Hi Peter, Hi Matt,

Thanks for the comments. I appreciate them.

I have the lens with me for proof. (arrived last night from Buenos Aires).
The general appearance at first glance is of a little bit poor quality (nothing to do with the K10d quality).

But I have enabled all the auto functions (AF & aperture).

I will take some shots today for image quality, contrast and resolution at different focals.

Reading the opinions of owners in this forum, I understand his general performance is good/acceptable for the lens “low” price ,(427 U$D in Argentina).

Will search the vendors for the SMC-FA 80-320.

Best regards.
________________
Dirk TROTTEYN.
K10D+ Sigma 18-50 1:2.8 EX DC Lens.

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for the link. I had been there yesterday. I show your incredible macro shots! Really excellent! Congratulations…

I found in a Sigma brochure, there is a model where you can shut macros at 200mm and 300mm by means of a fixing position switch. Is this your model?

The one offered here is only for macro at full extend range (macro at 300mm) and the box is labeled like this:

SIGMA
70 -300 mm
F4 – 5.6
APO MACRO AF
And added a sticker “FOR PENTAX AF (Z, PZ SERIES)”
Sigma Corporation Made in Japan.

I can´t find in the box the label “DG for Digital”, So I can see, there may be different versions of this lens.

Will follow investigating…

Best regards.
________________
Dirk TROTTEYN.
K10D+ Sigma 18-50 1:2.8 EX DC Lens.

Problem here is the Custom Tax for photography and electronics’ stuff. Taxes could be 80/100% the bill value. Shipping is standard as in around the world.

Here we have an important Internet underground market (that evades all kind of taxes), but all of doubtful quality and origin (used may be), and of course no guarantee. Also an important quantity is smuggled from Paraguay and other near countries. (we are in a kind of wilderness here).

If you want it, close your eyes and buy it (if you can afford it).

Tamron is only in the underground market here! No official distributor for Argentina!


Best regards.
________________
Dirk TROTTEYN.
K10D+ Sigma 18-50 1:2.8 EX DC Lens.

Thanks Tyr,

Oh! The prices, the prices… Nothing to do with…

Looking in the net for Tamron in Argentina market…



Best regards.
________________
Dirk TROTTEYN.
K10D+ Sigma 18-50 1:2.8 EX DC Lens.

Gentlemen,

Interested in explore the area of long focal distances and modestly doing something in macro, I am looking for a lens in the range of 70/300mm.

I did a search in the Buenos Aires photograph market and found the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro for U$D 427!!!. Pentax glasses don´t exist here!

I read in the in the specific Pentax Lenses Forum about it.
Pwynnej said: “Sigma have two 70-300 models – the DG Macro and the DG APO Macro, the APO is half as expensive again over the DG, but the differences worth it. I have the original APO Macro lens and it´s a good lens, definitely better than some of the marquee telephoto lenses (ie the Canon).”

I know, the prices in Argentina are 1.7 to 2.0 times the USA or Europe prices, but here are not other chances to buy legally. I paid for the K10d U$D 1.600 and for the Sigma 18 – 50 mm 1:2.8 EX DC U$D 812.5! (here in Argentina!). Yes, Photography in these countries is very expensive!

Wondering hear any other opinion upon the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro.

Thanks in advance.



Best regards.
________________
Dirk TROTTEYN.
K10D+ Sigma 18-50 1:2.8 EX DC Lens.

Is the best synthesis for the “Judging Photos, How to Do” handbook .

Thanks John.


Best regards.
________________
Dirk TROTTEYN.
K10D+ Sigma 18-50 1:2.8 EX DC Lens.

Thanks Don, ChrisA and Galoot for you encouraging words.

After reading your replays I feel more comfortable and confident with the judging role.

But tell me the truth, don´t you feel a little intimidated saying to George: I don´t like your picture, needs better contrast and exposure… ; or to John Riley: I would like to see the horizontals more horizontal?

Seriously, I insist, judging from a “learner photographer position” is a great and heavy responsibility although it is just for fun.

Also understand perfectly the character of the competence; a healthy and fun exercise between like-minded people.

Things like this make me enjoy this forum.



Best regards.
________________
Dirk TROTTEYN.
K10D+ Sigma 18-50 1:2.8 EX DC Lens.

Gentlemen,

As we can see, judging the competition is not an easy (and always wanted) job.

I think we have a problem with our Weekly Competition in this area.

Another thing: what about if the winner is a novice photographer (like me). How can I judge respectfully and with acceptable criteria the work of a long experienced artist?

I was thinking in another (alternative) way for judging the competition:

Each of all the participants at the deadline time, proposes his 3 favorites competitors works (except ethically his own) and gives an argument or critique about his decision, then with simple math, the moderator (JohnR) proclaims the winner…

Just an idea…


Best regards.
________________
Dirk TROTTEYN.
K10D+ Sigma 18-50 1:2.8 EX DC Lens.

I guess “waiting for a bus in Sydney” was taken in “The Ghost Ride” of Australian Holiday Park. Right?

Best regards.
________________
Dirk TROTTEYN.
K10D+ Sigma 18-50 1:2.8 EX DC Lens.

Thanks John, understand...



Best regards.
________________
Dirk TROTTEYN.
K10D+ Sigma 18-50 1:2.8 EX DC Lens.