08-28-2011, 11:22 PM
Robbiec, can you comment about the differences in AF speed between the Pentax and the Tamron? If they're not significant and if the OP doesn't need the 1:2 macro, then the Pentax is the obvious choice.
It's also worth noting that there are two versions of the 55-300 - the metal mount DA which comes with a lens hood and pouch and supports quick-shift focusing, and the plastic mount DA-L which doesn't include these features and is usually sold in kit with lower-end bodies. Optically they're supposed to be identical.
It's also worth noting that there are two versions of the 55-300 - the metal mount DA which comes with a lens hood and pouch and supports quick-shift focusing, and the plastic mount DA-L which doesn't include these features and is usually sold in kit with lower-end bodies. Optically they're supposed to be identical.