Sigma 28-300mm... yes, or no?

Ben E · 10-10-2011, 01:09 AM

I really would like to get a nice walk-around lens that has a long range. Right now all the lenses I have are the 18-55 and 50-200 kit lenses that came with my K-r, one manual prime, and one manual zoom.

What are your opinions of the Sigma 28-300mm? Is it better IQ-wise than the kit lenses?

Or should I save up for something else like an 18-250?

I'm on sort of a budget so thats why I'm looking into the 28-300mm, but I could save up for the 18-250mm eventually.

Thanks everyone

Last edited by Ben E; 10-10-2011 at 02:19 AM.

hcc · 10-10-2011, 01:53 AM

You may want to read the Users' reviews:
Sigma 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG Macro (AF Lens) Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

I cannot comment on the Sigma but I can recommend the DA18-250mm/Tamron 18-250mm for an all-around lens, when you want to travel light with one body and one lens. The 18-250mm is a compact zoom with an incredible focal length range, and a decent IQ overall. Like any zoom, the 18-250mm is a compromide but a good one. No longer manufactured, you ca find 2nd hand copies on the PF marketplace, Adorama (Used equipment) and Keh (keh.com) for about $350 to $450 in very good to excellent conditions.

This being said, you may consider also some prime lenses. There are some excellent primes incl. fast primes for Pentax camera. Without knowing your needs, it is worth to mention great lenses like the FA Ltd series, the DA Ltd series and the older FA* series.

Hope that the comment may help.

calsan · 10-10-2011, 02:07 AM

18-xxx would make more sense for a super-zoom than a 28-xxx lens. Otherwise you will still need to carry the 18-55.
Sigma "just" released an 18-200 with fluorite glass and rounded aperture blades, but it's so new I've not seen any reviews or prices yet.
Sigma 18-200
Also Pentax 18-135wr seems a good option, with the benefits of pentax's nice construction and quickshift focus.

Ben E · 10-10-2011, 02:18 AM

Would you fellows say that the 18-250mm has a better IQ than the kit lenses?

GaryH · 10-10-2011, 05:45 AM

I would say that the 18-250 has maybe a slightly better IQ in the 18-55 range and it would probably serve you well.

Nowhere Matt · 10-10-2011, 05:54 AM

I was once on a similar path as yours. Trying to find a less expensive, single lens with a wide focal range to use often instead of the two "kit lenses".
Long story short, I bought a Sigma 28-300. It is a good lens but everyone has different standards. I think from 28-200mm, it's image quality is close to that of your DA 50-200. The Sigma softens a little bit in the 200-300mm end. In bright, midday sun softness can be rude. But I still like a few of it's attributes.
Let me put it this way:
If image quality and a wide field of view are important, save for something like the DA 18-250mm.
If you are budget minded and like a lens that is close focusing, almost macro, almost a wide field of view and has acceptable image quality, look for a good price on the Sigma 28-300mm.

I own both the Pentax DA 18-250mm and the Sigma DG 28-300mm. I use the 18-250 more often, but I do still enjoy using the Sigma. I am finally about to sell my DA 50-200mm as it gets absolutely not use any longer.

If you would like more comments of my opinions, just ask.

Ben E · 10-10-2011, 06:34 AM

Originally posted by Nowhere Matt

I was once on a similar path as yours. Trying to find a less expensive, single lens with a wide focal range to use often instead of the two "kit lenses".
Long story short, I bought a Sigma 28-300. It is a good lens but everyone has different standards. I think from 28-200mm, it's image quality is close to that of your DA 50-200. The Sigma softens a little bit in the 200-300mm end. In bright, midday sun softness can be rude. But I still like a few of it's attributes.
Let me put it this way:
If image quality and a wide field of view are important, save for something like the DA 18-250mm.
If you are budget minded and like a lens that is close focusing, almost macro, almost a wide field of view and has acceptable image quality, look for a good price on the Sigma 28-300mm.

I own both the Pentax DA 18-250mm and the Sigma DG 28-300mm. I use the 18-250 more often, but I do still enjoy using the Sigma. I am finally about to sell my DA 50-200mm as it gets absolutely not use any longer.

If you would like more comments of my opinions, just ask.

You have been really helpful. Thank you.

This might be too much to ask from you, but I was wondering, since you have both lenses, if it would be possible to take comparison shots so I could compare a shot from the 18-250 with a shot from 28-300?

Even if you can't, thanks for your help

Nowhere Matt · 10-10-2011, 01:52 PM

Let's see how close I can come to meeting your expectations.
All images taken with a K-7, ISO 200, overcast sky, no post processing.
I seem to have a little trouble with flickr at the moment. I will try again later and perhaps post more tomorrow. Why don't you set a preference to this post so you will know when it has activity?

