probably get a pretty good deal on either the 50-200 or the 55-300. There's a $49 50-200 DAL right now and a $76 DA. Only one 55-300 at $265, but there was a DAL version of it on there the other day for around $100 IIRC.

Pentax Digital Zoom Lenses - KEH.com

[HenrikDK]

I would defintely recommend the 55-300mm over the 50-200mm - I have had both. I would prefer the DA version over the plastic mount DA-L,but in terms of IQ there is no difference.

[miltona580]

I have both DA L versions (not WR), and I can say the 55-300 is better by a lot than the 50-200. If you can wait until you can afford it, the HD DA 55-300 version looks to be the best value of all.

[Bertminator]

Thank you for the recommendations. I just might be able to afford it. Here's the link of the one I'm talking about. PENTAX DA L 55-300MM F4-5.8 ED LENS 21897

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

[HenrikDK]

Probably fine. Note the DA L does not come with a hood.

[Bertminator]

Probably fine. Note the DA L does not come with a hood.

Yes I know that, but for the $100.00 extra that I save, I can buy a lens hood for it, and I don't mind the plastic mount (unless you can tell me of something really wrong with them).

...Bert