The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the PENTAX 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED WR and the Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR is the longer of the two lenses at 112mm. The PENTAX 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED WR with a length of 89mm, is 23mm shorter. On the other hand, the PENTAX 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED WR has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR's 71mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR weighs 466g, 1% (5g) lighter than the PENTAX 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED WR's weight of 471g.
Filter Threads
Both the PENTAX 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED WR and the Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR have the same Filter thread size of 58mm.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The PENTAX 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED WR has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount whereas the Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR has the Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF3 Mount and , and for the Pentax KAF2 Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
55-300mm but while PENTAX 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED WR has the fastest aperture of
F4.5-6.3, the Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR's widest aperture value is
F4.0 - F5.8.