Model_Number - 21720 Depth - 6.60 Height - 4.00 Width - 5.30 Weight - 1.6000 With extra low dispersion glass and original lens coatings, this lens is superior in contrast, clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness.
I am not a professional photographer but I am capable of recognizing good glass when I see it and this lens is good glass. At 300mm it is capable of producing sharp, bokeh filled pictures. As mentioned in other reviews it doesn't come with a hood which is rather unfortunate but with the money you're saving buying the DA-L vs. the DA you can easily afford a decent hood. What is also unfortunate is that the price of this lens has gone up quite a bit since I bought it in May 2011..
bought the sigma 55-200mm but was a lil unhappy w/ the results. its a good lens but my 18-55mm pentax lens was beating it w/ sharpness n contrast so i returned it. then i saw this 55-300mm. i thought ya why not go further n get more range. turned out to be a very good decision. im a happy camper. w/ some skilled hands you can handheld this @300mm. im able to handheld this even at 300mm no problem. sharp results. just wish a lens hood comes w/ it so its only a 4 stars. take it ..
I have used the DA L 55-300 on both the K-r and the K-5 and found it gave decently sharp photos on both DSLRs and does a pretty good job at maintaining sharpness up to and including 300mm. Being a low-end lens it doesn't have a built-in motor, but as far as I can see, the only negative to that is the loud noise it makes when it focuses. Build quality is pretty good, considering its mostly plastic. It's not the fastest or brightest lens on the market, but consider its price, op..
