Looking for first tele zoom lens!

janelgreo · 01-23-2018, 07:45 AM

I am looking to purchase my first ever tele zoom lens!

Camera: Pentax K-70
Current lenses—
-Pentax DA 55mm f1.8
-Pentax DA 16-45mm
Current uses for camera—
-Portraits
-Lifestyle
-Street
What I’m looking to use telezoom for—
-Personal events (parades, zoo, outdoor stuff, sports)

I know Pentax isn’t known for fast AF. I want an overall good lens that I can take with me in my bag. Weight I’m not worried about.

Lenses I have been looking at—
-Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 AF Di II LD IF
-Pentax DA 55-300mm f4-5.8 ED

I can get either one for around $120 used.

Should I bite on one of those or save up for a better one?

**UncleVanya** · 01-23-2018, 07:57 AM

The DA 55-300 is a good choice. The PLM version is slightly slower optically but much faster focusing. Depending on your use case you may want it but it is more expensive used than the plain DA model.

Adam · 01-23-2018, 08:08 AM

Originally posted by janelgreo

I am looking to purchase my first ever tele zoom lens!

Camera: Pentax K-70
Current lenses—
-Pentax DA 55mm f1.8
-Pentax DA 16-45mm
Current uses for camera—
-Portraits
-Lifestyle
-Street
What I’m looking to use telezoom for—
-Personal events (parades, zoo, outdoor stuff, sports)

I know Pentax isn’t known for fast AF. I want an overall good lens that I can take with me in my bag. Weight I’m not worried about.

Lenses I have been looking at—
-Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 AF Di II LD IF
-Pentax DA 55-300mm f4-5.8 ED

I can get either one for around $120 used.

Should I bite on one of those or save up for a better one?

If you got the 55-300mm PLM, you'd actually be blown away by the AF speed. It's unlike any other lens in the Pentax lineup.

It'll cost you around $350, but well worth it IMO.
HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM WR RE Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Otherwise the plain 55-300mm will do the trick, but that one is slow to focus.

08amczb · 01-23-2018, 08:42 AM

The Pentax 55-300 is better, then the Tamron. For better autofocus I recommend to get the Pentax 55-300 RE PLM. The image quality is better too and the price is higher too...

Tako Kichi · 01-23-2018, 09:07 AM

One lens not mentioned yet is the DA 18-135, mine lives on my K-70 until I need to change it for a specific reason. The focusing is pretty fast and the pros far outweigh the cons in my opinion. For the type of photography you mentioned it could be ideal, wide enough at 18 and not too long at 135.

The review can be found here: SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

A dedicated forum thread with many examples can be found here: DA 18-135 WR, Show us what it can do - PentaxForums.com

You might be able to find a used one in your price range too.

timb64 · 01-23-2018, 09:21 AM

My advice would be to save up for the best lenses you can afford, if you go for the cheap option you'll always be questioning whether you could have got better if you waited.

A great two lens kit would be the 55-300 PLM mentioned above paired with the 16-85, (the extra 2mm at the wide end is noticable)there'd be less over lap and you'd get a very wide range covered in WR form?See what the latter can do here

DA 16-85 WR,show us what it can do. - PentaxForums.com

**microlight** · 01-23-2018, 09:23 AM

Another recommendation here for the 55-300PLM, the IQ will be a good match for your K-70. You already have the wide end of the range covered with the very good 16-45 and the DA50/1.8.

**DW58** · 01-23-2018, 09:32 AM

I also have a K-70. My 55-300 PLM was delivered just yesterday. Had about an hour of sunshine yesterday afternoon to check out the lens. In that short period of time I've determined I'm going to like this lens a lot. Not a fast lens aperture wise but for the price I think it's a winner. Like Adam said the AF is FAST. Also have the 18-135 that I used quite a bit on my K-50. I like that lens a lot too. You may just have to get both.

**pres589** · 01-23-2018, 09:50 AM

I believe that the IQ improvements with the PLM 55-300 aren't so big, it's the faster focusing and small stored size of the PLM lens which creates value over the existing 55-300.

Every time telephoto lenses get discussed here, both 55-300's are mentioned. It's kind of the default answer that everyone recommends unless you can justify spending a whole lot more.

The only thing I would mention that hasn't been already is that the lens is not the lightest. There are DA-L versions of the older 55-300 that shipped with a plastic lens mount. You may want to avoid this. There's also newer versions with HD coatings and weather resistance that may be worth shopping for at an admitted higher cost. That's the version I would be looking for, although I cannot use the PLM version due to owning an older camera that isn't supported by the PLM flavor of the lens.

