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10-06-2011, 09:05 AM   #1
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Which Telephoto To Get?

I am looking to get a Telephoto as I don't have one. I see three viable options

Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens - $165

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens - $170

Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED Lens - $250-300

Is the Pentax one worth the extra money? Would like to keep it under $250-300. I guess I can always save up my money, but then I wouldn't get a tele till spring. Or should I say piss on it, man up and spend the extra money on a Tamron 70-200 2.8 - $730?

I currently have a K-R with
18-55mm Kit Lens
Pentax 35mm 2.4
An older 50mm 2.0 Pentax

Not really sure how much use the Tele would get, never know till I get one I guess.

10-06-2011, 09:25 AM   #2
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Those are all good choices, however the 70-200 might be too short and too heavy for what you're looking for. It's an amazing lens though.
10-06-2011, 09:32 AM   #3
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The Pentax is handily the best value for the $$$.
10-06-2011, 09:38 AM   #4
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Now if I went with the Pentax 55-300 is it worth the extra ~$80 for the DA Lens (metal mount, hood, focus indicators) instead of the DA L Lens (Plastic Mount)?

10-06-2011, 09:39 AM   #5
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The 55-300 is worth the extra money, but there is a cheaper way to get it. Get a DA-L version for about $200 and then get a generic hood for about 8 bucks. You'll have a plastic mount instead of a metal one, but you will have saved a bunch. One could even make an argument for the plastic mount. In the event of a tumble, would you rather break the mount of the lens, or the mount of the camera?
10-06-2011, 09:41 AM   #6
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Which telephoto to get

I would get the Pentax because it has the best IQ out of the lenses you mentioned and because you have a K-r, if you shoot jpeg, you can correct distortion in camera!
10-06-2011, 09:42 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by claimed4all Quote
Now if I went with the Pentax 55-300 is it worth the extra ~$80 for the DA Lens (metal mount, hood, focus indicators) instead of the DA L Lens (Plastic Mount)?
If you buy the cheap version you lose quick shift focus, which allows you to make manual adjustments to your focus without having to switch into manual mode. You will have focus indication with either lens. You'll also probably want to buy a hood for about $12. I think the quality of the DA over the DA-L is worth the extra money. I just bought a DA from a forum member on the marketplace and I am very pleased with the quality. It also came with a lens pouch if that means anything to you.

10-06-2011, 09:51 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by DogLover Quote
The 55-300 is worth the extra money, but there is a cheaper way to get it. Get a DA-L version for about $200 and then get a generic hood for about 8 bucks. You'll have a plastic mount instead of a metal one, but you will have saved a bunch. One could even make an argument for the plastic mount. In the event of a tumble, would you rather break the mount of the lens, or the mount of the camera?
Now where can I find a 55-300 DA L for 200$? I would be interested in that!
10-06-2011, 09:56 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by claimed4all Quote
Now where can I find a 55-300 DA L for 200$? I would be interested in that!
I was looking for one for my wife a month or so ago, googled it and found one for $199. It wasn't a major retailer and came in a white box, meaning (I assume) that it was part of a kit that was split up, but still. I ended up buying her a Tamron 18-200 instead. The IQ's not quite as good, but it fits her needs better and has a sweet rebate right now.
10-06-2011, 02:05 PM   #10
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You find used lenses lenses the same place find used anything - craigslist, ebay, etc. But also the Marketplace forum on this site.

I think you,re mkaing the right chouce in leaning toward the 55-300, but in the futute, do check out the lextensive lenses reviews on this site (see the Lenses link in the main site menu above), and also search/browse for previous discussions of lenses you might be interested. As you might imagine, this topic has come up a few hundred times before, and the information and opinions i. Tose existing threads will probably be all you need to finalize your decision.
10-06-2011, 03:05 PM   #11
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It is a "no brainer", get the DA 55-300, non L. Quick shift comes in handy.
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