Quantaray 100-300

**skid2964** · 11-19-2009, 11:00 AM

I am assembling a used kit for my daughter. This will be a Christmas gift and her first DSLR. I already have purchased a *istDS and a DA L 18-55mm lens.

I just sent payment for a used Quantaray 100-300mm, I wanted her to have a long lens also. I'm a bit concerned about it because I see mixed reviews. Some say its a piece o crap, others says it great for the money. I know you get what you pay for but is this a good beginner's lens? is it that some examples are good and some are not?

I will encourage her to upgrade as soon as she can, but I dont want her crippled right out of the gate.

clawhammer · 11-19-2009, 09:33 PM

If it's the f/4.5-6.7 model, it's a mixed bag. That was my first tele- let me relate my experiences with it.

Pros:
-long reach
-cheap
-small

cons:
-slow autofocus (both mechanically and at the long zoom doesn't let in a whole lot of light, so the af hunts a lot)
-slow max aperture
-soft at the long end until f/9ish (ok, you really need to stop it down at least half a stop at every length)

So it may be a good lens to start out with, but if price is the same, I'd get one of the myriad 70-300's or 50-200s, as they're probably better lenses. I haven't done a shootout with my 50-200, but that's because I haven't used it in years. I'd be interested to see a comparison to your 55-300 once you get it.

**skid2964** · 11-19-2009, 10:05 PM

Actually, I got impatient and ordered a Pentax 50-200mm. Now she will have two authentic kit lenses with her kit.

I will sell the Quantaray when it arrives.

11-19-2009, 11:00 AM	#1
skid2964 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 614	Quantaray 100-300 I am assembling a used kit for my daughter. This will be a Christmas gift and her first DSLR. I already have purchased a *istDS and a DA L 18-55mm lens. I just sent payment for a used Quantaray 100-300mm, I wanted her to have a long lens also. I'm a bit concerned about it because I see mixed reviews. Some say its a piece o crap, others says it great for the money. I know you get what you pay for but is this a good beginner's lens? is it that some examples are good and some are not? I will encourage her to upgrade as soon as she can, but I dont want her crippled right out of the gate.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Tamron 300/2.8, Sigma 100-300 F4, 1.7 AF TC images: A link to the DPR froum.	pcarfan	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	0	02-07-2009 08:48 PM
Wildlife & sports tele: DA*300 vs Sigma 100-300 f4	dspdx	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	4	08-28-2008 09:27 PM
For Sale - Sold: Quantaray (by Sigma) 100-300mm f/4.5-6.7	inneyeseakay	Sold Items	3	08-20-2007 05:05 AM
Quantaray 70-300 Di vs. Tamron 70-300 Di	Entropy	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	11	07-07-2007 09:19 PM
Quantaray 70-300 F4-5.6 example	Kitanis	Post Your Photos!	2	01-08-2007 08:57 AM

11-19-2009, 09:33 PM	#2
clawhammer Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Logan, Utah Photos: Gallery Posts: 971	If it's the f/4.5-6.7 model, it's a mixed bag. That was my first tele- let me relate my experiences with it. Pros: -long reach -cheap -small cons: -slow autofocus (both mechanically and at the long zoom doesn't let in a whole lot of light, so the af hunts a lot) -slow max aperture -soft at the long end until f/9ish (ok, you really need to stop it down at least half a stop at every length) So it may be a good lens to start out with, but if price is the same, I'd get one of the myriad 70-300's or 50-200s, as they're probably better lenses. I haven't done a shootout with my 50-200, but that's because I haven't used it in years. I'd be interested to see a comparison to your 55-300 once you get it.

11-19-2009, 10:05 PM	#3
skid2964 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 614 Original Poster	Actually, I got impatient and ordered a Pentax 50-200mm. Now she will have two authentic kit lenses with her kit. I will sell the Quantaray when it arrives.