Pentax 60-250mm f/4 DA* ED (IF) SDM vs Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 with OS

Derridale · 08-13-2010, 05:03 AM

Apologies if this has already been covered and discussed, but I couldn't find it on a quick search.

Has anyone seen or heard any comparisons between the new Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 with optical stabilisation, and the Pentax 60-250 f/4.0?

Is one better than the other (apart from the one stop difference in constant aperture)? Is the Pentax sharper throughout than the Sigma?

I've read the very good review of the Pentax on Photozone, but the new Sigma hasn't been tested there yet. The reviews of the older, non-OS version of the Sigma 70-200 have been mixed, with softness at the 200mm end in particular. It seems that it needs to be stopped down a couple of stops to perform best - thus defeating the purpose of having an f/2.8 lens. That was the older one. Don't know if the newer one is any better (or worse?).

Does anyone have the Pentax DA* 60-250mm? Is f/4 fast enough with a bit of a bump up in ISO for indoor shooting (eg candids from a distance at social functions, weddings, etc)? Or would you go for the Sigma 70-200?

Here in Australia, they are almost the same price (Sigma $1900 near enough, Pentax $1929).

I already have the DA* 16-50 and the 50-135. Which one would you get if you were me?

**Ash** · 08-13-2010, 05:13 AM

G'day Pete.
There indeed has been some discussion regarding these two lenses on the forum. Here are some threads for starters:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/91675-sigma-70...l-no-seal.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/85404-sigma-70...-60-250-a.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/12711-sigma-ex-70-200-a.html

In your case, you'd benefit most from the longer reach of the DA 60-250. Wide open, it performs well from what I've seen from the lens, but it does depend what you'll be shooting with it. In low light, there may be the slight advantage from the f/2.8 capability of the 70-200, but you'll need to be a little closer to the action.

The apparent 'softness' of the Sigma wide open is more in the corners, and more evident at closer focusing distances, but indeed is the reason why I went with the Tamron, which doesn't have as much softness wide open IMO.

Derridale · 08-13-2010, 05:25 AM

Ah - thanks Ash. Not sure why my search didn't produce those links, the third of which is actually this very thread...

Seems like an each way bet, from reading those. Some go for the Sigma (although they're all referring to the older model) and some for the Pentax 60-250.

It was the comparison with the NEW Sigma 70-200 that I was interested in, if anyone has any insight...

**Ash** · 08-14-2010, 12:33 AM

Oops, blunder rectified. Thanks Pete.
I can only speak about the new Sigma as I haven't yet tried the Pentax, but the Sigma is mostly OK apart from those wide open and MFD caveats. Bear in mind that the Pentax does not have the same MFD to compare, but in the setting of weddings, I'm sure the Sigma is a wise choice - the HSM is decently fast (though has a long focus throw because of the pseudo macro ability), and sharpness improves greatly after f/5.6 - have a look at my thread for more about this lens...

Results from the Pentax have looked impressive right from f/4, and so would be quite comparable to what the Sigma can do, plus it has the extra 50mm of reach. I'd say it's a fine contender for a wedding portrait lens.

Derridale · 08-14-2010, 05:52 AM

Another option would be the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 - seems to get consistently good reviews. Mentioned several times on this forum too, almost always favourably.

Hmmm - may just have to keep looking and trying for a while before deciding.

That's the fun of LBA

)

08-13-2010, 05:03 AM	#1
Derridale Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 412	*Pentax 60-250mm f/4 DA ED (IF) SDM vs Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 with OS** Apologies if this has already been covered and discussed, but I couldn't find it on a quick search. Has anyone seen or heard any comparisons between the new Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 with optical stabilisation, and the Pentax 60-250 f/4.0? Is one better than the other (apart from the one stop difference in constant aperture)? Is the Pentax sharper throughout than the Sigma? I've read the very good review of the Pentax on Photozone, but the new Sigma hasn't been tested there yet. The reviews of the older, non-OS version of the Sigma 70-200 have been mixed, with softness at the 200mm end in particular. It seems that it needs to be stopped down a couple of stops to perform best - thus defeating the purpose of having an f/2.8 lens. That was the older one. Don't know if the newer one is any better (or worse?). Does anyone have the Pentax DA* 60-250mm? Is f/4 fast enough with a bit of a bump up in ISO for indoor shooting (eg candids from a distance at social functions, weddings, etc)? Or would you go for the Sigma 70-200? Here in Australia, they are almost the same price (Sigma $1900 near enough, Pentax $1929). I already have the DA* 16-50 and the 50-135. Which one would you get if you were me?

08-13-2010, 05:13 AM	#2
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	G'day Pete. There indeed has been some discussion regarding these two lenses on the forum. Here are some threads for starters: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/91675-sigma-70...l-no-seal.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/85404-sigma-70...-60-250-a.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/12711-sigma-ex-70-200-a.html In your case, you'd benefit most from the longer reach of the DA 60-250. Wide open, it performs well from what I've seen from the lens, but it does depend what you'll be shooting with it. In low light, there may be the slight advantage from the f/2.8 capability of the 70-200, but you'll need to be a little closer to the action. The apparent 'softness' of the Sigma wide open is more in the corners, and more evident at closer focusing distances, but indeed is the reason why I went with the Tamron, which doesn't have as much softness wide open IMO. Last edited by Ash; 08-14-2010 at 12:27 AM.

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08-13-2010, 05:25 AM	#3
Derridale Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 412 Original Poster	Ah - thanks Ash. Not sure why my search didn't produce those links, the third of which is actually this very thread... Seems like an each way bet, from reading those. Some go for the Sigma (although they're all referring to the older model) and some for the Pentax 60-250. It was the comparison with the NEW Sigma 70-200 that I was interested in, if anyone has any insight...

08-14-2010, 12:33 AM	#4
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Oops, blunder rectified. Thanks Pete. I can only speak about the new Sigma as I haven't yet tried the Pentax, but the Sigma is mostly OK apart from those wide open and MFD caveats. Bear in mind that the Pentax does not have the same MFD to compare, but in the setting of weddings, I'm sure the Sigma is a wise choice - the HSM is decently fast (though has a long focus throw because of the pseudo macro ability), and sharpness improves greatly after f/5.6 - have a look at my thread for more about this lens... Results from the Pentax have looked impressive right from f/4, and so would be quite comparable to what the Sigma can do, plus it has the extra 50mm of reach. I'd say it's a fine contender for a wedding portrait lens.

08-14-2010, 05:52 AM	#5
Derridale Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 412 Original Poster	Another option would be the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 - seems to get consistently good reviews. Mentioned several times on this forum too, almost always favourably. Hmmm - may just have to keep looking and trying for a while before deciding. That's the fun of LBA )

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