Originally posted by normhead When you have lens like the DA 55-300 PLM which ws rated best in class by at least one site, I think you can argue you get better than you pay for.
A 10 MP camera is significantly less demanding than a 24 MP camera. That 2 pixel chromatic aberration is now going to be 4 pixel.
As I recall that 12-24 is an FF lens, and they've become really hard to find in Pentax mount.
I can't believe people complain about distortion on cheap lenses. The definition of how to make manufacturing lenses cheap. Do very little distortion correction, do very little CA correction, crank out a lot of those cheap easy to produce lenses.
We aren't suggesting here that anyone can make excellent glass for the same price as cheaper lenses. What we are talking about is compromise lenses that while not top shelf, are good enough to get along with based on your personal shooting preferences. Shopping for heavily corrected top shelf glass in the "cheap" section is pointless. Although I'd add, by going MF with a Samyang/Rokinon is the way to go if you want great IQ and low price.
I've had my early copy 55-300 Pentax lens since June 2008. I've been more than pleased with it...it's a good lens...light, compact for it's focal length, very good clarity in images and I find it tracks pretty good. I've used it for a lot of different stuff...everything from taking pics of cars at the drag strip, to Great Grey Owls in the forest...along with a lot of other subjects.
I've used it with my K10D, Km and K5. It's mostly been on my K10D for awhile now, as this is the combo I grab when I'm out and about in the car and want a lens with reach, in case I see something.
My 12-24 is the Pentax version...ASP-C. You might be thinking of the 12-24 Sigma which is Full Frame. I know you have some Sigma lenses which are FF and can be used for both ASP-C and FF. I have sometimes thought that earlier on, I should of done that...given that Pentax eventually did bring out a Full Framer, the K1, which I eventually got.