[aslyfox]

Welcome

a few thoughts

do you have the ebook?

Instantly download your Pentax eBook! (K-1, KP, K-70, K-3, K-5, K-50, K-S2) - PentaxForums.com

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I, too, recommend you look at the PLM

have you looked at the In Depth Review of the PLM

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM WR RE
Introduction
If you're a Pentax shooter who's not quite ready to step up to a professional lens like the DA* 60-250mm f/4 or D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8, there are only two homegrown options to scratch the telephoto itch: the DA 50-200mm or the DA 55-300mm. For years, the DA 55-300mm f/4–5.8 was the better of the two choices. This consumer zoom provided ample telephoto reach, weather sealing, and good-enough image quality, all in a portable package.

Read more at: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM WR RE Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

or the user reviews:

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

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since you are here in the US, you could consider spending a little $ to rent equipment before deciding what to buy:

Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/137-photographic-industry-professionals/...#ixzz61QoeJwHn

[beachgardener]

G'day mate and welcome to the forum