Which long lens do you recommend?

**tncowdaddy** · 07-27-2018, 10:22 AM

Right now I'm using a Pentax K-3 with a Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 and I recently acquired a Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8.

I also use a Pentax-DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8. As I just spent some dough on the 50-135, I want to find out if there's a better lens out there than the DA L 55-300mm that I can move to for under $300. Ones I've looked at are the Pentax HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens and several Sigma lenses (70-300mm, 100-300mm, 135-400mm). I trying to get as good a birding lens as I can get now until I can afford the $800-1200 to get a good used long lens.

skierd · 07-27-2018, 10:48 AM

The current HD 55-300 PLM would be my choice, and it’s only $370 on B&H currently.

**StiffLegged** · 07-27-2018, 12:32 PM

The DA 55-300 is optically the same as the DA L 55-300. You pay the extra to get HD coating, a metal bayonet and quick-shift focus override, but you don't get any sharper. The PLM version is a newer design.

**aslyfox** · 07-27-2018, 12:51 PM

Originally posted by tncowdaddy

Right now I'm using a Pentax K-3 with a Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 and I recently acquired a Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8.

I also use a Pentax-DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8. As I just spent some dough on the 50-135, I want to find out if there's a better lens out there than the DA L 55-300mm that I can move to for under $300. Ones I've looked at are the Pentax HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens and several Sigma lenses (70-300mm, 100-300mm, 135-400mm). I trying to get as good a birding lens as I can get now until I can afford the $800-1200 to get a good used long lens.

I would recommend you consider spending some money and rent some lenses so you can do your own testing before buying anything

I have successfully used LensRentals.com which I believe is from Cordova TN

there are other companies but I haven't used them

then if you are interested in an " experienced " lens check out the listings by forum members in the market place " buy/sell "

_______________________

have you seen the section of the forum which has the reviews of lenses - " Lenses "

good luck

**boriscleto** · 07-27-2018, 12:59 PM

You won't find a better lens than the 55-300 in your price range. The HD isn't a big enough upgrade to spend money on, the PLM is just above your price range.

The Tamron 1.4x Pz-AF MC4 teleconverter might be worth the investment until you can afford something else, or just save your money...

6BQ5 · 07-27-2018, 01:04 PM - **1 Like**

I think the 55-300 is probably the "best" you'll be able to do. The next jump up is the 150-450 which costs much more money. Perhaps you would be best served saving that $300 and applying to the 150-450 later. The 150-450 is a stellar lens, worth every penny and pound.

You could also try a 1.4x or 2.0x tele-converter with your current setup ... but a good one of those may end up costing you the same $300 + a dip in image quality. You might as well just crop your images.

Alternatively, you could jump to u4/3. A used Lumix 100-300 lens is about $350 + a used Olympus M5 or M10 is about $300. That $750 will give you an equivalent focal length of 600mm in full frame terms. I have that lens and it's a pretty good setup. It won't match the 150-450 but it also doesn't cost the same.

ChatMechant · 07-27-2018, 01:12 PM

Save a little more and get a used da*300 with a dead sdm, then convert it to screwdrive.

normhead · 07-27-2018, 02:28 PM

Telephoto means bigger glass. Almost by definition, there is no cheap good telephoto. But my DA 55-300 PLM is pretty darn good. When weight is an issue I take it instead of my heavier lenses and don't see much drop off. I wouldn't however use it with a TC. It's ƒ6.3 in the long end and locking focus in lower light is going to be an issue.

Wasp · 07-27-2018, 02:43 PM

Have you considered manual focus lenses? My 30 year old SMC Pentax A 400mm f/5.6 has served my well with both film and digital. You should be able to find one within your budget.

bschriver11 · 07-27-2018, 03:18 PM

The 55-300 does a good job for what it is. I am also looking to upgrade to maybe the DA* 300 since i often photograph wildlife and find myself quite often at that focal length but don't want something that would be too large and heavy. I first put much effort into getting everything i could out of the 55-300, on a tripod whenever possible with 2 second timer and stopping down a little really helps at the long end. I find that longer lenses require attention to detail to get out of them what they are capable of.

