budget zoom lens much better then SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED

Wolfie665 · 12-17-2018, 11:01 AM

Hello,

any ideas about cheap zoom lens much better then SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED?

When I say cheap I mean budget around £200. I have K-5ii.

**FozzFoster** · 12-17-2018, 11:06 AM

I'd say a DA 55-300 WR - an used/older screw AF version should fit the bill.

Adam · 12-17-2018, 11:06 AM

The DA 55-300mm is about as cost-effective as it gets in this space, if you want auto focus.

photolady95 · 12-17-2018, 11:13 AM - **2 Likes**

I agree, and check the MarketPlace here. I just a gently use one for USD $165. and it's great. And it's the WR version. Click on the photos to see larger versions, the details in the feathers of the birds overrides the details of my once owned 50-200 by 100%

If you need convincing, here's a couple of photos I shot recently with mine:

timb64 · 12-17-2018, 11:34 AM

If you need more persauding have a look at these:

DA55-300WR | Flickr

**UncleVanya** · 12-17-2018, 11:44 AM

The DA and DAL non WR are generally quite inexpensive. The HD WR lenses sometimes as noted are in your price range.

Docrwm · 12-17-2018, 01:06 PM

The 55-300 is a distinct step up in IQ from the 50-200 (although it gets a bad rap IMHO). I'm also surprised at the lower cost of the 18-135 these days when used. It is WR and a quite capable zoom IMHO, I find it incredibly versatile.

**Des** · 12-17-2018, 01:42 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Wolfie665

any ideas about cheap zoom lens much better then SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED?When I say cheap I mean budget around £200. I have K-5ii.

Your profile lists a Sigma 70-300 amongst your kit. Have you compared that with the 50-200?

Otherwise any of the three variants of the Pentax 55-300 f4-5.8 would be fine. The WR version is the pick as others have said (not only adds WR but also HD coatings and a nicer build) but the earlier DA and DA-L are otherwise optically identical and are now very cheap. I've got the DA-L and it performs surprisingly well: Pentax DA-L 55-300mm f4-5.8 sample images - Flickr - Des(Australia). The DA-L has a plastic mount (like the DA 35 f2.4 and the DA-L 55-200) and lacks quick shift, but is otherwise the same as the regular DA. The DA-L isn't supplied with a hood but they are available for a couple of quid on ebay

You may know this already, but you'll have to skip the current model DA 55-300mm f4.5-6.3 PLM even if you can find one within budget - Ricoh haven't released a firmware update to allow it to work properly on the K-5 series.

**shardulm** · 12-17-2018, 02:02 PM - **3 Likes**

I still use it on my K-1 at times when I need 300mm and not the entire frame. I loved it every bit on the K-x kit I got years ago. Its small, light weight, great reach and probably best kit zoom in that range amongst CaNikOny offerings. Focuses faster on K-X than on my K-5ii.

photolady95 · 12-17-2018, 02:17 PM

I also have a Sigma 70-300mm and I think the IQ of the 55-300mm beats it hands down. I've got some good photos of birds in flight with the Sigma but it's right heavy lens where the Pentax isn't heavy and it's easier on my bony body. LOL

jimr-pdx · 12-17-2018, 02:36 PM

I'm still a fan of the $35 sigma/quantaray 100-300 f/4.5-6.7 myself. The 55-300 is very good but AF is rather pokey, while the Sigma is much faster (in good light). In poorer light it hunts fast

and you need good support past 250mm as it drops to f/6.7. Given those caveats it's a real bargain, and K-1 friendly.

photolady95 · 12-17-2018, 02:39 PM

Originally posted by jimr-pdx

I'm still a fan of the $35 sigma/quantaray 100-300 f/4.5-6.7 myself. The 55-300 is very good but AF is rather pokey, while the Sigma is much faster (in good light). In poorer light it hunts fast

and you need good support past 250mm as it drops to f/6.7. Given those caveats it's a real bargain, and K-1 friendly.

I haven't had any problem with my new to me WR 55-300mm being pokey. Not yet anyway. Course I haven't tried it at f8 yet, lower lighting situations.

**niels hansen** · 12-17-2018, 02:53 PM

Tamron 70 300 macro is very good value for money, the price on ebay is ridiculous low, mine is 5 years old on k 30 and kp

Docrwm · 12-17-2018, 03:06 PM

Originally posted by niels hansen

Tamron 70 300 macro is very good value for money, the price on ebay is ridiculous low, mine is 5 years old on k 30 and kp

I have one up for sale and I agree, but I will say for considerably more the DA55-300 is better. But you can find the Tamrons for as little as $25 if you are patient.

