CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
      • Samsung Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
    • Cameras by Lens Mount
      • Sony E Mount Cameras
      • Canon RF Mount Cameras
      • Nikon Z Mount Cameras
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cameras
      • Leica L Mount Cameras
      • Nikon F Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF M Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF S Mount Cameras
      • Pentax KAF Mount Cameras
      • Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm G Mount Cameras
      • Sigma SA Mount Cameras
      • Nikon 1 Mount Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
    • Cinema Lenses
      • Sony E Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Cine Lenses
      • ARRI PL Mount Cine Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cine Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cine Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Cine Lenses
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Pentax HD DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR KAF2 Mount Review

HD Pentax  DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR

Main Features

  • 55-300mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 - F5.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 58mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • Weight: 466g / 1.03 lb
  • Dimensions(øxL): 71mm x 112mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 1.4m
  • Max Magnification: 0.28x
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Compare To
x
Add a Lens for comparison

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR Overview


Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF) Super Telephoto Zoom lens with APS-C / DX max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with KAF2 Mount cameras.

What type of photography is the Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeGood
SportsGood
PortraitGood
TravelExcellent
StreetGood
WeddingGood
Walk AroundVery Good
VloggingGood
LandscapeGood
MacroAverage

Reasons to Buy HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Weather-sealed
Autofocus
Distance Scale
Hood supplied
Full-time Manual Focusing
Versatile Lens with a Zoom Ratio of 5x
Report a correction

Buy Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Lens Extents while zooming
Slow Aperture at Tele end
Variable Aperture


Lens Mount

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR is compatible with cameras that have a Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Pentax KAF2 lenses are , and .

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR has a maximum diameter of 71mm and total length of 112mm when not extended. It weighs 466g / 16.4 oz.

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR has a filter thread of 58mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR:

  • 58mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 58mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 58mm Clear Protection Lens Filters




Focal Range

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR has a focal range of 55-300mm and 5.5X zoom ratio which has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 82.5-450mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.



Weather Sealings

The Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR with a weather-sealed camera body such as the , and .

Optical Image Stabilization

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR doesn't have an optical image stabilization system so the only option to stabilize the image taken with this lens is to mount on a camera body with IBIS (sensor based In-body image stabilization).

Zoom Method

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.28x and has a minimum focusing distance of 1.4m. For a non-macro lens, the 0.28x is considered a high magnification and will come handy for close-up shots.


Aperture

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR is a variable aperture lens with a max aperture of f4 and a minimum aperture of f22 at 55mm, and a max aperture of f5.8 and minimum aperture of f32 at 300mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
55mm F4 F22
300mm F5.8 F32

Optical Formula

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR's optical formula consists of 12 elements in 8 groups . Special elements used in this design is ED glass elements.

Lens Hood

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos. The model number of the hood is PH-RBI 58mm.

Body Colour

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR is available in Black color.

Popular Comparisons of Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
Compare
APS-C / DX 471 g / 1.04 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 60-250mm F4.0 ED IF SDM Lens Pentax smc DA 60-250mm F4.0 ED IF SDM
Compare
APS-C / DX 1,040 g / 2.29 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro Lens Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro
Compare
35mm FF 550 g / 1.21 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED Lens Pentax smc DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED
Compare
APS-C / DX 440 g / 0.97 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM Lens Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 1,350 g / 2.97 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED Lens Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED
Compare
APS-C / DX 272 g / 0.60 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL IF DC WR Lens Pentax smc DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL IF DC WR
Compare
APS-C / DX 405 g / 0.89 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 50-135mm F2.8 ED IF SDM Lens Pentax smc DA 50-135mm F2.8 ED IF SDM
Compare
APS-C / DX 685 g / 1.51 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR Alternatives in Pentax KAF2 Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Pentax smc DA 60-250mm F4.0 ED IF SDM Lens Pentax smc DA 60-250mm F4.0 ED IF SDM
Compare
APS-C / DX 1040 g / 2.29 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo

Related Blog Posts

Nikon 135mm F1.8 Plena vs 58mm F0.95 Noct Lens Sizes Comparison
Nikon Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena vs Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM vs Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM Lenses Size And Feature Comparison
A 500mm F6.3 Full frame lens for only $329?
Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD Lens Available for Pre-Order. And Yes, It is a Full-frame Lens
Fujifilm GF 110mm F5.6 T/S, 30mm F5.6 T/S and 55mm F1.7 Lenses: Medium Format comes with a Price tag
Panasonic Releases Updated 100-400mm and 35-100mm Lenses for MFT Cameras
New Lens Roadmap Released for Fujifilm G Mount
Sigma 100-400mm DG DN and 23mm F1.4 DC DN lenses released for Fujifilm X-mount

Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Pentax
Lens Type Zoom
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Pentax KAF2
Max Format APS-C / DX
Focal Range 55-300mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No Zoom
Zoom Lock No Zoom
Zoom Ratio 5.5X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F4.0 - F5.8
Min Aperture F22.0 - F32.0
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 6
Optics
Optical Elements 12
Optical Groups 8
Special Elements ED glass elements

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 1.4m
Max Magnification 0.28X
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Screw drive from camera
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Unknown
Distance Scale Yes
DoF Scale No
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 466g
Diameter 71mm
Length 112mm
Weather Sealing Yes
Filter Thread 58mm
Filter Notes -
Hood Supplied Yes
Hood Code PH-RBI 58mm
Tripod Collar No
Report a Correction
Frequently Asked Questions about HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR
is the HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR a Weather-sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR
is the HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR
Does HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR have Image Stabilization?
Does HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR have Aperture Ring?
What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR


FOLLOW US


Latest Pentax KAF2 Lenses
Samsung D-Xenon 100mm F2.8 macro
Samsung D-Xenon 100mm F2.8 macro
Pentax KAF2 | F2.8 Macro Prime
Samsung D-Xenon 50-200 F4-5.6 ED
Samsung D-Xenon 50-200 F4-5.6 ED
Pentax KAF2 | F4.0 - F5.6 Telephoto Zoom
Samsung D-Xenon 35mm F2 AL
Samsung D-Xenon 35mm F2 AL
Pentax KAF2 | F2.0 Standard Prime
Samsung D-Xenon 18-250mm F3.5-6.3
Samsung D-Xenon 18-250mm F3.5-6.3
Pentax KAF2 | F3.5 - F6.3 SuperZoom
Samsung D-Xenon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6
Samsung D-Xenon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6
Pentax KAF2 | F3.5 - F5.6 Standard Zoom
Samsung D-Xenon 16-45mm F4
Samsung D-Xenon 16-45mm F4
Pentax KAF2 | F4.0 Standard Zoom
Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED
Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED
Pentax KAF2 | F4.0 Wideangle Zoom
Samsung D-Xenon 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 Fisheye
Samsung D-Xenon 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 Fisheye
Pentax KAF2 | F3.5 - F4.5 Wideangle Zoom
Pentax smc DA 300mm F4.0 ED IF SDM
Pentax smc DA 300mm F4.0 ED IF SDM
Pentax KAF2 | F4.0 Telephoto Prime
Pentax smc DA 60-250mm F4.0 ED IF SDM
Pentax smc DA 60-250mm F4.0 ED IF SDM
Pentax KAF2 | F4.0 Telephoto Zoom
Latest Compatible Cameras
Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision LaptopDecision

Report a Correction