**pepperberry farm** · 07-27-2018, 04:43 PM - **1 Like**

I'd save up for a good 300mm prime (F*, FA*, or DA* 300mm) and not replace that zoom with another zoom that will just frustrate you at 300mm...

Billk · 07-27-2018, 05:27 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

I'd save up for a good 300mm prime (F*, FA*, or DA* 300mm) and not replace that zoom with another zoom that will just frustrate you at 300mm...

If you can get a used 300mm, that's what you really want for birding.

jddwoods · 07-27-2018, 05:28 PM - **1 Like**

As others have said, the 55-300 is a very good lens for beginner photography. Since you have a K-3 I would recommend the PLM version especially if you intend to use it for photographing birds. I have had the DA 55-300 version and sold it, I went for the newer WR version but still found the autofocus too slow and too noisy for photographing birds. The PLM version which I bought 2 years ago gives much faster and completely silent autofocus which has helped me considerably in bird/wildlife photography. If you can handle the extra cost for the PLM version, it is well worth it. I was considering this same question two years ago and my birding kit is the 55-300 PLM and last year I added a used DA*300 and the 1.4 TC which ups my reach to 420mm. You can start with the 55-300 and add something else later.

Brooke Meyer · 07-27-2018, 05:36 PM

Originally posted by tncowdaddy

Right now I'm using a Pentax K-3 with a Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 and I recently acquired a Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8.

I also use a Pentax-DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8. As I just spent some dough on the 50-135, I want to find out if there's a better lens out there than the DA L 55-300mm that I can move to for under $300. Ones I've looked at are the Pentax HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens and several Sigma lenses (70-300mm, 100-300mm, 135-400mm). I trying to get as good a birding lens as I can get now until I can afford the $800-1200 to get a good used long lens.

This one Sigma 100-300mm F4 EX APO DG telephoto zoom lens - PentaxForums.com

**boriscleto** · 07-27-2018, 05:45 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Brooke Meyer

This one Sigma 100-300mm F4 EX APO DG telephoto zoom lens - PentaxForums.com

Not in the OP's budget.

07-27-2018, 10:22 AM	#1
tncowdaddy Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: Bristol, Tennessee Posts: 369	Which long lens do you recommend? Right now I'm using a Pentax K-3 with a Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 and I recently acquired a Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8. I also use a Pentax-DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8. As I just spent some dough on the 50-135, I want to find out if there's a better lens out there than the DA L 55-300mm that I can move to for under $300. Ones I've looked at are the Pentax HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens and several Sigma lenses (70-300mm, 100-300mm, 135-400mm). I trying to get as good a birding lens as I can get now until I can afford the $800-1200 to get a good used long lens.

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07-27-2018, 10:48 AM	#2
skierd Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Fairbanks, AK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,472	The current HD 55-300 PLM would be my choice, and it’s only $370 on B&H currently.

07-27-2018, 12:32 PM	#3
StiffLegged Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,632	The DA 55-300 is optically the same as the DA L 55-300. You pay the extra to get HD coating, a metal bayonet and quick-shift focus override, but you don't get any sharper. The PLM version is a newer design.

07-27-2018, 12:51 PM	#4
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,582	Originally posted by tncowdaddy Right now I'm using a Pentax K-3 with a Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 and I recently acquired a Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8. I also use a Pentax-DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8. As I just spent some dough on the 50-135, I want to find out if there's a better lens out there than the DA L 55-300mm that I can move to for under $300. Ones I've looked at are the Pentax HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens and several Sigma lenses (70-300mm, 100-300mm, 135-400mm). I trying to get as good a birding lens as I can get now until I can afford the $800-1200 to get a good used long lens. I would recommend you consider spending some money and rent some lenses so you can do your own testing before buying anything I have successfully used LensRentals.com which I believe is from Cordova TN there are other companies but I haven't used them then if you are interested in an " experienced " lens check out the listings by forum members in the market place " buy/sell " _______________________ have you seen the section of the forum which has the reviews of lenses - " Lenses " good luck

07-27-2018, 12:59 PM	#5
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	You won't find a better lens than the 55-300 in your price range. The HD isn't a big enough upgrade to spend money on, the PLM is just above your price range. The Tamron 1.4x Pz-AF MC4 teleconverter might be worth the investment until you can afford something else, or just save your money...

