pentax 55-300 PLM: best in class for Digital Camera Magazine

sheridangis · 06-08-2018, 08:45 AM

I leave mine on the camera most of the time.

**ellicottva** · 06-08-2018, 01:12 PM

Just got it! Looks amazing. Took a couple of quick pictures of my buddy Leo (the cutest Maltipoo in the universe) and it is incredible... Now it's back out of the camera till I get my filter from Amazon tomorrow.

SSGGeezer · 06-08-2018, 01:19 PM

Originally posted by ellicottva

Just got it! Looks amazing. Took a couple of quick pictures of my buddy Leo (the cutest Maltipoo in the universe) and it is incredible... Now it's back out of the camera till I get my filter from Amazon tomorrow.

Just leave the hood on and you should be safe from foreign object damage, as long as you stay out of any sand storms of course! But that coating may make that a moot point.

normhead · 06-08-2018, 01:53 PM - **3 Likes**

I went out with he K-1 and 50 macro, and K-3 and 55-300. Some lo my best shots were with the 55-300 PLM which were essentially taken as reference shots.

**ChipB** · 06-08-2018, 02:02 PM

Originally posted by normhead

I went out with he K-1 and 50 macro, and K-3 and 55-300. Some lo my best shots were with the 55-300 PLM which were essentially taken as reference shots.

Well shot Norm.

normhead · 06-08-2018, 02:12 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by ChipB

Well shot Norm.

Thanks, I also shot some BiFs of a turkey vulture. I used the BiF setting in my users and didn't realize I had to adjust ƒ stop and aperture. I got 47 of 50 in sharp focus, however, I also ended up shooting ƒ14 and 800 ISO, Between the noise and diffraction they were notes hotso. But the focus was bang on. The tracking was up to the task.

**Larrymc** · 06-08-2018, 07:30 PM

Originally posted by normhead

Thanks, I also shot some BiFs of a turkey vulture. I used the BiF setting in my users and didn't realize I had to adjust ƒ stop and aperture. I got 47 of 50 in sharp focus, however, I also ended up shooting ƒ14 and 800 ISO, Between the noise and diffraction they were notes hotso. But the focus was bang on. The tracking was up to the task.

I've found the same with mine on my K-3 tracks, exceptionally well. The 55-300 PLM has breathed new life into my K-3. I've shot some jet aircraft approaches at our local airport and the 55-300 tracks in bound aircraft like a champ as long as I keep the red dot on the target. With the 55-300 PLM all of my misses are operator induced not a lens or camera tracking problem!

Larry

Last edited by Larrymc; 06-08-2018 at 07:34 PM. Reason: more info

thibs · 06-09-2018, 05:24 AM

It only tends toward tracking being a lens problem most of the time more than a camera problem.
Very interesting.

reh321 · 06-09-2018, 05:55 AM

Originally posted by thibs

It only tends toward tracking being a lens problem most of the time more than a camera problem.
Very interesting.

I have felt all along that Pentax's "focus problem" was at least as much a lens problem as a body problem - that is why I want them to replace all of their screw-drive lenses with modern in-len motor variants.

normhead · 06-09-2018, 06:12 AM

Unfortunately as far as I know, this PLM motor only works with lightweight focus blocks to date, meaning this is a big as it gets. I suspect Pentax has yet to produce a standard DC motor this quick,.

thibs · 06-09-2018, 06:54 AM

Originally posted by reh321

I have felt all along that Pentax's "focus problem" was at least as much a lens problem as a body problem - that is why I want them to replace all of their screw-drive lenses with modern in-len motor variants.

I agree but I didn't think it would be to that extent.

reh321 · 06-09-2018, 07:21 AM

Originally posted by thibs

I agree but I didn't think it would be to that extent.

This is the unspoken advantage of Canon. Nikon's advantage is really sharp programming; Canon's is thirty years of EF/usm development. I'm surprised Pentax doesn't have any more PLM lenses {surely, not all lenses are f/2 or wider!}, but I'm glad for this one.

**Larrymc** · 06-09-2018, 08:18 AM

Originally posted by reh321

I have felt all along that Pentax's "focus problem" was at least as much a lens problem as a body problem - that is why I want them to replace all of their screw-drive lenses with modern in-len motor variants.

The screw drives work well on stationary subjects, but for any sort of tracking an electronic driven lens is needed. In my opinion there is a certain amount of mechanical "slop" and system friction even in the best made screw drive lens. Lets hope Pentax uses the PLM design on more "light weight" lens.

Larry

thibs · 06-09-2018, 08:21 AM

Originally posted by Larrymc

The screw drives work well on stationary subjects, but for any sort of tracking an electronic driven lens is needed. In my opinion there is a certain amount of mechanical "slop" and system friction even in the best made screw drive lens. Lets hope Pentax uses the PLM design on more "light weight" lens.

