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03-09-2011, 01:49 PM   #1
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What 300mm Zoom Lens should I get?

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I am going to get a 300mm zoom lens for my K-R... what one should I get... here are a few I am looking at... if there is better let me know... or one I should stay away from let me know that to... and always thank you guys and gals for all your help!


Chuck

Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Len


Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens


Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED Lens


thats all I could find... are there others? please let me know what you think.

Thank you

Chuck

03-09-2011, 01:59 PM   #2
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If you can afford the DA 55-300 (around $300) that would be my first choice and would go for that one. The extra width (vs the 70-300 lenses) is nice, and the IQ is quite good. The DA L 55-300 is another option at around $200. You'll give up the metal mount, quick-shift focusing, the lens case and hood; whether or not that's worth the extra money is up to you. I've used the Tamron 70-300 before, and it's a decent lens, but I prefer the 55-300 (although I think the 70-300 can be found for a lot less money).
03-09-2011, 02:13 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by dgaies Quote
If you can afford the DA 55-300 (around $300) that would be my first choice and would go for that one. The extra width (vs the 70-300 lenses) is nice, and the IQ is quite good. The DA L 55-300 is another option at around $200. You'll give up the metal mount, quick-shift focusing, the lens case and hood; whether or not that's worth the extra money is up to you. I've used the Tamron 70-300 before, and it's a decent lens, but I prefer the 55-300 (although I think the 70-300 can be found for a lot less money).

yeah I was thinking the same thing... I think I'd want the extra width the 55mm gives vs a 70mm.. makes it more versatile I also want the quick shift that why I didn't get a kit with the DAL 300m in it.

Thanks

Chuck
03-09-2011, 02:27 PM - 1 Like   #4
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Not the Tamron.
Hope that helps.

These 18-250s seem nice. A bit pricey though.
I predict that soon the praise and adoration for the 55-300 will soon start to cause a puddle around your feet.
You can rent lenses and develop your own opinions. Do a search online or better yet find a place within your area (good luck with that) that will rent your choices of lenses to sample. It seems that an average fee could be around $70 for five or seven days for either of those lenses I am sure. Might be worth a try.
Or... Get both and don't worry about a choice.

03-09-2011, 02:46 PM   #5
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here is a zoom lens! LOL

650-2600 mm Zoom Lens for Pentax K10D, K100D,K110D, - eBay (item 140510665673 end time Mar-11-11 11:45:04 PST)
03-09-2011, 02:50 PM   #6
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That's not a zoom lens, that's a long lens. More useful for fighting off the wildlife than taking pictures of the wildlife.
03-09-2011, 02:52 PM   #7
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DA 55-300 is my vote.

I also had a Quantaray 70-300 macro (rebadged Sigma) that is pretty good but not as sharp as the Pentax. The Quantaray does have very nice rich, warm colors though.

03-09-2011, 03:03 PM   #8
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If you look elsewhere on the forum (lens reviews) regarding the Sigma 70-300 and the Pentax 55-300 the Pentax is generally recognized as being superior. I bought the Pentax DA-L 55-300 and am testing it out now; it's quite good for the price.
03-09-2011, 03:35 PM   #9
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The DA55-300 has good IQ and the 55mm end is very useful, in my experience. I mostly used it from 55-135mm, so I eventually got a DA*50-135 instead.
03-09-2011, 03:39 PM   #10
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Nearly all 50 threads comparing the budget ($350 or less) zooms mentioned end with the same conclusion.

Pentax 55-300. The DAL version does not have a hood or quick-focus, and has a plastic mount.

The End. :-)
03-09-2011, 04:05 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
Nearly all 50 threads comparing the budget ($350 or less) zooms mentioned end with the same conclusion.

Pentax 55-300. The DAL version does not have a hood or quick-focus, and has a plastic mount.

The End. :-)
Only 50? I thought it was closer to 200.
03-09-2011, 04:16 PM   #12
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Another vote for the 55-300mm.

I also have the sigma 100-300mm f4 and I still take the pentax out as often considering how small and lightweight it is.
03-09-2011, 05:11 PM   #13
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It looks like the Pentax DA 55mm-300mm is the best choice... I was afraid of that... I am quickly coming to the same conclusion... I just didn't want to spend that much all at once... I know as soon as I get the camera I'll want a zoom lens too!


Chuck
03-09-2011, 05:36 PM   #14
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i have the 55-300 as well, have to say it's definitely a good lens.
03-09-2011, 06:55 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by chukers Quote
It looks like the Pentax DA 55mm-300mm is the best choice... I was afraid of that... I am quickly coming to the same conclusion... I just didn't want to spend that much all at once... I know as soon as I get the camera I'll want a zoom lens too!


Chuck
If you are short of cash, the DAL 55-300mm is really quite good. Same optics, the plastic mount works fine, the hood is cheap on ebay, the only bad thing is the lack of quick shift. Is quick shift worth $100 - $150?
Here is a link for the hood.
Lens Hood f Pentax SMCP-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 PH-RBG 58mm - eBay (item 280581538171 end time Mar-27-11 10:54:36 PDT)
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