Verry sharp lens even at long telephoto settings. Excelent color rendition and satutation. I like that it zooms to 320 instead of 300, it gives you just that little extra amount of magnification.

Could have a little closer minimum focus range.

I a'm extremely satisfied with the performance of this lens. The fact that it's not a macro focusing lens dosen't bother me, I can simply use a close up filter on the front of the lens or use my 28-105 w/macro capability and that takes care of that. The lens is sharp, has excelent color rendition and is reasonably priced. For the money this is a real good value.

Customer Service

Not yet needed

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 75-300 APO , Tamron 75-300 LD

VERY sharp
Great colors and contrast
Produces excelent professional quality photographs
Affordable

Gets a tad soft after 250MM

This is certainly one of the best zoom lenses in its catagory. I have tried the Canon equivelent, and I must say the Pentax 80-320MM is MUCH better. It produced tack sharp photos between 80MM and 250MM. It gets a little softer after 250MM. Overall, still a very sharp lens at all zoom lengths. I purchased this lens with my Pentax ZX-7 kit, they make a great combination. I would highly recommend this lens to anyone who is looking for a good quality, affordable 300MM zoom lens.

Customer Service

Haven't tried.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 75-300MM f/4-5.6

Light in weight, useful zoom range.
Above average optical performance.

Extra $$ for lens hood, slow AF speed.

SMC provide good flare control, but sharpness is average and noticable dispersion at 320mm. In my opinion, the sharpness at F11 among most zoom ranges is good enough for 8X10 enlargment.

Customer Service

No experience

Similar Products Used:

Nikon AF70-300/5.6ED, Pentax FA300/4.5ED.

Wide range
filter size
flare reduction
price / performance

slow af (hunting)
in manual, zooming takes focus out
the front of the lens rotate zooming and focusing

A really nice product for the price. But it has some drawbacks. Zooming in and out will take out focus if in manual mode, and the front of the lens will rotate zooming ad focusing (no internal zooming / focusing): this is an annoyance when you are using 2-element filters like a polarizer.
Also, it seems to loose focus @ 320mm.

Customer Service

not yet

Similar Products Used:

None