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02-10-2016, 10:07 AM   #1
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Pentax 55-300 replacement?

I'm considering getting the HD 55-300 simply for the better lens coatings and not as important, WR. Before I do this, is there a replacement zoom of at least 300mm, that would have higher quality photos? I am satisfied with my current 55-300; but before investing in the "same" lens, I wanted to see if I'm missing considering another zoom.

Thanks!

02-10-2016, 10:08 AM - 1 Like   #2
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The next step up is the DA* 300. Not a zoom and $$$. The DA* 60-250 is a zoom, but not 300mm and $$$. And of course there is the D FA 150-450, but heavy and $$$. There is the Sigma 100-300 F4, but no longer made in K-mount, hard to find, and $$$ (There is 1 on eBay for $1,100).

No consumer zoom is going to better the 55-300.

Pentax is simply the wrong brand if you want choice in telephoto zooms...

Last edited by boriscleto; 02-10-2016 at 10:19 AM.
02-10-2016, 10:16 AM   #3
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I did this upgrade a year and a half ago. The price, at the time, was right to do it. I have to say that it's been very hard to see any significant image quality differences - I believe there is one though but it's subtle. I now have both of them and have tried to sell the DA 55-300 with out much success (given what I paid for it new and what its worth today it's hard to accept that my DA 55-300 in excellent condition isn't worth that much). I've always like this lens though. Therefore the really difference is WR in the HD 55-300. It's nice to have of course.

The obvious question now is knowing all of this would I do that upgrade today. I think I still would do it. But I'd have sold my old lens first...
02-10-2016, 10:26 AM   #4
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Most people here seem to feel the 55-300 is the best there is in consumer zooms in k-mount. There are better, the 60-250 for example, but that is a big step up in both size and $$. I really like the 60-250 but there are days that I miss the little 55-300. Hard to beat in that price range and size.

02-10-2016, 10:29 AM   #5
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how about the various Sigma zooms that run to 500mm? I see a few in the classifieds here (50-500mm or 150-500mm) for less than $1000......
02-10-2016, 10:30 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by pepperberry farm Quote
how about the various Sigma zooms that run to 500mm? I see a few in the classifieds here (50-500mm or 150-500mm) for less than $1000......
Again, you are talking about a considerable increase in size. There are definitely times I miss the 55-300. So please go vote for me in the giveaway
02-10-2016, 10:43 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by boriscleto Quote
Pentax is simply the wrong brand if you want choice in telephoto zooms...
Certainly I would consider other brands as well as Pentax.

02-10-2016, 10:46 AM   #8
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If 300mm f5.8 isn't doing it for you then how about an adaptall 300mm f2.8 (best value of this type of lens). That more than two stops faster is photographically a big difference, and these are sharp lenses. Add in a 1.4 x TC and you have 420mm f4 too.
You can look for one for around or less than $500 with decent prospects IMO.

Last edited by marcusBMG; 02-10-2016 at 10:52 AM.
02-10-2016, 10:58 AM   #9
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I really prefer a zoom; as my main shooting is wildlife, and physically moving around with a primary lens tends to scatter the birds, etc. With a zoom I have many options for shooting, without moving.
02-10-2016, 11:12 AM   #10
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Well I can't think of anything similar to the DA that would be better.
Best bet is to search for one of the "Bigma's": Sigma x-500mm in KAF mount. One sold on ebay this side of the pond for ~$400 recently.
02-10-2016, 11:17 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by csa Quote
Certainly I would consider other brands as well as Pentax.
I mean Pentax cameras...

There is not as much selection in telephotos in K-mount as there is in F-mount or EF-mount. Even Sigma SA mount gets the full range of Sigma lenses, even if they only sell 2 or 3 over the life of the lens...
02-10-2016, 11:18 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by marcusBMG Quote
Well I can't think of anything similar to the DA that would be better.
Good to know.

I have considered the Sigma 150-500.
02-10-2016, 11:19 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by csa Quote
I have considered the Sigma 150-500.
I think Rupert had his old non-HSM Bigma in the marketplace at a very good price.
02-10-2016, 11:20 AM - 1 Like   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by boriscleto Quote
I mean Pentax cameras...

There is not as much selection in telephotos in K-mount as there is in F-mount or EF-mount. Even Sigma SA mount gets the full range of Sigma lenses, even if they only sell 2 or 3 over the life of the lens...
There's no way I'd leave Pentax. I'm just considering what my best options are for my future lineup of lenses are.
02-10-2016, 11:23 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by csa Quote
There's no way I'd leave Pentax. I'm just considering what my best options are for my future lineup of lenses are.
At one point I was close to switching to Nikon. The Tamron 150-600 was very tempting. But I ended up with a Sigma 150-500 and then a year later a K-3.
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