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HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Review RSS Feed

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

Sharpness 
 8.6
Aberrations 
 8.9
Bokeh 
 8.7
Autofocus 
 9.5
Handling 
 8.9
Value 
 9.1
Reviews Views Date of last review
46 167,827 Sun January 28, 2024
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
89% of reviewers $393.97 8.89
HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
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HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
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HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
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HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
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HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
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HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
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Description:

The HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE is a compact, weather-sealed APS-C telephoto zoom lens featuring a retractable barrel design.  This lens also debuts PLM (Pulse Motor) autofocus technology and an electromagnetic aperture diaphragm to facilitate smooth focusing and exposure adjustments during video recording.

Unlike earlier Pentax lenses, the aperture stop-down lever in the camera is not used to control the diaphragm of this lens.  A DSLR launched in 2013 or later is needed to operate this new system (the K-500 is not compatible).

The optical formula of this lens has been redesigned compared to the previous DA 55-300mm F4-5.8.  The new lens now has a rear-mounted focus ring and internal focus, is nearly 3 cm shorter when collapsed, but also loses about half a stop of light at both ends.


HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Image Format
APS-C
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Aperture Ring
No
Diaphragm
Automatic, 9 blades (rounded)
Optics
14 elements, 11 groups
Mount Variant
KAF4
Check camera compatibility
Max. Aperture
F4.5-6.3
Min. Aperture
F22-32
Focusing
AF (in-lens motor)
PLM
Quick-shift
Yes
Min. Focus
95 cm
Max. Magnification
0.3x
Filter Size
58 mm
Internal Focus
Yes
Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.)

APS-C: 29-5.4 ° / 25-4.6 °
Hood
PH-RBK58
Case
S80-120
Lens Cap
O-LC58
Coating
HD,SP
Weather Sealing
Yes (WR)
Other Features
Retractable,Electromagnetic Aperture Diaphragm,Focus by Wire
Diam x Length
76.5 x 89 mm (3.01 x 3.5 in.)
Weight
442 g (15.6 oz.)
Production Years
2016 to present (in production)
Pricing
$396 USD current price
$399 USD at launch
Engraved Name
HD Pentax-DA 1:4.5-6.3 55-300mm ED PLM WR RE
Product Code
21277
Reviews
User reviews
In-depth review
Unofficial Full-Frame Compatibility Tests by Pentax Forums
★☆☆ Usable with reservations at select F-stop/focal length combinations
Show details
Notes
High-precision exposure control in movie mode thanks to the electromagnetic aperture diaphragm.
NOT COMPATIBLE with the K-500 and with Pentax DSLRs launched before 2013.
Firmware update needed for compatibility with the Pentax K-S2, K-S1, K-3 II, K-3, K-50, and K-1. Fully supported by newer bodies.

Features:
Supersonic AutofocusQuick ShiftWeather SealedInternal FocusingAutomatic ApertureAPS-C Digital Only
Purchase: Buy the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
In-Depth Review: Read our HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE in-depth review!
Sample Photos: View Sample Photos
Price History:



Add Review of HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Buy the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
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Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 1-15 of 46
Site Supporter

Registered: November, 2023
Posts: 53
Review Date: January 28, 2024 Not Recommended | Price: $349.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Lot of situation
Cons: The focal is too hight( 5.6-6.4)
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K70   

I tested this lens because I've had it for almost 2 months.
It's a good telephoto lens which unfortunately requires light to get good images.
So it's really made for nature in broad daylight in the morning or late afternoon.
I took a lot of photos with this one.
And I am of the opinion that if you come across a good number. It's a treat.
It has a bokeh that I love, good sharpness, it's very quiet. I don't understand the people who put a bokeh at 6, it's certainly not the same.
I highly recommend this lens,
It seems that the Sigma 100-300 F4 is above it but all the good Pentaxians keep it... too bad.
Maybe one day I will make a difference.
   
New Member

Registered: January, 2023
Posts: 1

7 users found this helpful
Review Date: January 28, 2023 Recommended | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: good price, sharpnes, very fast autofocus
Cons: more plastic
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 7    Value: 8    New or Used: New    Camera Used: KP K10D   

For this price is the best small tele lens! If you thinking about buy this lens buy it. Now i need more lights and buy 150-450 but if not have money for 150-450 buy 55-300 plm! Look at my photos!


17 by Łukasz Karzełek, on Flickr

12 by Łukasz Karzełek, on Flickr

10 by Łukasz Karzełek, on Flickr
   
Senior Member

Registered: October, 2022
Location: Glyfada, a southern suburb of Athens
Posts: 205

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: December 4, 2022 Recommended | Price: $315.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: sharp & fast, bokeh (!!!), best "value for money" zoom you can buy
Cons: it comes without a pouch and that's cheap from Pentax
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: KP   

Purchased at any amazing deal, brand new, from a german retailer at 315 $/€ before shipment. I think there was a glitch in their system and gave me, kind of, twice, a 40 euro Pentax coupon since the today price is 395 $/€ [ I was discounted for only one coupon since their system had already subtracted one more coupon]


Already had 55-300 in "DAL" and the "HD red" version which I am now getting rid off even if the "red" is a faster and a superb lens.

