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

reh321 · 06-13-2018, 05:40 PM

Originally posted by BirdDude007

Just got my K3 replacement (it was stolen when someone broke into my house, got a killer deal on this one with only 257 clicks on it) I put this lens on it and the autofocus just outright amazes me, I set it to AFC and as I move it around the room near and far, I barely even see it focus, and don't even hear any noise whatsoever. Will be posting pics soon. This lens performs killer, finally Pentax is looking like they are catching up to the big boys on focus speed

Yes! All they need is several "normal" lenses with that kind of performance {quick & quiet} and then more people will take them seriously!!

SSGGeezer · 06-13-2018, 05:45 PM

Originally posted by normhead

My DA* 60-260 is about 2, my Tamron 300 2.8 is about 6 pounds. My DA* 200 is only 1.5 but a little heavier with TC on it to give me a comparable focal length.

I was in varying light conditions. The first was 1600 ISO, I thought "I can live with that." I had no idea I'd be shooting at 6400 ISO. So, I'm not sure I was willing, tricked by light conditions would be more like it.

But all is well that ends well.

My Sigma 120-400 is my other long lens choice ant it weighs 4 pounds on its own. I even got a Swallowtail in flight shot with my 50-135! (Only 20 tries before I got lucky.) If I had had my PLM I think I would have several good Butterfly in flight shots from the lake.

**Larrymc** · 06-14-2018, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by SSGGeezer

My Sigma 120-400 is my other long lens choice ant it weighs 4 pounds on its own. I even got a Swallowtail in flight shot with my 50-135! (Only 20 tries before I got lucky.) If I had had my PLM I think I would have several good Butterfly in flight shots from the lake.

Here ya go can't beat this deal Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens 21277 now you have no excuse!

Larry

SSGGeezer · 06-14-2018, 11:19 AM

Originally posted by Larrymc

Here ya go can't beat this deal Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens 21277 now you have no excuse!

Larry

I own one and love it, I was only carrying my KP and the 50-135 Tuesday so missed some shots that would have been possible with my PLM. I probably could have gotten them with my FA 77 Ltd. also though.

**Larrymc** · 06-14-2018, 11:55 AM

Originally posted by SSGGeezer

I own one and love it, I was only carrying my KP and the 50-135 Tuesday so missed some shots that would have been possible with my PLM. I probably could have gotten them with my FA 77 Ltd. also though.

Oh OK.....well let that be a lesson

reh321 · 06-14-2018, 12:10 PM

Originally posted by SSGGeezer

I own one and love it, I was only carrying my KP and the 50-135 Tuesday so missed some shots that would have been possible with my PLM. I probably could have gotten them with my FA 77 Ltd. also though.

55-300mm is appropriate for most pictures I would take on a walk, so I hardly ever take anything other than that.

SSGGeezer · 06-14-2018, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by reh321

55-300mm is appropriate for most pictures I would take on a walk, so I hardly ever take anything other than that.

The 50-135 has that Star rendering that makes a difference. It is also pretty nice doing close focus that when cropped, could pass for macro. I love mine.

lesmore49 · 06-15-2018, 02:46 PM

A few years ago one winter a buddy and I were in the woods, taking photos of a wild bird. We were both in roughly the same spot. I had my K5 and 55-300 (lens bought new in June 2008) and he had his Canon 7D and Canon 70-300. Same lighting, F stop, ASA, etc. We clicked away at the bird and then compared pics. He mentioned that he felt my picture was sharper...in general better, in his estimation. He asked me why I thought that was the case, I indicated I did not know, as both cameras were top of the line and the lenses were both good consumer models.

Obviously this was not a scientific test, just a coupla guys taking a picture of a 'boid' in the woods. Who knows why my Pentax seemed to do better.. and I'm certainly no Alfred Eisenstadt, when it comes to aiming the lens and clicking the shutter.

jgnfld · 06-19-2018, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by subsea

I got mine late last year and took it out to play with for the first time on a trip to Naples, FL in February. Caught a sunset over the Gulf and was very happy with its performance. Now, for normal day to day use I only carry my DA 16-85mm and my 55-300mm PLM on my K-3ii. Makes for a nice, light, high quality package.

