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08-08-2014, 09:06 AM   #1
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DA55-300 vs oly 40-150

I'm looking for a high IQ compact tele for traveling, which leads me to the 55-300 for my personal balance of IQ/reach/size vs other K mount options (18-250,50-200,60-250,50-135,70-200) and will be getting a body (k-01,k-30) to pair with if I get the 55-300.

Since I'm looking at body+lens it makes me consider adding a short flange body (EPL5 probably) to the mix (and let me play with some adapted lenses) eventually leading me to the 40-150 as a "jewel" for the m43 crowd much as the 55-300 is acclaimed here.

As a reference point for IQ comparison, I'll be using a DA15/4 and either xs40 or FA50/1.4 (on Pentax) in the bag. My normal tele is Tamron 90/2.8.
Hoping someone has used/compared these 2 lenses and has something useful for my decision.

08-08-2014, 10:11 AM   #2
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I'd be shocked if the 40-150 was as good anywhere as the 55-300 is anywhere. Plus the 55-300 has wayyyy more length.

Of course I haven't actually used the 40-150, but for me, with those telephotos, you're generally at the long end. The 55-300 at 300 will crush the 150 at 150, cropped to 220 or 230 (equivalent field of view).

I'd go with the K-30+55-300 unless there's something else (money, weight) swaying your decision.
08-08-2014, 11:02 AM   #3
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I have had the 55-300 used on K20D and K-30 and a four thirds 40--150 3.5-4.5 on a E-520. The 40-150 would be closer to an equivalent 50-200 on an APS-C sensor. I really don't think the Oly can touch the 55-300 in IQ either. Since I got the DA*300 I gave my 55-300 to my son to use with his new K-50. My K-30 is getting serviced and I'm using my son's old Olympus right now. Of course this is an older 10MP camera and 4/3 and not micro 4/3, but most likely the same lens formula.
08-08-2014, 11:26 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by ramseybuckeye Quote
I have had the 55-300 used on K20D and K-30 and a four thirds 40--150 3.5-4.5 on a E-520. The 40-150 would be closer to an equivalent 50-200 on an APS-C sensor. I really don't think the Oly can touch the 55-300 in IQ either. Since I got the DA*300 I gave my 55-300 to my son to use with his new K-50. My K-30 is getting serviced and I'm using my son's old Olympus right now. Of course this is an older 10MP camera and 4/3 and not micro 4/3, but most likely the same lens formula.
Excellent info, exactly what I'm searching for. DXO rates the 40-150 slightly above the 55-300 but sort of apples-oranges given m43 diffraction and FL differences. Hoping that the 55-300 IQ will be "good enough" that I'll stop longing for a 50-135/2.8,70-200/2.8 or 300 (since I can't see wanting to lug those around regularly, but they seem to be incredible optics.)

08-08-2014, 11:32 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Stickler Quote
Excellent info, exactly what I'm searching for. DXO rates the 40-150 slightly above the 55-300 but sort of apples-oranges given m43 diffraction and FL differences. Hoping that the 55-300 IQ will be "good enough" that I'll stop longing for a 50-135/2.8,70-200/2.8 or 300 (since I can't see wanting to lug those around regularly, but they seem to be incredible optics.)
My opinion:
The DA*300 is worth lugging if you are into wildlife photography. If it is just a casual interest then the 55-300 is fine.
70-200 2.8 is more of a sport shooter's or wedding lens.
For weddings and portrait work the DA*50-135 is excellent.
08-08-2014, 11:46 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Stickler Quote
I'm looking for a high IQ compact tele for traveling, which leads me to the 55-300 for my personal balance of IQ/reach/size vs other K mount options (18-250,50-200,60-250,50-135,70-200) and will be getting a body (k-01,k-30) to pair with if I get the 55-300.

Since I'm looking at body+lens it makes me consider adding a short flange body (EPL5 probably) to the mix (and let me play with some adapted lenses) eventually leading me to the 40-150 as a "jewel" for the m43 crowd much as the 55-300 is acclaimed here.

As a reference point for IQ comparison, I'll be using a DA15/4 and either xs40 or FA50/1.4 (on Pentax) in the bag. My normal tele is Tamron 90/2.8.
Hoping someone has used/compared these 2 lenses and has something useful for my decision.
The Oly 40-150 will give you a 35mm equivalent range of 80-300mm; the Pentax 55-300 on a Pentax body will give you an equivalent of 82-450mm.

In terms of sharpness, they'll be pretty similar. I've used a bunch of consumer tele-zooms - Pentax, Oly, Canon, Tamron, Sigma - and they tend to be fairly close to one another, unless you happen to get a dud. Each lens has a trade-off compared with the others, and the user has to decide what aspects of the lens are "more necessary".

---------- Post added 08-08-14 at 02:47 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by ramseybuckeye Quote
I have had the 55-300 used on K20D and K-30 and a four thirds 40--150 3.5-4.5 on a E-520. The 40-150 would be closer to an equivalent 50-200 on an APS-C sensor. I really don't think the Oly can touch the 55-300 in IQ either. Since I got the DA*300 I gave my 55-300 to my son to use with his new K-50. My K-30 is getting serviced and I'm using my son's old Olympus right now. Of course this is an older 10MP camera and 4/3 and not micro 4/3, but most likely the same lens formula.
The lens formula of the micro-four-thirds Oly 40-150 is completely different than the older 4/3 40-150.
08-08-2014, 12:17 PM   #7
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I think the 55-300 is a really good lens. Not a great lens, but probably about the best that you will get without getting out of the consumer range. It is definitely longer than the Olympus you mentioned, although I haven't used that lens.







