Pentax's budget APS-C telephoto — 82.5-450mm equiv with ED glass and Quick-shift focus.
The Pentax SMC DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED is a budget telephoto zoom for Pentax APS-C DSLRs, covering 82.5-450mm equivalent. It provides basic telephoto reach with ED glass for improved contrast at an affordable price.
Optically basic — acceptable centre sharpness but soft at 300mm. ED glass helps control chromatic aberration. Quick-shift Focus System enables instant manual focus override during AF. No weather sealing on this version. The f/5.8 at 300mm is very slow.
Pentax K mount with 58mm filter thread. Approximately 440g. SMC coating for contrast. Minimum focus distance 140cm. Body-driven screw AF — speed depends on camera body. APS-C coverage.
Very cheap used. The HD DA 55-300mm WR PLM version improved with weather sealing and faster AF motor. The original is only worth considering at very low prices. In-body SR stabilisation compensates for the lack of lens stabilisation.