07-27-2018, 01:04 PM - 1 Like	#6
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	I think the 55-300 is probably the "best" you'll be able to do. The next jump up is the 150-450 which costs much more money. Perhaps you would be best served saving that $300 and applying to the 150-450 later. The 150-450 is a stellar lens, worth every penny and pound. You could also try a 1.4x or 2.0x tele-converter with your current setup ... but a good one of those may end up costing you the same $300 + a dip in image quality. You might as well just crop your images. Alternatively, you could jump to u4/3. A used Lumix 100-300 lens is about $350 + a used Olympus M5 or M10 is about $300. That $750 will give you an equivalent focal length of 600mm in full frame terms. I have that lens and it's a pretty good setup. It won't match the 150-450 but it also doesn't cost the same.

07-27-2018, 01:12 PM	#7
ChatMechant Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Matsuyama Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,284	Save a little more and get a used da*300 with a dead sdm, then convert it to screwdrive.

07-27-2018, 02:28 PM	#8
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Telephoto means bigger glass. Almost by definition, there is no cheap good telephoto. But my DA 55-300 PLM is pretty darn good. When weight is an issue I take it instead of my heavier lenses and don't see much drop off. I wouldn't however use it with a TC. It's ƒ6.3 in the long end and locking focus in lower light is going to be an issue.

07-27-2018, 02:43 PM	#9
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,661	Have you considered manual focus lenses? My 30 year old SMC Pentax A 400mm f/5.6 has served my well with both film and digital. You should be able to find one within your budget.

07-27-2018, 03:18 PM	#10
bschriver11 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 558	The 55-300 does a good job for what it is. I am also looking to upgrade to maybe the DA* 300 since i often photograph wildlife and find myself quite often at that focal length but don't want something that would be too large and heavy. I first put much effort into getting everything i could out of the 55-300, on a tripod whenever possible with 2 second timer and stopping down a little really helps at the long end. I find that longer lenses require attention to detail to get out of them what they are capable of.

07-27-2018, 04:43 PM - 1 Like	#11
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,751	I'd save up for a good 300mm prime (F, FA, or DA* 300mm) and not replace that zoom with another zoom that will just frustrate you at 300mm...

07-27-2018, 05:27 PM - 1 Like	#12
Billk Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Posts: 349	Originally posted by pepperberry farm I'd save up for a good 300mm prime (F, FA, or DA* 300mm) and not replace that zoom with another zoom that will just frustrate you at 300mm... If you can get a used 300mm, that's what you really want for birding.

07-27-2018, 05:28 PM - 1 Like	#13
jddwoods Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Newark, Delaware Posts: 1,035	As others have said, the 55-300 is a very good lens for beginner photography. Since you have a K-3 I would recommend the PLM version especially if you intend to use it for photographing birds. I have had the DA 55-300 version and sold it, I went for the newer WR version but still found the autofocus too slow and too noisy for photographing birds. The PLM version which I bought 2 years ago gives much faster and completely silent autofocus which has helped me considerably in bird/wildlife photography. If you can handle the extra cost for the PLM version, it is well worth it. I was considering this same question two years ago and my birding kit is the 55-300 PLM and last year I added a used DA*300 and the 1.4 TC which ups my reach to 420mm. You can start with the 55-300 and add something else later.

07-27-2018, 05:36 PM	#14
Brooke Meyer Guest	Originally posted by tncowdaddy Right now I'm using a Pentax K-3 with a Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 and I recently acquired a Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8. I also use a Pentax-DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8. As I just spent some dough on the 50-135, I want to find out if there's a better lens out there than the DA L 55-300mm that I can move to for under $300. Ones I've looked at are the Pentax HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens and several Sigma lenses (70-300mm, 100-300mm, 135-400mm). I trying to get as good a birding lens as I can get now until I can afford the $800-1200 to get a good used long lens. This one Sigma 100-300mm F4 EX APO DG telephoto zoom lens - PentaxForums.com

07-27-2018, 05:45 PM - 1 Like	#15
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by Brooke Meyer This one Sigma 100-300mm F4 EX APO DG telephoto zoom lens - PentaxForums.com Not in the OP's budget.