Pentax DA 55-300mm Lens

timb64 · 06-19-2018, 12:55 AM - **2 Likes**

This thread would mean more with pics!

Here’s a link to some taken with my HD (non PLM) version.

DA55-300WR | Flickr

**pepperberry farm** · 06-19-2018, 02:53 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by timb64

This thread would mean more with pics!

Here’s a link to some taken with my HD (non PLM) version.

DA55-300WR | Flickr

would it?

shots with my DA L 55-300:

the rest of the album:

DA L 55-300mm f4-5.8 ED | Flickr

**boriscleto** · 06-19-2018, 05:05 AM - **8 Likes**

DA L

DA WR

**pepperberry farm** · 06-19-2018, 05:42 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

DA L

DA WR

nice!

**Des** · 06-19-2018, 04:42 PM

Originally posted by timb64

This thread would mean more with pics!Here’s a link to some taken with my HD (non PLM) version.DA55-300WR | Flickr

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

would it?shots with my DA L 55-300:

Originally posted by boriscleto

DA L

Excellent samples all.

If I were in the OP's position, I would look just for the model with the most features within budget. The HD coatings and WR make that last model more attractive, but since the earlier DA and DA-L are otherwise optically identical they could be a good buy at the right price. The advantage of getting a new (old stock) HD WR model is the warranty, so you can return it if you get a dud. If buying used, if possible try it out first.

Just in case it isn't already clear, you can forget the PLM model: it won't work with the K-5.

guinnessman · 06-22-2018, 05:53 PM

Sadly, I've only taken out this lens once, still struggling with camera shake at the long end:

**savoche** · 06-23-2018, 01:26 AM - **7 Likes**

I'll add a few samples with the old SMC DA version (non-WR, non-PLM).

Some with the K-3

And some with the K-1

And some more should anyone be interested.
Pentax DA 55-300mm | Flickr

LensBeginner · 06-23-2018, 01:56 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by guinnessman

Sadly, I've only taken out this lens once, still struggling with camera shake at the long end:

Quick tip: safe speed rule of thumb is 1/focal length, accounting for crop, i.e. 1/300s on film at 300mm, at least 1/500s on APS-C.
You could get away with less, depending on the circumstances.
Half-press the shutter button and give time to the SR system to arm and settle (1-2 seconds) - you can also check what happened in the EXIF data as well (SR status will be recorded).

**savoche** · 06-23-2018, 03:27 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by guinnessman

Sadly, I've only taken out this lens once, still struggling with camera shake at the long end:

In addition to LensBeginner's good advice, make sure to hold the camera as steady as possible with the lens resting in your left hand. Place your feet a bit apart, tuck your elbows in, let your breath out to a "neutral position", squeeze the shutter button slowly.

Or better yet, use a tripod. I'm usually too lazy to do that, though...

**aslyfox** · 06-23-2018, 03:44 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by savoche

In addition to LensBeginner's good advice, make sure to hold the camera as steady as possible with the lens resting in your left hand. Place your feet a bit apart, tuck your elbows in, let your breath out to a "neutral position", squeeze the shutter button slowly.

Or better yet, use a tripod. I'm usually too lazy to do that, though...

or find a brace of some sort

look around at the environment you are in

is there a tree, a fence, a table

you get the idea I am sure

LensBeginner · 06-23-2018, 03:51 AM - **1 Like**

Today a guy started a thread in the "shooting technique" section of the Italian Pentaxiani forum, asking for advice on air guns

...which reminds me that we have a great tutorial on "shooting" stance, right here on PentaxForums:
Making the Most of Long Exposure Handhelds - Introduction - In-Depth Articles

**aslyfox** · 06-23-2018, 03:55 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Des

Excellent samples all.

If I were in the OP's position, I would look just for the model with the most features within budget. The HD coatings and WR make that last model more attractive, but since the earlier DA and DA-L are otherwise optically identical they could be a good buy at the right price. The advantage of getting a new (old stock) HD WR model is the warranty, so you can return it if you get a dud. If buying used, if possible try it out first. . . .

there can be other options as well

Keh.com offers this option to buyers in the US who purchase their used equipment:

" At KEH it’s our goal to ensure your 100% satisfaction.[B] If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return or exchange it to KEH within 14 days of delivery for a full
refund. "

FAQs at KEH Camera Store

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR 55-300mm Amazon $266	1wild1	Pentax Price Watch	4	04-18-2016 07:18 AM
For Sale - Sold: smc PENTAX-DA 1:4-5.8 55-300mm ED (Not DA L) Boxed DA 55-300	transam879	Sold Items	2	07-23-2014 07:41 PM
For Sale - Sold: smc PENTAX-DA 1:4-5.8 55-300mm ED (Not DA L) EXCELLENT DA 55-300 (price reduced)	transam879	Sold Items	12	07-21-2014 11:21 AM
300mm manual focus?? DA 55-300mm or SMC Pentax 1:4 300mm type	Mike C	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	26	03-19-2012 01:39 AM