That pair has rapidly been coming to be my go to pair. Only exception is the 40mm Ltd I also through in my pocket for shots in special light.

**bhbrake** · 06-20-2018, 07:23 PM

The PLM lenses are really making me kick myself for not payign the few extra $$ for the K-3ii. I do love my K-3, but I'm getting kinda jealous of you guys now as an upgrade is pretty far out.

swanlefitte · 06-20-2018, 07:51 PM

It should work on the k3 with fw 1.30

**Des** · 06-20-2018, 09:07 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by swanlefitte

It should work on the k3 with fw 1.30

Yes the PLM works perfectly with the K-3 once you install the latest firmware.

SSGGeezer · 06-21-2018, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by bhbrake

The PLM lenses are really making me kick myself for not payign the few extra $$ for the K-3ii. I do love my K-3, but I'm getting kinda jealous of you guys now as an upgrade is pretty far out.

Update your firmware and the PLM will work fine.

reh321 · 06-21-2018, 10:09 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by SSGGeezer

Update your firmware and the PLM will work fine.

When I purchased my K-30, a 18-135mm was the logical next step - and I did it almost immediately.

When I purchase a KP, the PLM lens will be the logical next step - and it may even be part of the same order.

**ellicottva** · 06-21-2018, 10:50 AM

Originally posted by reh321

When I purchased my K-30, a 18-135mm was the logical next step - and I did it almost immediately.

When I purchase a KP, the PLM lens will be the logical next step - and it may even be part of the same order.

I have a KS-2 with both the 18-135 (bought as a kit) and now the 55-300 plm. Works great but despite salivating for the KP, I just think my prudence dictates I wait for the next iteration of the K-3. For now the KS-2 seems adequate for my amateur needs.

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06-13-2018, 05:40 PM	#91
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by BirdDude007 Just got my K3 replacement (it was stolen when someone broke into my house, got a killer deal on this one with only 257 clicks on it) I put this lens on it and the autofocus just outright amazes me, I set it to AFC and as I move it around the room near and far, I barely even see it focus, and don't even hear any noise whatsoever. Will be posting pics soon. This lens performs killer, finally Pentax is looking like they are catching up to the big boys on focus speed Yes! All they need is several "normal" lenses with that kind of performance {quick & quiet} and then more people will take them seriously!!

06-13-2018, 05:45 PM	#92
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Originally posted by normhead My DA* 60-260 is about 2, my Tamron 300 2.8 is about 6 pounds. My DA* 200 is only 1.5 but a little heavier with TC on it to give me a comparable focal length. I was in varying light conditions. The first was 1600 ISO, I thought "I can live with that." I had no idea I'd be shooting at 6400 ISO. So, I'm not sure I was willing, tricked by light conditions would be more like it. But all is well that ends well. My Sigma 120-400 is my other long lens choice ant it weighs 4 pounds on its own. I even got a Swallowtail in flight shot with my 50-135! (Only 20 tries before I got lucky.) If I had had my PLM I think I would have several good Butterfly in flight shots from the lake.

06-14-2018, 11:08 AM	#93
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,252	Originally posted by SSGGeezer My Sigma 120-400 is my other long lens choice ant it weighs 4 pounds on its own. I even got a Swallowtail in flight shot with my 50-135! (Only 20 tries before I got lucky.) If I had had my PLM I think I would have several good Butterfly in flight shots from the lake. Here ya go can't beat this deal Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens 21277 now you have no excuse! Larry

06-14-2018, 11:19 AM	#94
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Originally posted by Larrymc Here ya go can't beat this deal Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens 21277 now you have no excuse! Larry I own one and love it, I was only carrying my KP and the 50-135 Tuesday so missed some shots that would have been possible with my PLM. I probably could have gotten them with my FA 77 Ltd. also though.

