[Talos]

I'm looking at 70-200mm lenses to add to my K5 kit (which currently includes the DA* 16-50/2.8, DA-50-200/4-5.6, FA-50/1.4). I'm intending to team one of these 70-200's up these up with a Kenko PZ-AF 1.5 and 2x TC for the moment to cover my longer range needs atm with a view to adding the supposedly upcoming 120-400mm from Pentax to my collection later.

Currently available to buy are (with pricing available to me locally):

Sigma 70-200 f2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM – ~$1400
Sigma 70-200 f2.8II APO EX DG HSM Macro – ~$500-600
Tamron 70-200 SP AF f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro – ~$800-1000

After opinions from owners or users of the above lenses. Obviously OS on the $1400 Sigma isnt really needed with the K5's inbuilt OS but is its image or build quality really 2.5-3x times better than the $550 version? The $550 version of the Sigma is no longer manufactured it seems but is still available on shelves atm until stock runs out. Doesnt seem to get great reviews for sharpness but has great auto focus?

Also how does the Tamron compare to the Sigma's? I know its auto focus is supposed to be a lot louder and slower than the Sigma's but its IQ is supposedly a lot better also? Is the loss of AF speed worth the tradeoff for the sharper image?

Will any of the above options NOT work with the Kenko PZ-AF TC's?

I guess my other option is the Pentax DA* 60-250/4 for a touch extra length (and IQ?) but not sure how it will handle indoor sports events with its slow /4? Can pick on of these up for ~$1500 locally atm so comparable to the OS Sigma in price.

Looking at using the 70-200 for a variety of things including field and indoor sports, motor sports, nature and landscape, plus ive got a baby on the way so will be using it for documenting their life and growth as well. Pretty much an all-purpose sort of lens in terms of use I guess.

Any input from current/past owners or thsoe who have also gone through this decision would be greatly appreciated. I hate having options like this with such a wide-spread price range..

[joe.penn]

Out of all the options you have listed the Siggy 70~200 OS FLD outshines all of the others.

Obviously OS on the $1400 Sigma isnt really needed with the K5's inbuilt OS

The OS provided by the simga lens is better on the long end by a stop or two than the in camera SR - also, with the OS of the lens, the VF shows the frame stabilized which allows for more precise framing.

but is its image or build quality really 2.5-3x times better than the $550 version?

Yes - the optical formula/construction with the OS version is completely redone, resolution is pretty incredible.

Also how does the Tamron compare to the Sigma's?

No, does not compete with the OS version. It competes with the others but the Sigma still has the edge with HSM as opposed to the screw drive AF of the Tamron. Also, the Sigma's you can use in MF mode and still have CIF available, the Tamron breaks the use of CIF with MF.

I guess my other option is the Pentax DA* 60-250/4 for a touch extra length (and IQ?) but not sure how it will handle indoor sports events with its slow /4? Can pick on of these up for ~$1500 locally atm so comparable to the OS Sigma in price.

I will let others respond to the 60~250 option. I will note that the Sigma produces excellent images wide open, at 3.2 it gets really sharp and at f/4 it is near mind blowing.


------


EDIT: Here are a couple U8 soccer shots made with the OS FLD sigma shot wide open base converted to jpeg and sized for viewing - the FLD elements of the sigma virtually eliminate PF in high contrast shots which is one of the reasons for great wide open performance.

[not great shots, just posted for examples]

[LaurenOE]

I LOVE my Tamron 70-200 2.8. It has become one of my favorite lenses EVER. A total value and sleeper. The little niggles about the focusing ring/clutch or other bits are MINOR compared with how sharp the lens is. Obviously, I recommend the Tamron.

[mikeSF]

+1 for the Tamron. the thing continues to impress me. Not sure where you got those prices, but i've never seen the Tamron sell above $800 anywhere. $769 from amazon. Jump on it!!

Here are some of my shots with the Tamron:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeoria/sets/72157629063807169/

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Last edited by mikeSF; 05-15-2012 at 08:53 PM.

[Adam]

See this review:
Fast Sports Zoom Lenses for Pentax - 70-200mm Sigma & Tamron - PentaxForums.com

Agreed that the Tamron is the most cost-effective.

[LaurenOE]

LOL. Soccer pics!

Tamron 70-200/2.8

The original EXIF

File type: JPEG
File size: 11,122.6*KB
Creation date: 3/31/2012 07:22
Last modification: 3/31/2012 07:22
Make: PENTAX (Global Site | PENTAX RICOH IMAGING)
Camera: PENTAX K-5
Lens: K or M Lens
Software: K-5 Ver 1.13
Dimension: 4928 x 3264*px*(16.1 MP, 3:2)
Focal length: 170*mm*(equiv. 255*mm)
Aperture: F2.8
Exposure time: 1/2000"
ISO speed rating: 200/24°
Program: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Pattern
White Balance: Auto
Focus Mode: 273
Image Stabilizer: stabilized
Noise Reduction: Off
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode

The original image



Here is a crop of the original



Here is a crazy crop - JPG from the K5.



Here are her eyelashes



The images were at F/2.8 - wide open. No post processing of any kind.

[GabrielFFontes]

I'm probably going to buy a Sigma APO EX 70-200 2.8 soon...seems to be pretty good...its the first version : no macro, no hsm... but its supposed to be the sharpest version of all (not sure if its true, but it was said on another thread)

[Talos]

Thanks for the feedback guys.. so looks like we have 3 votes for the Tamron, 1 for the OS Sigma and none for the cheapy Sigma so far. Impressed with all three sets of shots from both the Tamron and the OS Sigma.

