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B&H has just posted two great holiday deals: first the Sigma 50-500mm "Bigma" is currently available for $350 off the regular price, for a final price of $1299. This is a very interesting lens, and one which is prized by many of our users, because of its unusual 10x zoom range. In our in-depth review of it, we found it to be easily hand-holdable, something you don't get from every 500mm lens! If you've been waiting for a price drop on this lens, then now's the time to get it.
Today's second deal is on the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8, available for just $694, which is $205 off the regular price.
This lens is a premium-quality full-frame walkaround, which also works well on APS-C camera for those who don't like to shoot wide-angle shots as much. Like the 50-500mm, it features silent HSM autofocus, and you can read more about it in our user reviews section.
Finally, the Pentax K-5 continues to be available for a record-low $749 from Adorama. Once it's gone, it'll be gone for good, and you'd have to get the more-expensive K-5 II. If you need more convincing that this camera is a steal, just read what our users have to say about it!
Deals on over a dozen Pentax lenses continue to be live here and here, and stay tuned to our Pentax price watch forum for more deals should any be posted over the weekend!
For now, I don't think much more IQ can be squeezed out of an APS-C sensor than what the K-5 offers. The K-5 has a 2-stop ISO advantage over the K-7, and about 1.5 EVs more dynamic range, so if you can afford the upgrade, I'd say it's a good idea (no sense in going for the K-5 II, though).
I bought a secondhand K-7 as I couldn't justify the K-5. I now wonder if I made a mistake and whether I should move to the K-5. Is it that much better than a K-7 to justify the move? Or should I wait until the K-5II is superceded?
Just want to say that my Sigma 50-500 (older model) has brought more hours of pleasure and shooting enjoyment than any lens I own. If you like to shoot wildlife, it is hard for me to imagine not owning this lens. The IQ is superb for most, and the price is a real bargain. If I sold off all my lenses, this one would remain, it would be too hard to live without it!
Regards!
Nothing fundamentally wrong with the K5. Just saying ive found the user reviews to be rather skewed.
The only thing wrong with the Pentax K-5 is that it has a K mount and not an F mount ;)
Is there something fundamentally wrong with the k-5 curled noodles? Sure the AF isn't d7000 quality, but I don't have many complaints. It was a big improvement over the k-7 IMO.
The user reviews are always so biased though. It is a Pentax Forum after all so i cant be too surprised, ha.