Originally posted by TourDeForce My question before I plunk down more cabbage:
How does the Pentax lens do in the rest of the zoom range? Specifically between 70 to 100mm in comparison to the Tamron?
Here you go, you can pixel peep for yourself:
Picasa Web Albums - Dan - Telephoto test
The Tamron is an amazing value, I agree. But as a user of both lenses, I find the pricier 55-300mm has richer colours, smoother bokeh, better contrast and less PF. It is noticeably sharper at 300mm, especially wide open. Unfortunately I forgot to take that shot on test day.
The Tamron focusses significantly closer. The Pentax has better IQ for flower heads and butterflies, but is unsuitable for insect-sized macros. The Pentax quick shift focus and wider angle make the Pentax a much nicer lens to shoot with for general photography. I missed a lot of bird shots with the Tamron while fumbling for the AF/MF switch. I like to take a variety of shots, and 55-300mm is a much more versatile range than 70-300mm.
Here's an example of the colour richness I see from the DA lens. This was shot wide open at 300mm, ISO 800, 1/320s.