Lens comparison, what do you want to see?

hcc · 03-27-2012, 12:42 AM - **1 Like**

Two suggestions:

- a comparison of all-around lenses: DA18-135mm, DA180-250mm, Sigma 18-250mm

- a comparison of 300mm primes: DA*300mm, FA*300mm, ...

My 5 cents...

garethwebber · 03-27-2012, 01:33 AM

Normals!

Sigma 30 vs Fa31 vs Fa35 vs DA35 vs couple of old manual 28s

**baro-nite** · 03-27-2012, 03:40 AM

Originally posted by garethwebber

couple of old manual 28s

Originally posted by bassek

How about a MF comparison with SMC Pentax 35mm F2, SMC Pentax-A 35mm F2

Originally posted by jeffshaddix

You could do some legacy glass comparisons.

Originally posted by Adam

They have to be current products

So no go on the oldies.

Originally posted by panoguy

I'd be interested in a comparison of Sigma & Tamron 70-200/2.8's and the DA*200 all at 200

Originally posted by Adam

they have to be comparable- i.e. no comparing apples to oranges

Zoom vs. prime is definitely apples-to-oranges territory.

Originally posted by -Spooky-

How about a comparison of primes in the 30's? i.e. Sigma 30/1.4 vs. Pentax 31/1.8 vs. Pentax 35/2.8... et cetera. I also think a fisheye comparison would be cool.

I like both these ideas, although for the 30's I'd add in the Samyang/Bower/etc. 35/1.4, maybe the Pentax FA 35/2 instead of the DA 35 macro limited (slower and macro, rather a different beast). Fisheyes would be fun, although it's harder to find comparable lenses there, especially if you want to include the only current Pentax fisheye.

**Lowell Goudge** · 03-27-2012, 06:45 AM

Originally posted by stormtech

panoguy has it close to what I would like to see:

Pentax 60-250
Tamron 70-200
Sigma 70-200

Now the I read panoguy's post again, I see he is trying to keep the playing table even and sticking with 2.8's with the DA*200 which does seem fair.

Anyway, any combination of the above - the 3 lenses I listed have been on my mind for quite a while - in fact almost pulled the trigger on the 60-250 this evening........

I would like something similar as well, but would have to question whether we could include all the variants of the sigma and tamron lenses. and put them against the DA 200/2.8 and maybe the FA 70-200/2.8 as well.

The reason is, there have been many individual reviews of the sigma and tamron lenses as each variant was released, and to my knowledge there are at least 5 different sigma lenses out there so performance is higlly model dependant.

It would be really nice if there was a way we could put all the data and perofrmance side by side through the forum members without having all the lenses together. I tried to set something like this up a long time ago, and it fell apart because we could not establish a set of rules for how to do it.

stormtech · 03-27-2012, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

I would like something similar as well, but would have to question whether we could include all the variants of the sigma and tamron lenses. and put them against the DA 200/2.8 and maybe the FA 70-200/2.8 as well.

The reason is, there have been many individual reviews of the sigma and tamron lenses as each variant was released, and to my knowledge there are at least 5 different sigma lenses out there so performance is higlly model dependant.

I agree with you Lowell. However, I feel that any comparison review should only be with lenses that are available to buy new right now - at least that is my selfish attitude as I am in the market to buy one of these right now.

**Lowell Goudge** · 03-27-2012, 07:43 AM

Originally posted by stormtech

I agree with you Lowell. However, I feel that any comparison review should only be with lenses that are available to buy new right now - at least that is my selfish attitude as I am in the market to buy one of these right now.

But the whole point is, many times people are in the market for a new lens, and in some cases, even the photo magazines and lens reviews indicate that, for example, the sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX DG Macro and Macro II lenses are not as good either wide open or at maximum focal length as the sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX non macro version.

So the questions are,

Do you buy new, or used?

If you buy new, what do you buy?

if you buy used, what do you buy?

If you already own a lens that goes to 200mm at F2.8, do you trade for a newer model?

As I said, it would be great if there was a way, where we could control the test such that multiple members could contribute with thier lenses.

Maybe it is as simple as building a small scale Lego Model, and shooting it from different distances and then cropping in. we could control lighting with either flash, or daylight with the sun at a specific angle.

but I have hijacked the thread enough with this discussion

**bpv_UW** · 03-27-2012, 08:43 AM

As has been suggested above: Sigma 30/1.4, Pentax FA 31/1.8, Pentax DA 35/2.8.

Also: Pentax FA 43 vs. DA 40. Pentax FA 77 vs. DA 70 vs. Sigma 70 macro.

If legacy glass could be used that would open up virtually endless options, but that's another discussion...

