Quick answer
A weather-resistant APS-C telephoto zoom for Pentax. It weighs about 466 g, takes 58mm filters and focuses as close as 1.4 m.
Pros
- Weather resistant
- HD coatings
- Light at about 466 g
- Good reach for APS-C
Cons
- Slow at the long end
- APS-C only
Verdict
A sensible telephoto zoom for Pentax crop bodies, especially for outdoor use.
About this lens
A 55-300mm f/4.0-5.8 short-telephoto zoom lens, the Pentax HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR is designed for Pentax K mount bodies, with weather-resistant construction and extra-low dispersion glass. A popular general-purpose zoom for Pentax APS-C cameras.
Pentax HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR specifications
- Brand
- Pentax
- Mount
- Pentax K
- Focal length
- 55-300mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/4.0
- Lens type
- Zoom
- Format coverage
- aps-c
- Minimum focus distance
- 1.4 m
- Filter thread
- 58 mm
- Weight
- 466 g
- Length
- 112 mm
- Diameter
- 71 mm
Specification source: wikidata.org
What can you shoot with the Pentax HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR?
- Wildlife on APS-C
- Sports and outdoor events
- Travel telephoto
Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APS-C | 1.5x | 83–450mm | 4.6–24.6° | 5.5–29.4° |
Frequently asked questions
What does HD mean on the Pentax DA 55-300mm?
HD refers to Pentax's HD multi-layer coating, which reduces reflections and improves contrast.
What filter size does it use?
The front thread measures 58mm, which is the size to look for when choosing a polarizer, UV or ND filter.
How close can it focus?
Minimum focus is 1.4 m. That works for detail shots and small subjects, though it is not a dedicated macro unless stated.
Alternatives for Pentax K from other brands
All Pentax K lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
More Pentax lenses for Pentax K
All Pentax lensesOther 55-300mm lenses
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