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12-27-2010, 07:34 AM   #16
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I recently bought Tamron 70-200mm from B&H and I am blown away by the quality. I was a bit conscious after DPR review on slow/inaccurate focus and I made couple of posts here before buying - but then finally decided to pull the trigger. Let me assure you, focus is snappy with my k-x and as fast as compared to other zooms I have. Sharp even at 200mm wide open. Although I have no experience with Sigma, the general consensus is Tamron is sharper.

12-27-2010, 08:13 AM - 2 Likes   #17
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QuoteOriginally posted by JHD Quote
If you buy an SDM lens, don't buy it used. Buy it brand new and get the longest extended warranty available, preferably one that can be renewed... to avaid being screwed!
That is one way to look at it, as there is certainly the possiblity that at some point the SDM motor may fail. However, in the long run there is still a strong argument to be made for buying a used lens if you're looking to save money, even if it is an SDM lens.

Let's say the DA*60-250 is $1200 brand new and $1000 used. Let's also say that a replacement SDM motor costs $200 to install. So if you buy the used lens and get unlucky and have an SDM failure at some point then you'll end up spending $200 to fix it and you'll have spent $1200 total, the same as the new lens. Now the percent of SDM motor failures isn't an unknown number, but in a worst case scenerio let's just say that 50% of SDM lenses have a motor failure (I would be shocked if it's really that high, it's probably closer to 10%, but let's just assume it's 50% for now). So half the time you buy your used lens for $1000 and are done. The other half of the time you end up spending $1200 (at some point) for the lens and a replacement motor down the road, but you're no worse off than had you spend $1200 on a new one.

In addition, extended warranties aside, if you spend $1200 on a new copy and the the SDM motor fails after a year (at least in the US), you're still going to end up spending the same $200 on a new motor and now you're in for $1400 total. If there are inexpensive extended warranties that can be purchased for these lenses then the argument to buy a new copy with the warranty might be the best move, however, if the cost of the warranty if more than $100 then the same numbers used in the above example would mean that in the long run the extended warranty is most costly (on average) than taking your chances with a potential failure (which is basically why places offer extended warranties, because over the long run they take in more money than they pay out).

But, at the end of the day, everyone has to do what makes them the most comfortable. For me, that usually means buying used lenses and knowing that given the spread in price between the two options, I should happen to run into a failure, I won't be in a worse position than had I bought new.

Last edited by dgaies; 12-27-2010 at 08:19 AM.
12-27-2010, 08:28 AM   #18
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QuoteOriginally posted by yusuf Quote
I recently bought Tamron 70-200mm from B&H and I am blown away by the quality. I was a bit conscious after DPR review on slow/inaccurate focus and I made couple of posts here before buying - but then finally decided to pull the trigger. Let me assure you, focus is snappy with my k-x and as fast as compared to other zooms I have. Sharp even at 200mm wide open. Although I have no experience with Sigma, the general consensus is Tamron is sharper.
There is no doubt (in my mind) that the Tamron is optically one of the better 70-200mm lenses out there. I certainly found it to be superior to the older Sigma 70-200 lenses, especially at 200mm and f/2.8. As for AF speed, I've haven't tried the newer Sigma, although from all accounts it's suppose to be pretty fast. I'm fairly certain the Tamron would be slower, but the real question is whether or not the Tamron would be fast enough to meet the OP's needs.
12-27-2010, 11:11 AM   #19
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I am also in the same boat. Having used the Sigma 70-200 OS in Canon mount, I was leaning towards it, but the Pentax 60-250 seems to be tack sharp even in wide open and hence negate the Sigma's advantages (Sigma is sharp across the entire frame at F4 - though it is sharp at the center in wide open)

Also Pentax is a little bit cheaper and may have better resale values. Sigma HSM is very fast (based on my experience in Canon 7D)

Could anyone please share their experiences with Pentax 60-250 specifically regarding bokeh, wide open performance and contrast?

-iunknown

12-27-2010, 11:26 AM   #20
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QuoteOriginally posted by iunknown Quote
I am also in the same boat. Having used the Sigma 70-200 OS in Canon mount, I was leaning towards it, but the Pentax 60-250 seems to be tack sharp even in wide open and hence negate the Sigma's advantages (Sigma is sharp across the entire frame at F4 - though it is sharp at the center in wide open)

Also Pentax is a little bit cheaper and may have better resale values. Sigma HSM is very fast (based on my experience in Canon 7D)

Could anyone please share their experiences with Pentax 60-250 specifically regarding bokeh, wide open performance and contrast?
I don't have access to too many images taken with 60-250 online at the moment, but here are a couple I have posted in the past. The first one isn't wide open (it's f/5.6), but gives you an idea of the OOF rendering. Below that is a shot at 250mm, almost wide open (f/4.5) and a 100% crop from the same image right below it.

K-x + DA*60-250 @ 250mm, f/5.6, 1/200s, iso400


K-x + DA*60-250 @ 250mm, f/4.5, 1/320s, iso400


Last edited by dgaies; 12-27-2010 at 11:32 AM.
12-27-2010, 11:31 AM   #21
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I found a couple more I have previously posted that were taken at f/4 that show some OOF areas as well.