(different zoo shots with 55-300)

08-08-2014, 12:26 PM   #8
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My wife uses the Oly 40-150 on a OMD-EM5, and I have the 55-300. We've gotten good results from both. Can't really say one's better than the other. The Pentax gives you a bit more reach. Sharpness does fall off at the long end on the Pentax, but I have gotten usable shots at 300.
08-08-2014, 12:54 PM   #9
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As consumer tele zoom, I have been really pleased with my DA55-300 WR. Not sharp edge to edge at all focals, but really good at center. Woth good light it is nice.
08-08-2014, 01:07 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by luftfluss Quote
T

The lens formula of the micro-four-thirds Oly 40-150 is completely different than the older 4/3 40-150.
Good info. I think it's odd that there were two different 40-150s produced in four thirds.
08-08-2014, 02:18 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by luftfluss Quote
In terms of sharpness, they'll be pretty similar.
Mmmmm.... I'll believe that when I see it.

In terms of lp/mm, sure. In terms of lp/ph, I really doubt it. On top of that the Pentax will have a larger equivalent aperture = faster shutter speeds with same image fidelity.
08-08-2014, 02:56 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by ElJamoquio Quote
Mmmmm.... I'll believe that when I see it.

In terms of lp/mm, sure. In terms of lp/ph, I really doubt it. On top of that the Pentax will have a larger equivalent aperture = faster shutter speeds with same image fidelity.
Since I have, I do. I've shot the DA 55-300 on a K-x & K-01, and the Oly 40-150 on an EPM2. Even superficially, it makes sense: the Oly 40-150 is a 3.75x lens, whereas the Pentax is a 5.45x lens.

I posted this in a different thread: My Takumar 200/4 @ f/5.6 is sharper enough than the Pentax 55-300 @ f/8 that I can crop the Tak's image and have at least the same amount of detail.


08-08-2014, 03:09 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by luftfluss Quote
Since I have, I do. I've shot the DA 55-300 on a K-x & K-01, and the Oly 40-150 on an EPM2. Even superficially, it makes sense: the Oly 40-150 is a 3.75x lens, whereas the Pentax is a 5.45x lens.

I posted this in a different thread: My Takumar 200/4 @ f/5.6 is sharper enough than the Pentax 55-300 @ f/8 that I can crop the Tak's image and have at least the same amount of detail.


That's a pretty good endorsement for either one. Also historically Olympus has been praised for their zooms vs. Pentax for primes, this is what led me to this conundrum. Some good thoughts expressed here, especially from those who have used both, which is what I was hoping for.
08-08-2014, 04:20 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by luftfluss Quote
Since I have, I do. I've shot the DA 55-300 on a K-x & K-01, and the Oly 40-150 on an EPM2. Even superficially, it makes sense: the Oly 40-150 is a 3.75x lens, whereas the Pentax is a 5.45x lens.

I posted this in a different thread: My Takumar 200/4 @ f/5.6 is sharper enough than the Pentax 55-300 @ f/8 that I can crop the Tak's image and have at least the same amount of detail.


I'd have to see a direct image comparison to believe it. Conventionally speaking, the larger sensor on the Pentax is worth far more than the smaller zoom range. There could be exceptions of course but on telephoto zooms, the most important thing IMO is the long end, and the 300mm has about 50% more reach AND is a larger sensor.
08-09-2014, 12:07 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by Stickler Quote
That's a pretty good endorsement for either one. Also historically Olympus has been praised for their zooms vs. Pentax for primes, this is what led me to this conundrum. Some good thoughts expressed here, especially from those who have used both, which is what I was hoping for.
Yes, but remember that this particular Oly wasn't made with the same intention as previous Oly SLR zooms - the 40-150's intended to be a "kit+1" lens.

Both lenses are good for the price. Personally, my m43 zoom kit would be a 16MP body + the Panasonic 100-300 zoom.

---------- Post added 08-09-14 at 03:12 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by ElJamoquio Quote
I'd have to see a direct image comparison to believe it. Conventionally speaking, the larger sensor on the Pentax is worth far more than the smaller zoom range. There could be exceptions of course but on telephoto zooms, the most important thing IMO is the long end, and the 300mm has about 50% more reach AND is a larger sensor.
I wish I had the pics I took with the 40-150, but it was borrowed and I only took a few snaps out of curiosity. I eventually ditched my m43 kit, just didn't grab me.

There's actually precious little difference between the 16MP m43 sensors and the current 16MP APS-C sensors - that is, much less than the size differential would indicate.*

If I were looking for (and willing to pay) a "consumer" tele solution, I'd take one of the newer m43 bodies + Panasonic 100-300 lens. Sharper than the Pentax 55-300, and more "reach".

* I'll say, though, that there is still a something about certain APS-C images images that I prefer to m43... I guess maybe its the same how some folks compare FF images to APS-C.

Last edited by luftfluss; 08-09-2014 at 12:15 PM.
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