+1 for the Tamron. the thing continues to impress me. Not sure where you got those prices, but i've never seen the Tamron sell above $800 anywhere. $769 from amazon. Jump on it!!

I live in Australia.. Everything here (computers, cameras, books, blurays, cars) comes with an aussie tax attached.. Always cheaper to buy from OS..

Bottom line i guess is anything is going to be a step up from the DA 50-200 (non-WR) that I have currently. Just looking at the best place to put my $$. Sure the Sigma OS may be better than the Tamron. But its also about $500 more locally than what I can get the Tamron for. This would easily pay for both the 1.5x and 2x TC's and still leave me some spare change.

Can any of the Tamron owners confirm that the lens works the Kenko PZ-AF TC's? or even the Tamron 1.4x of Pentax 1.7x?

I'm just noticing that the Sigma HSM lenses don't support the use of TC's on the Pentax mount. Is this correct? if so it sort of ruins my plans of using 1.5/2x TC's to cover my longer distance needs atm.

[Sandy Hancock]

I have the "cheapy" Sigma. It's bloody great. I use it all the time for concert coverage for a major music website and its output is consistently excellent.
If the Newer OS version is significantly better it must be outstanding.
Lauren's photos from the Tamron are impressively sharp, but I wonder about the focus speed (and quietness) for some applications.

[zapp]

I have posted the same question a month ago or so....
For the time being the Tamron is a good solution since the FA80-200 from Pentax is only available used on eBay for $1600 and more. As soon as Pentax will present a FF camera, there will also be a Pentax solution in this range. If you have time wait for photokina announcements. I would expect a new lens within 2 years and therefore not invest too much in the old FA design.
The DA*200 is also a good solution - there is a lot of pointless zooming involved working with 80-200 mm lenses - if you are really looking for range go for the 60-250 as it covers more ground. f/4 is fine for soccer under decent light conditions. OS does not help a lot for moving subjects - yes, you can get rid of vertical shake, but this is overrated.

joe.penn don't they make level fields where you take images?

[yusuf]

I loved my Tamron, amazing lens though recently sold it as I like to travel light.

[LaurenOE]

joe.penn don't they make level fields where you take images?

Ouch! Zing!

[mikeSF]

Can any of the Tamron owners confirm that the lens works the Kenko PZ-AF TC's? or even the Tamron 1.4x of Pentax 1.7x? .

I have and use the Tamron-F 1.4x TC and it works great with AF but not with MF because the clutch does not disengage as it should. Tamron customer service told me they are not compatible.

[joe.penn]

joe.penn don't they make level fields where you take images?

Call it part of the thumbprint | (more tilted maddness) -> https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5-forum/123731-no-more-tests-jus...ml#post1951024


@Talos - this thread here [https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5-forum/115277-k-5-sports-photography-50.html] can provide you with invaluable information. @RonHendriks1966 is a regular contributor in that thread, I believe he has owned every single lens mentioned in this thread and has shot sports with all of them.

[Lowell Goudge]

I'm looking at 70-200mm lenses to add to my K5 kit (which currently includes the DA* 16-50/2.8, DA-50-200/4-5.6, FA-50/1.4). I'm intending to team one of these 70-200's up these up with a Kenko PZ-AF 1.5 and 2x TC for the moment to cover my longer range needs atm with a view to adding the supposedly upcoming 120-400mm from Pentax to my collection later.

Currently available to buy are (with pricing available to me locally):

Sigma 70-200 f2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM – ~$1400
Sigma 70-200 f2.8II APO EX DG HSM Macro – ~$500-600
Tamron 70-200 SP AF f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro – ~$800-1000

After opinions from owners or users of the above lenses. Obviously OS on the $1400 Sigma isnt really needed with the K5's inbuilt OS but is its image or build quality really 2.5-3x times better than the $550 version? The $550 version of the Sigma is no longer manufactured it seems but is still available on shelves atm until stock runs out. Doesnt seem to get great reviews for sharpness but has great auto focus?

Also how does the Tamron compare to the Sigma's? I know its auto focus is supposed to be a lot louder and slower than the Sigma's but its IQ is supposedly a lot better also? Is the loss of AF speed worth the tradeoff for the sharper image?

Will any of the above options NOT work with the Kenko PZ-AF TC's?

I guess my other option is the Pentax DA* 60-250/4 for a touch extra length (and IQ?) but not sure how it will handle indoor sports events with its slow /4? Can pick on of these up for ~$1500 locally atm so comparable to the OS Sigma in price.

Looking at using the 70-200 for a variety of things including field and indoor sports, motor sports, nature and landscape, plus ive got a baby on the way so will be using it for documenting their life and growth as well. Pretty much an all-purpose sort of lens in terms of use I guess.

Any input from current/past owners or thsoe who have also gone through this decision would be greatly appreciated. I hate having options like this with such a wide-spread price range..

the question is do you own the Kenko PZ teleconverters presently?

if not, then I would suggest getting the old screw drive Sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX or EX DG (but avoid the macro versions as they were soft wide open at 200mm) then use the sigma screw drive TCs. you get excellent results.

I think also some people have suggested there may be compatibility issues with the kenko TCs, not sure, do a search through the forum for this