Question 1

is the lens sharp at full distance when used for sporting events requiring a fast shutter speed?

Accepted Answer

I also have a Sigma 50-500mm (Bigma) that is highly rated, I find this lens to compare favorably and being much smaller much easier to get steady & sharp hand-hel results at 300mm. Took photos at a band concert a week ago (indoors) and was impressed that I could read the type on name tags music stand from a distance. Basically a very sharp lens for the money. I highly recommend.

Question 2

How does the IQ of this lens compare with the Sigma 70-300mm?

Accepted Answer

The biggest difference is that this lens is weather sealed, while the Sigma 70-300mm is not. Its range also meshes well with the stock 18-55mm kit lens. Regarding IQ, the only head to head test I found seemed to indicate IQ was similar except at the far end (270-300mm) where the Pentax had slightly better IQ. But the two lenses are close enough that if I hadn't valued the weather sealing I probably would have gotten the Sigma at half the price -- the reality is that neither is a professional grade lens and neither will give you professional-grade IQ at 300mm.

Question 3

Is this the weather resistant version as the "WR" in the name suggests?

Accepted Answer

I have three new Pentax lenses (18-135mm,  55-300mm, 100mm macro).  They are all WR lenses.  I don't have any newer non-WR lenses to compare, but the WR versions have a visible orange colored "O-Ring" in the face of the mount.  There are no other obvious differences indicating weather resistance.  My older Pentax lenses do not have the O-Ring.  I bought these lenses with a new K5-II, and I'm very pleased with the combinations. (Far superior to my older K100D!)  I hope this helps.

Question 4

will it work on the k500

Accepted Answer

will it work on the k3 2?

ASIN	B00FP6BAA8
Best Sellers Rank	#2,848 in SLR Camera Lenses
Brand	Pentax
Camera Lens	Pentax HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens
Color	Black
Compatible Camera Mount	Pentax KAF
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (356)
Exposure Control Type	Automatic
Focal Length Description	55-300 millimeters
Focus Type	Screw drive from camera
Global Trade Identification Number	00027075273993
Image stabilization	No image stabilization
Item Weight	466 g
Lens	Telephoto
Lens Coating Description	HD Coating
Lens Design	Zoom
Lens Fixed Focal Length	30 centimeters
Lens Mount	Pentax K
Manufacturer	Pentax
Manufacturer Part Number	0027075273993
Maximum Aperture	4 f_stop
Maximum Focal Length	30 centimeters
Media Type	ProductImage
Minimum Aperture	22 f_stop
Minimum Focal Length	5.5 centimeters
Model Name	22270
Model Number	22270
Number of Diaphragm Blades	6
Number of Items	1
Real Angle Of View	29 degrees
UPC	027075155749 779177403562 027075273993
Unit Count	1 Count
Warranty Description	1 year parts and labor
Water Resistance Level	Water Resistant
Zoom Ratio	5.45:1

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens

Details

Details

Description

Specifications

Common Questions