Fast Zoom: 80-200 range
Posted 02/11/2006 - 14:59
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As I have mentioned elsewhere recently, Pentax is replacing almost its entire lens range with digitally optimised lenses designed for the smaller image circle of its DSLRs.
So far, they have tackled the range from super-wide to 100mm, and next year will introduce new 200mm and 300mm lenses, and in the Spring, they will replace the two fast zooms, the FA* 1:2.8 24-70 and the FA* 1:2.8 80-200 with digital equivalents.
These two new zooms will have fast in-lens focussing, and will be weather-sealed, like the K10D body.
If you can't wait until then, the existing 80-200 can be found second-hand, but it commands a high price.
The K10D competes with the D200. If you're happy with a D80, buy the K100D which offers shake reduction in the body.
I believe that Pentax already offers more digitally optimised lenses than either Canon or Nikon. They aim to have over twenty in the near future, and ALL offer shake reduction, thanks to the new Pentax bodies.
If you are a masochist, buy a Nikon then squirm with envy.
George
So far, they have tackled the range from super-wide to 100mm, and next year will introduce new 200mm and 300mm lenses, and in the Spring, they will replace the two fast zooms, the FA* 1:2.8 24-70 and the FA* 1:2.8 80-200 with digital equivalents.
These two new zooms will have fast in-lens focussing, and will be weather-sealed, like the K10D body.
If you can't wait until then, the existing 80-200 can be found second-hand, but it commands a high price.
The K10D competes with the D200. If you're happy with a D80, buy the K100D which offers shake reduction in the body.
I believe that Pentax already offers more digitally optimised lenses than either Canon or Nikon. They aim to have over twenty in the near future, and ALL offer shake reduction, thanks to the new Pentax bodies.
If you are a masochist, buy a Nikon then squirm with envy.
George
Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.
Posted 02/11/2006 - 15:11
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Reading the current issue of Pop Photo I know that the K10D competes with the D80 and Rebel Xti directly. The D80 has features of the D200, however the K10d and D80 share the same price point.
The four-thirds system has promised new releases but its been well over a year since manufacturer's such as Sigma announced lens releases. They have still not been released....at least not here in the USA. I am not looking for promises!
The beauty of Pentax is that there is a HUGE variety of lenses available...I would expect that there is something at the F2.8 range. Particularly since it is listed on their website. I guess I should also say that I may not get the lens right away but I am looking for an estimated cost so I can plan. I am not concerned about shake reduction, etc. All I want is something at the F2.8 range. The F4 80-200 is a little slow tho I am sure its a fine quality lens.
The four-thirds system has promised new releases but its been well over a year since manufacturer's such as Sigma announced lens releases. They have still not been released....at least not here in the USA. I am not looking for promises!
The beauty of Pentax is that there is a HUGE variety of lenses available...I would expect that there is something at the F2.8 range. Particularly since it is listed on their website. I guess I should also say that I may not get the lens right away but I am looking for an estimated cost so I can plan. I am not concerned about shake reduction, etc. All I want is something at the F2.8 range. The F4 80-200 is a little slow tho I am sure its a fine quality lens.
Posted 02/11/2006 - 15:27
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I think the last suggested retail price for the 80-200mm f2.8 was something in the region of £2000. It is reputed to be a beautiful lens of the very highest standard.
The K10D might be priced in D80 territory, but its spec is definitely far superior to that. It looks like a very aggressive bit of marketing is about to happen, so the opportunity will be there for very very good value for our money.
Pentax viewfinders are so much better than the Nikon ones and the design is so much more elegant I personally wouldn't look at buying a Nikon, although there is nothing wrong with Nikon quality.
The K10D might be priced in D80 territory, but its spec is definitely far superior to that. It looks like a very aggressive bit of marketing is about to happen, so the opportunity will be there for very very good value for our money.
Pentax viewfinders are so much better than the Nikon ones and the design is so much more elegant I personally wouldn't look at buying a Nikon, although there is nothing wrong with Nikon quality.
Best regards, John
Posted 02/11/2006 - 15:27
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The text in American photo magazines is there to make the mag look bigger and provide some space between the advertisements.
Don't make the mistake of believing a word of it.
Pentax has priced the K10D very aggressively in order to win back market share. Price is no indicator of quality or features in this case.
But Pop Photo wouldn't understand that.
G
Don't make the mistake of believing a word of it.
Pentax has priced the K10D very aggressively in order to win back market share. Price is no indicator of quality or features in this case.
But Pop Photo wouldn't understand that.
G
Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.
