Tamron v Sigma

HI Folks
I am considering a 70-300 lens and have short listed the Sigma and the Tamron. I need a macro facility to act as a back up to my Sigma 105 which I use for close up and macro work. I am currently using a K20 and have no plans to replace it as I am perfectly happy with it.
Has anyone out there got any good or bad things to say about my choices and are there any alternatives that could be considered.

Many thanks

Ian

The Tamron is a very popular choice on this forum. I am very pleased with mine. It is great value. I have used the macro setting for pictures of butterflies, it is not very close foccusing though. Cannot comment on the Sigma version.

Davex.

Just noticed this

I think the general consensus is: Tamron - sharp but sufferers purple fringing (especially at long end) Sigma APO: Soft at larger apertures (especially at the long end) Sigma non APO: as APO but softer still & less contrast.

I'm sure someone will be along to confirm or disprove these comments shortly & no doubt recommend a Pentax 55-300mm, although it doesn't focus as close.

P.S. None of them will be a patch on the 105 IQ wise. Do you need 300mm or just looking for a pseudo Macro lens ?

Bob

edit: Or someone will beat me to posting whilst I waffle !

I have the Tamron 70-300 which is fine but not in bright sunshine because of PF and since I bought my Bigma 50-500 it has not been out of my camera bag, maybe I should sell it, but it is a good lens for the price, can't say anything about the Sigma though, I would go for the Pentax.

You won't find much better than the Sigma 105 macro it's my next purchase.

Ian,

I have a mint, boxed Tamron 70-300 available in the Classified for £69.95 including shipping. You can't go wrong at that price!

Dave

Hi Ian

I have the Sigma 70-300 and agree about it being soft at the longer end. I dont do much macro work tho I can see the advantages of a longer lens in terms of not being right on top of the subject.

I have a friend who has the tamron which goes on a KM body -seems to give good results but as yet I've not tried it on my K10 for action work.

My main use is sports and now wish I had two camera bodies.

I'd love to move up to the K20 if I could convince myself that I wouldnt them want the K30 or whatever the next one will be. The K7 is just too expensive.

Good luck with your quest
Geoff

I have the Sigma 70-300 on a K10d, I find it very soft at the longer end. The Macro function places me to far from the subject and not all the subject is in focus, see the link below.
https://www.pentaxuser.com/photo/dragon-fly-10957/large