Thoughts on PENTAX-DA 55-300 mm F4-5.8 ED

[creampuff]

With the slew of new Pentax lenses announced, I am sure many of us are attracted by the fast tele lenses. But one lens that seems to get little mention is the new PENTAX-DA 55-300 mm f/4-5.8 ED.

Yes that consumer grade long tele that covers a whopping focal range of 82-450mm in 35mm film format. The more I think of this lens, if priced right and the optics are good, the more I think this lens might be in the bags of many tele shooters on a budget. Yes there is the yet to be announced DA* 60-250mm f/4 to consider. Any thoughts?

[Redsun]

im more interested in the 60-250F4 because of the constant aperture
F4 may not be very fast but i feel for this kind of range F4 is pretty good already

[istDeS]

Yes, if the price is right and the optics are good. I might consider getting it to replace the DA50-200. The weight and sizes pairs well with the kit lens for travelling. Guess my main concern is how soft the tele end gonna be. The DA* 60-250 should have very good optical performance like other DA* lens.

[NoMoney]

This lens is in my wish list

It can cover 18-300mm for my collection

[creampuff]

I'm thinking this might serve as a cheap lens for birding and travel. It will match well with my existing DA 16-45mm.
With the possibility of a Pentax FF camera down the road, I'm probably gonna want to hold back spending on expensive made for digital only lenses in anticipation of lenses with a larger image circle that can cover FF.

[Redsun]

Originally Posted by creampuff I'm thinking this might serve as a cheap lens for birding and travel. It will match well with my existing DA 16-45mm. With the possibility of a Pentax FF camera down the road, I'm probably gonna want to hold back spending on expensive made for digital only lenses in anticipation of lenses with a larger image circle that can cover FF.

hmmm thats a good point too

[fengwei]

The DA55-300/4-5.8 lens has 2 ED elements -- which are only used in more expensive lenses (the DA50-200 got one ED element). I'm hoping the 55-300 would be as good as the DA50-200 in the same range. The 55-300 lens weigts only 440g w/ a 58mm filter size, compact and small, would be a great tele lens option for guys who like to pair it w/ the kit lens or 1645 for a lightweight combo. I'm glad to see Pentax is coming out w/ a lens like this.

BTW, the DA*200 and DA*300 are verified to be usable on FF film camera w/ no vignetting at all. If you don't mind spending more on better glass, these are good options too

Me myself, I'd probably wait for the DA*60-250 and see how it competes against the others

[hjbyeo]

Same here.. pairing DA*60-250mm with my DA*16-50mm. But of course, if the DA55-300 proves to be a hit ... that may change my plans (especially if it doesn't burn a hole in the pocket).

[snapnut]

Originally Posted by hjbyeo Same here.. pairing DA*60-250mm with my DA*16-50mm. But of course, if the DA55-300 proves to be a hit ... that may change my plans (especially if it doesn't burn a hole in the pocket).

USD$400 in stock May 31st
http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-55-300m...2796284&sr=1-1

[bLuRbEnG]

For me oso quite interested in this lens...
Dun think I will buy any DA* too ex for me...
If this lens is gd, then I may consider replacing my DA 50-200mm...