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Sigma 17-50mm, Sigma 17-70 or Pentax 17-70

Posted 13/08/2013 - 20:50 Link
Hi all,

I am off to new york in September and want an upgrade to my 15-55 kit lens for my Kr.

I have seen the three lenses which all look fair options.

Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC HSM Lens - Pentax Fit - £319.00 inc. VAT
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro HSM Lens - Pentax Fit - £349.00 inc. VAT
Pentax smc DA 17-70mm F4 ED (IF) SDM Lens - £429.00 inc. VAT

whilst the extra focal length would be nice image quality is my number 1 driver.

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/4935/Sigma-17-50mm-F2-8-EX-DC-HSM-Lens---Pentax...
http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/9477/Sigma-17-70mm-F2-8-4-DC-Macro-HSM--C--Lens...
http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/644/Pentax-smc-DA-17-70mm-F4-ED--IF--SDM-Lens.h...

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks

Tom
www.flickr.com/tmondhallie13
Pentax Kr -
Pentax DA 17-70mm f4 AL SDM
Pentax DA L 18-55mm
Posted 13/08/2013 - 20:51 Link
P S my preferred photography are landscapes, cityscapes etc.
www.flickr.com/tmondhallie13
Pentax Kr -
Pentax DA 17-70mm f4 AL SDM
Pentax DA L 18-55mm
timbo
Posted 13/08/2013 - 21:02 Link
Hi Thomas
I went through a similar process as I needed to change my Tamron 17-50 as I thought it was on it's way out.
After a looooooong process looking at lots of reviews and sample images I went for the Sigma 17-70 and am very pleased with it. I find the extra 20mm is worth the loss of the extra stop at the top end.
AndrewA
Posted 13/08/2013 - 22:25 Link
Hi Thomas,

Timbo mentioned the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 which is a stunning lens; I also have the Pentax 17-70 and would say that the Tamron has a better image quality but the extra reach of the Pentax is really useful.

Not wishing to confuse the issue but I think you can get the Tamron new on Amazon for £283, or used at Ffordes for £199. Just for info Misfuds have a used Sigma 17-70 for £279 and the Pentax 17-70 at £349.

I have never had either of the Sigma lenses so can't comment on them specifically but I will say I have two other Sigma lenses and really love them, the IQ and colour rendition are superb.

If it were me, based on your choices, I would probably go for the Sigma 17-70.

Hope this helps.
Andrew

"I'm here because the whiskey is free" - Tyla

PPG link
Flickr link
Edited by AndrewA: 13/08/2013 - 22:31
Smeggypants
Posted 14/08/2013 - 05:13 Link
I have the original Sigma 17-70 2.8 to 4.5 and love it. It doesn't quite have the IQ of a DA* lens but it's not far off and id very very good value for money now
[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
greynolds999
Posted 14/08/2013 - 09:59 Link
Just to throw a curveball (as they say in New York), are you sure it's the midrange zoom you want to replace?

It's a personal thing, but I'd be looking for a wide zoom say 10-20 or 12-24.

I sold my midrange because I never use it. I'm not saying it doesn't have it's place, but I tend to carry a wide zoom, a tele-zoom and a standard prime.

The problem (and it's an over generalisation I know) is that 17-70 often ends up being either too short or too long and you frequently get the same effect taking a couple of steps forward or back.

I'd try and go for the 12-24, 40mm prime and the 60-250.

But just my opinion.
Edited by greynolds999: 14/08/2013 - 10:00
Garnett
Posted 14/08/2013 - 16:51 Link
I'm in a very similar position. Not sure if you're aware but there is a new version of the Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.

It has a "C" or "Contemporary" demarcation. It sells for £350. The older version sells for £250 new.

After my research I've decided on the new Sigma.
~Pentax K-5, DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR, DA 35mm f/2.4 AL, DA 55-300mm f4.0-5.8 ED, FA 50mm f/1.4, M 50mm f/1.8 - flickr
Edited by Garnett: 14/08/2013 - 16:53
Posted 18/08/2013 - 21:05 Link
Thanks for the responses. During this chat I managed to pick up a used Pentax 17-70 for £148 in mint condition. I have had a quick play and so far it appears excellent and would recommend (especially at that price)

I hope to get active again with photographs so I can show you guys what this lens can deliver.

Thanks

Tom
www.flickr.com/tmondhallie13
Pentax Kr -
Pentax DA 17-70mm f4 AL SDM
Pentax DA L 18-55mm
Opethian
Posted 18/08/2013 - 21:07 Link
Would be very interested where you got the deal!

Looking forward to the photos that you'll take with it Tom.
Posted 18/08/2013 - 21:56 Link
I appear to have been very lucky on ebay. I feared there would be issues with it be so far it is excellent and appears almost brand new!
www.flickr.com/tmondhallie13
Pentax Kr -
Pentax DA 17-70mm f4 AL SDM
Pentax DA L 18-55mm

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