[boriscleto]

the canon 55-250 4-5.5 II is 200 new on amazon- i had this lens. its far better
the canon 55-250 4-5.6 STM- sharper with faster focus than the one listed above- goes for 200 used

Only 250mm. And again, show some results. The STM is $300 new, the DA L is $170 used.

[stevebrot]

The 55-300 is another favourite. It performs well for its price, sure, but for me the great thing is that it performs well for its size and weight. You'll be hard pressed to find anything better that doesn't weigh at least twice as much.

I agree, particularly for users who are interested in playing at the longer end, but are wary of putting a lot of money down for the experience. I don't own one, but have seriously considered the purchase.

Steve

[stevebrot]

the canon 55-250 4-5.5 II is 200 new on amazon- i had this lens. its far better
the canon 55-250 4-5.6 STM- sharper with faster focus than the one listed above- goes for 200 used

Cool! I will pick up a cheap EOS kit at Costco so that I can savor the high value of the Canon offerings!


Never mind that the intent of this thread is to spotlight the value "queens" in the Pentax line, not play compare-and-contrast between systems. For K-mount, the DA 55-300 is the best deal around for a longer zoom.


Steve

[Venom3300]

Only 250mm. And again, show some results. The STM is $300 new, the DA L is $170 used.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II Lens Review

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens Review

Im comparing the HD DA 55-300 vs the non STM 55-250... so old canon vs pentax latest.... canon has more even performance. better at the long end. better CA control.

[jamarley]

How about some love for the DA 16-45 & DA 18-135? My 16-45 never disappoints in it's rendition and the versatility of the 18-135 with it's WR can't be beat. For kit-lens pricing you're nearing far-higher priced territory.

[stevebrot]

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II Lens Review

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens Review

Im comparing the HD DA 55-300 vs the non STM 55-250... so old canon vs pentax latest.... canon has more even performance. better at the long end. better CA control.

So...your conclusion is that the Pentax shooter should not buy purchase a high value K-mount lens because a Canon shooter has access to a better product at a similar price point. Sorry, but you lost me there.


Steve

[stevebrot]

the versatility of the 18-135 with it's WR can't be beat

The 18-135 did not make my list due to its relatively high price. It is a good lens, but "punches" appropriate to its "weight".


Steve

[boriscleto]

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II Lens Review

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens Review

Im comparing the HD DA 55-300 vs the non STM 55-250... so old canon vs pentax latest.... canon has more even performance. better at the long end. better CA control.

Last post before you are boriscleto'd. I don't care what the measurebators have to say about a lens. The DA has the same amount of CA at 250mm as the Canon according to the measurbators.

[rob1234]

Best vfm I've come across?

M75-150 every time.

SMC Pentax-M 75-150mm F4 Reviews - M Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

[jamarley]

The 18-135 did not make my list due to its relatively high price. It is a good lens, but "punches" appropriate to its "weight".


Steve

Steve, you are correct when looking at the price of the 18-135 new. I was thinking of the good deal I scored on a used one in great condition. For me that's definitely up-punching.

Jeff

[Venom3300]

So...your conclusion is that the Pentax shooter should not buy purchase a high value K-mount lens because a Canon shooter has access to a better product at a similar price point. Sorry, but you lost me there.


Steve

I never said that. Im not recommending buy or not buying. Im simply stating that it is not heads and shoulders better than other similar lenses.

Last post before you are boriscleto'd. I don't care what the measurebators have to say about a lens. The DA has the same amount of CA at 250mm as the Canon according to the measurbators.

Pentax CA at 100mm:
F4: ~.3 center .6 edge
F 5.6: .2 center .6 edge
F 8.0: .3 center .75 edge

Canon CA at 135mm:
F5: .2 center .1 edge
F 5.6: .2 center, .05? edge
F8: 1.5 center, .1 edge

Pentax CA at 300:
F 5.8: .75 center 1.15 edge
F 8: .6 center 1.0 edge

Canon CA at 250:
F 5.6: .1 center .7 edge
F 8: .3 center .5 edge

You asked for results to prove it. There they are. One the long end of the zoom range, the Pentax will have noticeably more CA.

If you don't respect lab results and let your opinion rule your logic then it really doesn't matter what I show you.

[sterretje]

We can add the M120/2.8 to the list. Bought mine for roughly $30.

[dakight]

*yawn* who cares how a Canon or Nikon lens performs; I'm not using/buying Canikon. If we are talking about K-mount variants of 3rd party offerings then perhaps it's relevant.

[Fat Albert]

I agree, particularly for users who are interested in playing at the longer end, but are wary of putting a lot of money down for the experience. I don't own one, but have seriously considered the purchase.

Steve

I'd give it a try, especially given the cost. I got a lot more than I expected and I suspect you'd be pleased with the purchase.

[mholford]

The whole subject get cloudy when talking about legacy lenses. Whether the lens punches above it's weight depends on how good a deal you got on the lens... lol....

My personal list... is probably quite different.
Pentax A 50mm 1.7 (came with my film pentax 20 yrs ago - used then and cheap)

After that...
K200mm f2.5 got it for under $200 - a steal of a lens at that price
DA*16-50 - -got it under $300 used - also a steal at *that* price (not so much if you're buying new)

From there my two limiteds (excellent quality lens, reasonable price on the 70 and 40 - used)
my takumar F 70-200 (was really cheap, nice autofocus basic telephoto)

I guess the point is, Pentax has some really nice legacy glass, which can be pretty reasonably priced and provide good value, and occasionally a fantastic deal.