DA 18-250 at close focus, f8 1/60

Sigma 28-300 at close focus, f8 1/125

Ben E · 10-10-2011, 11:10 PM

Thanks for those first examples, although there doesn't appear to be too much difference, the 18-250 seems to be a little bit sharper.

Originally posted by Nowhere Matt

I will try again later and perhaps post more tomorrow. Why don't you set a preference to this post so you will know when it has activity?

I already have, since I made the thread

Chex · 10-10-2011, 11:15 PM

Not interested in the DA 55-300? From what I've seen from it, bang for the buck it's hard to beat! Couple it with a Raynox DCR 150 and you've got plenty of Macro ability as well. between the 18-55 and the 55-300 + a Raynox 150 your good for all but rainstorms! (18-135 does have a use..).

Ben E · 10-11-2011, 01:51 AM

No, because I'm trying to have just one lens... the lens switching around is annoying. Especially when I'm on a hike or something, it takes too long.

Chex · 10-11-2011, 04:06 PM

The new Tamron 18-270 seems ok if you can deal with barrel distortion and some pincushion issues.. kind of a plain jane lens that covers a LOT of focal range.

rockmaster1964 · 10-12-2011, 06:06 AM

The Tamron 18-270mm does not come in the Pentax mount.

Ben E · 10-12-2011, 07:08 AM

That makes things easy - back the 18-250!

Nowhere Matt · 10-12-2011, 09:16 AM

Now these you will find interesting. There was a thread a few months ago that explains how different the magnification can be at similar focal lengths. You will have to have someone else give a good explanation if you wish. But here is my part. Lens comparisons using images.
Again, all images were taken with the K-7 with similar settings in each set. We are comparing the Pentax DA 50-200, the Pentax DA 18-250 and the Sigma DG 28-300. Forgive me if any of this fails to satisfy. I really do not care for pixel peeping, strict examination. So here are my basic attempts.
First round: iso 400 @ F8, focal length 200mm. And let me assure you, I did not change the distance to the subject.

The DA 50-200mm

The DA 18-250mm

The Sigma DG 28-300

10-10-2011, 01:09 AM	#1
Ben E Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 177	Sigma 28-300mm... or the 18-250? I really would like to get a nice walk-around lens that has a long range. Right now all the lenses I have are the 18-55 and 50-200 kit lenses that came with my K-r, one manual prime, and one manual zoom. What are your opinions of the Sigma 28-300mm? Is it better IQ-wise than the kit lenses? Or should I save up for something else like an 18-250? I'm on sort of a budget so thats why I'm looking into the 28-300mm, but I could save up for the 18-250mm eventually. Thanks everyone Last edited by Ben E; 10-10-2011 at 02:19 AM.

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10-10-2011, 01:53 AM	#2
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,004	You may want to read the Users' reviews: Sigma 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG Macro (AF Lens) Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database I cannot comment on the Sigma but I can recommend the DA18-250mm/Tamron 18-250mm for an all-around lens, when you want to travel light with one body and one lens. The 18-250mm is a compact zoom with an incredible focal length range, and a decent IQ overall. Like any zoom, the 18-250mm is a compromide but a good one. No longer manufactured, you ca find 2nd hand copies on the PF marketplace, Adorama (Used equipment) and Keh (keh.com) for about $350 to $450 in very good to excellent conditions. This being said, you may consider also some prime lenses. There are some excellent primes incl. fast primes for Pentax camera. Without knowing your needs, it is worth to mention great lenses like the FA Ltd series, the DA Ltd series and the older FA* series. Hope that the comment may help.

10-10-2011, 02:07 AM	#3
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,549	18-xxx would make more sense for a super-zoom than a 28-xxx lens. Otherwise you will still need to carry the 18-55. Sigma "just" released an 18-200 with fluorite glass and rounded aperture blades, but it's so new I've not seen any reviews or prices yet. Sigma 18-200 Also Pentax 18-135wr seems a good option, with the benefits of pentax's nice construction and quickshift focus.

10-10-2011, 02:18 AM	#4
Ben E Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 177 Original Poster	Would you fellows say that the 18-250mm has a better IQ than the kit lenses?

10-10-2011, 05:45 AM	#5
GaryH Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Philadelphia, Pa Photos: Gallery Posts: 764	I would say that the 18-250 has maybe a slightly better IQ in the 18-55 range and it would probably serve you well.

