[hps3]

I just purchased a sliver KP through Adorama and it should be shipped out tomorrow. I ordered a couple of extra batteries and the 35 f2.4 with my Amazon points. I think I’ll go with the DA15 for a wide and the DA70. My main question is about the Sigma 18-300 Contemporary or 55-300 PLM. The reviews look great for both. Since the stay at home order, we’ve put out a couple of bird feeders and have been getting plenty of activity. I’ve never been a tele shooter, but would love a lens to use to shoot wildlife and maybe daytime softball. My daughter plays 10-U ball and her games are mostly during the day. I could also go with the Tamron or Sigma 70-200, but I worry I would need more reach. I’m just lookin for some opinions.

[kypfer]

I use a Sigma 150-500mm on my KP for "birding". Personally, I'd find anything much shorter a little limiting now I'm used to it, but it is a bit of a lump to carry around I've no interest in sports, not even sure what "softball" is, so can't help there, but the bird-feeders would really need to be quite close if I were to feel satisfied with the results from a 300mm lens, considering the size of birds we get on feeders locally.

[Adam]

If you're looking for AF speed, then the 55-300mm is your go-to. Pair it up with an everyday zoom like the 16-85 and I think you'll be a lot more satisfied in the long run.

We have reviews of both lenses:

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM WR RE Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews
Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-F6.3 Contemporary Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

[hps3]

Thanks for the input! Kypfer, softball is “baseball” for girls here in the states. The ball is just larger than a baseball but the same rules. I think 300 on a crop would be fine for softball. I would shoot from the dugout. For the birds in the yard, most are cardinals, doves and blue jays. We also have plenty squirrels, and they are about 15-20 feet away. I don’t know if 300 is enough or should I try to go with more? I’ve never shot with a long lens before, but down here in southeast Louisiana I could find plenty wildlife to shoot around the swamps or parks.

[milligan22963]

I have been using a sigma 70-300 and a pentax 80-320 on my KP. The pentax lens is lot like me, hunts a lot but not the best results. The sigma works a little better from my experience.
SMC Pentax-FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
Sigma AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 DL Macro Super Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

[bkpix]

I could get through life with nothing but the 15 Ltd and the 55-300 PLM on my two KPs.

[The Squirrel Mafia]

Like already stated by a few, the Pentax DA 55-300mm PLM. It's probably the quickest focusing Pentax lens ever.

[Ex Finn.]

The PLM is pretty good for what it costs.
Couple it with the 11-18 and you are set.

[rogerstg]

Like already stated by a few, the Pentax DA 55-300mm PLM. It's probably the quickest focusing Pentax lens ever.

And it's the only lens in the Pentax line up that will continuously focus in video mode on the KP.

[ramseybuckeye]

You won’t be disappointed with the 55-300 PLM. 15 is a nice lens too. The DA55-300 PLM, DA20-40, and the DA15 are my most used lenses. The 55-300 should be great for softball.

[Ex Finn.]

You won’t be disappointed with the 55-300 PLM. 15 is a nice lens too. The DA55-300 PLM, DA20-40, and the DA15 are my most used lenses. The 55-300 should be great for softball.

The 15 and 20-40 combined with the PLM produce some good images!

[hps3]

After all the responses, it looks like the 55-300 is a winner. Hopefully the KP gets here at the beginning of next week and I can start playing.

[Ex Finn.]

Pretty sure you will like the combination of KP and the PLM.

[rod_grant]

KP & 55-300 PLM, cropped to 8% of original size;

[Digitalis]

I hope you ordered a second battery, also the grip for the KP is an essential accessory for working with long lenses as it helps the camera balance in the hand better. It extends battery life and gives you extra controls that makes shooting verticals easier.