-Brandon

Franky2step · 03-27-2012, 09:44 AM

Originally posted by stormtech

I agree with you Lowell. However, I feel that any comparison review should only be with lenses that are available to buy new right now - at least that is my selfish attitude as I am in the market to buy one of these right now.

Aren't all lenses for sale right now?

Adam · 03-27-2012, 09:54 AM - **1 Like**

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. As we already have a brief comparative review of 70-200's, I think we'll go for a comparison of walkaround zooms: the Pentax 18-135, Sigma 18-135, and the Tamron 18-200. Might also compare them to the kit lens just in case.

Franky2step · 03-27-2012, 10:00 AM

sounds good Adam, thanks for all your efforts!

RallyDriver96 · 03-27-2012, 11:34 AM

It would be nice to see an older comparison of the fast 300mm. Tokina, Tamron adaptall, Sigma, Pentax 300/2.8 at some point. Or throwing in the new Sigma against the older ones?

Yosemite · 03-27-2012, 03:34 PM

I'd like to see a 35mm comparison: the 35 Limited, the cheaper 35mm f/2.4 AL, and the FA. Might throw in the FA 31 for kicks.

philbaum · 03-27-2012, 04:37 PM

Kudos on the selection of

Quote:

One more is on its way: the Pentax 17-70mm vs Sigma 17-70mm

For the occasional Canikon convert, one of the common things they ask for is what about standard zoom availability?

I have a combination of zooms and primes. But one i'm really looking at now is the Pentax 17-70 F4 for my live theatre work where primes are very cumbersome to use.

Perhaps if PF puts more emphasis on quality zooms, Ricoh will put more priority on getting top choices out there. For example, i ended up buying a Tamron 28-75f2.8 a coupla years ago. Pentax has nothing new in this range and speed. I would have preferred buying a Pentax zoom lens.

The more customers that Pentax has product for, the larger the market share will eventually be IMO.

TOUGEFC · 03-27-2012, 04:42 PM

Less zooms and more prime shoot outs!

bassek · 03-27-2012, 11:10 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. As we already have a brief comparative review of 70-200's, I think we'll go for a comparison of walkaround zooms: the Pentax 18-135, Sigma 18-135, and the Tamron 18-200. Might also compare them to the kit lens just in case.

I think your idea to compare them to the kit lens (do you have a good copy?) is a good idea. In fact you should always do it whenever the focal length is comparable, even with primes.

Seb.

03-27-2012, 09:54 AM - 1 Like	#24
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594 Original Poster	Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. As we already have a brief comparative review of 70-200's, I think we'll go for a comparison of walkaround zooms: the Pentax 18-135, Sigma 18-135, and the Tamron 18-200. Might also compare them to the kit lens just in case. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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03-27-2012, 12:42 AM - 1 Like	#16
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,001	Two suggestions: - a comparison of all-around lenses: DA18-135mm, DA180-250mm, Sigma 18-250mm - a comparison of 300mm primes: DA300mm, FA300mm, ... My 5 cents...

03-27-2012, 01:33 AM	#17
garethwebber Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Kent, UK Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 104	Normals! Sigma 30 vs Fa31 vs Fa35 vs DA35 vs couple of old manual 28s

03-27-2012, 03:40 AM	#18
baro-nite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,294	Originally posted by garethwebber couple of old manual 28s Originally posted by bassek How about a MF comparison with SMC Pentax 35mm F2, SMC Pentax-A 35mm F2 Originally posted by jeffshaddix You could do some legacy glass comparisons. Originally posted by Adam They have to be current products So no go on the oldies. Originally posted by panoguy I'd be interested in a comparison of Sigma & Tamron 70-200/2.8's and the DA*200 all at 200 Originally posted by Adam they have to be comparable- i.e. no comparing apples to oranges Zoom vs. prime is definitely apples-to-oranges territory. Originally posted by -Spooky- How about a comparison of primes in the 30's? i.e. Sigma 30/1.4 vs. Pentax 31/1.8 vs. Pentax 35/2.8... et cetera. I also think a fisheye comparison would be cool. I like both these ideas, although for the 30's I'd add in the Samyang/Bower/etc. 35/1.4, maybe the Pentax FA 35/2 instead of the DA 35 macro limited (slower and macro, rather a different beast). Fisheyes would be fun, although it's harder to find comparable lenses there, especially if you want to include the only current Pentax fisheye.

