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11-25-2016, 03:24 AM   #1
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Which 55-300

Sorry if this is an old question, but I'm weighing up whether I need half a stop of light with slower autofocus from the older 55-300 hd da wr or quicker autofocus with less speed from the new lens. Has anyone compared quality yet?

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Jeremy

11-25-2016, 04:06 AM   #2
Des
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https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/328778-opinions-55-300-re.html
11-25-2016, 04:32 AM   #3
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I briefly used the new PLM model on a K-70 at a show recently. The almost-silent and very quick AF is impressive and a definite improvement on my old-model HD 55-300. From what I've heard regarding IQ, the new lens may be slightly better optically too. Whilst I wouldn't upgrade from my old model, if I was buying this type of lens today, I'd definitely go for the new PLM version - especially if you can get it at a decent price.
11-25-2016, 04:33 AM - 3 Likes   #4
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The half stop difference is negligible next to the difference in AF, in my opinion- plus the image quality wide-open is quite good.

This should give you an idea of how dramatic the AF improvement is:


In addition, the new lens allows for much more precise manual focus adjustments, and it has a shorter minimum focusing distance. You lose the distance scale, but gain internal focus.

See also:

Hands-On with the Pentax DA 55-300mm PLM WR RE - Hands-On Tests | PentaxForums.com


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11-25-2016, 04:38 AM   #5
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Also, in the comments below the article Adam links to, you'll see @deadwolfbones saying:
QuoteQuote:
We finally tested the old lens against the new one, and found that the new one is sharper in the center and neck and neck in the corners. More details in the upcoming full review!
11-25-2016, 05:34 AM - 1 Like   #6
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Thanks for the replies. Duly bought the new version in the Amazon Black Friday UK sale. £250. Looking forward to it.
11-25-2016, 05:59 AM - 1 Like   #7
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Well done. At that price, it's a steal...

11-25-2016, 07:31 AM   #8
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I also got it from UK for the nice price. It came yesterday and i´m looking forward to test it this weekend. First impressions: It´s very compact and built quality is good. A beautiful lens for travelling. AF is really fast!
11-25-2016, 08:58 AM   #9
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Holy cow, nice video, that is impressive!

QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
The half stop difference is negligible next to the difference in AF, in my opinion- plus the image quality wide-open is quite good.

This should give you an idea of how dramatic the AF improvement is:

New vs. Old Pentax 55-300mm Autofocus Test - YouTube

In addition, the new lens allows for much more precise manual focus adjustments, and it has a shorter minimum focusing distance. You lose the distance scale, but gain internal focus.

See also:

Hands-On with the Pentax DA 55-300mm PLM WR RE - Hands-On Tests | PentaxForums.com
11-25-2016, 09:47 AM   #10
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Thanks for the tips, guys - just bagged one on Amazon UK for £250 myself!
11-25-2016, 10:38 AM   #11
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that video is impressive -- one heck of a difference in speed!
11-25-2016, 01:59 PM   #12
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@Adam, one aspect that would be interesting to check when doing the full review is whether, and if so to what extent, the PLM model is affected by focus breathing. One of the appealing qualities of the screw-drive 55-300 is that the magnification remains the same regardless of distance to subject: that is, 300mm means 300mm whether the subject is near or far. (As I understand it, this is an advantage of it not being an IF lens; and the flipside of having a relatively long MFD.) By contrast, the field of view in the DA*60-250, for example, is greatly affected by distance to subject, which limits its utility as a wildlife lens.
11-25-2016, 10:25 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Des Quote
@Adam, one aspect that would be interesting to check when doing the full review is whether, and if so to what extent, the PLM model is affected by focus breathing. One of the appealing qualities of the screw-drive 55-300 is that the magnification remains the same regardless of distance to subject: that is, 300mm means 300mm whether the subject is near or far. (As I understand it, this is an advantage of it not being an IF lens; and the flipside of having a relatively long MFD.) By contrast, the field of view in the DA*60-250, for example, is greatly affected by distance to subject, which limits its utility as a wildlife lens.
The effect is observable but moderate. The new lens can focus closer than the old one, at the expense of a bit of magnification. It's wider at 55mm and a bit shorter at 300mm.

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11-26-2016, 12:25 AM   #14
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Thanks Adam.
11-26-2016, 09:44 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
The effect is observable but moderate. The new lens can focus closer than the old one, at the expense of a bit of magnification. It's wider at 55mm and a bit shorter at 300mm.
Here are the values I calculated for actual focal length at MFD:

DA 55-300mm WR
MFD = 1400mm
Max reproduction ratio = .28
Focal length = 1400 mm / (.28 + (1/(.28)) + 2) = 239mm

DA 55-300mm PLM
MFD = 950mm
Max reproduction ratio = .3
Focal length = 950 mm / (.3 + (1/(.3)) + 2) = 169mm

The magnification difference at normal shooting distances for birds would be significant, IMO.

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/334511-calcu...#ixzz4R8LB3cI7

---------- Post added 2016-11-26 at 11:48 ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Des Quote
@Adam, one aspect that would be interesting to check when doing the full review is whether, and if so to what extent, the PLM model is affected by focus breathing. One of the appealing qualities of the screw-drive 55-300 is that the magnification remains the same regardless of distance to subject: that is, 300mm means 300mm whether the subject is near or far. (As I understand it, this is an advantage of it not being an IF lens; and the flipside of having a relatively long MFD.)
I agree that actual focal length should be included in the review, but note that the screw drive DA 55-300mm is an IF lens and does suffer from focus breathing.
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