Received the glass on a Friday and on Saturday I went to shoot my 2 1/2 years old son's X-mas show together with a Limited HD 15mm/F4.0 at my bag. A great combo for such events. Trust me.

As per photo, I was shooting from the last raw of a 40 meter / 120ft long theatre in pitch dark. Only lights available during the show were just the ones on stage.

I had set the ISO at max 20.000 to avoid noise and I was shooting on P mode with my KP and clicking always the "green" meter button before every sessions in "full" metering. I had also set the P mode on subject focus ( background secondary/blurred). That was a very wise decision together with the "Spot" AF.

Below you can see two photos. The first photo is shot with the 15/4 in order you realise the distance.

The second is an example not just of the lens' abilities at the extreme (300mm, ISO 800, f/6.3, 1/400s !!!) but mostly of it's "bokeh" wonders that have nothing to fear from prime premium gear. I could not believe it.

What you see is also "Photoshopped" in terms of "lens profile" and a few minor adjustments; mostly in White Balance as it was way off due to the various strobe-colored lights of the event.


WHAT A LENS!!!' quality-quality-quality everywhere

And yes, I find offending that Pentax does not include a case/pouch inside the box. Shame on them.

   
Pentaxian

Registered: December, 2007
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 325

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: November 22, 2022 Recommended | Price: $360.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: A sharp lens with great bokeh and excellent autofocus, all in a compact and lightweight design.
Cons: I wouldn't change a thing!
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K-70   

This is a sharp lens with superb bokeh, especially when shooting in nature with difficult, busy backgrounds (such as thin branches or grasses). That combination of sharp in-focus areas with lovely background blur provides superb overall rendering. It also has excellent flare resistance.

The autofocus is accurate, fast, and silent (thanks to the PLM motor). The lens is exceptionally compact when stored. It is also very light and well balanced. The handling is superb.

Overall, the rendering and handling characteristics make for a very special package, far better than most similar zooms from other manufacturers.
   
Senior Member

Registered: May, 2012
Location: North Coast, NSW, Australia
Posts: 142

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: January 12, 2021 Recommended | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Compact, "Locking" button, PLM drive
Cons: none, yet
New or Used: New   

First Impressions:
(i will add more detail later)
Lens purchased from fellow Pentaxian, near-new, near-mint.
Attached to K-p, and tested WITH Pentax-DA 1.4xTC.
Focussing is FAST, and silent. Perhaps a young 20yo Pentaxian may notice the sound of the focusing motor, but, to my 70+yo hearing, it seems silent.
.
Sample photos all hand held, when i figure out how to upload them. I will never post a sample photo that has been digitally modified. Samples will always be straight from the camera.
The "tree-trunk" was taken at 420mm (DA-1.4xTC fitted)
.
Main reason for this early post is : Yes, the DA-1.4xTC does work with this lens !
.
more to come later
Rob
   
New Member

Registered: February, 2014
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 20

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: August 7, 2020 Recommended | Price: $500.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Buy this lens!!!
Cons:
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-70   

My video review explains the magic of this lens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCvD9NOFM1g&t=321s

   
Site Supporter

Registered: January, 2013
Location: Hampshire, UK
Posts: 1,647

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: December 5, 2019 Recommended | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Small, light and surprisingly good optically
Cons: None noticed so far (for price_
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K3   

After my usual need for AF adjustment, this low cost lens is looking very good indeed. I ended up at +7, with the low end needing more like +5 and the top around +8. At +7, I just need a little more care at 55mm.

As background I've a variety of FF and cropped lenses, both primes and zooms to compare this lens with.

First off it looks a low value lens, especially when zoomed out. It does not feel especially robust. But, and it's a very positive but, this lenses is remarkably good value. I have no intention of using it to print large (up to A1) as I do often enough, nor do I intend to pixel peep it against expensive primes - it's not a lens for this. What it is, is a low cost, very convenient, walkabout lens, that focuses very quickly, and when AF adjusted is plenty sharp in the centre. Yes, it drops off at the edges a little, but not excessively.

I tend to use a tripod/monopod for my normal photography, but with this the intention is to travel light. It's obviously hard to hold this light lens at the long end and avoid camera shake, but with Pentax's shake reduction, hand held 300mm shots are proving to be perfectly (for me at 100%) in focus at around 1/400. For web viewing, the shutter can go a fair bit lower.

