| Author: | | New Member Registered: November, 2013 Posts: 14 | | Review Date: June 22, 2023 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | one of the best low budged lenses | | Cons: | very small CAs in the corners | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: k-s k200, k-s1 k-5 fuji x-T100
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this is my absolute bargain. it was dirty and must be cleaned intensively. so the japanees dealer packed it without costs to a nearly new K-x set at 150 dollars. .Okay the housing is not a winner, but lens elements are clear.
impressive optical qualities !
with a socciore 1.8x high definition tele converter on the top of the lens 5.8/540 mm are available . wow !!!
++ between f 9 and f 13 phantastic sharpness
so CAs are neglectable, even for close ups.
my 4.7-5.8/100-300 was even very good, but this lens is still a few better and really of very high value !
the ED fluorite lens makes the difference
very highly recommended !  full points !
| | | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: October, 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,653
4 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 24, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Rather impressive performance on APS-C sensors. Sharp over the whole focal range. | | Cons: | Must be closed between f/8 and f/16 to perform superbly. | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: Pentax K3, K3 III
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 210 mm @ f/11
 190 mm @ f/11
 150 mm @ f/11
 90 mm @ f/11
Once again, I fell on a darn good second-hand sample on eBay. It stays sharp up to its longest 300 mm setting, even on a K3 body, which is rather unusual for this category of consumer lenses. In the last picture above, you can clearly see the nailheads in the wood slats on top of the gables from almost 100 feet away in flat overcast light. The rock outcroppings in the picture of a river are at least 300 feet away and still remain very sharp. Detail in the white plank wall is amazing. You can easily create the telephoto "compression effect" with it. It produces very beautiful colors.
It is slowly becoming one of my most beloved lenses. I always wonder "Who the hell bought this awesome lens new, evidently never used it to its full potential and then let it go for peanuts ?" It seems like an entirely new lens compared to the ancient non-WR version I used previously on my K5.
| | | | | New Member Registered: September, 2019 Location: Heerlen, very close to Belgium and Germany Posts: 4 | | Review Date: March 22, 2024 | Recommended | Price: $120.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | It is light, WR and quickshift really makes it shine | | Cons: | The "sweet spot" is around F8, so it is a bit slow | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-70
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I've owned this lens for a couple of weeks.This week we visited a small local forest zoo in Gangelt,
Germany, just across the border from Heerlen, the Netherlands where I live.
My K-70 was set to a variable ISO, with 800 as a maximum. I used a fixed aperture of F8, no tripod
or monopod. I was very impressed how the quickshift worked. In a zoo, autofocus issues can be a pita
, not with quickshift! Marvellous invention!!
I always shoot in RAW. (pictures were processed using DXO Photolab 7 and Corel Paint Shop Pro 2023).
The resultst were far better than I expected.
I bought this lens for about 120$, used, Might be the BEST bargain I ever got on a Pentax lens.
Bought it to capture wild life from a distance and it delivers, in spades!
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2017 Location: Ronneburg Posts: 1
6 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 1, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | reliable, rugged, build quality, Quick shift focusing, | | Cons: | AF is relatively noisy (screwdrive) and slow in low light situations | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-3,K-30
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Pentax K-3/ Highest Resolution /300 mm/F13/1/250sec ISO100/#Spot Metering
IMG]https://www.pentaxforums.com/gallery/images/111008/large/1_K3__4526.JPG[/IMG] ]
Pentax K-5 V 1.16 Highest Resolution /300 mm/F5.8/1/500sec ISO400
Pentax K-5 V 1.16 Highest Resolution /300 mm/F5.8/1/800sec ISO400
Pentax K-5 V 1.16 Highest Resolution /100 mm/F5.8/1/800sec ISO400
The build quality of this lens is good with high quality plastics being used for much of the lens barrel and a metal lens mount. This lens is also quite lightweight, only tipping the scales at 502g with the lens hood attached. It balances well with the Pentax K-3 and battery grip attached.
The screw drive of this lens is an outdated technology but in my view very durable.
I use the lens since 6 years without any malfunction it works well at the K-3 and formerly
at the K-5 (meanwhile sold).
The follow-up model with PLM unit inside is surely more faster focusing.
But i don't trust the stability of this modern drive and the malfunction will be a comimg problem. Apart from the cost for repair.
Highly recommendation in this zoom range.
HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Pros
Good sharpness in the centre throughout the zoom range
Very sharp in the center between f8 /f16
Good build
Weather resistant construction
Reasonably priced
HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Cons
CA levels a little high at 300mm
| | | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: February, 2020 Location: Smoky Mountains, NC Posts: 1,605
4 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 17, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | size, weight, IQ | | Cons: | slow aperture | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 7
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: KS-2, KP
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I've had this lens for about 2 years now, and it is easily my most used workhorse lens. I bought it used form B&H and have had no problems with it. I use it for wildlife and flower pix while backpacking in the Smokies, and while walking the dog at home.
I find the autofocus to be fast and accurate on the KS-2. I use the quickshift if going from MFD to infinity, and find that helps alot with the speed in that situation.