Larry

Yep. Even with motors there's friction and the stop problem. Screwdrive... well. screwed

**ellicottva** · 06-09-2018, 09:31 AM - **1 Like**

I got mine and its simply amazing right out of the box! Here are a couple of pictures taken from behind a patio glass door.

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06-08-2018, 08:45 AM	#31
sheridangis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Sheridan, WY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 97	I leave mine on the camera most of the time.

06-08-2018, 01:12 PM	#32
ellicottva Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 76	Just got it! Looks amazing. Took a couple of quick pictures of my buddy Leo (the cutest Maltipoo in the universe) and it is incredible... Now it's back out of the camera till I get my filter from Amazon tomorrow.

06-08-2018, 01:19 PM	#33
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Originally posted by ellicottva Just got it! Looks amazing. Took a couple of quick pictures of my buddy Leo (the cutest Maltipoo in the universe) and it is incredible... Now it's back out of the camera till I get my filter from Amazon tomorrow. Just leave the hood on and you should be safe from foreign object damage, as long as you stay out of any sand storms of course! But that coating may make that a moot point.

06-08-2018, 01:53 PM - 3 Likes	#34
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I went out with he K-1 and 50 macro, and K-3 and 55-300. Some lo my best shots were with the 55-300 PLM which were essentially taken as reference shots.

06-08-2018, 02:02 PM	#35
ChipB Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Eau Claire, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,701	Originally posted by normhead I went out with he K-1 and 50 macro, and K-3 and 55-300. Some lo my best shots were with the 55-300 PLM which were essentially taken as reference shots. Well shot Norm.

06-08-2018, 02:12 PM - 2 Likes	#36
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by ChipB Well shot Norm. Thanks, I also shot some BiFs of a turkey vulture. I used the BiF setting in my users and didn't realize I had to adjust ƒ stop and aperture. I got 47 of 50 in sharp focus, however, I also ended up shooting ƒ14 and 800 ISO, Between the noise and diffraction they were notes hotso. But the focus was bang on. The tracking was up to the task.

06-08-2018, 07:30 PM	#37
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,251	Originally posted by normhead Thanks, I also shot some BiFs of a turkey vulture. I used the BiF setting in my users and didn't realize I had to adjust ƒ stop and aperture. I got 47 of 50 in sharp focus, however, I also ended up shooting ƒ14 and 800 ISO, Between the noise and diffraction they were notes hotso. But the focus was bang on. The tracking was up to the task. I've found the same with mine on my K-3 tracks, exceptionally well. The 55-300 PLM has breathed new life into my K-3. I've shot some jet aircraft approaches at our local airport and the 55-300 tracks in bound aircraft like a champ as long as I keep the red dot on the target. With the 55-300 PLM all of my misses are operator induced not a lens or camera tracking problem! Larry Last edited by Larrymc; 06-08-2018 at 07:34 PM. Reason: more info

06-09-2018, 05:24 AM	#38
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	It only tends toward tracking being a lens problem most of the time more than a camera problem. Very interesting.

06-09-2018, 05:55 AM	#39
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by thibs It only tends toward tracking being a lens problem most of the time more than a camera problem. Very interesting. I have felt all along that Pentax's "focus problem" was at least as much a lens problem as a body problem - that is why I want them to replace all of their screw-drive lenses with modern in-len motor variants.

06-09-2018, 06:12 AM	#40
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Unfortunately as far as I know, this PLM motor only works with lightweight focus blocks to date, meaning this is a big as it gets. I suspect Pentax has yet to produce a standard DC motor this quick,.

06-09-2018, 06:54 AM	#41
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by reh321 I have felt all along that Pentax's "focus problem" was at least as much a lens problem as a body problem - that is why I want them to replace all of their screw-drive lenses with modern in-len motor variants. I agree but I didn't think it would be to that extent.

06-09-2018, 07:21 AM	#42
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by thibs I agree but I didn't think it would be to that extent. This is the unspoken advantage of Canon. Nikon's advantage is really sharp programming; Canon's is thirty years of EF/usm development. I'm surprised Pentax doesn't have any more PLM lenses {surely, not all lenses are f/2 or wider!}, but I'm glad for this one.

06-09-2018, 08:18 AM	#43
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,251	Originally posted by reh321 I have felt all along that Pentax's "focus problem" was at least as much a lens problem as a body problem - that is why I want them to replace all of their screw-drive lenses with modern in-len motor variants. The screw drives work well on stationary subjects, but for any sort of tracking an electronic driven lens is needed. In my opinion there is a certain amount of mechanical "slop" and system friction even in the best made screw drive lens. Lets hope Pentax uses the PLM design on more "light weight" lens. Larry

06-09-2018, 08:21 AM	#44
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by Larrymc The screw drives work well on stationary subjects, but for any sort of tracking an electronic driven lens is needed. In my opinion there is a certain amount of mechanical "slop" and system friction even in the best made screw drive lens. Lets hope Pentax uses the PLM design on more "light weight" lens. Larry Yep. Even with motors there's friction and the stop problem. Screwdrive... well. screwed