Pentax DA-L 1:4-5. 55-300mm ED - upgrade

SteveinHosm · 05-08-2020, 02:20 PM

As promised/threatened earlier, here are three pix taken with the PLM version of the 55-300mm lens mated to my Pentax K3-II.

For the money, I don't think any prospective purchaser can go far wrong with such a combination.
The other lens I referred to in my first posting is the DA 16-85mm, not as stated. I somehow managed to increase its wide-angle capabilities somewhat!
Cheers,
Steve.

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**UncleVanya** · 05-08-2020, 06:02 PM

I recall some disagreement about which was sharper between the plm and non plm 55-300. Does anyone have controlled comparison shots? Is it more about sample variation? I have always assumed the latter and assumed that all versions were fairly similar optically.

**boriscleto** · 05-08-2020, 06:48 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

I recall some disagreement about which was sharper between the plm and non plm 55-300. Does anyone have controlled comparison shots? Is it more about sample variation? I have always assumed the latter and assumed that all versions were fairly similar optically.

The 4-5.8 versions are all the same optically, but the PLM is very different. 12 element in 8 groups vs 14 elements in 11 groups. The PLM is also IF. The PLM has 9 blades vs 6 in the older lens so better bokeh...

**mikesbike** · 05-08-2020, 09:52 PM

Originally posted by Cerebum

I am with Mac. I have had some blinding results from the HD version

Me too! It's been even better with my KP. I had the previous standard version, which suffered slight damage to the filter thread edge due to an accidental bump , so I got the HD, and noticed an improvement in IQ, evidently from the HD coatings. I gave away the old one.

Last edited by mikesbike; 05-08-2020 at 09:57 PM.

**UncleVanya** · 05-09-2020, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

The 4-5.8 versions are all the same optically, but the PLM is very different. 12 element in 8 groups vs 14 elements in 11 groups. The PLM is also IF. The PLM has 9 blades vs 6 in the older lens so better bokeh...

Yes - I am not saying it has the same optical configuration. I am saying that reviews by people who owned both were not universally saying the PLM was better. Some said it was softer at the long end, some said it was better. I am curious about seeing some examples shot under the same conditions.

05-08-2020, 06:48 PM	#33
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,473	Originally posted by UncleVanya I recall some disagreement about which was sharper between the plm and non plm 55-300. Does anyone have controlled comparison shots? Is it more about sample variation? I have always assumed the latter and assumed that all versions were fairly similar optically. The 4-5.8 versions are all the same optically, but the PLM is very different. 12 element in 8 groups vs 14 elements in 11 groups. The PLM is also IF. The PLM has 9 blades vs 6 in the older lens so better bokeh... Last edited by boriscleto; 05-08-2020 at 06:54 PM.

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05-08-2020, 06:02 PM	#32
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,381	I recall some disagreement about which was sharper between the plm and non plm 55-300. Does anyone have controlled comparison shots? Is it more about sample variation? I have always assumed the latter and assumed that all versions were fairly similar optically.

05-08-2020, 09:52 PM	#34
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,547	Originally posted by Cerebum I am with Mac. I have had some blinding results from the HD version Me too! It's been even better with my KP. I had the previous standard version, which suffered slight damage to the filter thread edge due to an accidental bump , so I got the HD, and noticed an improvement in IQ, evidently from the HD coatings. I gave away the old one. Last edited by mikesbike; 05-08-2020 at 09:57 PM.

05-09-2020, 01:05 PM	#35
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,381	Originally posted by boriscleto The 4-5.8 versions are all the same optically, but the PLM is very different. 12 element in 8 groups vs 14 elements in 11 groups. The PLM is also IF. The PLM has 9 blades vs 6 in the older lens so better bokeh... Yes - I am not saying it has the same optical configuration. I am saying that reviews by people who owned both were not universally saying the PLM was better. Some said it was softer at the long end, some said it was better. I am curious about seeing some examples shot under the same conditions.

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