06-14-2018, 11:55 AM	#95
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,252	Originally posted by SSGGeezer I own one and love it, I was only carrying my KP and the 50-135 Tuesday so missed some shots that would have been possible with my PLM. I probably could have gotten them with my FA 77 Ltd. also though. Oh OK.....well let that be a lesson

06-14-2018, 12:10 PM	#96
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by SSGGeezer I own one and love it, I was only carrying my KP and the 50-135 Tuesday so missed some shots that would have been possible with my PLM. I probably could have gotten them with my FA 77 Ltd. also though. 55-300mm is appropriate for most pictures I would take on a walk, so I hardly ever take anything other than that.

06-14-2018, 12:59 PM	#97
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Originally posted by reh321 55-300mm is appropriate for most pictures I would take on a walk, so I hardly ever take anything other than that. The 50-135 has that Star rendering that makes a difference. It is also pretty nice doing close focus that when cropped, could pass for macro. I love mine.

06-15-2018, 02:46 PM	#98
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,345	A few years ago one winter a buddy and I were in the woods, taking photos of a wild bird. We were both in roughly the same spot. I had my K5 and 55-300 (lens bought new in June 2008) and he had his Canon 7D and Canon 70-300. Same lighting, F stop, ASA, etc. We clicked away at the bird and then compared pics. He mentioned that he felt my picture was sharper...in general better, in his estimation. He asked me why I thought that was the case, I indicated I did not know, as both cameras were top of the line and the lenses were both good consumer models. Obviously this was not a scientific test, just a coupla guys taking a picture of a 'boid' in the woods. Who knows why my Pentax seemed to do better.. and I'm certainly no Alfred Eisenstadt, when it comes to aiming the lens and clicking the shutter.

06-19-2018, 01:43 PM	#99
jgnfld Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,789	Originally posted by subsea I got mine late last year and took it out to play with for the first time on a trip to Naples, FL in February. Caught a sunset over the Gulf and was very happy with its performance. Now, for normal day to day use I only carry my DA 16-85mm and my 55-300mm PLM on my K-3ii. Makes for a nice, light, high quality package. That pair has rapidly been coming to be my go to pair. Only exception is the 40mm Ltd I also through in my pocket for shots in special light.

06-20-2018, 07:23 PM	#100
bhbrake Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 332	The PLM lenses are really making me kick myself for not payign the few extra $$ for the K-3ii. I do love my K-3, but I'm getting kinda jealous of you guys now as an upgrade is pretty far out.

06-20-2018, 07:51 PM	#101
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	It should work on the k3 with fw 1.30

06-20-2018, 09:07 PM - 1 Like	#102
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by swanlefitte It should work on the k3 with fw 1.30 Yes the PLM works perfectly with the K-3 once you install the latest firmware.

06-21-2018, 08:55 AM	#103
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Originally posted by bhbrake The PLM lenses are really making me kick myself for not payign the few extra $$ for the K-3ii. I do love my K-3, but I'm getting kinda jealous of you guys now as an upgrade is pretty far out. Update your firmware and the PLM will work fine.

06-21-2018, 10:09 AM - 1 Like	#104
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by SSGGeezer Update your firmware and the PLM will work fine. When I purchased my K-30, a 18-135mm was the logical next step - and I did it almost immediately. When I purchase a KP, the PLM lens will be the logical next step - and it may even be part of the same order.

06-21-2018, 10:50 AM	#105
ellicottva Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 76	Originally posted by reh321 When I purchased my K-30, a 18-135mm was the logical next step - and I did it almost immediately. When I purchase a KP, the PLM lens will be the logical next step - and it may even be part of the same order. I have a KS-2 with both the 18-135 (bought as a kit) and now the 55-300 plm. Works great but despite salivating for the KP, I just think my prudence dictates I wait for the next iteration of the K-3. For now the KS-2 seems adequate for my amateur needs.