Lens suggestion needed for olympic games

Hi guys

I am planning to purchase the volleyball tickets in the Olympics. Although I am going to buy the best tickets but I understand that I will still be some distance away from the game play.

I think my current 50-135 won't give me enough reach, I am thinking to get a 60-250 F4 but it is so expensive and it is a F4.

The tamron 70-200 F2.8 is just £599 from SRS and the Sigma 70-200 2.8 is also £100 cheaper than the DA* 60-250.

What should I do? The game is on Saturday so I need to make my mind up very soon.

Please help.

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I can't vouch for the quality of the optics, but maybe worthy of consideration???

First one - not bad, but probably not fast enough (f/5.6 at the long end)
Second one - ugh. Don't think you'd get past security either
Matt

Got K-5? Don't worry about f4 vs 2.8..

Do SRS have a used 60-250 in stock, if so....get it. magnificent lens....and compact

I have the 320 and it's a very capable piece of glass.

You won't be allowed in with the 60-250! The restriction is lens + camera (don't even think about the lens hood!) must be 30cm or less long.

I would seriously think about the Pentax 55-300, I can measure combination with my K7 later if you need to know how big this would be.

However, I am thinking differently as I will be taking my 18-135 and possibly a 1.5x converter to the tennis - mostly this is due to the need for fast focus which the 18-135 is very capable of. Also if I need something closer then croping will be my option with cubic enlargement in Paintshop! This will also favour the sweet spot on the 18-135!

Do you seriously think you won't be allowed in with the 60-250? How big is it? I have the 55-300 but I have just hired the 60-250 from SRS as I thought it would be good to try it?

Surely it isn't bigger than the 55-300?

The 60-250mm is quite a big lens, but in fact only measures 167.5mm long, without the hood of course. It shouldn't exceed 300mm, even with the hood.

The 300 is less than 30 cm

Are the security going to measure everything??? After all it's like Ryanair charging a fat person extra because their case weighs 11kg rather than 10kg.

I'm taking my 60-260 to the Canoe Time Trial in Eton Dorney....

Thanks John - is the hood removeable - i.e. can it be turned back to front like the one on the 55-300?

The 60-250mm has a bayonet type hood, so yes it's removable. I presume it will reverse, but I don't store lens hoods like that so I haven't actually tried it. I don't see why not though.

Yes it does reverse

Thanks for the clarification, however does the lens extend in length as you zoom, or is it like the 50-135 in design? Remember it is the length of the lens plus the camera body.

I suspect that they may be using x-ray machines for bags (they internationaltionel flight style security) and you will have to put your camera in a try I expect. That's what I'm imaging anyway.

I just hope I am not behindg behing someone videoing on an iPad!

The 60-250 at full zoom + K7 is less than 30cm - just - strictly speaking I think you need to remove the lens cap to comply

The hood will be a no no then.

Stumps

Surely it's only measured when you go in? Carry the hood separately and no-one should notice or care.