Hi Sandy -
The 55-300 is probably your best option, but if you want a decent lens
that is very inexpensive I have two recommendations.
First the Takumar F 70-200 f4-5.6 and FA 80-320.
This is a single single coated, non SMC lens. It does have flare
problems when shooting into bright light sources but the two samples
I've owned were both devilishly sharp. The first one I used with film
cameras, I bought another one a couple years ago for when I want
something lighter than a 70-200 f2.8. I paid $29 for the most recent
purchase - I'd would rate it at the top of the sharpness per buck ratio,
though that is a rather meaningless figure. Despite the potential flare
issues I put this n the bag and use it regularly. It is very sharp,
great colors, dirt cheap, small and light as a feather. I got a good
deal but you can find these for around $50 with a little patience and
looking.
Here's a link to the review page for this lens on Pentax Forums:
http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/Pentax-Takumar-F-70-200mm-F4-5.6-Zoom-Lens.html
Second option is the FA 80-320. Almost as sharp as the Takumar F in the
200mm and under range. It gets soft above 200mm but is not terrible. It
does have SMC coatings and doe shandle flare pretty well.. It does not
really reach to 320mm (IIRC it is measures as being something like 280).
Mine developed a horrible gearginding noise when focusing that made it
embarrassing to use, so I bought my second Takumar F as a replacement.
In the past few months the FA 80-320 got over the noise problem but I
prefer the Takumar and reach for it first, if I do not want to use the
heavier 70-200 f.8 (which I do use most of the time.) A quick look on
ebay shows the 80-320 with buy it now prices of about $80-$200. That is
pretty close to the L version of the DA 55-300, so it would probably be
wiser to go with that lens.
Here's the pentax fourms review page of the 80-320:
http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-80-320mm-F4-5.6-Zoom-Lens.html
When my 80-320 got noisy I initially bought an FA 80-200 f4.7-5.6 for
~$25. I wanted a Takumar 70-200, but since I could not find one
immediately I got the 80-200 on the assumption that it was newer lens
with smc coatings, and so had to be at least as good if not better than
the lowly Takumar-F. Wrong! The one I got sucks - soft at every setting.
I would suggest avoiding this lens.
Hope this helps
Mark
On 5/8/2016 4:01 PM, Sandy Harris wrote:
I have the Limited 21, DA 50/1.8 and A 35-105 which pretty much cover
my needs. The 35-105 even has a macro mode, good enough for me. Camera
is APS-C.
I'd like a somewhat longer lens, preferably a prime in the 135-200
range but I'd take a zoom or a 300 if they turn up. I have almost no
budget for this, so I'll be looking at thrift stores & garage sales.
Lightweight and compact would be good.
Any advice on lenses to look for? Or to avoid?
I also have a Tokina 400 5.6 and Samyang 100-500, both K-mount &
manual focus, both bought as bargains, both working but neither
perfect. Neither gets significant use from me; I got them mostly for
my daughter who shoots some wildlife, but she prefers her lighter
autofocus zoom.
Anyone want to offer a trade for either or both?
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