Posted 02/11/2006 - 16:32
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I dont believe everything I read and I understand there is FLUFF in many photography related mags. There is no doubt the K10d is going to be a great camera, however there are a few other factors that I am looking at. I am looking at doing sports photography, weddings, etc. I need something capable with availability of lenses.
I am not all that disappointed with Olympus - you get a lot of bang for your $$. However, Olympus is just so slow going - it is frustrating.
I am not all that disappointed with Olympus - you get a lot of bang for your $$. However, Olympus is just so slow going - it is frustrating.
Posted 02/11/2006 - 16:46
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Hi,
If you can't wait for the new (undoubtedly expensive) Pentax "Star" lenses, there's a Sigma 70-200/f2.8 EX that's in Pentax fitting. The newer EX DG Macro isn't available in Pentax (as far as I know), but the older version is. I think you'll find there's at least one member on this forum who has the lens and can inform you better than I
The Sigma 100-300/f4 is also available in Pentax mount. Tamron and Tokina both do Pentax mount lenses as well.
For weddings and general portraiture, the Pentax SMC-FA 50mm/f1.4 (and the previous incarnations) is absolutely sublime. Did two weddings (my sister and a good friend. Don't normally do them as I need a serious amount of arm twisting ) - brides in both cases loved the results from that lens. I also used the SMC-F 100mm/f2.8 macro and the SMC-DA 16-45/f4. Had the 50mm on an *ist-DS, with the 16-45 on the *ist-D. FYI, shot RAW and processed them in Capture One, but now I'd use Silkypix
Another contender might be the Pentax 85mm/f1.4 (if you can find one!).
You may also want to evaluate speed of focus for sports...
Hope that helps!
Matt
If you can't wait for the new (undoubtedly expensive) Pentax "Star" lenses, there's a Sigma 70-200/f2.8 EX that's in Pentax fitting. The newer EX DG Macro isn't available in Pentax (as far as I know), but the older version is. I think you'll find there's at least one member on this forum who has the lens and can inform you better than I
The Sigma 100-300/f4 is also available in Pentax mount. Tamron and Tokina both do Pentax mount lenses as well.
For weddings and general portraiture, the Pentax SMC-FA 50mm/f1.4 (and the previous incarnations) is absolutely sublime. Did two weddings (my sister and a good friend. Don't normally do them as I need a serious amount of arm twisting ) - brides in both cases loved the results from that lens. I also used the SMC-F 100mm/f2.8 macro and the SMC-DA 16-45/f4. Had the 50mm on an *ist-DS, with the 16-45 on the *ist-D. FYI, shot RAW and processed them in Capture One, but now I'd use Silkypix
Another contender might be the Pentax 85mm/f1.4 (if you can find one!).
You may also want to evaluate speed of focus for sports...
Hope that helps!
Matt
Posted 02/11/2006 - 18:16
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Matt - thanks for the good info.
What do you use for wildlife photo's?
What do you use for wildlife photo's?
Posted 02/11/2006 - 19:52
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Hi amosstarz
As Matt mentions the Pentax FA 80-200 f2.8 is a pretty hard beast to find, if you do make sure you take along your bank manager (and a few bodyguards ).
The Sigma EX 70-200 f2.8 APO DG is great substitute, you should be able to find it new for around £650 ($1250) although it's getting harder to find in Pentax mount since the macro version was released. It's the only non pentax lens in my collection, its well built, nice and easy to hand hold and feels good on my *istD even though it weighs around 1.2kg.
If you care to look at my pbase galleries these were all taken hand held, in jpeg fine, most of them are around 50-75% crop.
http://www.pbase.com/mcbrian/effc001
http://www.pbase.com/mcbrian/stenny
You could also keep a eye out for a FA135 f2.8, 200mm equivilent on digital and a superb performer.
As Matt mentions the Pentax FA 80-200 f2.8 is a pretty hard beast to find, if you do make sure you take along your bank manager (and a few bodyguards ).
The Sigma EX 70-200 f2.8 APO DG is great substitute, you should be able to find it new for around £650 ($1250) although it's getting harder to find in Pentax mount since the macro version was released. It's the only non pentax lens in my collection, its well built, nice and easy to hand hold and feels good on my *istD even though it weighs around 1.2kg.
If you care to look at my pbase galleries these were all taken hand held, in jpeg fine, most of them are around 50-75% crop.
http://www.pbase.com/mcbrian/effc001
http://www.pbase.com/mcbrian/stenny
You could also keep a eye out for a FA135 f2.8, 200mm equivilent on digital and a superb performer.
Cheers
Brian.
LBA is good for you, a Lens a day helps you work, rest and play.
Brian.
LBA is good for you, a Lens a day helps you work, rest and play.