K-x + DA*60-250 @ 128mm, f/4, 1/400s, iso400


K-x + DA*60-250 @ 250mm, f/4, 1/500s, iso400
12-27-2010, 02:18 PM   #22
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the Tamron is sharper than the Sigma..no question of it...but for me it was not a option due to the reasons I mentioned earlier

Dgais

those images look real good mate...the sharpness of the 60-250 is the only reason Im really considering it, as SDM issues , if they are issues these days might be a problem down the track..although your images do show a resonable small DOF at F4..its not quite shallow enough for what Id really like.....but the sharpness is there..and your right my question for this thread is not a easy one

The sigma OS has the advantage of a shallower DOF..faster at low light..but isnt as sharp at the long end {200mm}..

as for price...we are lucky here as the Aussie distributer for sigma will match any overseas prices. or greay imports..so I can buy the sigma for about $1450 au...the pentax on the other hand is not as good..local its about $1900au....but B&H have it for $1200US...with shipping it will set me back about $1290AU...so price wise..both are in my ball park

second hand is not really a option. as I doubt there are any Sigma selling used yet, and the Pentax very really come up used, as I suspect not many people have this lens...Dgais a lucky bloke

I could ask my local shop to get each one in for a test..but if the Pentax is the winner..Ill have to say Ive changed my mind!, as Ill have to get from B&H...

12-27-2010, 03:47 PM   #23
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I am impressed !

Wow! I am impressed. Nice photos!



QuoteOriginally posted by dgaies Quote
I don't have access to too many images taken with 60-250 online at the moment, but here are a couple I have posted in the past. The first one isn't wide open (it's f/5.6), but gives you an idea of the OOF rendering. Below that is a shot at 250mm, almost wide open (f/4.5) and a 100% crop from the same image right below it.

K-x + DA*60-250 @ 250mm, f/5.6, 1/200s, iso400


K-x + DA*60-250 @ 250mm, f/4.5, 1/320s, iso400
12-27-2010, 05:02 PM   #24
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Thanks

QuoteOriginally posted by iunknown Quote
Wow! I am impressed. Nice photos!
Thanks

The DA*60-250 is a great lens. Then again, the Tamron 70-200/2.8 is pretty amazing too. This is why I still haven't been able to decide which to keep

Oh yeah, and then there's the DA*50-135... damn you LBA!
12-27-2010, 09:50 PM   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by dgaies Quote
Thanks

The DA*60-250 is a great lens. Then again, the Tamron 70-200/2.8 is pretty amazing too. This is why I still haven't been able to decide which to keep

Oh yeah, and then there's the DA*50-135... damn you LBA!
The 60-250 virtually covers the 50-135 range and focuses much faster so unless you really need the portability of the 50-135 I can't see a reason to change.

As for Tamron 70-200 or 60-250 - well which end of the range do you use most ? If it's the long end then problem solved ! Maybe you should consider the DA*300.

On the other hand though, thinking about it, I really think you should sell your 60-250 (PM me now) !
12-27-2010, 09:58 PM   #26
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QuoteOriginally posted by Frogfish Quote
The 60-250 virtually covers the 50-135 range and focuses much faster so unless you really need the portability of the 50-135 I can't see a reason to change.

As for Tamron 70-200 or 60-250 - well which end of the range do you use most ? If it's the long end then problem solved ! Maybe you should consider the DA*300.

On the other hand though, thinking about it, I really think you should sell your 60-250 (PM me now) !
Yeah, I realize there is a lot of overlap between the 60-250 and 50-135. Honestly, when I picked up the 60-250 I had planned on getting rid of the 50-135 which I already owned, but just never could bring myself to sell it. So now I still have all three lenses

Speaking of the DA*300, I had that one too at one point, but decided that I preferred the utility of the 60-250 zoom and did bring myself to sell the DA*300. Although I will say that the IQ of the DA*300 is nothing short of spectacular.

If you're really interested, I can let you know if I do decide to go with the 70-200 and sell the 60-250
12-27-2010, 11:44 PM   #27
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I've already decided to buy the 60-250 (as I will need it in 2011 for some 2nd photographer work - my first paid work !) but the 300 keeps nagging away at me !
12-28-2010, 05:16 PM   #28
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Dgaies

Im wondering if you could do me a huge favour...

as your the only person to respond to this thread , that owns both the 70-200 and 60-250 lens could you please take some sample images with them at each equivalent focal length.. and at the end of the 60-250 FOV..just so I can see the real world difference of 60 v 70 and 200 v 250 mm

also at 70 and 200 mm on each lens at F4...just so I can see the sharpness of the Pentax and tamron... I've used the tamron, so I can gauge the sharpness of the Pentax against that

if its too much to ask, i quite understand...but if you can..im forever in your dept and some serious rep will be added , and please use the same subject matter :}

you can post them here. so we can all see...but could I supply my email address for the uncompressed images...just so I can do 100% crops and really pixel peep..LOL

as I say..if its too much bother..I will understand .


EDIT

in a earlier post you expressed that the Tamron was quicker in AF..but my be due to more light at 2.8.....could you retest each lens at F4..and tell me you findings...just so each AF is getting the same light and as such a level playing field test

Last edited by Tommot1965; 12-28-2010 at 05:22 PM.
12-28-2010, 05:24 PM   #29
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QuoteOriginally posted by Tommot1965 Quote
I'm wondering if you could do me a huge favour...
I can try to get those shot together, but I probably won't be able to get to it until the weekend. Days are pretty much at their shortest right now and it's usually dark before I get home from work. I could take the shots indoors, but to really see the difference between the FOV at the long end of the zooms I'll need some space as the true max focal length of the 60-250 is a function of the focal distance. I did a quick test of this about 6 months ago, but as I recall it goes from a little under 200mm at the MFD to about 220mm at intermediate distances and finally all the way to 250mm at infinity focus. If I can find the actual numbers, I'll send them to you.
12-28-2010, 07:51 PM   #30
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no worries mate...Im in no hurry..not buying before January...but the more I think of the 60-250..the more I like it..just need something to tip me over the edge..

theres a few images in a thread here, captured in studio from the 60-250 ...they look very good, i just got to get over its a F4 rather than a 2.8
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