Well, purchased a DA 55~300 from the marketplace here - wanted to get this lens (and attach a TC too) to do some birding. Not a bad piece, was able to grab some pretty decent first shots with it - overall IQ is pretty good and sharpness is good as well, it is a tad bit soft on the long end, but that is fixable in PP. One thing that I did notice today is this particular copy seems to be more sharp and shows slightly better IQ when not stopped down a ton, f/7.1 seemed to be somewhat of a sweet-spot for this thing.

Anyways, here are a few of the pics...

[Adam]

Those all look like they were shot with a pro lens. Amazing work with the sharpness and bokeh!

[loco]

These are great, Joe! Wonderful detail! I agree with Adam, the bokeh is very nice. I have the DA L version and, while I don't use it a whole lot, I am always very happy with the results when I do. It's a fantastic lens for the price!

[mtkams]

Very nice series--crisp shots with beautiful bokeh and colors

[Cee Cee]

just sensational, not much more to say really.... If only I could do half as well I'd be happy.

cheers
CC

[sebberry]

Those are great! I wish my bird shots came out like that!

[Schraubstock]

Hi

Well done.
This 55-300 is a very capable lens. I used to own one. I only sold it because I found it a bit slow and unreliable auto focusing particularly when combined with my Pentax - F 1.7x AF Adapter at the long end. If Pentax would take this glass and put it into a new body with SDM it would be an absolute killer. (and would sell well I reckon) .

Your Pictures show this lens leaves nothing on the table, so to speak.

Greetings

[photoleet]

Amazing again!

[joe.penn]

Thanks for the compliments everyone Hopefully I will be able to get out in the woods sometime this week and see how it fairs shooting smaller birds...