I realise this is a shameless plug but I was about to list a cheapish zoom. I have a used sigma 70-300 APO that I'm considering selling. I have the lens caps and hood but no box. There is a relatively minor defect that the zoom ring has a bit of extra resistance at one point but this in no way affects image quality.

Please let me know if you're interested.

Richard

Does the flash cord have a tripod fitting on the end that goes to the off-camera flash? Also what length and brand is it?

Thanks,

Richard

Roy,

I've sent you a PM for the 18-250.


Richard

Hi,

I haven't posted for ages, but thought I should share a couple of fisheye pics from the LV= rugby cup final last weekend.

It was a really nice sunny day so rather than avoid the sun I thought tried to embrace it by waiting for a couple of clouds to some over.











C&C is very much encouraged.

Snow and ice on my street:




05/01/2010
K20D + 16-45 @ 16mm
ISO 320
30 sec
f 11

Thanks for reviving these, I totally forgot about taking them.

I would recommend this lens to anyone, I'm not sure how to quantify when a lens is 'good' but for sharpness, bokeh and build it would be quite hard to beat (for an 85mm).

I sold one on ebay for about £150 last year, I thought that seemed a fair price and had a couple of interested bidders.

I seem to remember getting some questions from users of full frame digital who thought they would be able to get adaptors to use it with non-pentax bodies. How well these adaptors work I don't know but I think full frame zoom fisheye lenses are not common so some people seemed keen to accept the hassle of an adaptor to get one in their favourite lens mount.

I use the Sigma 70-300 APO (non-DG version) on a K20D and am very happy with it. To sum up the IQ, I find it to be a good balance of sharpness and control of purple fringing. I'll try and dig out some more samples but for a start here's an old thread with one on.

It does tail off in sharpness towards 300mm but I find it acceptable if stopped down one or two stops. Bear in mind the crop factor, shake reduction and excellent ISO1600+ modes of the K20D and I think it is possible to get some great results with this combo.

I'm no expert but have you considered buying a flash with some of that budget? It should be possible to pick up an MF macro such as the Tamron 90mm adaptall-2 with a PK/A mount (together or purchased seperately) for £100-£150. Also invest in a decent flash, have a look on this site for recommendations but you have a choice of models under £200.

If you decide that MF is not good then you could always sell it on and 'upgrade' to an AF model at a later date.

That is a very good price if the condition is as described. I have the f1.8 S-M-C Takumar version and it is superb in terms of sharpness, rendering and handling.

I can send you some sample shots from mine if you like.

Richard