Sharpness is great and achieving bokeh is easy at longer focal lengths despite the slow max aperture.
At a bit over a pound it is very carry friendly on long hikes in the mountains.
Even having bought used and used it regularly for 2 years there is absolutely NO zoom creep and overall build quality is rock solid.
Highly recommended as a very versatile lens.
UPDATE 1-23-22: I've had this lens for 4 years now, and it is still chugging along. I have used it in all seasons and all kinds of weather, and had no problems. Remember, I bought it used from B&H, so I do not know how old it is. I ALMOST broke down and bought the new PLM version when it was on sale at B&H at Christmas, then I took my dog out for a walk and realized AGAIN that this screwdrive version "focus breathes" LONG, by which I mean that when I zoom then re-focus, the image gets LARGER in the viewfinder as it comes into focus! Sometimes I must back up a little to compensate!! In contrast, the PLM version "breathes short"- the image would appear SMALLER=LESS MAGNIFICATION!!! This was a deal breaker for me, and one of the main reasons why I got this over the more "sexy" PLM version (the other reason is the virtually fail-proof screwdrive AF). SO, even bought used and 4 years with me it is still an awesome, workhorse lens. If you want durability, reliability, and great photos GET THIS LENS!!! I have seen MINT copies sold for UNDER $300!! Get one, you won't regret it!!!
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: February, 2013 Location: Hingham MA Posts: 48 | | Review Date: September 22, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp, lightweight, great value, build quality, wr | | Cons: | none | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-70
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Great lens. Especially if your using it all day. Auto-focus is screw drive, and a touch slow , but accurate. Some of my best, non sports, photos came from this lens. Like this much better than PLM which I returned and bought this lens back. Also had the *60-250, which definitely has better IQ but not enough to justify the heft and the cost, IMHO.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: October, 2017 Location: Sale, Cheshire Posts: 249
5 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 16, 2018 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Build quality, sharpness, contrast, fast focus on K-3, versatility | | Cons: | Some AF noise | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-3
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I previously owned a Tamron 70-300mm lens with a K-x camera, and the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR is markedly superior in every respect. Some reports say this lens compliments the 18-55mm kit lens. I have conducted comparison shots with the highly rated HD Pentax DA 16-85mm f3.5-5.6ED DC WR lens (at 100% views) and I believe the sharpness and contrast of the 55-300mm lens is very close to this, rather than the kit lens (particularly when shooting in RAW and sharpening appropriately).
Independent lens reviews indicate the sharpness at the lens edges is not outstanding around the 300mm mark. However at longer focal lengths the subject is mainly towards the centre of the frame, where sharpness is required, and where this lens definitely delivers. Using f8 at 300mm (to obtain a workable depth of field), and any f no. at shorter focal lengths, the images have been excellent - from 55mm views, through to sports shots and close-ups. On the K-3 and using spot focusing, the AF has been quick and accurate. OK, the AF drive is slightly noisy, but from my perspective, not problematic.
Overall, for the price, I believe this is a very, very good lens and you would have to spend substantially more for a better picture quality.
| | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2015 Posts: 2 | | Review Date: September 1, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $200.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Light, good range, quite sharp, nearly point and shoot | | Cons: | Screw AF thing | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: k-30
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Walking around outside type lens, plus boating, caravanning, four wheel driving, maybe biking. Not so much indoors. Trusty weapon.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: March, 2017 Location: Maryland Posts: 144
6 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 30, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $285.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | sharp, light, cheap, reliable | | Cons: | is not 55-300 f1.2 | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-3II
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Couple of things need saying. Camera bodies cause a lens to focus, and it is clear that this lens reaches focus faster with newer bodies. The means of getting to focus, under command of the camera, happens to be a very reliable, albeit audible, mechanical linkage. And trust me, when you are hearing this, or any other lens "hunt", it is because the active focusing point(s) are not happy with what they see -- you are shaking the camera, the subject is moving, or the focusing matrix choice may be inappropriate for the subject, etc.
Focus hunting may say something about your technique at that moment. Spot meter a hummingbird in flight with blue sky as the background and yeah, you are going to hear this lens hunt. Add a contrasty closer background, and things improve. Widen the metering slightly from spot, and all of a sudden this "lens focusses" the elusive hummingbird just fine. There are well-documented limitations in the Pentax focusing algorithms and sensor configuration that hopefully will improve, but shouldn't be protrayed as lens issues, per se. I suspect if you hung this lens from a Nikon D500 its focusing would be stellar. The newer PLM variant of this lens seems to be a step in the right direction with greater speed and low noise, assuming your camera is compatible.
| | | | | New Member Registered: September, 2016 Posts: 3
4 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 22, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $200.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | WR, good optical qualities | | Cons: | Slow AF | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 6
Handling: 8
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-30
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Covers all my telephoto needs. A nice touch is the pretty good min focus distance of 140 cm. This comes in very handy when out on walks cause at 300mm you can do close-up photography of stuff lying on the ground without ruining your back! (See uncropped pic of leaf for example). Contrast, sharpness and flare resistance is very good, especially with the generous hood. See crop below for sharpness demonstration. Weather resistance is great to have with a larger lens like this, since they are harder to tuck under your jacket when it's raining. Highly recommended. Main drawback is noisy and slow AF which hunts a lot.
    | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: September, 2013 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 3,229
6 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 5, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $360.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | compact, sharp, great reach, price | | Cons: | hunting AF, slow aperture | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 6
Handling: 8
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-30
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Screwdrive autofocus is a negative in my books especially in a long telephoto, although my experience would probably be better with a better camera body. This is the only lens where I frequently use Quick Shift to compensate for the camera not being able to find focus. On the other hand, relative to its price this lens can produce excellent images and it is much lighter than other long telephoto zoom lenses with faster apertures or better glass and those lenses are 3 times the price or more. I selected two pictures from the extremes of its focal length range; while it doesn't really qualify as a walk-around lens, it gives you great range in a two lens system.
 | | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2016 Location: Tromso Posts: 4
8 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 17, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | very sharp, compact, great value | | Cons: | Autofocus could be better, sometimes awefull bokeh | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 7
Autofocus: 7
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K3
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I have used this lens for a year now and must say its awesome in good conditions, great value!
When used in the right way it can produce amazing photo´s. I even get very sharp results at 300mm.
Autofocus is a bit noisy and slow sometimes and in low light the lens is not so useful but that is to be expected
from f5.8 at 300mm.
So who ever wants a nice zoom lens for wildlife and hasn´t a budget of 1000$ or more then this lens will be an
awesome choice for you!
[IMG] [/IMG]
 | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: August, 2011 Location: Melbourne Posts: 4,847
4 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 17, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $259.95
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | WR, HD, light, compact, sturdily built, good IQ | | Cons: | screw drive, a little slow for indoor use | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K3
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I already own the SMC version of this lens, but my son is taking it to Asia for 6 months, so I picked up the newer HD WR version from B&H in the post-Christmas sales for myself. The optical formula is identical, so it is not surprising that they produce very similar results. The construction of the HD version seems more robust, and the weather resistance is a major bonus. I haven't yet noticed any advantage from the HD lens coating compared to the old but still excellent SMC. I'm sure it is there, but I have never had any trouble with flare with this lens, partly due to the deep lens hood.
Overall, this is a lens that any Pentaxian shooting outdoors should carry. It is extremely compact and light for a 300mm zoom, and the WR makes it ideal for hiking. The image quality is not professional grade but is more than acceptable for most other users. The bokeh is really excellent, the aberrations mild, and the sharpness good.
The only disappointment is that it is STILL screw-drive. The DC motor of the DA 18-135 and other recent lenses would have been a welcome addition. Nevertheless, so far the autofocus has proved accurate and fast enough. I have experienced a little hunting of the AF on the SMC version, but haven't noticed it yet on the HD (I'm sure it's possible to provoke it, but only if swapping from extreme near to far focus or vice versa).
For the price, everyone who shoots outdoors should have this extremely useful lens. For indoor sports etc, I would suggest something faster.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: June, 2014 Posts: 62
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 20, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $274.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Light,Great IQ,Fast AF | | Cons: | None to date. | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K3/K30
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After having a disappointing experience w/new Da*300, I decided to upgrade my SMC version to this HD model. I am really glad i did.
First session produced about 60 top quality shots at more than 500 yds. All suceeding session were the same. All aperture settings produced good results.
No really noticeable degradation at the various ranges.
I feel that I got more than my monies worth and I would recommend this lens.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: December, 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 1,549
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 13, 2015 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | WR, HD coating, size, weight, build quality. | | Cons: | Autofocus sometimes... long minimum focal distance | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 7
Handling: 9
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-3
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I sold my SMC Pentax-DA 55-300mm (green ring) to replace it with this, as I wanted the weather sealing.
I didn't expect any other improvements, but there are two, and in my mind, they justify the bump in price:
1. Build quality is vastly improved over the SMC lens. It matches the K-3, feels solid and looks great.
2. Benefit of HD coating is quite obvious when shooting high contrast scenes. Purple fringing is not an issue.
I have found autofocus speed is body dependent, it's slow on the K-7 and much improved on the K-3.
At 190mm, it's f/4.5. So in low light, there is the option to stay at or below 190mm and it behaves as a decently fast lens.
As with the previous model, the long minimum focal length of 1.4m can be a limitation sometimes.
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70 mm @ f/11
77,5 mm @ f/11
70 mm @ f/11
90 mm @ f/11
107,5 mm @ f/11
190 mm @ f/11
300 mm @ f/11
100 mm @ f/8
300 mm @ f/11
210 mm @ f/11
55 mm @ f/11
87,5 mm @ f/9
100 mm @ f/11
300 mm @ f/11
87,5 mm @ f/8
210 mm @ f/11 
300 mm @ f/16
300 mm @ f/8
300 mm @ f/8
230 mm @ f/11
107 mm @ f/11
70 mm @ f/11
190 mm @ f/8
150 mm @ f/11
230 mm @ f/11
170 mm @ f/11
300 mm @ f/8
190 mm @ f/11