**Yoda boy** · 01-23-2018, 10:47 AM

If price is your first concern, go with the 55-300 but if long term happiness is your priority, go the PLM version. Another choice would be the DA 18-135 lens. The longest reach would be reduced, but the less the variance/multiples between shortest and longest, typically the better the images. It depends upon what you want to shoot.

steve_k · 01-23-2018, 12:05 PM

First choice would be the 55-300 PLM WR. Second Choice would be the HD 55-300 WR. Either way get a WR.

jgnfld · 01-23-2018, 01:04 PM

You're welcome to look thru my 40 shot 55-300 RE album as it's public. Many shots are pushing the envelope but others are at much closer distances and so you get a bit of a flavor for its normal behavior as well.

**UncleVanya** · 01-23-2018, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by pres589

I believe that the IQ improvements with the PLM 55-300 aren't so big, it's the faster focusing and small stored size of the PLM lens which creates value over the existing 55-300.

Every time telephoto lenses get discussed here, both 55-300's are mentioned. It's kind of the default answer that everyone recommends unless you can justify spending a whole lot more.

The only thing I would mention that hasn't been already is that the lens is not the lightest. There are DA-L versions of the older 55-300 that shipped with a plastic lens mount. You may want to avoid this. There's also newer versions with HD coatings and weather resistance that may be worth shopping for at an admitted higher cost. That's the version I would be looking for, although I cannot use the PLM version due to owning an older camera that isn't supported by the PLM flavor of the lens.

The DA-L lacks quick shift and a hood and is priced lower. The composite mount isn't an issue and the lens is very light compared to most alternatives.

Da/HD/plm weighs 440/450/442g
60-250 is over 1000g.

**pres589** · 01-23-2018, 03:49 PM

The weight coupled with the length of the lens is why I wouldn't like the plastic mount here vs. lenses like the DA 35 2.4.
An SMC DA 55-300 with Quick Shift, a metal mount, and a hood are all reasons to find a bit of cash and go for that lens over the DA-L. On the used market I don't think the savings make the DA-L version worth going for unless this an exercise in putting together a cheap-as-possible kit.

kjphilippona · 01-23-2018, 05:27 PM

How often are you planning to use the lens? Just to have for once or twice a year, get the DA55-300 of any variant. The K70 can produce some super images, save your money and gat a lens that will make your K70 shine. You have one of the best portrait lenses in the DA*55, I would get the DA*50-135 or DA*60-250, you wont regret it!

01-23-2018, 07:45 AM	#1
janelgreo New Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 15	Looking for first tele zoom lens! I am looking to purchase my first ever tele zoom lens! Camera: Pentax K-70 Current lenses— -Pentax DA 55mm f1.8 -Pentax DA 16-45mm Current uses for camera— -Portraits -Lifestyle -Street What I’m looking to use telezoom for— -Personal events (parades, zoo, outdoor stuff, sports) I know Pentax isn’t known for fast AF. I want an overall good lens that I can take with me in my bag. Weight I’m not worried about. Lenses I have been looking at— -Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 AF Di II LD IF -Pentax DA 55-300mm f4-5.8 ED I can get either one for around $120 used. Should I bite on one of those or save up for a better one?

01-23-2018, 08:08 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by janelgreo I am looking to purchase my first ever tele zoom lens! Camera: Pentax K-70 Current lenses— -Pentax DA 55mm f1.8 -Pentax DA 16-45mm Current uses for camera— -Portraits -Lifestyle -Street What I’m looking to use telezoom for— -Personal events (parades, zoo, outdoor stuff, sports) I know Pentax isn’t known for fast AF. I want an overall good lens that I can take with me in my bag. Weight I’m not worried about. Lenses I have been looking at— -Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 AF Di II LD IF -Pentax DA 55-300mm f4-5.8 ED I can get either one for around $120 used. Should I bite on one of those or save up for a better one? If you got the 55-300mm PLM, you'd actually be blown away by the AF speed. It's unlike any other lens in the Pentax lineup. It'll cost you around $350, but well worth it IMO. HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM WR RE Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews Otherwise the plain 55-300mm will do the trick, but that one is slow to focus. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

01-23-2018, 10:47 AM	#10
Yoda boy Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Central Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 144	first telephoto If price is your first concern, go with the 55-300 but if long term happiness is your priority, go the PLM version. Another choice would be the DA 18-135 lens. The longest reach would be reduced, but the less the variance/multiples between shortest and longest, typically the better the images. It depends upon what you want to shoot.

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01-23-2018, 07:57 AM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,400	The DA 55-300 is a good choice. The PLM version is slightly slower optically but much faster focusing. Depending on your use case you may want it but it is more expensive used than the plain DA model.

01-23-2018, 08:42 AM	#4
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796	The Pentax 55-300 is better, then the Tamron. For better autofocus I recommend to get the Pentax 55-300 RE PLM. The image quality is better too and the price is higher too...

