long lenses...

Well, I think I'm going to trade in my 10-24, as I don't use it anywhere near enough. My 50-200 is sold, so I need something to replace it with. But what?

The 200's annoyed me as it's not long enough. I have an M-135 and for example for motorsport haven't really felt the need for anything longer than 200.
OTOH, I've really felt the need for 300+ when I'm looking at wildlife, mainly birds. I also suprise myself with the amount of macros I do and I only have a 50 for that.

Options include a Siggy 180 (if I can find one...), a 120-400, 70-200 with converters or maybe a 100-300/f4. I err towards the last one of those with a 1.4x TC later. I'm also tempted on a used 180 I've seen and a 120-400.

I would like to be able to afford a K5 +35mm before cashback ends, so the lens combo (yes, two might be an option) can't be astronomical; we're still talking the thick end of a thousand quid, though....

Bret

Have you considered the excellent DA 55-300mm. It's way better than the 50-200 - in a different league.

The 180mm is a cracking lens but not good for anything other than macro .. as a telephoto its not particularly exciting (and was the reason I sold mine).

For me it would be (and this will come as no suprise) the 100-300mm and TC.

Another vote for the Sigma 100-300mm F4, if you can find one, plus 1.4X TC: you won't regret it!

Jon

I'll add my weight behind that. A cracking performer and the tele seems to be great too. Some loss of picture quality but barely noticeable. As a safari lens it was perfect. Heavy though so keep that in mind.

I wouldn't sell mine. You may have to prise one out of someone's cold dead hands...

The 100-300 F4 has re-appeared on SRS, presumably they've got some more stock in.

link

Regards

George

... but it's disappearing everywhere else.... hmm....

Bret

I would say a OS HSM version is on the horizon.
Saying that we don't need OS, HSM is nice but the lens is one of the fastest focusing out there and if they do release a new one you can bet it will be double the price (and wont work with the present Sigma teleconverters).

Why has no-one mentioned the DA* 300mm, I had the Sigma 100-300mm F4 but sold it to get the DA* 300mm and never regretted it. The DA* is quite close focussing so can be used for Butterfly & Dragonfly shots.
The DA* is also very good with the 1.7X AF converter if you can find one.

For me it's because the 300mm is rubbish between 100mm-299mm.

Seriously though, I have a 300mm but rarely use it because the 100-300mm is a lot more versatile and the difference in IQ is negligible.

A 300mm and 1.7x is a very decent performer though.

I found that with the 100-300mm 95% of my shots were taken at 300mm so decided the 300mm prime would be a better option. I found the IQ at 300mm was definitely better when viewed at 100%. The weather sealing was also a factor when taking wildlife, but the SDM could be faster.
I supply stock agencies (Alamy, Fotolia) and have had plenty of images accepted taken with the 300mm + 1.7X converter combination.