DA vs. DAL

Given the (attractive) price difference, what do you all consider to be the pros & cons of DA 55-300 vs. DAL 55-300? Optical quality, longevity of mount, etc.

I haven't tried the 55-300mm but I do have the DA L 18-55mm. The plastic mount is no trouble at all, I've taken that lens off and put it back on more times than I can count with no sign of premature wear.

As I understand it the DA L lenses are identical to the later non-L versions in optical terms, so I'd expect similar performance.

Optics are the same the only difference is that the DA-L versions doesn't have a metal-mount, lens hood and quick-shift.

The plastic mount doesn't seem to wear much, there are older lenses with a plastic mount which still seems to do fine.

Although the plastic mounts seem fine, I still like a metal mount. In the very long term I would expect it to be more durable.