[jddwoods]

Hello All
I have had a chance to get out and try out my 55-300 PLM on my K-3. No question about it this is the fastest autofocus lens of any of my lenses, especially compared to my SDM DA 17-70 and DA* 200 lenses. They just aren't in the same league as the 55-300 PLM. The autofocus performance is enough for me to consider a wide-normal replacement for the 17-70. My question is would any of the newer zooms, in particular those with DC motors such as the 18-135, 16-85 or DFA 28-105 perform as good as the 55-300 PLM? I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has any of these lenses. If they are not any faster and with fewer micro adjustments (hunting) than the DA 17-70 then I may as well just keep that lens. But the 55-300 PLM has really spoiled me and I would like that level of autofocus in a walkaround wide-normal zoom. I would also consider the Sigma 17-70 Contemporary but would much prefer weather resistance.

[Adam]

My question is would any of the newer zooms, in particular those with DC motors such as the 18-135, 16-85 or DFA 28-105 perform as good as the 55-300 PLM?

Nope, the PLM is currently in a league of its own. That said, all three of these lenses are in fact faster than the 17-70mm. I'd say the 16-85mm would be a worthy upgrade

[UncleVanya]

Nope, the PLM is currently in a league of its own. That said, all three of these lenses are in fact faster than the 17-70mm. I'd say the 16-85mm would be a worthy upgrade

Do you know what the effective f/stop is at 70mm on the 16-85?

[Adam]

Do you know what the effective f/stop is at 70mm on the 16-85?

It should be F4.5, but I'm not positive as it's been a while.

Adam
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[C_Jones]

I have a 16-85. The AF is instantaneous and the images are excellent. The 16 at the short end instead of the 17 would give you more noticeable width for capturing also. It doesn't seem like it when you consider the numbers, but like when I switched from my previous 18-55 lens, the width at the 16 was quite noticeable.