KP + 70-210 f4 + 1.4x teleconverter OR 55-300 PLM?

Jeff · 02-11-2022, 02:00 AM

I'm all-in with FF lenses - but have a KP for its lightness and portability. I'd like a longer lens mainly for the odd bird and furry creature, and I have the 70-210 f4....

So, do I bite the bullet and get the 55-300 PLM? Or a 1.4x teleconverter - which I can get as new for a good price, saving about £150 on the apsc lens? I have read the relevant Ricoh info on their site regarding TC + KP and weight etc. etc. but I'm curious if anyone else uses this setup?

I know the previous iteration of the 55-300 is reasonable, but I can't be dealing with its slow AF 'speed' - and I use that term loosely!

Really appreciate your thoughts, as ever.

Jeff

OoKU · 02-11-2022, 02:10 AM - **1 Like**

55-300 plm

**JensE** · 02-11-2022, 02:18 AM - **1 Like**

Even if not FF, the 55-300PLM covers quite a more than than crop mode on the K-1, it's my lightweight option for hiking as well. When I need long reach, I often crop anyway. Perfect match for the KP, also compact due to its collapsible design.

**allanmh** · 02-11-2022, 02:48 AM - **1 Like**

I have no knowledge of the 70 - 210mm, but I use my 55 - 300 plm on both my K50, my KP, and my K3iii for its ligtning fast AF, but then I got it for a good price when it was on offer at Amazon. Of course, on the KP and K3iii I have more room to crop. I occasionally wonder if I should get the the 1.4 TC, but so far I have concluded that cropping is far cheaper, and the results are adequate. My recommendation would be to get the 55 - 300 plm, it makes for a wonderful combo with the 20 - 40mm Ltd on aps-c.

kypfer · 02-11-2022, 02:49 AM - **1 Like**

The Tamron A17 70-300mm f/4-5.6 might be an economical compromise, with good close-focus capability (3ft @ 300mm) for the odd butterfly as well

VictorDA · 02-11-2022, 02:56 AM - **1 Like**

I agree with the others, you state you have a KP "for its lightness and portability"
That will be entirely lost when you add the DFA70-210 on top of it, let alone the DFA+TC!

Jeff · 02-11-2022, 03:22 AM

Originally posted by VictorDA

I agree with the others, you state you have a KP "for its lightness and portability"
That will be entirely lost when you add the DFA70-210 on top of it, let alone the DFA+TC!

Yes, there is that to consider. There's a 543g difference between both setups - KP and PLM vs KP+TC+70-210...

I could buy a cheap Tamron or Sigma - plenty around - but then I'd be going against the maxim of Buy Nice or Buy Twice!

MJ43 · 02-11-2022, 03:37 AM - **1 Like**

I have the 55-300 PLM but bought the 70-210 as, at least my copy of, the PLM was disappointing at longer lengths and below f8. Having said that I see plenty of good photos posted here at 300mm, the PLM is light and compact, and the focus is fast and silent. I still like the PLM and use it when weight is an issue.

biz-engineer · 02-11-2022, 04:28 AM

For apsc only, 55-300 is better, AF will be faster than the 70-210 I believe.

**pepperberry farm** · 02-11-2022, 04:55 AM - **1 Like**

if these two lenses are the only two you're considering, and only for their longer reach, why not a full on 300mm prime?

DA 300 or even an FA* 300?

Jeff · 02-11-2022, 05:38 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

if these two lenses are the only two you're considering, and only for their longer reach, why not a full on 300mm prime?

DA 300 or even an FA* 300?

It's the cost really - I am looking for reach without too high a price. Still curious about the 70-210 with a TC on the KP but I suspect it may be a little too outré for most!

chrism888 · 02-11-2022, 05:39 AM - **1 Like**

if you wish to remain compact and light in weight, its got to be the PLM, its a great lens

**aslyfox** · 02-11-2022, 05:44 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by chrism888

if you wish to remain compact and light in weight, its got to be the PLM, its a great lens

according to PF reviews and articles:

Quote:

Unofficial Full-Frame Compatibility Tests by Pentax Forums
★☆☆ Usable with reservations at select F-stop/focal length combinations

Read more at: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Quote:

Full Frame Coverage of DA Lenses: Comprehensive Test
Which DA lenses cover the full 24x36 mm frame?
By PF Staff in Gear Guides on Jan 7, 2019 . . .

Read more at: Full Frame Coverage of DA Lenses: Comprehensive Test - Gear Guides | PentaxForums.com

Quote:

. . . Autofocus
In our testing, the new PLM autofocus system was both faster and quieter than the old screw-drive motor in the original 55-300mm lens. It is also quicker than comparable DC and SDM lenses, and it’s just as silent as those lenses, as well.

