Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras | 
| Brand: Pentax
List Price: $399.95
Buy New: $297.00
You Save: $102.95 (26%)
New (35)
Rating:  11 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Fragile: No
Batteries Included: No
Optical Zoom: 5.5
Maximum Focal Length: 300
Minimum Focal Length: 55
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 2.8 x 2.8 x 4.4
MPN: 21720
Model: 21720
UPC: 027075141186
EAN: 0027075141186
ASIN: B0012QCYNM
Release Date: May 21, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Extreme telephoto range zoom lens | | • | PENTAX SP coating protects the exposed lens elements | | • | ED elements compensate for chromatic aberration | | • | Developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLRs | | • | Focal length equivalent to 82.5mm to 450mm in the 35mm format |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
This product is a highly efficient zoom lens that covers the short to long telephoto range. The exclusive Pentax SP coating effectively protects its front lens against dirt and contamination. Additionally, the focusing ring permits easy manual focusing. Optics is especially adapted for high quality Pentax DSLRs.
Amazon.com Product Description
The versatile Pentax DA 55-300mm zoom lens offers a focal length equivalent of 82.5 to 450mm in the 35mm format, making it ideal for moderate to long sports and wildlife shots. The lens is outfitted with multiple ED glass elements, which are designed to minimize chromatic aberration and makes images look crisper and sharper than ever before. The Pentax Super Protective coating, meanwhile, protects the exposed lens elements against dirt and contamination. Other features include a focusing ring that permits easy manual focusing, a 4.6-foot close focusing distance, and a 58mm filter diameter. Specially adapted for high-quality Pentax and Samsung digital SLR cameras, the lens carries a one-year warranty. Specifications
- Focal length: 55-300mm
- Maximum aperture: f/4 to 5.8
- Minimum aperture: f/22 to 32
- Lens construction: 12 elements in 8 groups
- Angle of view: 29 to 5.4 degrees (when used with Pentax digital SLR camera body)
- Number of diaphragm blades: 6
- Minimum focusing distance: 4.6 feet
- Maximum magnification: 0.28x
- Filter diameter: 58mm
- Diaphragm control: Fully automatic
- Hood: PH-RBG 58mm
- Objective cap: O-LC58
- Case: S80-160
- Corresponding AF mounts: Pentax and Samsung
- Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.4 inches long
- Weight: 15.5 ounces
- Warranty: 1 year
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| Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 Nice general-purpose telephoto June 22, 2008
K. Gittins (CA USA)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful
I got this in the hopes of replacing both a Pentax 50-200 and a Sigma 70-300.
Luckily, the image quality seems to be an improvement over both, though they were acceptable on their own. This lens is just a bit smaller than the Sigma, though not close to the small size of the 50-200.
The Pentax 55-300 does not have a quasi "macro" mode as do some other xx-300's including the Sigma, and the closest focussing distance is 4.67ft (1.4m) which is not particularly close, either.
As seems standard with Pentax, the lens hood has a hatch to allow turning a polarizer filter, and the "Quick Focus" ring allows manual focus to fine-tune the auto-focus when the shutter is still half-pressed.
Not particularly a fast focusser, it can hunt in low-contrast situations and when going from very close to very far, or occasionally lock up. The variable f4-5.8 speed is not great for low light but is is OK in most daylight circumstances and helps to keep the cost and size down.
Comes with front and rear caps, a black nylon pouch with no strap or loop, and a manual.
 Great value July 9, 2008
Stormcoder (Seattle, Wa United States)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I got this lens to replace the Tamron 70-300mm. I would skip the Tamron and just get this one. Just the quick switch focus is worth the money. If your in low light and the auto focus is hunting you can just grab the manual focus and go. The camera is choosing the wrong point for the focus, just grab the manual. No switching to auto focus required. It's also weather sealed and the image quality is great. It also has the focal length range to make this a decent walking around lens. I took some great fireworks images this independence day with this lens. I set the aperture to f11 and then took three to ten second exposures, with tripod of course. Worked great.
 There is better for less! September 9, 2008
Marcus Panek (Denver, CO)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
First of all, no, this is not a bad lens. I love Pentax lenses. However, you can get a better Pentax lens for a lot cheaper. I currently have the FA J 75-300mm (made originally for 35mm cameras, but works great with digital). I bought the DA lens thinking it would be an upgrade. I did a lens comparison test by shooting items using both lenses and the exact same settings and focal lengths on a tripod. I wasn't originally doing this to see which lens was better, as I was sure it would be the DA 55-300mm. I just wanted to see how much better the DA was. Well, it turns out, the FA J 75-300mm had sharper images, across the board. I was blown away! I got that lens a year or so ago on Amazon due to the low price of 125.00, which is less than half the cost of this one. Now, the DA is of sturdier construction, it has a little more focal length (55-74), and it seems it may focus a bit quicker. However, that (to me) does not trump the fact the FA J is a sharper picture and it costs so much less.
Pentax 55-300mm zoom with Pentax K10D camera September 1, 2008
Richard Albeck (West Linn, Or, USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I was worried about this lens because of the confusing reviews on several "pro" websites. I shoot weddings and needed a fairly fast lens for candid distance shots and headshots. I am extremely pleased with the lens upon shooting my first wedding with it in an evening setting.One picture from 60 ft of a guest reclining in the shade was very impressive. It was so sharp that the hairs on the back of his hand were clearly visable in Photoshop when zooming at 200X. I can't afford an F2.8 lens yet but this f4 lens with the internal Image Stabilization of the K10D definitely will do for now. It is lightweight and has no problems focusing sharply. The minimum 55mm range was perfect for shooting across tables in reception hall shots.
Very nice tele zoom! August 5, 2008
Alex Vox (Winnetka, IL)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I like this lens a lot. It is very versatile in framing, has very smooth rings, very nice image rendition and reasonably sharp. I used it with both k10d and k20d and was very pleased with the results. For the money it is a great value. Must say that anti shake in Pentax bodies much facilitates the shooting on the longer side and the lens itself is well build (just like any of Pentax lenses that I tried), has nice balance on a camera and does not feel cumbersome or clumsy. In one word it is good bargain lens.
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