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Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2024-10-15T04:48:02

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Lens!

Great lens! It's exactly what I was hoping it would be.

BRUCE H.

2022-04-01T09:06:56

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent!

Honestly, this lens is incredible with the Pentax K70. I originally purchased the Pentax K70 with the 18-135mm lens. I really enjoy my 18-135mm, but recently I found myself really enjoying wildlife photography and ideally a 300mm lens is just more capable for this type of photography. After comparing the two lens I?m blown away at the quality of images with the 55-300mm PLM. The focus is sharp and very fast and I have zero issues focusing in on moving targets which is a huge plus. I?m relatively new to photography so I?m learning a lot and this 300mm lens really is very capable. Additionally the added weather proofing as well as the light weight makes this my new go to lens when walking around parks for wildlife shots. I highly recommend!

NATHAN T.

2022-03-04T07:58:20

Rated 4 out of 5

Very Good Lens

A bit soft at full zoom, but I can mostly deal with that in post-processing. Insanely fast focusing. If it ?hunts?, it does it so quickly that I don?t notice.

Robert T.

2021-12-16T09:27:38

Rated 5 out of 5

Great lens, 55-300mm PLM mounted on Pentax KP

This appears to be a very good lens to use with my Pentax KP. I like that it can be locked while retracted because when fully extended it is fairly long. When fully extended to 300mm I am concerned about the venerability of the lens if bumped on the side, just have to be careful. It is sharp up to about 300mm, it then is a little soft but easily corrected in post. I performed a 'Fine-tune calibration adjustment with the lens on the KP. After many tests, the lens showed a +1 at 55mm, 100mm, and 300mm. At 250mm no adjustment was needed, a "0". I ended up choosing the +1. The method I used to check the calibration was the "Dot-Tune",

WILBURN E.

2021-07-03T04:42:58

Rated 5 out of 5

Great lightweight lens

A very fast focusing and lightweight lens. Great for traveling when you don?t want to carry heavier equipment.

CHRISTOPHER R.

2021-06-13T08:33:05

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Lens A Little Pricey But Worth It

This is a very nice lens and I highly recommend it to any Pentax user. I'm very happy with it and you can see how nice the pictures turn out that I took.

John R.

2021-05-01T04:59:19

Rated 5 out of 5

PLM = Speed

Fasted focusing lens in Pentax's catalogue. Very compact, well built, weather sealed, sharp corner to corner through the entire range, good close up, and very decent bokeh. For its price it's no brainer for Pentax users. The only drawback is when it is in the compacted form, it takes an extra step to slide it to 55mm before you can start using it, but that's also a benefit for backpackers or needing ultimate compactness- tradeoffs indeed. 55mm is a bit wider than standard 70's, and it helps. Overall you can't go wrong with this one. Optically its the best bang for the buck for telephoto work in the K mount.

Carl G.

2020-07-31T08:59:27

Rated 5 out of 5

First telephoto lens

Having a great time learning the ins and outs of photography and the many different types of lenses.

Liren T.

2020-01-07T09:05:37

Rated 5 out of 5

lens

super lens.

gary l.

2019-10-04T10:51:57

Rated 5 out of 5

Glad I got this lens

I added this lens to my K70 kit to compliment the 18-135 kit lens, I’ve also added the 35mm macro limited lens to complete this kit. I use this 55-300 mostly at the 300mm focal length for both distant shots and for macro shots that I crop. The lens is quick to focus and the images are sharp and crisp. Glad I got it. I definitely recommend this camera/lens combination.

Robert L.

2019-06-11T18:36:41

Rated 4 out of 5

Its a nice lens for the price

It takes very nice pics but tends to shoot a little on the dark side.

Bob H.

