[pepperberry farm]

Question though, assuming Pentax did put a silent motor in the 55-300, that would increase the costs right? If so, I'm glad they offer it without, though an option to have it with would be a better option as long as both were available.

yes - if the 55-300 were built with the SDM or DC motor, it would increase the cost of the lens - along with the size, weight, and complexity of it...

[FantasticMrFox]

The more and more I read about Sigma lenses the less I'm inclined to want to buy them. Consistency and quality seems to the the main issues I come across.

Sigma does have some awesome lenses and people across brands are drooling over the 'Art' series for a reason I have the 17-50 f/2.8 HSM, and it's an excellent performer. Issues with quality control are pretty pervasive across brands nowadays, just have a look at how many people are complaining about decentred DA 16-85s.

Question though, assuming Pentax did put a silent motor in the 55-300, that would increase the costs right? If so, I'm glad they offer it without, though an option to have it with would be a better option as long as both were available.

Not necessarily. Depends on how you look at it - you can look at the lens, think about all the things you would like Pentax to add and then add a bit to the price tag for every feature. But that's not always how it works. Manufacturers need to update their products to keep up with the competition, and why would Pentax be able to charge extra for something that other manufacturers offer at a lower price point? The Canon 55-250 f/4-5.6 is well regarded optically and features silent and fast SDM at a price point of about £130. How can Pentax charge over twice that (£325) for the HD DA 55-300 WR without DC? They have WR and maybe better build quality (I can only assume, I've never touched the Canon), but for that amount of money the lens should have DC focusing at no additional cost

[clackers]

The more and more I read about Sigma lenses the less I'm inclined to want to buy them. Consistency and quality seems to the the main issues I come across.

Depends which ones. I have their 17-50, 10-20, 17-70 and 35mm Art, and they're great. Wish the 50mm Art was available in K-mount.

[keanex]

Not necessarily. Depends on how you look at it - you can look at the lens, think about all the things you would like Pentax to add and then add a bit to the price tag for every feature. But that's not always how it works. Manufacturers need to update their products to keep up with the competition, and why would Pentax be able to charge extra for something that other manufacturers offer at a lower price point? The Canon 55-250 f/4-5.6 is well regarded optically and features silent and fast SDM at a price point of about £130. How can Pentax charge over twice that (£325) for the HD DA 55-300 WR without DC? They have WR and maybe better build quality (I can only assume, I've never touched the Canon), but for that amount of money the lens should have DC focusing at no additional cost

As an accounting major I can't begin to explain the complexities that go into how a company charges what do, but if you'd like some basic knowledge read up on cost-volume-profit. Pricing is super complex and a lot goes into it.

But thanks for all the comments guys, I always love reading here and learning.

[audiobomber]

Like many at the time of its release, I wanted a DC motor in the DA 55-300mm WR. I would have paid more for silent AF to avoid scaring birds, and faster, more reliable AF like my DA18-135mm.

Build quality of the WR version is a big step up. My DA 55-300 was a rattlebox in comparison.

[boriscleto]

Post some pictures in the 300mm+ club when you get the lens.

[Dings]

I own both lenses and like them both. I appreciate the Sigma 70-300 for its Macro function, but the 55-300 WR goes ahead with the weather resistance.