If you're shooting portraits, landscapes, and other still subject matter, the 55-300mm PLM will focus with startling speed and absolutely zero hunting. Performance seems to be consistent across the full range of focal lengths, with no dropoff at the longest zoom setting. While you can feel the lens motor working through your fingertips, you'll have a hard time hearing it. On the whole, it's a massive step up from screwdrive lenses, and a decent leap from DC models, too.

Unfortunately, as fast and accurate as it is, the PLM motor doesn't address most of Pentax’s other issues with autofocus. Action photographers will still have plenty to complain about here because of the in-body AF system. . . .Autofocus Speed
As mentioned, the 55-300mm PLM is exceptionally speedy when focusing on static subjects. . . . Verdict
While it may not be enough to bring Pentax up to par with competitors like Canon and Nikon—particularly when it comes to action photography and video—the HD DA 55-300mm ED PLM WR RE is the quickest and most sure-footed Pentax zoom to date, and a big step forward for the brand as a whole. We hope to see this focusing technology proliferate across the entire lens lineup in the coming years.. . .

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM WR RE Review - Focusing | PentaxForums.com Reviews

**pepperberry farm** · 02-11-2022, 06:06 AM

Originally posted by Jeff

It's the cost really - I am looking for reach without too high a price. Still curious about the 70-210 with a TC on the KP but I suspect it may be a little too outré for most!

I understand and have been exactly where you are, looking for the cheapest way to get to 300mm or more with minimal money..

old manual-focus 400mm lenses, 500mm mirror lenses, consumer zooms out to 300/400mm or beyond....

none of it will get that beautiful shot you're looking for at 300mm....

I finally sold all that gear and put money aside for a solid prime in the range I wanted ...

MJ43 · 02-11-2022, 06:24 AM

Originally posted by Jeff

It's the cost really - I am looking for reach without too high a price. Still curious about the 70-210 with a TC on the KP but I suspect it may be a little too outré for most!

I have used the 1.4xTC with the 70-210, though on a K3MK3, when taking trackside photos in Spain and very happy with the results - that got me close to the 150-450 but slightly more compact and easier to carry on luggage limits on a plane.

02-11-2022, 02:00 AM	#1
Jeff Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Berkshire, England Posts: 837	KP + 70-210 f4 + 1.4x teleconverter OR 55-300 PLM? I'm all-in with FF lenses - but have a KP for its lightness and portability. I'd like a longer lens mainly for the odd bird and furry creature, and I have the 70-210 f4.... So, do I bite the bullet and get the 55-300 PLM? Or a 1.4x teleconverter - which I can get as new for a good price, saving about £150 on the apsc lens? I have read the relevant Ricoh info on their site regarding TC + KP and weight etc. etc. but I'm curious if anyone else uses this setup? I know the previous iteration of the 55-300 is reasonable, but I can't be dealing with its slow AF 'speed' - and I use that term loosely! Really appreciate your thoughts, as ever. Jeff

02-11-2022, 02:18 AM - 1 Like	#3
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,969	Even if not FF, the 55-300PLM covers quite a more than than crop mode on the K-1, it's my lightweight option for hiking as well. When I need long reach, I often crop anyway. Perfect match for the KP, also compact due to its collapsible design. Last edited by JensE; 02-11-2022 at 03:00 AM.

02-11-2022, 02:49 AM - 1 Like	#5
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,593	The Tamron A17 70-300mm f/4-5.6 might be an economical compromise, with good close-focus capability (3ft @ 300mm) for the odd butterfly as well Last edited by kypfer; 02-11-2022 at 02:55 AM.

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02-11-2022, 02:10 AM - 1 Like	#2
OoKU Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 740	55-300 plm

02-11-2022, 02:48 AM - 1 Like	#4
allanmh Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: København, Danmark Posts: 156	I have no knowledge of the 70 - 210mm, but I use my 55 - 300 plm on both my K50, my KP, and my K3iii for its ligtning fast AF, but then I got it for a good price when it was on offer at Amazon. Of course, on the KP and K3iii I have more room to crop. I occasionally wonder if I should get the the 1.4 TC, but so far I have concluded that cropping is far cheaper, and the results are adequate. My recommendation would be to get the 55 - 300 plm, it makes for a wonderful combo with the 20 - 40mm Ltd on aps-c.

02-11-2022, 02:56 AM - 1 Like	#6
VictorDA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lyon area, France Posts: 718	I agree with the others, you state you have a KP "for its lightness and portability" That will be entirely lost when you add the DFA70-210 on top of it, let alone the DFA+TC!