Overall, I'd say it's an excellent value lens that's fun to use.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: January, 2019
Location: Geelong, Australia
Posts: 341
Review Date: March 19, 2019 Recommended | Price: $400.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: WR, blistering fast autofocus, range of zoom itself.
Cons: Focus hunting.

Crystal clear pics. Bought new and instantly fell in love with the autofocus speed.
Much better than any other 300mm lens I have ever used. I have yet to use a DA*300
   
Veteran Member

Registered: November, 2014
Posts: 366
Review Date: December 14, 2018 Recommended | Price: $347.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, fast and silent AF, WR, build quality, price
Cons: None yet
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K3 & K-S2   

Upgraded from a DAL 55-300 that I've used for 4 years with some very nice favorite photos... but I've also missed many photos because of truck like slow screw drive AF on the DAL 55-300.

The new PLM 55-300 is a major step up in AF, WR and IQ. I've taken many shots from the outlook 25 miles away from NYC and the PLM was far and away the sharpest with hundreds of individual windows clearly visible when Pixel peeping.

I was debating between the PLM 55-300 and DA* 300... I was really looking forward to the DA* 300 sharpness, IQ and build quality, but, budget considerations won out.

I thought I was going to be disappointed with the sharpness in order to save over half the money by going with the PLM. I'm sure the DA* 300 is sharper and better IQ but I'm very pleased with the PLM 55-300. If you can afford it then by all means get the best... or both!

   
New Member

Registered: April, 2014
Posts: 5

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: September 9, 2018 Recommended | Price: $368.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, light for a telephoto lens, silent autofocus, build quality, compacteness locked
Cons: Slow aperture, zoom ring a bit difficult to turn
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax kp   

This lens was a real surprise. For its cost it is really an excellent travel companion for portraits, details and nature. Well built, fast autofocus, nice bokeh, light and even wr. And above all, it guarantees a good image quality. Currently I also have a 50-135 that in the last holiday I left for this lens.
Below are cropped photos of birdlife taken with KP.









   
Junior Member

Registered: July, 2016
Location: Alps
Posts: 35

6 users found this helpful
Review Date: August 7, 2018 Recommended | Price: $350.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: high image quality for the price, compactness & weight, handling, autofocus
Cons: 200-300mm sharpness, low light AF
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-3 II   

This is a fantastic lens. Arguably the best quality/price tele for pentax.
I've extensively used the DA* 60-250, to which I can compare.


Sharpness:
Until 200mm : Excellent at the center ! It's hard to tell the difference with DA*60-250. Micro-contrast is excellent also.
Ok on edges/corners, but a step down the DA* telezoom.

At 300mm, sharpness across the frame is WAY worse.


Colour rendition:
It's OK but I prefer the rendition of the DA* 60-250.

The 55-300 feels in the same league as other DA (not star *) lenses, while the DA* 60-250 if more of the DA* / Limited rendering.


Bokeh:
To me, better than the DA* 60-250.

The smaller aperture make it sometimes impossible to achieve though, but on proxy shots it's gorgeous.

Autofocus:
Blazing fast AF, great subject tracking, provided the light is good.
Once it gets really cloudy, or at the shadows, AF is not that good and it can be difficult to follow a slow moving subject getting images sufficiently sharp.


Handling:
It's a joy to use : lightweight, compact, reactive.

Only downside would be the barrel extension while zooming... but you can't have it all ! Even the DA*60-250 extends.

And for having used both for maybe 30 000 shots each, the latter feels a lot more bulkier. Manipulating the new 55-300 is a pleasure.

Value:
Unbeatable !

Other pros:
Wide range, sharp wide open, quite small retracted.


For the story, I've broken my DA* 60-250 and had to use my "backup" 55-300 PLM for a few weeks of everyday river-sports shooting - photos I make money with. I was sceptical on the quality, and specially afraid of poor subject tracking, having owned the older 55-300.
I ended up completely sold on the 55-300 PLM, with the main downside being the look of the lens that's not pro like DA*, which unfortunately has some importance when you sell your pictures.

Finally I chose to replace my 60-250 with the DA* 50-135 mostly for handling reasons, and I just love that new lens too, but that's another topic.

Anyway I know I can count on my 55-300 PLM if needed even professionally.

This is my go-to lens for shots needing reach, wildlife, travelling (along with HD 16-85).
   
Senior Member

Registered: July, 2009
Location: London
Posts: 212
Review Date: June 15, 2018 Recommended | Price: $400.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: All round ability
Cons: Zoom control stiff
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-S2   

Every so often a design is right. This lens meets that level of ability. Taking into consideration, price and overall performance, I cannot see another brand matching it. It has to be used to appreciate how good it is.
   
