My best walk-around lens that I will use in hiking is
I chose it for
- decent wide angle for landscape shots
- excellent close up that I like in a zoom with 1:2.3 ratio
- wonderful focal range in one lens
- light weight, small size and well built
- plenty of speed for outdoor use
- good lens for portraits in outdoor setting
I don't have the Pentax DA 55-300mm, it would have been a perfect pair to bring along for hiking. I think the alternative for me will be a Pentax/Tamron 18-250mm, but it will miss on the close up that I like.
Thanks,
Hin