DA or DA L 55-300

Stuart Bertram · 02-02-2012, 01:20 PM

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I understand that optically the Pentax DA 55-300mm and the DA L 55-300 are the same. The differences being a metal mount, a hood and quick shift.

I only have experience of the kit lens (18-55mm) so no quick shift and there are plenty of DA L 55-300mm versions available from tiawan via ebay.

But is quick shift really worth investing in? I understand it as a concept but in practice will it make a huge difference?

Many thanks
Stuart

Adam · 02-02-2012, 01:21 PM

It's nice to have, but if you're a beginner, it won't make much of a difference.

Docrwm · 02-02-2012, 01:33 PM

Not that I have noticed. The 55-300 is intended for sunlight use and mine has seen most of its use shooting sports with my children. Under those conditions I haven't done much MF of the lens. The more important issue is a hood IMHO. It's a MUST HAVE for the lens.

**jatrax** · 02-02-2012, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

The more important issue is a hood IMHO. It's a MUST HAVE for the lens.

Agree. I use the quick shift on my DA*16-50 all the time. But I have never felt a need for it with my DA L 55-300. I think it is that at those focal lengths I am not second guessing the auto-focus.

But a hood is an absolute requirement. You can get a cheap ebay one for a few bucks that works fine or the official one for a lot more. None of this is to say I would not take the DA model in a heart beat if the price was comparable though. But I don't think the DA is worth a lot more just for quick shift.

Nowhere Matt · 02-02-2012, 05:26 PM

From Taiwan on eBay could mean "grey market" which could mean in 90 days a defect will cost you $200. Read those carefully.

DA-L versions are great also if you don't want to spend the extra money. I've used a DA 50-150 with quick shift and a DA L 55-300 without.

**boriscleto** · 02-02-2012, 05:33 PM

Originally posted by Nowhere Matt

From Taiwan on eBay could mean "grey market" which could mean in 90 days a defect will cost you $200.

All DA L lenses not sold in a kit are "grey market". I bought mine from Tri-State Camera. Couldn't be happier. It is by far my favorite lens, just spend a couple quid on a hood for it.

**ramseybuckeye** · 02-02-2012, 05:40 PM

I have the DA55-300 and use quick shift all the time, especially if you are shooting something like birds and don't want to scare them. It's way faster than waiting for the autofocus when you are changing targets from close to far. I rarely don't use it. After using quick shift I would not buy a non-quick shift lens if the same optics came in a quick shift version.

I would also not use an outdoor lens without a hood, so you need to figure that into your cost, there are imitations that are much cheaper, sometime they fit a little loose, but way cheaper than the Pentax hood.

gp1806 · 02-02-2012, 07:03 PM

I bought an ebay hood for my DAL 55-300 and am happy with it. It will reverse for storage and even has the little 'window' for a polarizing filter.

02-02-2012, 01:20 PM	#1
Stuart Bertram New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: London Posts: 4	DA or DA L 55-300 Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I understand that optically the Pentax DA 55-300mm and the DA L 55-300 are the same. The differences being a metal mount, a hood and quick shift. I only have experience of the kit lens (18-55mm) so no quick shift and there are plenty of DA L 55-300mm versions available from tiawan via ebay. But is quick shift really worth investing in? I understand it as a concept but in practice will it make a huge difference? Many thanks Stuart

02-02-2012, 01:21 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	It's nice to have, but if you're a beginner, it won't make much of a difference. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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02-02-2012, 01:33 PM	#3
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Not that I have noticed. The 55-300 is intended for sunlight use and mine has seen most of its use shooting sports with my children. Under those conditions I haven't done much MF of the lens. The more important issue is a hood IMHO. It's a MUST HAVE for the lens.

02-02-2012, 05:15 PM	#4
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Docrwm The more important issue is a hood IMHO. It's a MUST HAVE for the lens. Agree. I use the quick shift on my DA*16-50 all the time. But I have never felt a need for it with my DA L 55-300. I think it is that at those focal lengths I am not second guessing the auto-focus. But a hood is an absolute requirement. You can get a cheap ebay one for a few bucks that works fine or the official one for a lot more. None of this is to say I would not take the DA model in a heart beat if the price was comparable though. But I don't think the DA is worth a lot more just for quick shift.

02-02-2012, 05:26 PM	#5
Nowhere Matt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nowhere Land Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,362	From Taiwan on eBay could mean "grey market" which could mean in 90 days a defect will cost you $200. Read those carefully. DA-L versions are great also if you don't want to spend the extra money. I've used a DA 50-150 with quick shift and a DA L 55-300 without.

02-02-2012, 05:33 PM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by Nowhere Matt From Taiwan on eBay could mean "grey market" which could mean in 90 days a defect will cost you $200. All DA L lenses not sold in a kit are "grey market". I bought mine from Tri-State Camera. Couldn't be happier. It is by far my favorite lens, just spend a couple quid on a hood for it.

02-02-2012, 05:40 PM	#7
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	I have the DA55-300 and use quick shift all the time, especially if you are shooting something like birds and don't want to scare them. It's way faster than waiting for the autofocus when you are changing targets from close to far. I rarely don't use it. After using quick shift I would not buy a non-quick shift lens if the same optics came in a quick shift version. I would also not use an outdoor lens without a hood, so you need to figure that into your cost, there are imitations that are much cheaper, sometime they fit a little loose, but way cheaper than the Pentax hood.

02-02-2012, 07:03 PM	#8
gp1806 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs Photos: Albums Posts: 848	I bought an ebay hood for my DAL 55-300 and am happy with it. It will reverse for storage and even has the little 'window' for a polarizing filter.