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11-23-2009, 11:04 PM   #1
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55-300mm DA vs DAL

I know the DAL doesn't come with a hood is a little lighter and has no quick shift. From a noobs point of view, what will I miss if I pick up the DAL when I get my Kx kit rather than spending quite a bit more buying the DA version separately?

Thanks

11-23-2009, 11:48 PM   #2
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you answered your own question...

Quick shift is a very useful feature, and the hood is permanently attached to my DA 55-300mm. I heard the build quality isn't as good but dont quote me on that

Durability is a factor because of the plastic mount on the DAL version also
11-24-2009, 12:01 AM   #3
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the DA 55-300 is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
11-24-2009, 12:08 AM   #4
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except Vitamin-L which the other one has a whole lot of. Vitamin-L may support photography creativity*

*These statements have not been evaluatd by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any stagnant creativity. When consumed, this product may have a correlation with cancer.

p.s. vitamin L is plastic


and here is a list of full changes, at least in the 18-55mm lens:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/792304-post13.html


Last edited by Eruditass; 11-24-2009 at 10:58 AM.
11-24-2009, 12:13 AM   #5
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Thanks for the replies. More specifically, what exactly does the quick shift allow you to do and how do you work around it on a lens that doesn't have it?
11-24-2009, 12:17 AM   #6
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Is the DAL 55-300 a discontinued lens? I only see the DA...

QuoteQuote:
> smc P-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR
> smc P-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR
> smc P-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED
> smc P-DA 16-45mm F4.0 ED/AL
> smc P-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6
> smc PENTAX-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II
> smc PENTAX DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 ED AL [IF]
> smc PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED
11-24-2009, 12:32 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by sebberry Quote
Is the DAL 55-300 a discontinued lens? I only see the DA...
No it's not. It's a brand new lens sold as a kit with K-x. Not to be sold separately.

11-24-2009, 02:24 AM   #8
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the L does not come with a lens hood but it looks like it has a space for one.

Construction seems pretty good
I wouldn't worry too much about the plastic its a very hard sort.

The lens cap is a nice center pinch, focus ring is very scratchy and horrible, but it is an auto focus.

zoom is reasonably damped but not brilliant. (Ive felt worse)

Last edited by WerTicus; 11-24-2009 at 02:45 AM.
11-24-2009, 07:31 AM   #9
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Not sure if the 55-300L also has different coatings than the 55-300.
The 18-55L did...
11-24-2009, 07:50 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by kenyee Quote
Not sure if the 55-300L also has different coatings than the 55-300.
The 18-55L did...
It does? The 18-55mm DA L has different optics than the 18-55mm AL II ?
(sorry to hijack, but I have been wondering about this)
11-24-2009, 07:54 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by kenyee Quote
Not sure if the 55-300L also has different coatings than the 55-300.
The 18-55L did...
This is the first I've heard of this.

I have both, I'll take a look tonight.
11-24-2009, 07:56 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Gregor Quote
Thanks for the replies. More specifically, what exactly does the quick shift allow you to do and how do you work around it on a lens that doesn't have it?
quick-shift allows you to adjust the focus after focus has locked or before focus has locked (but you shouldn't try to do it while focusing) without switching the body to MF.

When it is in AF without quickshift, the focus ring is coupled to the body's AF motor, and there is a lot of resistance when you turn it and it can cause damage.

It is good for prefocusing (used for faster focusing on lenses as you focus near what you want to focus) or making minor focus adjustments when the body has chosen a focus that you don't like (ie focused on branches in front of a bird, no AF system can get around that).
11-24-2009, 11:36 AM   #13
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That helps alot. Thanks. Sounds like it might be worth it to try to pick up a used DA and skip the kit lens, though it is hard to pass up.
11-24-2009, 11:53 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Pentaxor Quote
the DA 55-300 is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
Especially Fe . . .
11-24-2009, 04:12 PM - 1 Like   #15
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Is there any truth to the rumor that the DAL lenses are made out of spiced lentils?
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