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11-18-2019, 09:47 AM   #16
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Based on my recent experience trying to sell a 55-300 ED WR or rather failing to sell it for a damn low price you should be able to find a bargain lens of this type.
DA L for less than $100 would not surprise me.

11-18-2019, 09:54 AM - 1 Like   #17
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I had both the Da-L & currently the DA 50-200mm ED WR and have been happy with the sharpness quality once I adjusted the lens to match with my camera. Granted it isn't DA* quality. Plus having the ability to quick shift helps dial it in even more. I also have the Da 50-300mm non PLM and still use my 50-200mm more mainly because it's smaller and lighter for hand carrying. Neither is going really to sharp at full zoom.
11-18-2019, 10:01 AM   #18
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DA vs DA-L of 55-300 : image quality would be roughly the same. The DA exists in two versions (excluding PLM) : SMC and HD. HD means superior coating (less flare), and is the only one that can be bought new (but not for $200 I'm afraid). DA-L were never sold directly, only with a body, and are cheaper because they lack Quick Shift, distance scale and metal mount. If you don't mind Quick Shift and distance scale, a DA-L would be perfect, and cheapest.
11-18-2019, 10:06 AM   #19
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I love the 50-200

But then, I own the Samsung version of this lens and it is sharp from 50 -> 200. I made many pictures with this one and I have nothing to complain about its sharpness. If you want to stick with Pentax than find a good second hand 55-300. If you are willing to try something else then try this one: Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Overview: Digital Photography Review. I own a copy of this one and it is very good. Nice thing about this lens is, that it is also a very capable macro lens for its money.


Last edited by Unregistered User; 11-18-2019 at 10:22 AM. Reason: a bit less information
11-18-2019, 11:05 AM   #20
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any version of the 55-300 will be an improvement in terms of quality and you will have more reach.
11-18-2019, 01:35 PM - 1 Like   #21
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QuoteOriginally posted by frey71 Quote
Hi. I am looking for a replacement 50-200. The reason is that the lens is not very sharp at 50-70 and 200. I consider the used F70-210 4.0-5.6 or DA 55-300 4.0-5.6. What do you advise. I will definitely not take Star and Lim - the budget is limited.
What camera body are you using? I concur with Mike in the older version HD DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 WR being an outstanding value. It is still available new. I think very highly of mine, even though having far more expensive professional-grade telephoto star lenses. It has demonstrated even better image performance for me than the similar non-HD, non-WR original versions, which I used to have. If your camera body features WR construction, this WR lens would preserve that function when mounted on your camera, for a complete WR system.

Last edited by mikesbike; 11-18-2019 at 01:40 PM.
11-18-2019, 02:50 PM   #22
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DA over DA L simply because of the quick shift. The lens has a very noisy and slow autofocus and you can get around this using quickshift to get close then nail it with the autofocus. Of course if you can get the WR version better yet. The PLM will not work on your KR.

OOPS, I read your profile but missed the K-70 post, If you can, save your money for the PLM.


Last edited by ramseybuckeye; 11-18-2019 at 06:09 PM.
11-18-2019, 07:19 PM   #23
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The main advantage for the PLM lens is faster, quieter AF. IQ is similar, but the older HD lens has a bit faster aperture. Its AF is not that slow if you are shooting in the lower tele range for your zooming or in the nearer distance range, and not going from near to far all at once. It also has a longer focus rotation, the main reason for AF being slower, but this is actually better for well fine-tuned manual focus when using quick shift or not. It is not an internal-focus design like the PLM version, so it does not have "focus breathing", which is a shortening of the effective focal length when shooting at a closer distance to the subject. Therefore, if you were shooting a photo of a bird on a branch or a fence at a closer distance with the lens racked out to 300mm, for example, you would likely get a larger image of the bird compared to the PLM image. It is also usable on older Pentax bodies, unlike the PLM. I have the KP which is PLM compatible, but I also have my very trusty K-5 IIs, which is not.

There are pluses and minuses, is what I'm getting at.

I just checked- I have no idea of your location, but B&H has both in stock at good "holiday" prices. The older non-PLM price is ending today! Rather odd to end this price now as the holiday season is just beginning! It is at $277 while the PLM version is at $367. Both with free shipping in the US. The "holiday" price for the non-PLM version might be extended, or might reappear as Christmas approaches.

