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06-09-2010, 04:48 PM   #1
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Need Help choosing new lens

I currently have Pentax *istDs body and a Vivatar Series 1 70-210 f2.8-4.0 (Version 3, I think) zoom lens. My other lenses are SMC Pentax 50mm f2.0 manual focus lens, the standard SMC Pentax 18-55 f3.5-5.6 DA autofocus kit lens.

I am looking for a new zoom lens comparable to the Vivatar Series 1, but in an autofocus version. I am on a limited budget and want the best low light zoom I can get. I do not want to downgrade from sharpness and color reproduction I get from the Vivatar just to get an autofocus. Any suggestions.

Jody

06-09-2010, 05:30 PM   #2
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Pray for a miracle. Wait for one to fall off a truck. Win a lottery.

Here, the terms "low-light", "sharpness", "autofocus", "budget" are mutually exclusive. Sharp budget AF lenses tend to be slow (like my FA100-300/4.7-5.8). Sharp low-light AF lenses tend to be expensive. Sharp fast inexpensive AF lenses tend to be stolen or otherwise too good to be true.

If we knew your budget, we could make some suggestions.
06-09-2010, 06:20 PM   #3
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Vivitar.
06-09-2010, 06:21 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by guitarjoe2 Quote
I currently have Pentax *istDs body and a Vivatar Series 1 70-210 f2.8-4.0 (Version 3, I think) zoom lens. My other lenses are SMC Pentax 50mm f2.0 manual focus lens, the standard SMC Pentax 18-55 f3.5-5.6 DA autofocus kit lens.

I am looking for a new zoom lens comparable to the Vivatar Series 1, but in an autofocus version. I am on a limited budget and want the best low light zoom I can get. I do not want to downgrade from sharpness and color reproduction I get from the Vivatar just to get an autofocus. Any suggestions.

Jody
Learn to love what you have. As RioRico says, AF and Low Light AND Budget, don't fit. Faster and AF in that range you are moving into the f2.8 constant aperture realm. For that, DA*50-135 f2.8, Tamron (or sigma) 70-200 f2.8, or perhaps for a little less you can find a Tokina 70-200 f2.8. Either way, once you cross that threshold, you are at $550+, At least.



06-10-2010, 04:48 AM   #5
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Let me rephrase the question. Anyone who has the Vivitar lens and has upgraded to an autofocus zoom, what did you upgrade to and were you happy with the upgrade.
06-10-2010, 05:55 AM   #6
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Check SMC F 70-210/4-5.6. It is not so fast, but it is nice and sharp lens.
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