2019-05-25T03:09:38

Rated 5 out of 5

Gods optics, fast focus, compact size

I bought this lens for its reputation of fast autofocus and it doesn’t disappoint. It has very good image quality, which can be unusual in a zoom with this kind of range. I didn’t know the retractable feature would be so useful, it takes up so little space in a bag with the hood reversed. I had the Pentax DA 55-300 (nonWR) which was one of my favorites. This one has at least equal optics, but blows it away in autofocus, it’s so fast and silent. I know it has a slower aperture, but paired with the KP it is actually much better in low light than the old lens was with older camera models.

Tom R.

2018-11-29T20:44:00

Rated 1 out of 5

Not a Good Lens

Using it on my K3II-terrible focus issues-micro focus adjustments @ +7. Have to Post Process every shot. Didn’t expect a science project-definitely not recommended Would give it a zero if I could

Fred F.

2018-08-28T16:48:01

Rated 4 out of 5

Great lens for the price and reach

WR, electronic diaphragm, quiet, fast. Doesn't compare to the quality of my 24-70mm, but then I do not expect it to. Buy this if you need a nice size, light weight lens when you need extra reach.

NEIL L.

2018-07-13T11:42:37

Rated 3 out of 5

First Impression using Pentax k3

Seems well made, light weight, size is good for camera bag, focus ring somewhat tight, 55-200 works best after that not as sharp. This is not a lens for fast action sports in continuous shooting mode,

Steven C.

2018-06-28T13:06:45

Rated 3 out of 5

Overexposure Issue

I do like everything about this lens except I have the same issue as another of the reviewers. I use this lens on a K3II and get extremely overexposed photos when in green mode. When shooting in manual modes, there is no issue though. I don't know if it's just some copies or if there's another issue at play.

Jeff M.

2018-04-12T10:44:35

Rated 4 out of 5

Good lens but fragile

Takes gorgeous pictures but cheap build quality. I went to grab the lens for a quick manual focus and the plastic barrel snapped in two. I bought another because of the cost vs great pictures. I'm just going to be real gentle with this one!

Bill B.

2018-01-24T17:04:57

Rated 4 out of 5

Very good, but PLM requires some shortcomings.

Good quality lens. The PLM is quiet and fast to focus. I wish only that there was a way to focus manually. I also miss the distance markers. Otherwise it is doing just whay I wanted.

Thomas K.

2017-12-18T12:59:39

Rated 5 out of 5

Best Weather resistant lens I've used!

The plm autofocus is so fast and quiet that you don't realize it's already perfectly in focus. Very sharp ant beautiful bokah.

Dan T.

2017-09-26T17:13:10

Rated 4 out of 5

Great lens

Focusing with my K3 is rapid and silent thanks to PLM. The lens is well built and compact. Recommended.

Rodney S.

2017-06-18T10:43:04

Rated 5 out of 5

Grate zoom

This is just what I needed to get more grate pictures. Works good so even I can use it.

Richard M.

2017-05-23T08:39:37

Rated 5 out of 5

Quick Review of Pentax DA 55-300mm PLM lens

First, I can't believe how fast and accurate the focusing is on my K-3! WOW! Second, the photo quality is better than I expected. Five stars all the way!

CHARLES B.

2017-04-19T09:40:51

Rated 5 out of 5

Great lens

Wonderful lens! Compact, not heavy, and autofocus is the best. Maintains clarity and sharpness in all focal lengths.

Rich B.

2017-04-04T11:01:27

Rated 3 out of 5

overexposure issue

I can only use this lens in Manual mode. In Green mode, all photos come out terribly overexposed. Unsure if it's the camera or the lens. I have no issues with three other lenses I use.

David E.

2016-12-20T11:23:10

Rated 5 out of 5

Good service as always. Will be bavck

Good service as always. Will be bavck

Jarrell T.

Pentax 55-300mm PLM Specifications

General

General

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  • Brand

    Pentax

  • MPN

    21277

  • Lens Series

    Pentax DA

  • Color

    Black

  • Lens Type

    Standard to Telephoto Zoom

  • Lens Mount

    Pentax K

  • Format Compatibility

    APS-C / DX

  • Focus Type

    Auto Focus

  • Focusing Technology

    N/A

  • Closest Focus Distance

    37.2" / 93cm

  • Distance Information

    N/A

  • Built-In Motor

    N/A

  • Focal Length

    55-300mm

  • Angle Of View

    29.0 - 5.4 deg.

