DA70mm vs Sigma 70mm Macro

yusuf · 07-10-2010, 11:40 AM

Which one will you chose? DA70mm f2.4 or Sigma 70mm Macro f2.8.

2.4 is not much master than 2.8 and macro is definitely an advantage.

Yusuf

farfisa · 07-10-2010, 11:58 AM

the Sigma is four times the weight and size of the DA70, so you'll have to decide if portability is more important than macro ability.

They're both exceptionally sharp lenses across the frame, possibly with a slight edge to the Sigma wide open, but no noticeable difference one stop down.

robjmitchell · 07-10-2010, 03:23 PM

I got the sigma as i preferred the rendering. I find the DA70 to be too contrasty for my liking, so go look as some photos and see which you prefer. I would love the size and quickshift of the da as the sigma is a beast of a lens. However despite just getting the dfa100/2.8wr I will be keeping my super sigma. If i had enough money I would happily own both

**dadipentak** · 07-10-2010, 05:58 PM

I'm tempted by both--from everything I've heard, they're both nice lenses. Combined with the fact that I have the FA 77mm ltd, the indecision helps me keep the temptation at bay.

What you want shoot is a key factor. In my simplistic mind, it breaks down like this:
sports/general purpose=DA 70,
macro=Sigma 70,
portraits=FA 77mm.

WerTicus · 07-11-2010, 05:57 AM

the da 70mm does not focus close at all... min focus distance is 700mm.... So they are very different lens.

creampuff · 07-11-2010, 06:15 AM

One focuses fast, one focuses slower.
One focuses further, one focuser a lot closer.
One is more compact, one is noticeably bigger.

Marc Sabatella · 07-11-2010, 11:59 AM

FWIW, the raynox 150 works really well with the DA70 to give you 1:2 magnification, which makes it decent for florals. The Raynox 250 would presumably make it 1:1. Nowhere near as convenient as a true macro lens, of course, but if it's more a "checkbox" item than anything you're really concerned about in practice, you can consider the box checked.

apemen · 07-11-2010, 12:13 PM

Marc has a good point,
When I take DA70mm with me, i take the Raynox 250 too.
Clip it on the lens and you get a pretty decent macro solution : )
It works so well, I bought the Raynox 150 too-for florals.

Here is an example with DA70 + Raynox 250:
It is not very easy to work with, you have to use min. f/11 and
may have to bump ISO400 and further for a 1/60sn. shot - depends on light of course-
but very doable.

noahpurdy · 07-11-2010, 01:39 PM

Depends on if you want macro abilities or not.

If you don't, all I have to say is Pentax primes are the reason to own a Pentax camera.

07-10-2010, 11:40 AM	#1
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497	DA70mm vs Sigma 70mm Macro Which one will you chose? DA70mm f2.4 or Sigma 70mm Macro f2.8. 2.4 is not much master than 2.8 and macro is definitely an advantage. Yusuf

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07-10-2010, 11:58 AM	#2
farfisa Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,274	the Sigma is four times the weight and size of the DA70, so you'll have to decide if portability is more important than macro ability. They're both exceptionally sharp lenses across the frame, possibly with a slight edge to the Sigma wide open, but no noticeable difference one stop down.

07-10-2010, 03:23 PM	#3
robjmitchell Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Aus Posts: 1,776	I got the sigma as i preferred the rendering. I find the DA70 to be too contrasty for my liking, so go look as some photos and see which you prefer. I would love the size and quickshift of the da as the sigma is a beast of a lens. However despite just getting the dfa100/2.8wr I will be keeping my super sigma. If i had enough money I would happily own both

07-10-2010, 05:58 PM	#4
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	I'm tempted by both--from everything I've heard, they're both nice lenses. Combined with the fact that I have the FA 77mm ltd, the indecision helps me keep the temptation at bay. What you want shoot is a key factor. In my simplistic mind, it breaks down like this: sports/general purpose=DA 70, macro=Sigma 70, portraits=FA 77mm.

07-11-2010, 05:57 AM	#5
WerTicus Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Perth Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,514	the da 70mm does not focus close at all... min focus distance is 700mm.... So they are very different lens.

07-11-2010, 06:15 AM	#6
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	One focuses fast, one focuses slower. One focuses further, one focuser a lot closer. One is more compact, one is noticeably bigger.

07-11-2010, 11:59 AM	#7
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	FWIW, the raynox 150 works really well with the DA70 to give you 1:2 magnification, which makes it decent for florals. The Raynox 250 would presumably make it 1:1. Nowhere near as convenient as a true macro lens, of course, but if it's more a "checkbox" item than anything you're really concerned about in practice, you can consider the box checked.

07-11-2010, 12:13 PM	#8
apemen Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ankara, TURKEY Posts: 181	Marc has a good point, When I take DA70mm with me, i take the Raynox 250 too. Clip it on the lens and you get a pretty decent macro solution : ) It works so well, I bought the Raynox 150 too-for florals. Here is an example with DA70 + Raynox 250: It is not very easy to work with, you have to use min. f/11 and may have to bump ISO400 and further for a 1/60sn. shot - depends on light of course- but very doable.

07-11-2010, 01:39 PM	#9
noahpurdy Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 479	Depends on if you want macro abilities or not. If you don't, all I have to say is Pentax primes are the reason to own a Pentax camera.