HD DA 55-300mm: $267 deal renewed!

HD DA 55-300mm: $267 deal renewed! · **1 Like**

An additional instant rebate on the popular 55-300mm lens was just posted today:

B&H: Pentax HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens 22270 B&H Photo
Adorama: Pentax SMCP-DA 55mm-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Telephoto Zoom Lens 22270

I'm consolidating this deal so that both stores get exposure.

ecruz · 08-21-2015, 09:30 AM

Ordered one to compare against my Tamron 70-200 2.8. I really like the Tamron, but it's big, heavy and not WR.

**klh** · 08-21-2015, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by ecruz

Ordered one to compare against my Tamron 70-200 2.8. I really like the Tamron, but it's big, heavy and not WR.

I have both lenses, and wouldn't let either go. While they overlap in focal length, I use them for different things.

Tamron 70-200: very sharp, great for low light (indoor sports, concerts) and portraits.

HD Pentax 55-300 WR: sharp enough, lightweight, great for outdoor events where you can use the extra reach (especially in threatening weather).

VoiceOfReason · 08-24-2015, 08:34 AM

I will either get my 60-250 in the mail today or if they leave a notice pick it up tomorrow. I was thinking of this, but I would have far too much overlap.

jimr-pdx · 08-30-2015, 11:29 AM

I've a DAL and K-s1 so WR is lacking all over. Still, this is a deal worthy of consideration for future bodies!

ecruz · 08-31-2015, 06:31 AM

Received mine last week. Plan to try it out at my son's soccer game this evening. It's certainly a lot easier to handle than my Tamron 70-200 2.8. I know it won't match the Tamron, but I'm interested to see what the image quality looks like.

danny09 · 08-31-2015, 08:17 AM

With the high iso improving exponentially across the board for all sensor sizes, it is OK that this lens isn't a F2.8. What this lens needs is a fast reacting reliable DC motor.

ecruz · 09-01-2015, 07:36 AM

Originally posted by ecruz

Received mine last week. Plan to try it out at my son's soccer game this evening. It's certainly a lot easier to handle than my Tamron 70-200 2.8. I know it won't match the Tamron, but I'm interested to see what the image quality looks like.

A quick review:
Not nearly as sharp & vivid as the Tamron. No surprise there, I wasn't expecting it to be. What did surprise me, although not WR, my Pentax FA 100-300 (that I paid about $60 for used) is just as sharp, if not sharper & may even have better color. Is that possible? I admit this was only about 75 shots from 1 soccer game, but I picked the most in focus, sharpest pics and only compared to other soccer shots that were at similar focal lengths, ISO, shutter speed, etc.

Now the question is, do I want to keep a lens that's not much (any?) better than other lenses that I already own, that cover this range? Tamron 70-200 2.8, Pentax FA 100-300, Pentax DA 18-135 WR.

danny09 · 09-01-2015, 08:21 AM

I would still keep it. Why? For one the 55-300 is WR. Nothing great but every bit helps keeping your investment in that equipment safe.
I have the 18-135 too. It is no match for the stellar image quality of 55-300 WR. Being a long focal length, gives it a splendid bokeh, something the 18-135 lacks IMHO.

Adam · 09-03-2015, 02:58 AM

This deal is still live, FYI!

Adam
	View full profile
	Contact via private message
	Find other posts by Adam
	Find threads started by Adam
	Find threads in which Adam has posted

09-03-2015, 02:58 AM	#39
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597 Original Poster	This deal is still live, FYI! 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:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
HD Pentax 55-300mm for $267.11	PF Staff	Homepage & Official Pentax News	0	08-13-2015 07:10 PM
HD DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR for $267 on Amazon	farhaddad	Pentax Price Watch	4	08-13-2015 03:53 PM
For Sale - Sold: HD DA 55-300mm WR	manishved	Sold Items	2	03-29-2015 11:24 AM
For Sale - Sold: HD PENTAX-DA 1:4-5.8 55-300mm ED WR 55-300 (price reduced)	transam879	Sold Items	6	07-15-2014 06:05 PM

08-21-2015, 09:30 AM	#31
ecruz Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Michigan Posts: 86	Ordered one to compare against my Tamron 70-200 2.8. I really like the Tamron, but it's big, heavy and not WR.

08-21-2015, 11:33 AM	#32
klh Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, USA Posts: 827	Originally posted by ecruz Ordered one to compare against my Tamron 70-200 2.8. I really like the Tamron, but it's big, heavy and not WR. I have both lenses, and wouldn't let either go. While they overlap in focal length, I use them for different things. Tamron 70-200: very sharp, great for low light (indoor sports, concerts) and portraits. HD Pentax 55-300 WR: sharp enough, lightweight, great for outdoor events where you can use the extra reach (especially in threatening weather).

08-24-2015, 08:34 AM	#33
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	I will either get my 60-250 in the mail today or if they leave a notice pick it up tomorrow. I was thinking of this, but I would have far too much overlap.

08-30-2015, 11:29 AM	#34
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	I've a DAL and K-s1 so WR is lacking all over. Still, this is a deal worthy of consideration for future bodies!

08-31-2015, 06:31 AM	#35
ecruz Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Michigan Posts: 86	Received mine last week. Plan to try it out at my son's soccer game this evening. It's certainly a lot easier to handle than my Tamron 70-200 2.8. I know it won't match the Tamron, but I'm interested to see what the image quality looks like.

08-31-2015, 08:17 AM	#36
danny09 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 417	With the high iso improving exponentially across the board for all sensor sizes, it is OK that this lens isn't a F2.8. What this lens needs is a fast reacting reliable DC motor.

09-01-2015, 07:36 AM	#37
ecruz Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Michigan Posts: 86	Originally posted by ecruz Received mine last week. Plan to try it out at my son's soccer game this evening. It's certainly a lot easier to handle than my Tamron 70-200 2.8. I know it won't match the Tamron, but I'm interested to see what the image quality looks like. A quick review: Not nearly as sharp & vivid as the Tamron. No surprise there, I wasn't expecting it to be. What did surprise me, although not WR, my Pentax FA 100-300 (that I paid about $60 for used) is just as sharp, if not sharper & may even have better color. Is that possible? I admit this was only about 75 shots from 1 soccer game, but I picked the most in focus, sharpest pics and only compared to other soccer shots that were at similar focal lengths, ISO, shutter speed, etc. Now the question is, do I want to keep a lens that's not much (any?) better than other lenses that I already own, that cover this range? Tamron 70-200 2.8, Pentax FA 100-300, Pentax DA 18-135 WR.

09-01-2015, 08:21 AM	#38
danny09 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 417	I would still keep it. Why? For one the 55-300 is WR. Nothing great but every bit helps keeping your investment in that equipment safe. I have the 18-135 too. It is no match for the stellar image quality of 55-300 WR. Being a long focal length, gives it a splendid bokeh, something the 18-135 lacks IMHO.