  • 35mm Equivalent Focal Length

    84.5-460mm

  • Coverage

    N/A

  • Minimum Aperture

    f/22 - 32

  • Maximum Aperture

    f/4.5-6.3

  • Maximum Magnification

    0.28x

  • Lens Coating

    N/A

  • Aspherical Elements

    N/A

  • ED Glass Elements

    N/A

  • Filter Size

    58mm

Construction

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  • Lens Elements / Groups

    14 Elements / 11 Groups

  • Diaphragm Blades

    28mm: F4.5 - 9
    105mm: F6.3 - 13

  • Dimensions

    3 x 3.5" (76.5 x 89mm)

  • Weight

    15.6oz /442g

Features

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  • Image Stabilization Type

    None

  • Tripod Collar

    N/A

  • Waterproof / Water Resistant

    N/A

  • Dust Resistant

    N/A

About Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Telephoto Zoom Lens

The HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens redefines telephoto precision, combining compact design with high-end performance. With a mere 3.5" (89 millimeters) in length and a lightweight 16 oz (442 grams), this lens offers exceptional portability without sacrificing functionality, making it an ideal choice for photographers on the go.

Designed specifically for APS-C-format Pentax K-mount DSLRs, this versatile lens provides an 84.5-460mm equivalent focal length range. This broad zoom spectrum allows for seamless navigation between detailed close-ups and distant captures, all with remarkable clarity, making it perfect for wildlife, sports, and landscape photography.

Engineered with superior optics, this lens boasts a minimum focusing distance of 0.95 meters, expanding your photographic possibilities. The extra-low dispersion glass meticulously minimizes chromatic aberrations and color fringing throughout the zoom range, ensuring unmatched image clarity and vibrant, true-to-life colors.

The HD coating on the lens elements significantly reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring stunning contrast and color neutrality, even in challenging backlit situations. The Pulse Motor (PLM) offers swift, silent, and seamless autofocusing, ideal for both still photography and video recording. Combined with an electromagnetic diaphragm, it delivers impeccable performance.

Built for adventure, this lens features a robust weather-resistant construction. With 11 distinct seals, it shields against dust and water, making it a reliable companion for outdoor photography in any weather condition. The SP coating on the front and rear elements protects the glass against fingerprints and smears, ensuring your lens stays clean for consistently crystal-clear shots.

The rounded nine-blade diaphragm enhances the bokeh effect, lending a creamy, dreamlike quality to backgrounds and emphasizing your subject with utmost finesse. The retractable design further enhances its portability, making it a travel-ready lens that never feels like a burden.

In a world brimming with options, the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens stands out, promising unparalleled performance packed in a compact form. It's not just an addition to your photography gear; it's a significant upgrade that enhances your photographic journey.

Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Telephoto Zoom Lens Features

  • Improved high-speed AF operation using a pulse motor (PLM) for smooth, quiet, and immediate response.
  • Quiet AF operation and electromagnetic diaphragm control, perfect for movie recording
  • Provides approximately 5.5-times zoom coverage from medium- to super-telephoto ranges with a minimum focusing distance of 0.95 meters and focal lengths from 84.5mm to 460mm (35mm equiv.).
  • Compact form factor - only 3.5" / 89 millimeters long and weighing just 16 oz / 442 grams, the lens is extremely compact and lightweight
  • Dependable weather-resistant construction with 11 sealing parts to effectively prevent the intrusion of water into the lens
  • HD coating assures higher light transmittance and less reflection to deliver bright, high-contrast images
  • ED elements compensate for chromatic aberration
  • QSF (Quick Shift Focus)
  • RE (Retractable)