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09-18-2009, 08:16 AM   #1
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If I get 55-300..Keep 50-200

Ok, I've pretty much decided that my next lens will be the 55-300. But I'm tight on my budget, as is everyone. I'm thinking that if I get the 55-300 I can sell the 50-200 to help make up the difference. Is there any reason to keep the 50-200? Is the weight and size a reason to keep it around?

09-18-2009, 08:26 AM   #2
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I've owned both (currently only the 55-300). I can't see a reason to keep the 50-200 (unless you have the WR version). If you're like me, you'll always take the 55-300 along instead of the 50-200 in case you need the longer reach (the IQ is better too). But who knows? Maybe you're not like me

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09-20-2009, 06:24 PM   #3
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I would sell it.
09-20-2009, 06:34 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by Arpe Quote
I would sell it.
Ordered the 55-300......See the Marketplace. I'm like a kid at Christmas...

09-22-2009, 04:34 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by VaughnA Quote
Ordered the 55-300......See the Marketplace. I'm like a kid at Christmas...
Good move. The DA55-300 is said to be superior to the DA50-200 at all focal lengths, and it's faster at the long end too (around f4.5 @ 200mm?).
09-22-2009, 05:36 PM   #6
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yeah if I recall it retains f4.5 to just shy of 210mm. definitely a major step up over the kit for that reason alone, nevermind the overall IQ improvement...cant wait to get it...again!
09-22-2009, 05:41 PM   #7
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You guys are making me feel really good about my purchase. I can't wait until it arrives on Thursday, I'm hoping the hummers haven't headed home by then.

09-22-2009, 05:53 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by photogerald Quote
Good move. The DA55-300 is said to be superior to the DA50-200 at all focal lengths, and it's faster at the long end too (around f4.5 @ 200mm?).
QuoteOriginally posted by pxpaulx Quote
yeah if I recall it retains f4.5 to just shy of 210mm. definitely a major step up over the kit for that reason alone, nevermind the overall IQ improvement...cant wait to get it...again!
Well guys if you're basing on what someone had posted on an earlier thread on this forum about this lens, all I can say is whoever making the claim that the DA 55-300mm is f/4.5 at 210mm is talking nonsense.
The aperture change at different zoom settings (with slight variations) is something like :

55-108mm : f4 :Looks like 110mm on zoom ring
109-190mm : f4.5 :Looks like 200mm on zoom ring
191-260mm : f5.6 :Looks like 280-290mm on zoom ring
260-300mm : f5.8

This has been confirmed on several of my friends' copies as well as mine and tested by viewfinder/LCD readout and taking a look at the image exif
09-22-2009, 06:59 PM   #9
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Even still, its not like the 50-200 holds 4.5 through 190! I'm not really one to care a whole lot about 10-20mm difference when you're out at 200mm already (makes much more difference between oh say 10 and 20!). Either way, you have every right to get excited about your purchase, it is a great lens.
09-22-2009, 07:03 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by pxpaulx Quote
Even still, its not like the 50-200 holds 4.5 through 190! I'm not really one to care a whole lot about 10-20mm difference when you're out at 200mm already (makes much more difference between oh say 10 and 20!). Either way, you have every right to get excited about your purchase, it is a great lens.
That never came into my thoughts. I wanted the additional sharpness and reach that I see in the 55-300 photos compared to the 50-200. I'll give up half a stop for better sharpness.
09-22-2009, 07:03 PM   #11
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I have had the 55-300 for over a year. My verdict ? It's great. Clear, contrasty..the reach is fabulous on my K10D. Great for wildlife.
09-22-2009, 07:33 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by creampuff Quote
109-190mm : f4.5 :Looks like 200mm on zoom ring
191-260mm : f5.6 :Looks like 280-290mm on zoom ring
My 55-300mm indicates 190mm and f4.5 until it changes to 210mm at F5.6. It never reads 191-209mm in the camera or in Photo Browser.

Last edited by audiobomber; 09-22-2009 at 07:42 PM.
09-23-2009, 05:39 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by VaughnA Quote
That never came into my thoughts. I wanted the additional sharpness and reach that I see in the 55-300 photos compared to the 50-200. I'll give up half a stop for better sharpness.
Just to clarify, what we were getting at is that you get the better sharpness as well as gaining 1/3-1/2 stop over your old lens at the long range with the DA55-300. Anyways, I look forward to seeing some shots with your new lens.
09-23-2009, 06:48 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by photogerald Quote
Just to clarify, what we were getting at is that you get the better sharpness as well as gaining 1/3-1/2 stop over your old lens at the long range with the DA55-300. Anyways, I look forward to seeing some shots with your new lens.
That's why I bought it. Gaining a little speed on the long end and a LOT of sharpness overall. I found the 55-200 nice but soft at the 200 end unless I was at F8 or so. One more day..
09-23-2009, 07:27 AM   #15
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for all those who are reporting aperture and focal length, just a couple of points here to think about.

both of these are reported by transducers in the lens and used for a variety of fuicntions. They are not absolutely accurate.

For example, the aperture is actually continuously varaible, and not changing in steps. the steps reported only correspond to steps in the 1/2 f stop indexing used by pentax in thier mount. I would be willing to bet, that the exposure actually changes within the constant F stop range and is really only accurate at the middle focal length within the range. In this way the 1/2 stop steps become +/- 1/4 stop deviations from correct (i.e. perfect) exposure.

Also note that on many zooms (but more dominant on super zooms) focal length changes with focus distance. Focal length is only accurate at infinity.

while you can see some things in the view finder, the only accurate way to check aperture vs focal length is to make incremental changes in focal length, and then under uniform and constant lighting, measure the grey scale of an exposed shot, while noting that the camera's EV setting has not changed as you zoom
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