06-19-2018, 12:55 AM - 2 Likes	#31
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,514	This thread would mean more with pics! Here’s a link to some taken with my HD (non PLM) version. DA55-300WR \| Flickr

06-19-2018, 02:53 AM - 2 Likes	#32
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	Originally posted by timb64 This thread would mean more with pics! Here’s a link to some taken with my HD (non PLM) version. DA55-300WR \| Flickr would it? shots with my DA L 55-300: the rest of the album: DA L 55-300mm f4-5.8 ED \| Flickr

06-19-2018, 05:05 AM - 8 Likes	#33
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,476	DA L DA WR

06-19-2018, 05:42 AM	#34
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	Originally posted by boriscleto DA L DA WR nice!

06-19-2018, 04:42 PM	#35
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by timb64 This thread would mean more with pics!Here’s a link to some taken with my HD (non PLM) version.DA55-300WR \| Flickr Originally posted by pepperberry farm would it?shots with my DA L 55-300: Originally posted by boriscleto DA L Excellent samples all. If I were in the OP's position, I would look just for the model with the most features within budget. The HD coatings and WR make that last model more attractive, but since the earlier DA and DA-L are otherwise optically identical they could be a good buy at the right price. The advantage of getting a new (old stock) HD WR model is the warranty, so you can return it if you get a dud. If buying used, if possible try it out first. Just in case it isn't already clear, you can forget the PLM model: it won't work with the K-5.

06-22-2018, 05:53 PM	#36
guinnessman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Missoula, MT Posts: 175	Sadly, I've only taken out this lens once, still struggling with camera shake at the long end:

06-23-2018, 01:26 AM - 7 Likes	#37
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	I'll add a few samples with the old SMC DA version (non-WR, non-PLM). Some with the K-3 And some with the K-1 And some more should anyone be interested. Pentax DA 55-300mm \| Flickr

06-23-2018, 01:56 AM - 3 Likes	#38
LensBeginner Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,696	Originally posted by guinnessman Sadly, I've only taken out this lens once, still struggling with camera shake at the long end: Quick tip: safe speed rule of thumb is 1/focal length, accounting for crop, i.e. 1/300s on film at 300mm, at least 1/500s on APS-C. You could get away with less, depending on the circumstances. Half-press the shutter button and give time to the SR system to arm and settle (1-2 seconds) - you can also check what happened in the EXIF data as well (SR status will be recorded).

06-23-2018, 03:27 AM - 2 Likes	#39
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Originally posted by guinnessman Sadly, I've only taken out this lens once, still struggling with camera shake at the long end: In addition to LensBeginner's good advice, make sure to hold the camera as steady as possible with the lens resting in your left hand. Place your feet a bit apart, tuck your elbows in, let your breath out to a "neutral position", squeeze the shutter button slowly. Or better yet, use a tripod. I'm usually too lazy to do that, though...

06-23-2018, 03:44 AM - 1 Like	#40
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by savoche In addition to LensBeginner's good advice, make sure to hold the camera as steady as possible with the lens resting in your left hand. Place your feet a bit apart, tuck your elbows in, let your breath out to a "neutral position", squeeze the shutter button slowly. Or better yet, use a tripod. I'm usually too lazy to do that, though... or find a brace of some sort look around at the environment you are in is there a tree, a fence, a table you get the idea I am sure

06-23-2018, 03:51 AM - 1 Like	#41
LensBeginner Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,696	Today a guy started a thread in the "shooting technique" section of the Italian Pentaxiani forum, asking for advice on air guns ...which reminds me that we have a great tutorial on "shooting" stance, right here on PentaxForums: Making the Most of Long Exposure Handhelds - Introduction - In-Depth Articles

06-23-2018, 03:55 AM - 1 Like	#42
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by Des Excellent samples all. If I were in the OP's position, I would look just for the model with the most features within budget. The HD coatings and WR make that last model more attractive, but since the earlier DA and DA-L are otherwise optically identical they could be a good buy at the right price. The advantage of getting a new (old stock) HD WR model is the warranty, so you can return it if you get a dud. If buying used, if possible try it out first. . . . there can be other options as well Keh.com offers this option to buyers in the US who purchase their used equipment: " At KEH it’s our goal to ensure your 100% satisfaction.[B] If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return or exchange it to KEH within 14 days of delivery for a full refund. " FAQs at KEH Camera Store