"55-300 on 300/f8" vs "60-250 on 250/f5.6"

starbase218 · 05-15-2015, 06:09 PM

My 55-300 is softer at the long end in portrait orientation - no way to get it sharp there at 300mm. In landscape it's better. I have had problems with my 60-250, as it wasn't sharp. But I sent it in for repair. I think I'll let a picture do the talking. This is a crop from the far right of the frame (very near to the edge) at 250mm and f/4, shot with a K-3:

Yeah it's not a great picture. But in terms of sharpness, it's excellent. A crop from the left side is a little softer but nothing major. In the center it's even better than this, let alone going to f/5.6. The 55-300 is good, but it's not this good.

Last edited by starbase218; 05-15-2015 at 06:17 PM.

**bobbotron** · 06-24-2015, 07:42 AM

This has been a great thread to read. I'm struggling with the 55-300 vs 60-250 purchase choice currently. I really would like to get a 60-250, but it'd be a bit irresponsible at the moment so will probably settle for the 55-300. At least it will be a lighter hiking companion.

audiobomber · 06-24-2015, 11:55 AM

I chose the DA*300 over the 60-250 for several reasons:

I already owned a 55-300mm, which has really nice IQ as long as you don't crop too hard
The DA*300 has significantly better magnification (1:4 vs. 1:6.6), which I use a lot for wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, etc.
Tests show the 300mm has slightly better IQ (sharpness and CA), which can matter for hard cropping.
Longer focal length and better multiplier effect with the TC (300>420mm vs. 250>350mm).
The 60-250 loses focal length more heavily than the DA*300 due to focus breathing, and birding is mostly done at close range (10-30 ft.)
Prices vary, but the 60-250 was 50% more expensive than the DA*300 in Canada, when I was shopping

I've since added a Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 for $719 CA, which is a fantastic lens, if you can stand screw noise and can live without quick-shift focus.

**bobbotron** · 06-24-2015, 01:48 PM

I love screw drive lenses, I actually like their motor noise!

Interesting about the focal length issue. I currently have an older FF sigma 70-210 screw drive lens that's ok but I'm looking for a little more IQ and ideally more range. I'm mostly shooting dogs or biking, having a zoom with reach is really useful. Perhaps I'll add the Tamron to my list, up until this point it was between the two Pentax lenses.

LennyBloke · 06-25-2015, 01:02 AM

Originally posted by bobbotron

I love screw drive lenses, I actually like their motor noise!.....

....get yourself an F 70-210 then. It's great quality and is louder than a Dentists drill

Bagga_Txips · 06-25-2015, 01:33 AM - **1 Like**

I am a bit sad lately, because there seem to be an increasing number of people who seem to feel threatened by people who don't share the same opinion as them about photography gear. Then it all seems to get a bit confrontational, until in the end someone backs down a bit and states that they didn't mean to offend.

This is a very friendly and helpful forum, but people should be careful to ensure that their posts don't seem offensive. However, people should also assume that other people's posts are not meant to offend, they are often just someone's different opinion.

One tip: if you are repeating or supporting an opinion you have already stated, and directing your new post specifically to someone with a different opinion, you are at much greater risk of being offensive.

Just my two-pennorth...

06-24-2015, 11:55 AM	#33
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I chose the DA300 over the 60-250 for several reasons: I already owned a 55-300mm, which has really nice IQ as long as you don't crop too hard The DA300 has significantly better magnification (1:4 vs. 1:6.6), which I use a lot for wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, etc. Tests show the 300mm has slightly better IQ (sharpness and CA), which can matter for hard cropping. Longer focal length and better multiplier effect with the TC (300>420mm vs. 250>350mm). The 60-250 loses focal length more heavily than the DA300 due to focus breathing, and birding is mostly done at close range (10-30 ft.) Prices vary, but the 60-250 was 50% more expensive than the DA300 in Canada, when I was shopping I've since added a Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 for $719 CA, which is a fantastic lens, if you can stand screw noise and can live without quick-shift focus.

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05-15-2015, 06:09 PM	#31
starbase218 Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Planet Earth, Sol system, Milky Way galaxy, Universe Posts: 1,119	My 55-300 is softer at the long end in portrait orientation - no way to get it sharp there at 300mm. In landscape it's better. I have had problems with my 60-250, as it wasn't sharp. But I sent it in for repair. I think I'll let a picture do the talking. This is a crop from the far right of the frame (very near to the edge) at 250mm and f/4, shot with a K-3: Yeah it's not a great picture. But in terms of sharpness, it's excellent. A crop from the left side is a little softer but nothing major. In the center it's even better than this, let alone going to f/5.6. The 55-300 is good, but it's not this good. Last edited by starbase218; 05-15-2015 at 06:17 PM.

06-24-2015, 07:42 AM	#32
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349	This has been a great thread to read. I'm struggling with the 55-300 vs 60-250 purchase choice currently. I really would like to get a 60-250, but it'd be a bit irresponsible at the moment so will probably settle for the 55-300. At least it will be a lighter hiking companion.

06-24-2015, 01:48 PM	#34
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349	I love screw drive lenses, I actually like their motor noise! Interesting about the focal length issue. I currently have an older FF sigma 70-210 screw drive lens that's ok but I'm looking for a little more IQ and ideally more range. I'm mostly shooting dogs or biking, having a zoom with reach is really useful. Perhaps I'll add the Tamron to my list, up until this point it was between the two Pentax lenses.

06-25-2015, 01:02 AM	#35
LennyBloke Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Worcestershire, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 677	Originally posted by bobbotron I love screw drive lenses, I actually like their motor noise!..... ....get yourself an F 70-210 then. It's great quality and is louder than a Dentists drill

06-25-2015, 01:33 AM - 1 Like	#36
Bagga_Txips Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Waterford Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 454	I am a bit sad lately, because there seem to be an increasing number of people who seem to feel threatened by people who don't share the same opinion as them about photography gear. Then it all seems to get a bit confrontational, until in the end someone backs down a bit and states that they didn't mean to offend. This is a very friendly and helpful forum, but people should be careful to ensure that their posts don't seem offensive. However, people should also assume that other people's posts are not meant to offend, they are often just someone's different opinion. One tip: if you are repeating or supporting an opinion you have already stated, and directing your new post specifically to someone with a different opinion, you are at much greater risk of being offensive. Just my two-pennorth...