Which 70-200 f2.8?
4,798 posts
Link
Posted 04/08/2011 - 09:50
Hi S-J, regarding the Sigma (Mark 1) and teleconverters, you might be interested in this post.
From what I've heard the Mark 1 Sigma is the sharpest of the Sigmas, and the current Tamron is sharper than the current Sigma. I don't know much about the Tamron with TCs, but the Mark 1 Sigma works very well with the 1.4x TC, not quite so well with the 2x.
Tim
AF - Pentax K5, Sigma 10-20/4-5.6, Tamron 17-50/2.8, Sigma 30/1.4, Sigma 70-200/2.8, Tamron 70-300/4-5.6
MF - Vivitar CF 28/2.8, Tamron AD2 90/2.5, MTO 1000/11
Stuff - Metz 58 AF1, Cactus v4, Nikon SB24, Raynox 150, Sigma 1.4x TC, Sigma 2x TC, Kenko 2x macro TC, Redsnapper 283 tripod, iMac 27”, Macbook Pro 17”, iPad, iPhone 3G
Flickr • Fluidr • PPG • Street • Portfolio site
Feel free to edit any of my posted photos! If I post a photo for critique, I want brutal honesty. If you don't like it, please say so and tell me why!
Helpful
From what I've heard the Mark 1 Sigma is the sharpest of the Sigmas, and the current Tamron is sharper than the current Sigma. I don't know much about the Tamron with TCs, but the Mark 1 Sigma works very well with the 1.4x TC, not quite so well with the 2x.
Tim
AF - Pentax K5, Sigma 10-20/4-5.6, Tamron 17-50/2.8, Sigma 30/1.4, Sigma 70-200/2.8, Tamron 70-300/4-5.6
MF - Vivitar CF 28/2.8, Tamron AD2 90/2.5, MTO 1000/11
Stuff - Metz 58 AF1, Cactus v4, Nikon SB24, Raynox 150, Sigma 1.4x TC, Sigma 2x TC, Kenko 2x macro TC, Redsnapper 283 tripod, iMac 27”, Macbook Pro 17”, iPad, iPhone 3G
Flickr • Fluidr • PPG • Street • Portfolio site
Feel free to edit any of my posted photos! If I post a photo for critique, I want brutal honesty. If you don't like it, please say so and tell me why!
Helpful 
Link
Posted 04/08/2011 - 10:14
colleague of mine picked up a HSM non OS Siggy in Germany recently and my 100-300. His comment: "the 70-200 is a *lot* faster focussing". The 100-300 is no slouch, but...
Bret
my pics: link
my kit: K3, K5, K-01, DA 18-55, D-FA50 macro, Siggy 30/1.4, 100-300/f4, 70-200/2.8, Samsung 12-24/f4, Tamron 17-50, and lots of other bits.
Bret
my pics: link
my kit: K3, K5, K-01, DA 18-55, D-FA50 macro, Siggy 30/1.4, 100-300/f4, 70-200/2.8, Samsung 12-24/f4, Tamron 17-50, and lots of other bits.
Link
Posted 04/08/2011 - 12:40
Having used both the later Sigma and the Tamron, the Tamron gets my vote - but mainly in terms of size/shape/weight, as in most circumstances there's probably not too much between any of them. Not actually having them both side by side to compare -from memory - the Sigma has the edge on af speed. I'm sure some of this, however, is a case of seeming much faster as it's virtually silent whereas the Tamron lets you know it's focussing. What is true is that the Tamron focusses faster on Pentax than it does on Nikon. I tried one when I had a Nikon body but found it very slow. Having recently spent a couple of days shooting fast moving agility dogs I'm pretty happy with the Tamron. I did try a third party 2x - which would af on a K20D but not a K-5 - but was'nt impressed - possibly a Tamron one would be OK but I'd assume a fall off in af speed. Sigma and tcons can be problematical with Pentax of course where HSM is involved.
some Tamron stuff with K20D
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greypoint/sets/72157607272018577/
some Tamron stuff with K-5
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greypoint/sets/72157626720338568/
some Sigma stuff
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greypoint/sets/72157625452542277/
Helpful
some Tamron stuff with K20D
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greypoint/sets/72157607272018577/
some Tamron stuff with K-5
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greypoint/sets/72157626720338568/
some Sigma stuff
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greypoint/sets/72157625452542277/
Helpful 
Link
Posted 04/08/2011 - 22:23
My Tamron 70-200 is more or less the standard lens on my K10. I find af pretty fast and accurate. Sometimes it needs a second bite to get the focus right. I have never used it with a tc, well, not as yet.
Gary
Armed with a K3, some M, A, FA, DA, and star lens. With an eye open for "just one more lens".
My PPG link
Helpful
Gary
Armed with a K3, some M, A, FA, DA, and star lens. With an eye open for "just one more lens".
My PPG link
Helpful 
Link
Posted 05/08/2011 - 03:16
Thanks all for the very helpful comments. Special mention to Tim for the Lab tests. I've decided on the Tamron. It can be had from my friends at Quality Deals (Hong Kong), via ebay, for $800AUD. they delivered my K7 in two days, (over a weekend, no less), so I should have it just as soon as I free up some funds. On that note, anyone interested in a Tokina 80-400 and a Pentax-A 35-105???
Regards
Sam-Joseph
Pentax K7, Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5, Sigma 70-200 f2.8 APO EX, Sigma 70-300 APO, Sigma 1.4x TC, Vivitar 2x TC. Takumar 135mm f2.5, SMC Pentax A 50mm 1:1.7, SMC Pentax -M 1:4 200mm, Pentax X70
Regards
Sam-Joseph
Pentax K7, Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5, Sigma 70-200 f2.8 APO EX, Sigma 70-300 APO, Sigma 1.4x TC, Vivitar 2x TC. Takumar 135mm f2.5, SMC Pentax A 50mm 1:1.7, SMC Pentax -M 1:4 200mm, Pentax X70
Add a Comment
You must be registered or logged-in to comment.
sam-joseph
Member
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
I've read the earlier Sigma is the pick of the bunch, but the Tamron gets a good write up as well, optically speaking. Some have criticized the slow focus of the Tamron, but I believe that would be typical of other mounts who rely on the lens-based motor. Can anyone comment on the AF speed and accuracy of the Tamron on a K7, and which would be the best teleconverter. I will be looking to sell the Tokina 80-400, which is mostly used for shooting the kid's soccer matches, hence the interest in a (2x ?) TC.
Regards
Sam-Joseph
Pentax K7, Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5, Sigma 70-200 f2.8 APO EX, Sigma 70-300 APO, Sigma 1.4x TC, Vivitar 2x TC. Takumar 135mm f2.5, SMC Pentax A 50mm 1:1.7, SMC Pentax -M 1:4 200mm, Pentax X70