* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Pentax HD 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 PENTAX-DA ED RE PLM WR Autofocus APS-C Lens for K-Mount {58}
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Pentax's compact 55-300mm telephoto built for APS-C shooters who work in the field.
The HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE covers a 55-300mm focal range on Pentax KAF2-mount APS-C bodies, giving you the equivalent reach of roughly 84-450mm in full-frame terms. That's serious telephoto territory in a barrel that collapses when not in use, making it far easier to carry than a conventional telephoto of comparable reach. The retractable design is a practical choice for photographers who don't want a protruding lens dominating their bag.
Autofocus runs on a PLM (Pulse Motor) system, which is engineered for quieter, smoother operation than older screw-drive mechanisms, a genuine advantage when shooting subjects you'd not disturb. An ED glass element is included to control chromatic aberration at the long end, where color fringing tends to appear most aggressively. The HD Coating addresses flare and ghosting in high-contrast light. The 58mm filter thread keeps accessory costs reasonable.
Weather resistance (WR) is the spec that ties this lens together for outdoor work. Paired with a weather-sealed Pentax body, the combination holds up in rain, dust, and cold, conditions that sideline a lot of telephoto glass. For a proven APS-C telephoto that doesn't demand a premium price or a large bag, this lens covers a lot of ground.
Who It's For
Wildlife and nature photographers working in variable conditions will appreciate the WR sealing and 300mm reach, especially when paired with a weather-resistant Pentax body. Birders benefit from the PLM autofocus motor's quieter operation, which reduces the chance of flushing skittish subjects. Travel photographers who need telephoto reach without bulk will find the retractable barrel keeps the kit compact between shots. Sports and event shooters on APS-C systems get an effective 450mm-equivalent reach that handles stadium distances or track-side work without moving to a much heavier prime.
Key Features
- 55-300mm focal range with f/4.5-6.3 aperture on APS-C mount
- Retractable barrel design collapses when not in use
- PLM autofocus delivers quiet, smooth focus operation
- ED glass element controls chromatic aberration at long end
- HD Coating reduces flare and ghosting
- Weather-resistant construction pairs with sealed Pentax bodies
- 58mm filter thread for accessory compatibility
FAQ
- What's the full-frame equivalent focal length on a Pentax APS-C body?
- 84-450mm. The 55-300mm native range multiplies by roughly 1.5x on Pentax's crop sensor format.
- Does the retractable barrel actually collapse when you're not shooting?
- Yes. The RE design retracts the barrel for storage, which cuts down bag real estate significantly compared to a fixed-length telephoto of equivalent reach.
- How quiet is the PLM autofocus for wildlife and event work?
- PLM (Pulse Motor) is noticeably quieter and smoother than older screw-drive AF systems, but it's not silent. It's quiet enough for most subject work without drawing attention.
- Will this lens stay sealed if I pair it with a weather-sealed Pentax body?
- Yes. The WR (Weather Resistant) construction handles rain, dust, and cold when mounted on a weather-sealed body. It's not submersible, but it's built for field conditions.
- What's the filter thread size, and is that a common standard?
- 58mm, which is a common thread size across a wide range of affordable filters, protective glass, and ND options.
- How much chromatic aberration should I expect at 300mm?
- The ED glass element is there to control it at the long end, where color fringing shows up most. You'll see some fringing wide open in high-contrast scenes, but it's manageable for most shooting.
- Is this lens sharp enough for cropping in post and still getting usable image quality?
- It's a solid working telephoto, not a premium optic. Sharpness is good across the range, but wide-open performance at the long end benefits from stopping down a half or full stop.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 55-300mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4.5-6.3 |
| Mount | Pentax KAF2 |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Pentax |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 58mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Pentax KAF4 |
| Lens Type | Telephoto / Long |
| Max Focal Length | 300mm |
| Min Focal Length | 55mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
