Pentax DA L 55-300mm VS same but WR

jonn46 · 07-15-2015, 07:52 AM

Hey Folks,

Just curious if there is any difference in these two lenses other then the plastic mount and the weather resistants?

Thanks
John

jimr-pdx · 07-15-2015, 08:27 AM - **1 Like**

Optically no difference except SP coating on the front element; theoretically that could make a difference but likely not. Quick-shift to refocus is missing on the DA L though; focus on the 55-300s is 'leisurely' so prefocusing with quick-shift is helpful if you're in a hurry to get a shot.

My used $110 DAL copy suits me just fine - when I can count the hairs on a kitten and see details in a buzzing fly's wing, that'll do

Caver · 07-15-2015, 08:32 AM

Hi!

According to the lens review database on this site SMC Pentax-DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database "the DA L version of the SMC Pentax-DA 55-300mm lens is a budget variant that only comes bundled in camera kits. It lacks quick shift functionality and the bayonet is made of plastic rather than metal" + There is no lens hood included.
Beside these differences vs. the WR (or the original DA) optically they are the same.

---------- Post added 15-07-15 at 17:33 ----------

Originally posted by jonn46

Hey Folks,

Just curious if there is any difference in these two lenses other then the plastic mount and the weather resistants?

Thanks
John

jimr-pdx was faster

jimr-pdx · 07-15-2015, 08:36 AM - **1 Like**

Ah but Caver has citations!

jonn46 · 07-15-2015, 01:09 PM

Great thank you, I knew the DA and the DA L were the same optics but I didn't know if the WR had any added bonus other then the WR.

Caver · 07-15-2015, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by jonn46

Great thank you, I knew the DA and the DA L were the same optics but I didn't know if the WR had any added bonus other then the WR.

The WR version has
- HD coating (vs SMC coating on the DA and DA L)
- SP coated front element
- Weather resistant
Worth reading the review: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

jonn46 · 07-15-2015, 06:28 PM - **1 Like**

Excellent Caver thank you that was what I was looking for.

07-15-2015, 07:52 AM	#1
jonn46 New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New Brunswick Posts: 15	Pentax DA L 55-300mm VS same but WR Hey Folks, Just curious if there is any difference in these two lenses other then the plastic mount and the weather resistants? Thanks John

07-15-2015, 08:27 AM - 1 Like	#2
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	Optically no difference except SP coating on the front element; theoretically that could make a difference but likely not. Quick-shift to refocus is missing on the DA L though; focus on the 55-300s is 'leisurely' so prefocusing with quick-shift is helpful if you're in a hurry to get a shot. My used $110 DAL copy suits me just fine - when I can count the hairs on a kitten and see details in a buzzing fly's wing, that'll do Last edited by jimr-pdx; 07-15-2015 at 08:35 AM. Reason: image added

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07-15-2015, 08:32 AM	#3
Caver Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Hungary (ex-pat from Transylvania, Romania) Photos: Gallery Posts: 541	Hi! According to the lens review database on this site SMC Pentax-DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database "the DA L version of the SMC Pentax-DA 55-300mm lens is a budget variant that only comes bundled in camera kits. It lacks quick shift functionality and the bayonet is made of plastic rather than metal" + There is no lens hood included. Beside these differences vs. the WR (or the original DA) optically they are the same. ---------- Post added 15-07-15 at 17:33 ---------- Originally posted by jonn46 Hey Folks, Just curious if there is any difference in these two lenses other then the plastic mount and the weather resistants? Thanks John jimr-pdx was faster

07-15-2015, 08:36 AM - 1 Like	#4
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	Ah but Caver has citations!

07-15-2015, 01:09 PM	#5
jonn46 New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New Brunswick Posts: 15 Original Poster	Great thank you, I knew the DA and the DA L were the same optics but I didn't know if the WR had any added bonus other then the WR.

07-15-2015, 01:31 PM	#6
Caver Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Hungary (ex-pat from Transylvania, Romania) Photos: Gallery Posts: 541	Originally posted by jonn46 Great thank you, I knew the DA and the DA L were the same optics but I didn't know if the WR had any added bonus other then the WR. The WR version has - HD coating (vs SMC coating on the DA and DA L) - SP coated front element - Weather resistant Worth reading the review: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews

07-15-2015, 06:28 PM - 1 Like	#7
jonn46 New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New Brunswick Posts: 15 Original Poster	Excellent Caver thank you that was what I was looking for.