Originally posted by ChristianRock I wanted a lens that is relatively sharp at 300mm for my kids sports... my Tamron 70-300mm LD Di seems to suffer a bit at the 300mm end. I was looking at the 55-300mm but as always I'm on a strict budget... so while the 55-300 has nice contrast at 300, it doesn't seem all that sharp to me when I pixel peep images from it at over 200mm... but the images are still nice. Yet I suspect this lens I just bought on FeeBay for 22 dollars, a no-name (Craigs Optics) 60-300 f/4-5.6 is going to be slightly sharper, much cheaper and will do the job for now. It's identical to the Promaster (with an interesting rubber grip), which is said to be the same lens as the highly regarded Tokina also sold as Soligor - though some people say it's made by Cosina. An "A" position also doesn't hurt, so I'm pretty happy with my bargain hunting today.
Congratulations
and glad you found what you think will work
remember that since you live in the US you have the option of renting equipment to do your own testing
also
hope springs eternal
I have gotten lucky in the forum's market place securing like new experienced lenses from sellers leaving Pentax ( sad for them ) well under market price
I was the " firstest with the mostest " and was the first to respond with a pm
good luck with your recent purchase and good luck in the future if you start looking again
unless I am looking for the same thing