55-300 performance

To not drag out on an old topic, ive taken my 55-300 through the tests, after disappointing first time results with the lens on holiday. I have looked into the lens functioning and have pushed the lens to its limits to see what best results i can get with it. I have found that the camera is doing its job on focusing the lens for you but the overall results are just way too soft. What does everyone think? I will add 2 images, 1 a test chart and 2, a picture of my dog, and let you be the judges.

I have just bought a 55-300mm lens and am about to go on holiday - so I too have an interest in how the lens performs. My initial conclusion based upon only a little testing suggests that at 300mm, it is sharper - than the FA 100-300mm f/4.7-5.8 that I also have. I am optimistic about the 55-300mm, so far.

Your focus chart suggests that autofocus is probably OK. I am not so sure about the photo of your dog. It doesn't seem especially sharp - but before any conclusions can be drawn, as there is no EXIF attached to the image, I think you need to tell us about the camera and lens settings (ISO, focal length, aperture, shutter speed) and about whether the camera was on a tripod or hand-held.

Andrew

Iso 400 handheld. F5.6 @1/400. Focal length 140mm centre point focus. Pentax k5. This image is the sharpest that I can get with this lens

Several of my wildlife (and dog) photos on my small portfolio on here are taken with the 55 -300mm DA at 300mm. I've not had any problems with it other than I often wish it was a 500mm. It behaves better on my K5 since the last software update 1.14. I use spot focusing, centre weighted metering in the main and AFS. Generally I follow the rule of thumb that all lenses are at their best about two stops down from maximum. It's lightness and cheapness are let down by the slowness aperture wise at full telephoto late in the day. Works brilliantly in the med with such good light!

For butterflies etc I like to use my 18 -135 DA WR nowadays due to the faster focusing, quiet DC motor and 40cm close focus throughout the range.

Just checking, take it there was no filter attached?

I ask, as mine is superb without a filter, put one on and it is like a different lens.

Sorry to ask as I have never used a focus chart, but are they not supposed to be flat on a wall or something, plus was your camera on a tripod?

It's possible your copy isn't 100%. I've always found mine sharp enough. This shot of a robin is at the full 300mm, aperture wide open (f/5.8 at this focal length). That is pushing the lens to it's limits.

Wow, something is definently wrong with my lens. Looking at this photo mine could never pull this off

Have to say I have owned 3 and they were all entirely different. First one was a complete turkey - hence getting rid of it. Second one was what I expected from all the reviews and I only sold it to purchase a not to be missed lens when I did not have the spare cash. Then replaced it with a 3rd copy and that one was very soft wide and absolutely hopeless beyond 200mm on on a dull day.

Carl

Tried taking off the uv filter but there were no obvious changes. If there isn't a problem with front or back focusing then what is causing this softness. Could it be correctly by repair?

I'll be happy if mine is as good as that wide open. We are heading to Loch Sunart tomorrow (west of Fort William) for a couple of weeks, so I guess I'll know soon. It's definitely better than a FA 100-300mm (and also an old 400mm Tamron prime), so I am quite optimistic.

This is a photo I've just taken with my 55-300mm across the living room - ISO400, 300mm f/5.8 using onboard flash with a Pentax K30. It looks OK to me.




Andrew

I would say that lens looks like a duffer. I would expect much better sharpness. Selection here.

Judging from this photo, think a better send the photo to Foya Italy for repair. Let's hope it is fixable. Just shows you, your are better off buying new lenses not second hand.

My 55-300 is superb, very sharp at all apertures and all focal lengths. My advice would be to send it back, but also never use your 55-300 with filters. For some reason, this lens hates filters. See Example below, this one at 210mm:




Regards
David

I think as others have said Matt it would appear that your copy isn't up to scratch.

Here is one of mine just for comparison, shot at 300mm hand held.

One test I did was to cellotape a newspaper page to a wall, making sure it was flat and shoot from a tripod at 90 degrees to it, using the timer. It showed my 55-300 gradually went out of focus from left to right. I got a replacement and that was fine.

Regards

Jeff