Pentax HD 55-300mm f/4-5.8 PENTAX-DA ED WR Autofocus APS-C Lens for K-Mount Review

The Pentax HD 55-300mm f/4-5.8 DA ED WR is a telephoto zoom designed for Pentax APS-C K-mount cameras. With an equivalent reach of roughly 84-460mm in full-frame terms, it covers everything from short telephoto portraiture to distant wildlife and sports. The HD coating aims to reduce flare and ghosting, while the WR designation indicates weather-resistant construction to match Pentax's lineup of sealed bodies. Extra-low dispersion glass helps control chromatic aberration across the zoom range.

At around $266 MSRP, this lens competes with entry- and mid-tier telephoto zooms from other APS-C systems. The variable f/4-5.8 aperture is typical for budget telephotos, meaning you'll lose light as you zoom in, especially in dim conditions. The lens accepts 58mm filters and ships with a hood. It's a straightforward option for Pentax shooters who need affordable long reach without stepping up to faster or more exotic glass.