50-200 - An Underrated Lens?

I can't agree that the 55-300 is 'a heavy and clumsy beast', far from it! For the reach it provides it is very light, especially the DA L version (which I have) and I don't find it difficult to use at all, especially on the K-5 as it focusses quickly and accurately on this body.

However, I do agree that the 50-200 is an excellent lens and when the price is factored in it is truly incredible for the money.

Regards
David

I have the Samsung version, and if the others had to go I would happily got back to using it with the 18-55 kit lens only. These to are fantastic quality and very light travel companions with a great range, the 50-200 was my favorite of the two.

I got my K-x as part of a 2-lens-kit - the shop was out of stock on the DA-L 50-200 so gave me the WR version at no extra cost...

I believe the optics are identical and my copy is pretty good and razor-sharp at f8...

I'm shooting a project right now using only the 50-200 mostly at the tight end. I've always thought it was a great performer. I remember a compliment on here of one of my pictures which expressed great surprise that I could get such a sharp picture from a 'budget kit lens'.

The reason the 'kit' lenses get a bad reputation, IMO, is that they are used by novices very often who blame the lenses on their own shortcomings.

I got the DA 50-200mm WR as part of the twin lens kit along with the 18-55mm WR. It has a 49mm filter thread. Apart from that and the WR are the lenses the same optically. I've not used it much since getting the 18-135mm. Will try it out this afternoon

When I got my K-r twin lens kit it was my first DSLR so I AM a novice in using this equipment ! However, I have been most impressed by the performance of the DAL 50-200 and even though I later got the DA 55-300 I still use the kit lens as a light carry around lens.

I feel that it tends to be a little soft at the 200mm end but at the 50mm end and in mid range I find it sharp enough. Mind you, the problems at 200mm could simply be my camera shake as I tend to go hand held most of the time !

I've posted another shot taken last Autumn at Agatha Christie's house, Greenlands. This was one of my early attempts at flower photography.

Peter

I've owned both. The considerable extra telephoto range of the 55- 300 (I have the DA not the DAL) wins for me. I didn't like the weight balance of the plastic bayoneted kit lenses but optically seemed fine.

I recently acquired an immaculate 50-200WR as I wanted a weather resistant lens 'just in case'. While I didn't need the WR yesterday, I gave it its first test, along with my also recently acquired and equally immaculate K20 (this forum has tempted me into expanding my kit!!). I was really pleased with the results:



IMGP2349 by Andrew:H, on Flickr



IMGP2338 by Andrew:H, on Flickr



IMGP2479 by Andrew:H, on Flickr



IMGP2464 by Andrew:H, on Flickr

Love the cats, how did you get them to stay still long enough

Thank you Tired them out by playing! Have a look at the playtime pics here...bamboo, fishing line and a couple of dry leaves are the secret!