**pepperberry farm** · 12-17-2018, 03:21 PM

DA L 55-300mm is possibly the best consumer zoom in K-mount... add in the low price-point and it just sweetens the deal...

12-17-2018, 11:01 AM	#1
Wolfie665 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 95	budget zoom lens much better then SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED Hello, any ideas about cheap zoom lens much better then SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED? When I say cheap I mean budget around £200. I have K-5ii.

12-17-2018, 11:06 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	The DA 55-300mm is about as cost-effective as it gets in this space, if you want auto 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:

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12-17-2018, 11:06 AM	#2
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I'd say a DA 55-300 WR - an used/older screw AF version should fit the bill.

12-17-2018, 11:13 AM - 2 Likes	#4
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	I agree, and check the MarketPlace here. I just a gently use one for USD $165. and it's great. And it's the WR version. Click on the photos to see larger versions, the details in the feathers of the birds overrides the details of my once owned 50-200 by 100% If you need convincing, here's a couple of photos I shot recently with mine:

12-17-2018, 11:34 AM	#5
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	If you need more persauding have a look at these: DA55-300WR \| Flickr

12-17-2018, 11:44 AM	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	The DA and DAL non WR are generally quite inexpensive. The HD WR lenses sometimes as noted are in your price range.

12-17-2018, 01:06 PM	#7
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	The 55-300 is a distinct step up in IQ from the 50-200 (although it gets a bad rap IMHO). I'm also surprised at the lower cost of the 18-135 these days when used. It is WR and a quite capable zoom IMHO, I find it incredibly versatile.

12-17-2018, 01:42 PM - 1 Like	#8
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by Wolfie665 any ideas about cheap zoom lens much better then SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED?When I say cheap I mean budget around £200. I have K-5ii. Your profile lists a Sigma 70-300 amongst your kit. Have you compared that with the 50-200? Otherwise any of the three variants of the Pentax 55-300 f4-5.8 would be fine. The WR version is the pick as others have said (not only adds WR but also HD coatings and a nicer build) but the earlier DA and DA-L are otherwise optically identical and are now very cheap. I've got the DA-L and it performs surprisingly well: Pentax DA-L 55-300mm f4-5.8 sample images - Flickr - Des(Australia). The DA-L has a plastic mount (like the DA 35 f2.4 and the DA-L 55-200) and lacks quick shift, but is otherwise the same as the regular DA. The DA-L isn't supplied with a hood but they are available for a couple of quid on ebay You may know this already, but you'll have to skip the current model DA 55-300mm f4.5-6.3 PLM even if you can find one within budget - Ricoh haven't released a firmware update to allow it to work properly on the K-5 series.

12-17-2018, 02:17 PM	#10
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	I also have a Sigma 70-300mm and I think the IQ of the 55-300mm beats it hands down. I've got some good photos of birds in flight with the Sigma but it's right heavy lens where the Pentax isn't heavy and it's easier on my bony body. LOL

12-17-2018, 02:36 PM	#11
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	I'm still a fan of the $35 sigma/quantaray 100-300 f/4.5-6.7 myself. The 55-300 is very good but AF is rather pokey, while the Sigma is much faster (in good light). In poorer light it hunts fast and you need good support past 250mm as it drops to f/6.7. Given those caveats it's a real bargain, and K-1 friendly.

12-17-2018, 02:39 PM	#12
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Originally posted by jimr-pdx I'm still a fan of the $35 sigma/quantaray 100-300 f/4.5-6.7 myself. The 55-300 is very good but AF is rather pokey, while the Sigma is much faster (in good light). In poorer light it hunts fast and you need good support past 250mm as it drops to f/6.7. Given those caveats it's a real bargain, and K-1 friendly. I haven't had any problem with my new to me WR 55-300mm being pokey. Not yet anyway. Course I haven't tried it at f8 yet, lower lighting situations.

12-17-2018, 02:53 PM	#13
niels hansen Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 343	Tamron 70 300 macro is very good value for money, the price on ebay is ridiculous low, mine is 5 years old on k 30 and kp

12-17-2018, 03:06 PM	#14
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by niels hansen Tamron 70 300 macro is very good value for money, the price on ebay is ridiculous low, mine is 5 years old on k 30 and kp I have one up for sale and I agree, but I will say for considerably more the DA55-300 is better. But you can find the Tamrons for as little as $25 if you are patient.

12-17-2018, 03:21 PM	#15
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,660	DA L 55-300mm is possibly the best consumer zoom in K-mount... add in the low price-point and it just sweetens the deal...