Used Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR Lens

Condition & contents

At a glance: Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR - weather-sealed telephoto zoom for K-mount APS-C, 84-460mm equivalent.

About this lens

The HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR is Pentax's weather-resistant telephoto zoom for APS-C, reaching an 84-460mm equivalent. The HD designation marks Pentax's improved multi-coating, which reduces flare and ghosting compared with the earlier smc version, and the WR sealing means it pairs properly with Pentax's sealed bodies.

Build & handling

Works with

• Pentax K-mount APS-C bodies
• Stabilised by in-body Shake Reduction on Pentax bodies
• Weather sealing fully effective on a WR-sealed body
• 58mm screw-in filters

Best for

A light, sealed telephoto for wildlife, sport and general long-lens work on Pentax APS-C bodies. At 460mm equivalent it gives serious reach for the size and weight, and the weather resistance makes it a sensible companion to a K-5, K-3 or K-70 in poor conditions. Pentax's in-body stabilisation applies here too, so there is no in-lens IS to pay for.

Frequently asked questions

What does the HD coating change?

HD is Pentax's improved multi-coating, giving better light transmission and noticeably less flare and ghosting than the earlier smc version of this lens - most visible when shooting into the light.

Does it have image stabilisation?

Not in the lens - it does not need it. Pentax bodies stabilise via sensor-shift Shake Reduction, which works with every mounted lens.