Hi,

I had one of these but sold it earlier this year. I loved the build quality, even though it did make it quite heavy.

While I read some good reviews of the lens, the copy I had just didn’t deliver the image quality, either in terms of resolution or contrast. The issue was worse at 2.8 or 200mm but generally I was finding that most my Tamron 70-300 was giving better results. It seemed to be OK at around 100mm and f5.6, but there not much point in having that kind of lens if you have to stop it down and use a limited range.

With luck it was just my copy and yours will be much better! As I said I did read some good reviews.

I replaced it with a new Sigma 100-300 F4 EX which has been brilliant, if again a bit heavy.

Just looking round at K5's and notice that Mifsuds are offering a K5 kit (18-55 and 50-200) for £1099!

http://www.mifsuds.com/acatalog/Pentax_Digital_SLR.html

As you get £40 extra rebate for a K5 with a lens its actually cheaper than buying the body only and rebate!

Also assuming that the lens kit is worth £150, it gives a body price after rebate of £829 - very tempting...

Got the Spyder last night and it works fine.

Thx

Nick

PM Sent

I've go a 16-45 and its great, but if you don't mind manual focus hows about the Tamron SP 35-80 F2.8. I've got one and its sharper that the 16-45. And there's a couple on E-bay now....

I have one of these at the moment. Its built like a tank, good IQ except wide open at 200mm. Proably going to trade it in soon for a 100-300 Sigam EX so watch SRS!

Best

Nick

Hi there,

I’m looking to buy a new zoom lens for my k20d. I mainly need it for photographing rugby and some motor sport as well as general work. I’m looking for something robust with great IQ and a fast-ish focus.

I currently have a Tokina ATX pro 70-200 f2.8, which has graet build quality by is soft at f2.8 and I tend to be finding I’m using at 200mm a lot where again it’s a bit soft. I also have a Tamron 70-300 F4-5.6 di, which is great for the money, but again gets a bit soft past 250mm.

I’m looking at the Sigma 100-300 F4 EX, the Pentax DA*50-250 or the Pentax DA 55-300. I’ve heard and read great things about the Sigma, and the DA*, although I could only afford the latter second hand and it only goes to 250mm. The DA55-300 seems well regarded and is obviously much much cheaper, but on paper at least doesn’t seem much different from my Tamron.

Does anyone have any comparative experience of these lenses, or any other ideas?

Best

Nick

Thanks for the welcome. I liked Weldingblues Swan picture. I must admit I thought of the 55-300 DA but on paper at least it doesn't offer much over my Tamron.

I will upload some picts and see what people think.

Thanks again

NIck

Hi, My name is Nick and I have a Pentax….

Having been into film photography big time at school and uni (a-level and C&G) and then lapsed for many years.

When I moved to digital SLR I chose a DS*ist as it seem most like my OM2n and OM4ti which is still adore. I since upgraded to a K20 and have the 12-24, 16-45, 18-55 and 50-200 Pentax lenses, Plus a 70-300 Tamron and a 80-200 f2.8 Tokina ATX pro. Plus and old school Tamron Sp 2.8 35-80.

As you can see from the preponderance of telephotos I recently drifted into taking pictures of my son playing Rugby, but still can’t find a lens I’m happy with. I’m now thinking a 100-300 Sigma EX + 1.4 converter might be the thing. (I’d be grateful for any advice.)

Although I wouldn’t call my self a dedicated Pentaxian, I’m flirting with the concept and hopefully I can contribute something to the forum.

Best

Nick