[lodi781]

for the 60-250. I really need something with reach. can anyone recomend another lens maker that makes a lens that is just as good as the da* lenses? I want something close to the focal range of the 60-250 but doesn't have to actually match. any help would be apreciated, thanks...

[Aegon]

Is 55-300 close enough? :P

[k100d]

Sigma 100-300 F4 quite the beast.
the photozone review is beyond glowing and many happy users on this forum.

[heatherslightbox]

The Sigma 70-200/2.8 is set to be released next week. It's supposed to run $799, which I would imagine would be cheaper than whatever the 60-250 would cost.
Sigma - News

Heather

[Wheatfield]

for the 60-250. I really need something with reach. can anyone recomend another lens maker that makes a lens that is just as good as the da* lenses? I want something close to the focal range of the 60-250 but doesn't have to actually match. any help would be apreciated, thanks...

I'm in the same boat. Pentax has this great big gaping hole in their focal length range, and they don't seem overly interested in filling it.
I looked at the 55-300 last week, and decided to leave it on the shelf after some test shots.
I'll be using my old manual focus/ non A series Tokina 80-200 for a while longer, and cursing that Pentax just doesn't seem to get it sometimes.

[augustmoon]

Same Boat:

Do you want something in the meantime (DA 55-300) while waiting for the DA*

or something instead of the DA*60-250 (Sigma 100-300)

...

I thought about the second route and tried and really liked the Sigma 100-300, but wanted to eventually get the DA*60-250 because I want the weather-sealing for living at the beach and the quiet SDM for events.

So I went with the first route and more than happy with the DA 55-300 in the meantime, actually, this lens has really surprised me with the image quality, even at 300. So when the DA* comes out, I can either sell the DA 55-300 or more likely keep it as a walk-around or travel.

[Mechan1k]

If I had the cash the Sigma 100-300mm f/4 would be the go.

I am waiting for the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 though ... and it is meant to be cheaper than the Sigma variant. And most likely not as hit and miss as Sigma's QC either.

[lodi781]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll take a look at all your recommendations. My luck, the day after i buy something else, the pentax will come out. What can ya do? some days your the dog, some days your the hydrant.