55-300 WR or something else for soccer and wildlife?

chibae · 05-22-2016, 04:26 AM

Originally posted by slip

IMHO if you can get a used either Sigma or Tamron 70-200 2.8 it would be a step up. I have an older Sigma which is soft wide open but when stopped down to F4 works well. it's fast focusing compare to most of the comparable Pentax lenses. if money was no object the D FA 70-200 2.8 would be the ultimate lens as far as quality and flexibility

good luck

Randy

I was able to get my Tamron 70-200 2.8 for $500 last year at KEH. It is my favorite lens for many things, but, I can't use it without a tripod. It's too heavy for me otherwise. That said, I do find the combination of 18-135 and 55-300 to be a great go anywhere kit. I also vote for the 55-300 for what you are doing right now.

slip · 05-22-2016, 12:15 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Davidparis

Great advice indeed. For me, the DA 55-300 WR is quite slow, focus is a challenge but once you learn the lens and how to anticipate your shots, the IQ is quite acceptable. I even had surprisingly good results shooting a fast-action polo game (horses) in AF-C exclusively. Requires intense concentration but you can get results with this lens and the price is right.

Nothing beats practice, practice, and more practice! If the light allows and you are not worried about blurring the background, stick to F8.

good luck

Randy

**ThorSanchez** · 05-22-2016, 01:27 PM

I've used the non-WR version of the 55-300 for kids' soccer for several years and have been quite happy with it.

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05-22-2016, 04:26 AM	#31
chibae Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 62	Originally posted by slip IMHO if you can get a used either Sigma or Tamron 70-200 2.8 it would be a step up. I have an older Sigma which is soft wide open but when stopped down to F4 works well. it's fast focusing compare to most of the comparable Pentax lenses. if money was no object the D FA 70-200 2.8 would be the ultimate lens as far as quality and flexibility good luck Randy I was able to get my Tamron 70-200 2.8 for $500 last year at KEH. It is my favorite lens for many things, but, I can't use it without a tripod. It's too heavy for me otherwise. That said, I do find the combination of 18-135 and 55-300 to be a great go anywhere kit. I also vote for the 55-300 for what you are doing right now.

05-22-2016, 12:15 PM - 1 Like	#32
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535	Originally posted by Davidparis Great advice indeed. For me, the DA 55-300 WR is quite slow, focus is a challenge but once you learn the lens and how to anticipate your shots, the IQ is quite acceptable. I even had surprisingly good results shooting a fast-action polo game (horses) in AF-C exclusively. Requires intense concentration but you can get results with this lens and the price is right. Nothing beats practice, practice, and more practice! If the light allows and you are not worried about blurring the background, stick to F8. good luck Randy

05-22-2016, 01:27 PM	#33
ThorSanchez Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,807	I've used the non-WR version of the 55-300 for kids' soccer for several years and have been quite happy with it.