Camera Labs

Pentax smc DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED

I don't do a lot of telephoto photography, but I have some upcoming motor sport events where I'd like to get closer than the SMC 18-55mm gets me.
Is the 55-300mm going to be worth the AUD$600+ ?

I don't like the budget SIGMA lenses (a 200mm came with the camera which takes shots that are blurred on left side of the image)

I use an *istDS

Please don't recommend lenses that require I sell my car to afford

Optically it is a great lens. It is kind of slow, however, so unless you are taking pictures in broad day light, the lens won't be sufficient.

If you really need a lens for just that one day, why not rent a lens?

www.cameralensrentals.com

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Samsung GX-10, , SA 18-55mm
Canon 5D Mark II, 40D, EF 17-40mm f/4 L, EF 24-105mm L IS, EF 50mm f/1.4

www.flickr.com/glxlr

It's a very good lens, it has a lot of good reviews.

Thanks GLXLR,

The up coming events will be an ongoing thing, not just a one off.
I live in Far North Queensland, Australia - I know of no business that rents lenses., interesting thought though.

Thanks also LeDave.

I have this lens and I use it a lot. It rarely (if ever) leaves my camera. I use it mostly for wildlife photography. It's a good lens... well-built, smooth focusing ring, mine hasn't shown any lens creep, and it tends to be sharp throughout its range. It is a little slow, so that might get frustrating, but it will give you an opportunity to perfect your manual focusing technique. Still, you might miss some shots unless it's really bright outside.

I've been fairly happy with my copy, but as of late I've been seriously considering an upgrade.... something a little faster, and with a longer range.

If I were in your place, I'm really not sure what I would do. When I bought this lens I paid less than $300 USD... I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay $600 AUD. Then again, I'm not sure what else is out there for you.

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Nikon D300 / 35mm f1.8 / 300mm f4 / TC-14E II
Pentax K200D / DA 18-55mm / DA 55-300mm
Flickr

Hi jaxzwolf,
Thanks for posting..

I'm not into aggressive high FPS photography or making things hard for myself, I shoot when the light and conditions are good, otherwise I don't bother.
A slower lens isn't going to be an issue for me and frankly the auto focusing is even less of a drama, I tend to do more manual focusing when shooting cars in bright sun anyway due to the bright star points on chrome messing with the auto-focus sensor.

Basically what I'm after is a tele with a pretty good range, minimal distortion and CA.
The 18-55mm pretty much has stayed on the camera since I bought it three years ago (the lens) - it's a great all-rounder, but I'd like the extra reach.

Open to suggestions (within my budget of course )