New Member

Registered: December, 2013
Posts: 7

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: March 24, 2018 Recommended | Price: $340.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, consistent, nice bokeh
Cons: slow
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: k70   

I got this as an upgrade from the old non WR version. I bought an open box one for £280, and I couldn't be happier with it.

It is most definitely sharper than my old one, and very consistent. Ok, there is still perhaps a little bit of softness towards 300mm, but overall edge sharpness is much improved, and most focal lengths are centre sharp from wide open.

It's has nice accurate colour rendering, better contrast, much smoother bokeh, and produces really nice portraits. The MFD is considerably less than the old one, so it's a handy pseudo-macro to boot. Ok, it's not going to better my FA77 or DFA100, but still, if you are out and about and want to stick with weather resistant zooms, this is an absolute winner. Another IQ aspect which ìs hugely improved is the almost total lack of fringing, which for a cheap as chips tele zoom is impressive.

I find the handling is good. The big advantage of the retractable design for me, is that you can put the camera on a sling and lock the zoom so it stays compact as it's swinging around. Unlocking it becomes second nature very easily.

The focussing is super quiet, fairly quick, and pretty reliable too. I have even managed to capture some birds in flight, which was just impossible with the old one. I love the way the focus by wire kicks in automatically when you switch the camera on.

It pairs well with my 16-85mm, which is also sharp from wide open throughout the range, and with the ISO performance I'm getting from my K70, the slowness of these lenses on paper doesn't really hold me back much in practice. Goes against the common wisdom, but that's Pentax for you. I don't think you can expect better value. If your camera is compatible, get one. I simply can't imagine there is a better affordable long zoom out there.
   
Pentaxian

Registered: May, 2016
Posts: 3,720

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: March 3, 2018 Recommended | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: af speed, close focus, value, bokeh
Cons: minor sharpness drop over 250mm
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-3II   

In a similar focal length range, I used to have a 60-250 but I sold it because it was too big after I mostly stopped shooting sports. Comparatively, the 55-300 plm has colder colors, is slightly less sharp (in relative terms, I have no issue using this one at max aperture), but has better contrast and smoother bokeh. It's f4.5 up to about 150mm, which means this lens can do most but not all of what the bigger and more expensive alternative can. I like the 55-300 plm, for me it works best in terms of performance and value.
Build quality is on par with the 16-85, which is good but utilitarian. The retractable design doesn't bother me and I appreciate the more compact size.

260mm f5.6


300mm f8


edit: I removed the narrow focus ring as a downside after getting used to manually focus with my left thumb, the rest of the hand normally supporting the camera/lens from underneath. I also can confirm after more use that af (speed, accuracy, tracking) is quite good on the k3ii.
   
New Member

Registered: March, 2012
Posts: 6

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: July 2, 2017 Recommended | Price: $405.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharpness, focus speed, build quality.
Cons: Weight, zoom ring control.
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: KS-2   

I recently purchased this lens as an upgrade to my old Pentax DA 55-300 lens (the older one released in 2009ish, not the WR re-release). That lens I had purchased as an upgrade to the Sigma 70-300 lens, which was okay but kind of a beast (extremely loud autofocus, very heavy, and quite large). I had been satisfied with the DA 55-300; it was sharp and produced nice photos. However, it was bulky and the autofocus was not very good. It was loud, slow, and hunted badly under anything less than optimal conditions. I sold the lens in advance of purchasing this one - and luckily got a decent price on it.

I am not a picky photographer, I am mostly interested in OOTC jpgs to look at and appreciate. I do some light pixel peeping but that's it. So that's the background context for my expectations. With that in mind, I am very satisfied with this lens. It is solidly built and comfortable to use. It has the same button-release "feature" as the new DA 18-50 kit lens that came with my KS-2. You push the button to unlock the lens to 55 and then it smoothly rotates from 55-300. To collapse the lens you need to push the button past 55, release it, and then rotate to the dot. The lens has quick shift focusing but I almost never use that. It lacks an aperture ring but I don't miss it.

The biggest advantage to this lens that I see is the PLM-based focusing. It is outstanding. I don't think I own a faster focusing lens in my collection and in comparison to the old screw drive 55-300, it is sports car vs. moped speed. When taking far zoom shots, such as the dragonflies (shown below), that near-instantaneous focusing is fantastic. I find the pictures produced are sharp, with good contrast. There's some purple fringing in the extreme but nothing too surprising. Bokeh seems okay to me, I suppose not too distracting but not outstanding either.

I also appreciate the weather sealing which complements my sealed KS-2. I am a big fan of Pentax's weather sealing and while it may be a bit basic, it does give me that added peace of mind, especially for taking zoom shots in the rain, snow, or dust.

I paid $525 Canadian dollars (including tax and shipping) for this lens in May 2017, which is roughly equivalent to $403 USD. I think this lens is well worth the money and I see it having a home in my kit for a long time.









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