Posted 03/11/2006 - 10:58
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I have the Sigma EX 70-200 F2.8 DG bought from Mifsuds late last year, wanted a fast, good quality telephoto lens....
Emphasis was on fast. But the lens gives me very good photos and is a dream to use. I also have the 70-300 APO Macro lens (f4-5.6) and quite frustrated at the 5.6 to such a degree I might buy the 100-300 f4 EX.
As soon as the dust from the K10D launch settles and the lenses appear on the shelves I have already decided I will get the 16-50 and the 60-250 JUST to use with the K10D. The DL I have has the lens I bought with it permanently attached and it's only the D that I swap and change lenses....
I had heard that the SMC-FA 2.8 zooms were not THAT good........
Best Pentax lens I have, by a substantial margin is the 24-90..it was meant to be used on the MZ-S but on the *ist D it feels so well balanced.
Emphasis was on fast. But the lens gives me very good photos and is a dream to use. I also have the 70-300 APO Macro lens (f4-5.6) and quite frustrated at the 5.6 to such a degree I might buy the 100-300 f4 EX.
As soon as the dust from the K10D launch settles and the lenses appear on the shelves I have already decided I will get the 16-50 and the 60-250 JUST to use with the K10D. The DL I have has the lens I bought with it permanently attached and it's only the D that I swap and change lenses....
I had heard that the SMC-FA 2.8 zooms were not THAT good........
Best Pentax lens I have, by a substantial margin is the 24-90..it was meant to be used on the MZ-S but on the *ist D it feels so well balanced.
Posted 03/11/2006 - 22:52
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I'm another with the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 EX DG APO - and I love it.
I shoot motorsport mainly and find it's an absolute dream, i've got a 1.5x and 2x TC that I use (since with 6mp there's no much range to crop zoom afterwards) and it's fast enough to still focus well on the front of a D even with less than perfect light (I try and stick to 200 iso most of the time)
I shoot in JPEG - so i'm a bit of a heathen when it comes to image quality but ultimately I just want a decent sharp in focus picture that nicely fills the frame - that's what this lens gives me.
I think I may have been quite lucky with it - I got it cheaper because it was in Pentax fitment - was on Ebay - and if you are after a lens in C or N fit then there's plenty who'll bid against you - not many P users will bid against you on a higher priced lens - especially a third party one
Just to complete the info my two shorter lenses are the Sigma 24-70 EX DG f2.8 and the Pentax SMC-A 50mm f1.7
I shoot motorsport mainly and find it's an absolute dream, i've got a 1.5x and 2x TC that I use (since with 6mp there's no much range to crop zoom afterwards) and it's fast enough to still focus well on the front of a D even with less than perfect light (I try and stick to 200 iso most of the time)
I shoot in JPEG - so i'm a bit of a heathen when it comes to image quality but ultimately I just want a decent sharp in focus picture that nicely fills the frame - that's what this lens gives me.
I think I may have been quite lucky with it - I got it cheaper because it was in Pentax fitment - was on Ebay - and if you are after a lens in C or N fit then there's plenty who'll bid against you - not many P users will bid against you on a higher priced lens - especially a third party one
Just to complete the info my two shorter lenses are the Sigma 24-70 EX DG f2.8 and the Pentax SMC-A 50mm f1.7
Posted 13/11/2006 - 01:54
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Quote:
...next year will introduce new 200mm and 300mm lenses, and in the Spring, they will replace the two fast zooms, the FA* 1:2.8 24-70 and the FA* 1:2.8 80-200 with digital equivalents.
These two new zooms will have fast in-lens focussing, and will be weather-sealed, like the K10D body.
If you can't wait until then, the existing 80-200 can be found second-hand, but it commands a high price.
George
I'm in the same boat, amosstarz....next year will introduce new 200mm and 300mm lenses, and in the Spring, they will replace the two fast zooms, the FA* 1:2.8 24-70 and the FA* 1:2.8 80-200 with digital equivalents.
These two new zooms will have fast in-lens focussing, and will be weather-sealed, like the K10D body.
If you can't wait until then, the existing 80-200 can be found second-hand, but it commands a high price.
George
I've been using a Nikon D100 at work for the past four years, and I'll be purchasing my first personal-use digital camera in the next couple months. The K10D fits the bill nicely!! I really like the weather-proofing and price point. It's got everything I need.
The problem has been finding Pentax 2.8 zoom lenses.
http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/
(They do exist, but it seems they were discontinued in 2004)
My local camera store (Henry's) only has a limited range of Pentax and Sigma lenses. I've sent an email to them to find out whether they will special order a couple Sigmas for me.
