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05-30-2010, 08:12 PM   #1
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I need longer

I have my Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 EX DG and I love it...

I need longer though... I was playing around with my 135 Sear 2.8 and realized I was always too close to my subjects...

So here are the choices, I am trying to stay under $1000 I don't know current prices

Yes I need a fast lens, so 2.8 is critical, but hsm or sdm is not

SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm
Sigma 50-150 mm f/2.8 II EX DC APO HSM
Sigma APO EX 70-200mm f/2.8
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF
Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 Di LD Macro

I read the reviews looked at sample images just can't decide, so sell me one..

btw I shoot fashion and glamour type shots, if that helps...

05-30-2010, 09:04 PM   #2
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all of the above are good. The first thing you want to figure out is if 50-135mm is enough. If not cross that off the list. Than take into account other applicable factors like size/weight etc.
05-31-2010, 04:38 AM   #3
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If you say 135 is always bringing you too close, why does every lens on your list go to 135 or above?

Why not look at a macro in the 90 to 100 range, which will do double duty for you? You could get one for half your budget.
05-31-2010, 04:59 AM   #4
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Go for the 50-135. It is truly an amazing lens. More flexibility than the others, prime sharp in the middle of the range and one of the best portrait lenses I own (the best is the DA 70). The only down sides are its size (the 70-200 options on your list are all bigger) and the auto focus is on the slow side, but over all, I find the 50-135 on cropped sensor more useful than a 70-200 would be.

05-31-2010, 05:09 AM   #5
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Try to find a Sigma 70-200mm MKI APO EX .. I have one along with the 50-135mm and the Pentax stays home every time unless its raining.
05-31-2010, 05:54 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Ira Quote
If you say 135 is always bringing you too close, why does every lens on your list go to 135 or above?

Why not look at a macro in the 90 to 100 range, which will do double duty for you? You could get one for half your budget.
Sorry I meant that after I shot with the 135 I realized that before I was too close to the subject...
05-31-2010, 07:19 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by levelred Quote
Sorry I meant that after I shot with the 135 I realized that before I was too close to the subject...
Now I understand.

But keep in mind that even on full frame film, 80 is around the ideal length for portraits. I don't see why you want to go to 135 or above for facials, let alone full body stuff, especially taking into account the different FOV on our sensors.

I never did it professionally but studied it way back when, and I have no idea the lenses that the pros are using now, but there's someone here who posts infrequently--from France--whose work is astounding. If someone can chime in and link to some of his posts/work, he could lend some great advice.

05-31-2010, 07:51 AM   #8
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How much longer do you need, and at what speed?

I have an origonal Sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX (non DG non macro). It is an excellent lens, and perhaps the sharpest of the sigma's wide open (something to consider) If I need more length I couple it with either of sigma's TCs (1.4x or 2x)

I have posted many shots with the lens on its own or with one of the 2 TCs, it is an excellent setup, and you should be able to get the whole thing for about $1000 on the used market.

If you think you can get by with just 135 then the pentax makes sence as it is much lighter and smaller, but note there are not many TCs out there that will work with the 50-135, if you need more length in a pinch.
05-31-2010, 11:20 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by Ira Quote
But keep in mind that even on full frame film, 80 is around the ideal length for portraits.

Thats your opinion. The OP could feel differently, I know I do. Everyone has a preference (I hate wide angle.... the widest lens I own is the kit lens which i never use. I just bought a 28mm which on APSC I consider wide. The only reason I bought it was for macro ).


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If I was in your position I would purchase either the Tamron 70-200mm or the DA*. I would decide if I need the 200mm or if the 135mm is enough and go from there.
05-31-2010, 03:04 PM   #10
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I don't mean to be rude but the title of the tread can be interpreted in MANY ways...
05-31-2010, 03:38 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Ira Quote
Now I understand.

But keep in mind that even on full frame film, 80 is around the ideal length for portraits. I don't see why you want to go to 135 or above for facials, let alone full body stuff, especially taking into account the different FOV on our sensors.

I never did it professionally but studied it way back when, and I have no idea the lenses that the pros are using now, but there's someone here who posts infrequently--from France--whose work is astounding. If someone can chime in and link to some of his posts/work, he could lend some great advice.
very intriguing was that this same fella suggested DA 40 for fashion and DA 70 for beauty on APS-C over the FA limiteds.

this may have slightly less pull than a michael jordan endorsement, which costed millions, but nonetheless very interesting.
05-31-2010, 03:39 PM   #12
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Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF

hier ist my opinion .. . great lens with great result, you already have 28-70.. so this is perfect to continue your range.. otherwise take DA SMC 60-250/f4... that also super ...
05-31-2010, 04:21 PM   #13
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Funny title really funny

HSM and SDM are quieter, SDM stands for SilentDriveMotor (or maybe SlowDriveMotor) .

Anyway... from that list I would go for the SDM Pentax 50-135mm, or like Ira said a good Portrait Macro lens (I have the Tammy 90 and I recommend it)

Last edited by DaniRo; 05-31-2010 at 05:12 PM.
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