03-27-2012, 06:45 AM	#19
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by stormtech panoguy has it close to what I would like to see: Pentax 60-250 Tamron 70-200 Sigma 70-200 Now the I read panoguy's post again, I see he is trying to keep the playing table even and sticking with 2.8's with the DA*200 which does seem fair. Anyway, any combination of the above - the 3 lenses I listed have been on my mind for quite a while - in fact almost pulled the trigger on the 60-250 this evening........ I would like something similar as well, but would have to question whether we could include all the variants of the sigma and tamron lenses. and put them against the DA 200/2.8 and maybe the FA 70-200/2.8 as well. The reason is, there have been many individual reviews of the sigma and tamron lenses as each variant was released, and to my knowledge there are at least 5 different sigma lenses out there so performance is higlly model dependant. It would be really nice if there was a way we could put all the data and perofrmance side by side through the forum members without having all the lenses together. I tried to set something like this up a long time ago, and it fell apart because we could not establish a set of rules for how to do it.

03-27-2012, 06:53 AM	#20
stormtech Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: In the boonies (NW Penna) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,744	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge I would like something similar as well, but would have to question whether we could include all the variants of the sigma and tamron lenses. and put them against the DA 200/2.8 and maybe the FA 70-200/2.8 as well. The reason is, there have been many individual reviews of the sigma and tamron lenses as each variant was released, and to my knowledge there are at least 5 different sigma lenses out there so performance is higlly model dependant. I agree with you Lowell. However, I feel that any comparison review should only be with lenses that are available to buy new right now - at least that is my selfish attitude as I am in the market to buy one of these right now.

03-27-2012, 07:43 AM	#21
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by stormtech I agree with you Lowell. However, I feel that any comparison review should only be with lenses that are available to buy new right now - at least that is my selfish attitude as I am in the market to buy one of these right now. But the whole point is, many times people are in the market for a new lens, and in some cases, even the photo magazines and lens reviews indicate that, for example, the sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX DG Macro and Macro II lenses are not as good either wide open or at maximum focal length as the sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX non macro version. So the questions are, Do you buy new, or used? If you buy new, what do you buy? if you buy used, what do you buy? If you already own a lens that goes to 200mm at F2.8, do you trade for a newer model? As I said, it would be great if there was a way, where we could control the test such that multiple members could contribute with thier lenses. Maybe it is as simple as building a small scale Lego Model, and shooting it from different distances and then cropping in. we could control lighting with either flash, or daylight with the sun at a specific angle. but I have hijacked the thread enough with this discussion

03-27-2012, 08:43 AM	#22
bpv_UW Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rochester, MN Posts: 765	As has been suggested above: Sigma 30/1.4, Pentax FA 31/1.8, Pentax DA 35/2.8. Also: Pentax FA 43 vs. DA 40. Pentax FA 77 vs. DA 70 vs. Sigma 70 macro. If legacy glass could be used that would open up virtually endless options, but that's another discussion... -Brandon

03-27-2012, 09:44 AM	#23
Franky2step Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 793	Originally posted by stormtech I agree with you Lowell. However, I feel that any comparison review should only be with lenses that are available to buy new right now - at least that is my selfish attitude as I am in the market to buy one of these right now. Aren't all lenses for sale right now?

03-27-2012, 10:00 AM	#25
Franky2step Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 793	sounds good Adam, thanks for all your efforts!

03-27-2012, 11:34 AM	#26
RallyDriver96 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 65	It would be nice to see an older comparison of the fast 300mm. Tokina, Tamron adaptall, Sigma, Pentax 300/2.8 at some point. Or throwing in the new Sigma against the older ones?

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03-27-2012, 03:34 PM	#27
Yosemite New Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: AR Posts: 22	I'd like to see a 35mm comparison: the 35 Limited, the cheaper 35mm f/2.4 AL, and the FA. Might throw in the FA 31 for kicks.

03-27-2012, 04:37 PM	#28
philbaum Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Townsend, Washington State, USA Posts: 3,659	Kudos on the selection of Quote: One more is on its way: the Pentax 17-70mm vs Sigma 17-70mm For the occasional Canikon convert, one of the common things they ask for is what about standard zoom availability? I have a combination of zooms and primes. But one i'm really looking at now is the Pentax 17-70 F4 for my live theatre work where primes are very cumbersome to use. Perhaps if PF puts more emphasis on quality zooms, Ricoh will put more priority on getting top choices out there. For example, i ended up buying a Tamron 28-75f2.8 a coupla years ago. Pentax has nothing new in this range and speed. I would have preferred buying a Pentax zoom lens. The more customers that Pentax has product for, the larger the market share will eventually be IMO.

03-27-2012, 04:42 PM	#29
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	Less zooms and more prime shoot outs!

03-27-2012, 11:10 PM	#30
bassek Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 706	Originally posted by Adam Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. As we already have a brief comparative review of 70-200's, I think we'll go for a comparison of walkaround zooms: the Pentax 18-135, Sigma 18-135, and the Tamron 18-200. Might also compare them to the kit lens just in case. I think your idea to compare them to the kit lens (do you have a good copy?) is a good idea. In fact you should always do it whenever the focal length is comparable, even with primes. Seb.