01-23-2018, 09:07 AM	#5
Tako Kichi Veteran Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: SW Ontario, Canada (ex-pat Brit) Posts: 1,296	One lens not mentioned yet is the DA 18-135, mine lives on my K-70 until I need to change it for a specific reason. The focusing is pretty fast and the pros far outweigh the cons in my opinion. For the type of photography you mentioned it could be ideal, wide enough at 18 and not too long at 135. The review can be found here: SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database A dedicated forum thread with many examples can be found here: DA 18-135 WR, Show us what it can do - PentaxForums.com You might be able to find a used one in your price range too.

01-23-2018, 09:21 AM	#6
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	My advice would be to save up for the best lenses you can afford, if you go for the cheap option you'll always be questioning whether you could have got better if you waited. A great two lens kit would be the 55-300 PLM mentioned above paired with the 16-85, (the extra 2mm at the wide end is noticable)there'd be less over lap and you'd get a very wide range covered in WR form?See what the latter can do here DA 16-85 WR,show us what it can do. - PentaxForums.com

01-23-2018, 09:23 AM	#7
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,129	Another recommendation here for the 55-300PLM, the IQ will be a good match for your K-70. You already have the wide end of the range covered with the very good 16-45 and the DA50/1.8.

01-23-2018, 09:32 AM	#8
DW58 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Rural Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,062	I also have a K-70. My 55-300 PLM was delivered just yesterday. Had about an hour of sunshine yesterday afternoon to check out the lens. In that short period of time I've determined I'm going to like this lens a lot. Not a fast lens aperture wise but for the price I think it's a winner. Like Adam said the AF is FAST. Also have the 18-135 that I used quite a bit on my K-50. I like that lens a lot too. You may just have to get both.

01-23-2018, 09:50 AM	#9
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	I believe that the IQ improvements with the PLM 55-300 aren't so big, it's the faster focusing and small stored size of the PLM lens which creates value over the existing 55-300. Every time telephoto lenses get discussed here, both 55-300's are mentioned. It's kind of the default answer that everyone recommends unless you can justify spending a whole lot more. The only thing I would mention that hasn't been already is that the lens is not the lightest. There are DA-L versions of the older 55-300 that shipped with a plastic lens mount. You may want to avoid this. There's also newer versions with HD coatings and weather resistance that may be worth shopping for at an admitted higher cost. That's the version I would be looking for, although I cannot use the PLM version due to owning an older camera that isn't supported by the PLM flavor of the lens.

01-23-2018, 12:05 PM	#11
steve_k Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Shelton, CT Photos: Albums Posts: 708	First choice would be the 55-300 PLM WR. Second Choice would be the HD 55-300 WR. Either way get a WR.

01-23-2018, 01:04 PM	#12
jgnfld Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,789	You're welcome to look thru my 40 shot 55-300 RE album as it's public. Many shots are pushing the envelope but others are at much closer distances and so you get a bit of a flavor for its normal behavior as well.

01-23-2018, 03:33 PM	#13
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,400	Originally posted by pres589 I believe that the IQ improvements with the PLM 55-300 aren't so big, it's the faster focusing and small stored size of the PLM lens which creates value over the existing 55-300. Every time telephoto lenses get discussed here, both 55-300's are mentioned. It's kind of the default answer that everyone recommends unless you can justify spending a whole lot more. The only thing I would mention that hasn't been already is that the lens is not the lightest. There are DA-L versions of the older 55-300 that shipped with a plastic lens mount. You may want to avoid this. There's also newer versions with HD coatings and weather resistance that may be worth shopping for at an admitted higher cost. That's the version I would be looking for, although I cannot use the PLM version due to owning an older camera that isn't supported by the PLM flavor of the lens. The DA-L lacks quick shift and a hood and is priced lower. The composite mount isn't an issue and the lens is very light compared to most alternatives. Da/HD/plm weighs 440/450/442g 60-250 is over 1000g.

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01-23-2018, 03:49 PM	#14
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	The weight coupled with the length of the lens is why I wouldn't like the plastic mount here vs. lenses like the DA 35 2.4. An SMC DA 55-300 with Quick Shift, a metal mount, and a hood are all reasons to find a bit of cash and go for that lens over the DA-L. On the used market I don't think the savings make the DA-L version worth going for unless this an exercise in putting together a cheap-as-possible kit.

01-23-2018, 05:27 PM	#15
kjphilippona Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Enterprise, Alabama Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,298	How often are you planning to use the lens? Just to have for once or twice a year, get the DA55-300 of any variant. The K70 can produce some super images, save your money and gat a lens that will make your K70 shine. You have one of the best portrait lenses in the DA55, I would get the DA50-135 or DA*60-250, you wont regret it!