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10-12-2019, 07:05 AM   #1
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A simple question with possibly no answer.

I have the following lenses in my kit:

18-55 DA WR
50 DA
55-300 DA ED PLM WR
120-400 Sigma
28-300 Tamron Macro

My question is, what would I gain by adding a 50-200 DA to my kit.

I shoot aviation, some landscapes, wildlife and flora (usually in close up) and occasional family shots and anything else that catches the eye.

Thanks in advance.

Barry

10-12-2019, 07:11 AM - 3 Likes   #2
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You wouldn't. The 50-200 isn't as good as your 55-300 in any respect so I would forego it.

Maybe think about another prime in a focal length you like...
10-12-2019, 07:13 AM - 1 Like   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by bigbaz Quote
55-300 DA ED PLM WR
I think your 55-300mm lens is sharper and WR, too.
It would be a redundant purchase in my opinion
10-12-2019, 07:17 AM - 1 Like   #4
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nothing that I see

your PLM and DA 50 are rated " higher " in user reviews in case you care

________________

here are links to the " in depth " reviews of each lens

QuoteQuote:
Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 WR Review
Introduction
The smc PENTAX DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR is an affordable medium-range telephoto zoom with weather sealing for APS-C sensor equipped digital SLR cameras. it is one of the longest range zoom lenses from Pentax (300mm being the longest), and one of the small number of weather and dust resistant lenses in their lineup.

Read more at: Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 WR Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

QuoteQuote:
HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM WR RE
Introduction
If you're a Pentax shooter who's not quite ready to step up to a professional lens like the DA* 60-250mm f/4 or D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8, there are only two homegrown options to scratch the telephoto itch: the DA 50-200mm or the DA 55-300mm. For years, the DA 55-300mm f/4–5.8 was the better of the two choices. This consumer zoom provided ample telephoto reach, weather sealing, and good-enough image quality, all in a portable package

Read more at: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM WR RE Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

QuoteQuote:
Pentax 50mm Prime Lens Shootout
Introduction
https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/pentax-50mm-fa-da-dfa-lens-comparison/i....html?src=lrdb

__________________________________________



depending on your budget and what you intend to try to photograph, you might want to look at a prime - the 35mm limited or a good 28mm prime or for macro/short telephoto one of the 100mm F2.8 macro family

( the DFA WR, the D FA non WR, the FA or F ) all share the same optical design and capable of true 1:1 macro

and then there is the big guy - D FA 150-450mm telephoto lens if you are looking for wild life photography and you don't like your Sigma


Last edited by aslyfox; 10-12-2019 at 08:29 AM.
10-12-2019, 07:17 AM - 2 Likes   #5
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It's only slightly larger than the 18-55. But the 55-300 is a better lens. Teplace the 18-55 with the 18-135 instead.
10-12-2019, 07:23 AM - 1 Like   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by boriscleto Quote
It's only slightly larger than the 18-55. But the 55-300 is a better lens. Replace the 18-55 with the 18-135 instead.


bingo.... this is the answer to the question not asked...
10-12-2019, 07:26 AM - 1 Like   #7
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I had the 50-200 a number of years ago. Nice and compact..... but slow and average IQ.

10-12-2019, 07:42 AM - 2 Likes   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by pepperberry farm Quote
Originally posted by boriscleto*
It's only slightly larger than the 18-55. But the 55-300 is a better lens. Replace the 18-55 with the 18-135 instead.


bingo.... this is the answer to the question not asked...
I concur.
Or a 16-85 if you must.
10-12-2019, 07:55 AM - 1 Like   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by bigbaz Quote
I have the following lenses in my kit:

18-55 DA WR
50 DA
55-300 DA ED PLM WR
120-400 Sigma
28-300 Tamron Macro

My question is, what would I gain by adding a 50-200 DA to my kit.

I shoot aviation, some landscapes, wildlife and flora (usually in close up) and occasional family shots and anything else that catches the eye.

Thanks in advance.

Barry
Everyone seems to agree that the 50-200 would add no value.

You like to do wildlife and flora closeup so maybe a true 1:1 macro lens.

Also, a 17-70 by Pentax or Sigma could be good for family shots/walkaround or a 17-50 by Sigma, Pentax or Tamron.

Buying used is of course an option. You might look for what is on sale here or keep your eyes open when KEH has their year end sales with the one year warranty.
10-12-2019, 08:05 AM - 1 Like   #10
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I also owned a DA 50-200 in the past. It was fine but average iq and slow. Very small lens however. As others have said it offers no advantages to your kit.

I also have the 18-135, and no longer own the 18-55 as a result of getting the 18-135. The latter lens has better image quality and has silent focus and more range. It pairs well with the 55-300 (any version).
10-12-2019, 08:11 AM - 1 Like   #11
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if the OP is interested in " experienced " equipment

this is what is currently listed in the forum's market place for the United Kingdom

The Pentax Marketplace | Buy & Sell Pentax Cameras and Lenses (UK) - PentaxForums.com

and the EU

The Pentax Marketplace | Buy & Sell Pentax Cameras and Lenses (EU) - PentaxForums.com
10-12-2019, 08:13 AM - 1 Like   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by bigbaz Quote
I have the following lenses in my kit:

18-55 DA WR
50 DA
55-300 DA ED PLM WR
120-400 Sigma
28-300 Tamron Macro

I shoot aviation, some landscapes, wildlife and flora (usually in close up) and occasional family shots and anything else that catches the eye.
Looking again at your list The 28-300 may already give reasonable range and semi-macro shots.

Last edited by UncleVanya; 10-12-2019 at 08:23 AM.
10-12-2019, 08:19 AM - 1 Like   #13
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You have a very nice lineup now. If anything; as others have recommended, replace the 18-55 with the 18-135 or 16-85. I do not have the PLM, but from the photos I've seen here, it's an excellent lens, and would be hard to replace without spending major money.
10-12-2019, 08:22 AM - 1 Like   #14
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As others have said, the 50-200 adds little to your kit.

Instead, a dedicated macro lens would give a big boost to your flora photos. Super zoom macro lenses rarely provide high quality or high magnification. Something like the DFA 100/2.8 dramatically expands the range of close-up shot you can take.

Last edited by photoptimist; 10-12-2019 at 08:40 AM.
10-12-2019, 08:26 AM - 1 Like   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
Looking again at your list The 28-300 may already give reasonable range and semi-macro shots.
If I have the correct lens

it appears to not be close to 1:1 macro work

QuoteQuote:
Model: 185DP
Filter Size:72mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.61m at f=200mm
Max Mag. Ratio: 1:3.7 at f=240mm
Aperture: F3.5-6.3
Angle of View: 75-8 (35mm film)
Construction: 15 elements in 13 groups
Length 94.6mm
Diameter: 80.4mm
Weight: 590g
Year introduced:1999
Read more at: Tamron AF 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 LD Aspherical IF Marco Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
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