Last edited by mikesbike; 11-21-2019 at 03:45 PM.
11-18-2019, 08:09 PM   #24
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I hold three Takumar F 70-210 f4s, with one in every gear set-up for shoot scenarios so arranged camera bag here. These are just about identical to the Pentax F SMC 70-210, in spite of the errant specifications posting on this lens in the Pentax Lens user reviews database. I also have the ED L original steel mount 55-300 SMC DA with the green stripe (in spite of what someone says above, it has quick shift; I also use an extra sharp A* series 300mm f4). So I can offer comparisons by professional use of all these.

If you need the reach go for the 55-300 DA ED L nonplastic mount. It has ED elements, as does the Takumar F 70-210 have one as well. The latter takes a 49mm filter, and is a very sharp sleeper lens at all focal lengths and at most apertures. It is almost as good as the 300f4 A* lens, my copy of which is amazing (bought it directly from the Pentax warehouse once in Golden, Colorado in the old film days). It gives better imaging than the mentioned 55-300 DA ED L, of which my copy is also good. FYI, a digital camera searches less with the T F 70-210, makes less screw autofocus drive noise, and renders brighter leaning color bias which is refreshing compared to the 55-300 in longer extensions.

I bought my first copy of the Takumar F 70-210 in the 1990s, new, so it came with a booklet which specifies exactly the same number of elements as the Pentax SMC version -- and when rebuilding one used copy later from two such lenses I found has the same coatings as the SMC version on most in lens element groups. (I know the SMC verson because I bought a copy for one of my grown sons). It is also SMC where it needs to be. So look for this lens in mint condition on ebay. If you are willing to wait, you might find a mint-like copy for $40 or less. There are good and trashed copies on ebay at this posting time. Send the seller the exact condition description you want, ask for a flashlight shined through lens debris report, and a snappy aperture mechanism test with the rear lever. You can view the outward condition if there are multiple photos for the posting. You want the 70-210 not a 70-200 series lens.

Its negatives: the front barrel rotates when focusing, and it can appear to be chunky due to its largely metal construction. Positives, even exposure, sharp to very sharp at all focal lengths, and stable because of its chunky largely metal construction (which I like), and, it is fairly compact as well. Slides from the film days, and renders from the K-3 are contrasty and detailed. Generally sharper than the Pentax SMC with the same number of elements (is MC, perhaps not SMC on all lens element groups, making it, ironically better).

Optical Formula 13 elements in 9 groups
Aperture Range f/4 (5.6) ~ f/32 (45)
Number of Aperture Blades 9
Minimum Focusing Distance 1.1 m
Maximum Magnification 0.25 X
Special Features extra-low dispersion element(s)
Mechanics
Filter Diameter 49 mm
Maximum Diameter 71 mm
Length 99 mm
Weight 555 g
Special Features rotating front element
Accessories
Cap plastic clip-on cap, 49 mm
Fitting Hood(s) screw-on hood: RH-RB49
Fitting Case(s) soft case: S80-160
Original "New" price, over $400.

Last edited by climbmountainway; 11-18-2019 at 09:45 PM. Reason: I left off the "F" in front of a lens I listed in my response. So I added it.
11-18-2019, 08:45 PM   #25
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Come to think of it, although "holiday savings" is stated, this may mean pre-holiday savings. The sale price might come back after the holidays.
11-18-2019, 08:46 PM   #26
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I concur with the others, the 55-300 is your best bet. The DA-L is the budget champion version, HD or PLM as the top-end.
11-18-2019, 10:30 PM   #27
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My copy of the F 70-210 must be worse than others since it doesn't out shoot my DA 55-300. My old 50-200 also was a far wise lens but still made good image in the right situation.
11-19-2019, 12:09 AM   #28
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How relevant " quick shift " is availability? I have it on two cameras, but I don’t use it much. Is it really convenient?
11-19-2019, 02:45 AM   #29
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I check Ebay. Price on used lens:
DA 55-300 130 USD
DA L 55-300 90 USD
F 70-210 80 USD
All Mint Condition
HD 55-300 - 230 USD
11-19-2019, 08:19 AM - 1 Like   #30
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
My copy of the F 70-210 must be worse than others since it doesn't out shoot my DA 55-300. My old 50-200 also was a far wise lens but still made good image in the right situation.
My first copy - actually the Tak F - was not so sharp at the long end. My current copy is quite decently sharp, even though there is a bit of haze in the front element.

My Tamron 19AH 70-210 is a little bit better, though. Of course it's MF and huge in comparison.

Last edited by luftfluss; 11-19-2019 at 08:25 AM.
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