02-11-2022, 03:22 AM	#7
Jeff Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Berkshire, England Posts: 837 Original Poster	Originally posted by VictorDA I agree with the others, you state you have a KP "for its lightness and portability" That will be entirely lost when you add the DFA70-210 on top of it, let alone the DFA+TC! Yes, there is that to consider. There's a 543g difference between both setups - KP and PLM vs KP+TC+70-210... I could buy a cheap Tamron or Sigma - plenty around - but then I'd be going against the maxim of Buy Nice or Buy Twice!

02-11-2022, 03:37 AM - 1 Like	#8
MJ43 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 97	I have the 55-300 PLM but bought the 70-210 as, at least my copy of, the PLM was disappointing at longer lengths and below f8. Having said that I see plenty of good photos posted here at 300mm, the PLM is light and compact, and the focus is fast and silent. I still like the PLM and use it when weight is an issue.

02-11-2022, 04:28 AM	#9
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	For apsc only, 55-300 is better, AF will be faster than the 70-210 I believe.

02-11-2022, 04:55 AM - 1 Like	#10
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,676	if these two lenses are the only two you're considering, and only for their longer reach, why not a full on 300mm prime? DA 300 or even an FA* 300?

02-11-2022, 05:38 AM - 1 Like	#11
Jeff Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Berkshire, England Posts: 837 Original Poster	Originally posted by pepperberry farm if these two lenses are the only two you're considering, and only for their longer reach, why not a full on 300mm prime? DA 300 or even an FA* 300? It's the cost really - I am looking for reach without too high a price. Still curious about the 70-210 with a TC on the KP but I suspect it may be a little too outré for most!

02-11-2022, 05:39 AM - 1 Like	#12
chrism888 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 178	if you wish to remain compact and light in weight, its got to be the PLM, its a great lens

02-11-2022, 05:44 AM - 1 Like	#13
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by chrism888 if you wish to remain compact and light in weight, its got to be the PLM, its a great lens according to PF reviews and articles: Quote: Unofficial Full-Frame Compatibility Tests by Pentax Forums ★☆☆ Usable with reservations at select F-stop/focal length combinations Read more at: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Quote: Full Frame Coverage of DA Lenses: Comprehensive Test Which DA lenses cover the full 24x36 mm frame? By PF Staff in Gear Guides on Jan 7, 2019 . . . Read more at: Full Frame Coverage of DA Lenses: Comprehensive Test - Gear Guides \| PentaxForums.com Quote: . . . Autofocus In our testing, the new PLM autofocus system was both faster and quieter than the old screw-drive motor in the original 55-300mm lens. It is also quicker than comparable DC and SDM lenses, and it’s just as silent as those lenses, as well. If you're shooting portraits, landscapes, and other still subject matter, the 55-300mm PLM will focus with startling speed and absolutely zero hunting. Performance seems to be consistent across the full range of focal lengths, with no dropoff at the longest zoom setting. While you can feel the lens motor working through your fingertips, you'll have a hard time hearing it. On the whole, it's a massive step up from screwdrive lenses, and a decent leap from DC models, too. Unfortunately, as fast and accurate as it is, the PLM motor doesn't address most of Pentax’s other issues with autofocus. Action photographers will still have plenty to complain about here because of the in-body AF system. . . .Autofocus Speed As mentioned, the 55-300mm PLM is exceptionally speedy when focusing on static subjects. . . . Verdict While it may not be enough to bring Pentax up to par with competitors like Canon and Nikon—particularly when it comes to action photography and video—the HD DA 55-300mm ED PLM WR RE is the quickest and most sure-footed Pentax zoom to date, and a big step forward for the brand as a whole. We hope to see this focusing technology proliferate across the entire lens lineup in the coming years.. . . HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM WR RE Review - Focusing \| PentaxForums.com Reviews

02-11-2022, 06:06 AM	#14
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,676	Originally posted by Jeff It's the cost really - I am looking for reach without too high a price. Still curious about the 70-210 with a TC on the KP but I suspect it may be a little too outré for most! I understand and have been exactly where you are, looking for the cheapest way to get to 300mm or more with minimal money.. old manual-focus 400mm lenses, 500mm mirror lenses, consumer zooms out to 300/400mm or beyond.... none of it will get that beautiful shot you're looking for at 300mm.... I finally sold all that gear and put money aside for a solid prime in the range I wanted ...

02-11-2022, 06:24 AM	#15
MJ43 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 97	Originally posted by Jeff It's the cost really - I am looking for reach without too high a price. Still curious about the 70-210 with a TC on the KP but I suspect it may be a little too outré for most! I have used the 1.4xTC with the 70-210, though on a K3MK3, when taking trackside photos in Spain and very happy with the results - that got me close to the 150-450 but slightly more compact and easier to carry on luggage limits on a plane.