Visit MPB Visit MPB Visit MPB

Which lens next?

comsport11
Posted 15/07/2008 - 21:04 Link
Having recently purchased the Pentax DA* 16-50mm f2.8 ED AL IF SDM lens in conjunction with a k20D, I have been blown away with the quality of the photographs the pair have brought me. I am now looking at replacing my aging Sigma 100-300 and 18 - 125 with a higher quality lens. Lenses up for consideration include:

Pentax SMC DA 300mm F4 ED IF SDM
Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED IF SDM
Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 APO EX DG HSM (Pentax Fit) (does the HSM work with a Pentax yet?)
Any other recommendations?

I generally use the longer end of the zoom for photographing sports events and drama performances at the school I work at and also for wildlife photography for myself. I love the idea of the 'Bigma' but haven't seen too many photographs taken with it and am worried that the quality may not be good enough for school magazines and that the HSM won't work on the k20D.
Any help given will be greatly appreciated.
Pwynnej
Posted 15/07/2008 - 21:42 Link
Is the 100-300 Sigma an f4 EX or an cheapo UC version?

If you have the cheap version and can find the EX you will be blown away by the difference...

Lots of Bigma fans here who'll speak up for the 50-500
comsport11
Posted 15/07/2008 - 21:47 Link
Thanks for the quick response Pwynnej.

Unfortunately it is a very cheap 100 - 300 UC lens which I bought when I thought money should be saved rather than spent on camera equipment!

I will have a look out for the EX version.
Gwyn
Posted 15/07/2008 - 21:59 Link
Not having HSM is not a problem with the Bigma. What maybe a problem for you for sports events is it's lack of speed at the long end.
I'm still waiting on my K20D but I am very happy with the Bigma on my Ds. Waiting for it to come out with HSM may be a very long wait to be honest.
The 300* gets a very good write up from those lucky enough to own one, as does the 50-135. Only you know whether that is too short for your needs.
Mannesty
Posted 16/07/2008 - 00:07 Link
This thread was the result of my having to choose between the Pentax DA* 300mm and the Sigma EX 100-300mm. I chose the Pentax lens and have not regretted that decision.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Pwynnej
Posted 16/07/2008 - 08:15 Link
You won't have regretted the Sigma EX 100-300 f4 either Peter.

Incidentally I am pondering over the DA* 200 or 300, which one to get, or both choices choices
Hyram
Posted 16/07/2008 - 08:28 Link
Mannesty wrote:
I chose the Pentax lens and have not regretted that decision.

Same with me.
Hyram

Bodies: K20D (2), K10D, Super A, ME Super, Auto 110 SLR, X70, Optio P70
Pentax Glass: DA* 300, DA* 60-250, DA* 50-135, DA* 16-50, DA 70 Ltd, FA 31 Ltd, DA 35 Ltd, DA 18-55 (2), DA 12-24, DA 10-17, M 200, A 35-70, M 40, M 28, Converter-A 2X-S, 1.4X-S, AF 1.7, Pentax-110 50, Pentax-110 24
Other Glass: Sigma 105 macro, Sigma-A APO 75-300
Flash: Metz 58 AF-1 P, Pentax AF160FC ringflash, Pentax AF280T

Add Comment

To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.