The only 2.8 Pentax 80-200 zoom I've found is at McBain's in Edmonton, and they list it as "special order." I suspect that means, good luck!!
http://www.mcbaincamera.com/
(Edmonton, Canada)
Pentax SMC-FA* 28-70mm F2.8 AL (special order) $1949.00 CAD
Pentax SMC-FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED IF (special order) $2995.00 CAD
So, given my fear of all things eBay, I've been looking for US retailers, in the Sigma line. Sorry, I have no past experience with any of these companies, so I cannot vouch for their integrity. Their prices, however, seem to be decent.
24-70 f2.8 EX DG Macro
$390 USD
Sigma 4 Less
http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=154555448bc816f/shopdata/0040_Lenses/0010_Zoom/0030_Standard+Zoom/product_details.shopscript?article=0110_Sigma%2BZoom%2BWide%2BAngle-Telephoto%2B24-70mm%2Bf%3D26slash%3D3B2%3D252E8%2BEX%2BDG%2BMacro%2BAutofocus%2BLens%2Bfor%2BPentax%2BAF%2B%3D28SG2470F28MPX%3D29
70-200 f2.8 EX DG APO (Macro version TBA)
$740 USD
Sigma 4 Less
http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=154555448bc816f/shopdata/0040_Lenses/0010_Zoom/0040_Tele+Zoom/product_details.shopscript?article=0250_Sigma%2BZoom%2BTelephoto%2B70-200mm%2Bf%3D26slash%3D3B2%3D252E8%2BEX%2BDG%2BAPO%2BAutofocus%2BLens%2Bfor%2BPentax%2BAF%2B%3D28SG70200F28DPX%3D29
Comparable online US retailers:
TriState Camera, Video and Computers in NY
http://www.tristatecamera.com/home.php
B&H Photo, Video, Pro Audio in NY
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=RootPage.jsp&A=getpage&...
I found these Sigma links using Shopzilla.
http://www.shopzilla.com/7S--Camera_Accessories_-_cat_id--11511000__keyword--sig...%20lens
It's nice to see some people here have been happy with their 2.8 Sigmas. I've seen other forums where people complain the Sigma 70-200 is 'soft' at maximum focal range.
I figure, for the price, these are my lenses! With a 1.4 or 2.0 teleconverter, I'll be set in the spring-summer-fall when I move outside for baseball, soccer (football), etc.
My only question now is........ do I wait until the spring to get my K10D with the new Pentax zooms, or buy now with the Sigmas?
I'm leaning hard toward Sigmas, end of Novemberish.
Posted 13/11/2006 - 07:56
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I counsel patience, as I believe that the Pentax lenses will be significantly better.
Best regards, John
Posted 13/11/2006 - 18:12
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Ok, but that's going to be difficult when the K10D is on the shelves.
Posted 13/11/2006 - 18:27
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Quote:
It's nice to see some people here have been happy with their 2.8 Sigmas. I've seen other forums where people complain the Sigma 70-200 is 'soft' at maximum focal range.
I figure, for the price, these are my lenses! With a 1.4 or 2.0 teleconverter, I'll be set in the spring-summer-fall when I move outside for baseball, soccer (football), etc.
My only question now is........ do I wait until the spring to get my K10D with the new Pentax zooms, or buy now with the Sigmas?
I'm leaning hard toward Sigmas, end of Novemberish.
Amateur Photographer has tested the 70-200 this week and it has an 89% and comes recommended. It was tested against the Canon 70-200 f4 and Nikon f2.8 VR.It's nice to see some people here have been happy with their 2.8 Sigmas. I've seen other forums where people complain the Sigma 70-200 is 'soft' at maximum focal range.
I figure, for the price, these are my lenses! With a 1.4 or 2.0 teleconverter, I'll be set in the spring-summer-fall when I move outside for baseball, soccer (football), etc.
My only question now is........ do I wait until the spring to get my K10D with the new Pentax zooms, or buy now with the Sigmas?
I'm leaning hard toward Sigmas, end of Novemberish.
Minus points were lack of IS/VR (NOT an issue with K10/K100 ) and slightly softer than the others but not enough to be an issue, the Nikon lists for 43% more on list price but the Nikon lens is not 43% better....
I have decided that I am going for the 100-300 f4 to complement the 70-200, and to get the DA* lenses to go with the new digital.... I am waiting to hear if the is a K10 Plus type of camera...
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37 posts
20 years
NY
I am currently making a very difficult decision between the K10d and the Nikon D80. I am looking for a system that I can grow with and good lens lens selection. The Pentax K10d is very appealing, however I would like a fast super zoom lens.
This is a very difficult decision after getting into Olympus and realizing that lens selection (particularly 3rd party) is very limited.
Thank you.