10-10-2011, 05:54 AM	#6
Nowhere Matt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nowhere Land Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,362	I was once on a similar path as yours. Trying to find a less expensive, single lens with a wide focal range to use often instead of the two "kit lenses". Long story short, I bought a Sigma 28-300. It is a good lens but everyone has different standards. I think from 28-200mm, it's image quality is close to that of your DA 50-200. The Sigma softens a little bit in the 200-300mm end. In bright, midday sun softness can be rude. But I still like a few of it's attributes. Let me put it this way: If image quality and a wide field of view are important, save for something like the DA 18-250mm. If you are budget minded and like a lens that is close focusing, almost macro, almost a wide field of view and has acceptable image quality, look for a good price on the Sigma 28-300mm. I own both the Pentax DA 18-250mm and the Sigma DG 28-300mm. I use the 18-250 more often, but I do still enjoy using the Sigma. I am finally about to sell my DA 50-200mm as it gets absolutely not use any longer. If you would like more comments of my opinions, just ask.

10-10-2011, 06:34 AM	#7
Ben E Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 177 Original Poster	Originally posted by Nowhere Matt I was once on a similar path as yours. Trying to find a less expensive, single lens with a wide focal range to use often instead of the two "kit lenses". Long story short, I bought a Sigma 28-300. It is a good lens but everyone has different standards. I think from 28-200mm, it's image quality is close to that of your DA 50-200. The Sigma softens a little bit in the 200-300mm end. In bright, midday sun softness can be rude. But I still like a few of it's attributes. Let me put it this way: If image quality and a wide field of view are important, save for something like the DA 18-250mm. If you are budget minded and like a lens that is close focusing, almost macro, almost a wide field of view and has acceptable image quality, look for a good price on the Sigma 28-300mm. I own both the Pentax DA 18-250mm and the Sigma DG 28-300mm. I use the 18-250 more often, but I do still enjoy using the Sigma. I am finally about to sell my DA 50-200mm as it gets absolutely not use any longer. If you would like more comments of my opinions, just ask. You have been really helpful. Thank you. This might be too much to ask from you, but I was wondering, since you have both lenses, if it would be possible to take comparison shots so I could compare a shot from the 18-250 with a shot from 28-300? Even if you can't, thanks for your help

10-10-2011, 01:52 PM	#8
Nowhere Matt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nowhere Land Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,362	Let's see how close I can come to meeting your expectations. All images taken with a K-7, ISO 200, overcast sky, no post processing. I seem to have a little trouble with flickr at the moment. I will try again later and perhaps post more tomorrow. Why don't you set a preference to this post so you will know when it has activity? DA 18-250 at close focus, f8 1/60 Sigma 28-300 at close focus, f8 1/125

10-10-2011, 11:10 PM	#9
Ben E Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 177 Original Poster	Thanks for those first examples, although there doesn't appear to be too much difference, the 18-250 seems to be a little bit sharper. Originally posted by Nowhere Matt I will try again later and perhaps post more tomorrow. Why don't you set a preference to this post so you will know when it has activity? I already have, since I made the thread

10-10-2011, 11:15 PM	#10
Chex Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The 'Stoke, British Columbia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,678	Not interested in the DA 55-300? From what I've seen from it, bang for the buck it's hard to beat! Couple it with a Raynox DCR 150 and you've got plenty of Macro ability as well. between the 18-55 and the 55-300 + a Raynox 150 your good for all but rainstorms! (18-135 does have a use..).

10-11-2011, 01:51 AM	#11
Ben E Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 177 Original Poster	No, because I'm trying to have just one lens... the lens switching around is annoying. Especially when I'm on a hike or something, it takes too long.

10-11-2011, 04:06 PM	#12
Chex Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The 'Stoke, British Columbia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,678	The new Tamron 18-270 seems ok if you can deal with barrel distortion and some pincushion issues.. kind of a plain jane lens that covers a LOT of focal range.

10-12-2011, 06:06 AM	#13
rockmaster1964 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Frisco Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 382	The Tamron 18-270mm does not come in the Pentax mount.

10-12-2011, 07:08 AM	#14
Ben E Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 177 Original Poster	That makes things easy - back the 18-250!

10-12-2011, 09:16 AM	#15
Nowhere Matt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nowhere Land Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,362	Now these you will find interesting. There was a thread a few months ago that explains how different the magnification can be at similar focal lengths. You will have to have someone else give a good explanation if you wish. But here is my part. Lens comparisons using images. Again, all images were taken with the K-7 with similar settings in each set. We are comparing the Pentax DA 50-200, the Pentax DA 18-250 and the Sigma DG 28-300. Forgive me if any of this fails to satisfy. I really do not care for pixel peeping, strict examination. So here are my basic attempts. First round: iso 400 @ F8, focal length 200mm. And let me assure you, I did not change the distance to the subject. The DA 50-200mm The DA 18-250mm The Sigma DG 28-300