[Bcrary3]

Okay, so last night while using my Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5 (non-DG non macro) Compact hyperzoom lense, I had some problems with it. No idea why... The aperture ring suddenly became hard to turn, and when turning the ring, the aperture blades didn't move, if that wasn't enough, the little lever that the camera uses to control the aperture while shooting, yeah, that is frozen, and for some reason (this problem started in the winter of this year) the lens won't focus to infinity, I can get to about the 10ft mark on the focusing ring, but will not go to the ∞ symbol... And my last issue I've been having with it since getting my K5, when I have the auto focus on, sometimes when I go to zoom, rotating the barrel becomes very stiff. I have no idea what the problems is, the only problem I had with this lense on my K10 was the AF was noisy, just turning the focusing ring it sounds almost crunchy.
I think I have a few options here.. There is a store in Madison that I know could likely fix it, however, not only is it a 45 minute drive one way, they also charge $25 to even look at anything. Then they charge whatever for materials, labour, etc. Would this lense be worth it to have fixed? What is the lenses actual value/what do they sell for? Would I have better luck just replacing it with the Pentax DA* 300? (B&H has one used for about $900).
Thanks.

[dboeren]

I can't really say how much you use or value this lens. A quick peek on eBay shows that you can get a used copy for $250, I didn't see any in the Marketplace. Have you tried calling that store and describing your problem? They might recognize the issue and be able to give you a rough estimate over the phone.

Obviously the DA*300 will be better quality, but then you'll have a gap from 210-300mm. How often do you use that range? Probably at some point you can "round up" or "round down" so maybe it's not QUITE that big, but it's still a fairly big gap. Also, even without seeing it, I expect that the repair will be less than $900

Personally, if you like the lens then I'd try to find time to take it into the shop for a look. Maybe see if you can combine the trip with something else you need to do over there so if the repair ends up being too expensive you'll only feel like you're out the $25 and not the time as well.

[Bcrary3]

In all honesty, I haven't used this lens in a very long time, and when I do, I am generally at the longer end of it (150-300mm) I do also have a 70-210 that would cover me (until I sell that one and replace it) for that range, however, the 28-300 is a fairly old lens. And whenever I look, I can never seem to find the exact same one that I have. And it's very frustrating, all the ones I am saying are DG or Macro, the one I have simply says SIGMA 28-300 F/3.5-5.6 Aspherical IF.

But in all honesty anymore I don't really use anything that big (small town, no more airshows or anything) but I'd like to have the reach whenever I wish to photograph birds and what not. I made a massive mistake when I let go of my FA 50mm f/1.4 and I don't want to just get rid of that focal length all together. Either way at some point I'm replacing it with the DA* 300, but since it is broken, and I may be needing it in the near future for a trip to Chicago, I need to have that extra reach, and I don't know if it'd be best to just try to fix it, or to just speed up the process of getting the DA* 300?

[boriscleto]

The DA* would be a huge jump in IQ. Even the DA 55-300 would be a big improvement over the 28-300, and for about the same price used.

[Bcrary3]

Hmm... I haven't heard much about the DA 55-300... I could justify that, is there a big IQ difference between the DA 55-300 and the DA* 300? In all honesty, I am a bit turned off by the overall ascetics of the DA 55-300. Another thing I'd really appreciate is a lens with the HSM or whatever the hell its call these days. Right now, money is really tight, but this thing needs to be taken care of. This might make it a bit easier... What is the best lens I can get for under $1,000 that covers a similar focal range; anything from 50-300, 70-300 I don't really care, as long as 300mm is the end result (prefer primes because better IQ IMO but I'll take whatever) Any suggestions on what to do in terms of lens replacement?

[dboeren]

Read the reviews and see what you think. I picked up my DA 55-300 for $250 here on the Marketplace, if you're willing to take the DAL version (no quick-shift, plastic lens mount, and doesn't come with a hood) then you can get it for about $195. Quite a major savings over the *300. The quality seems pretty good, but of course it won't match a prime * lens that costs 4x as much. You can always re-sell it when you're ready to move up.

[Bcrary3]

Do any of these have HSM or is it the screw drive? That that it is super important, but I'd prefer the HSM (no place seems to be specific enough) Sigma also makes a 70-300. Don't know how that compares to any of them... I might just end up going with the DA* 300. Because I do have an old Takumar F zoom 70-210 that could effectively cover that focal range, though I have only ever used that lens once.

[Bcrary3]

(sorry for the double post) but would the Sigma 150-500 be anywhere near as good as the *300? B&H has the Sigma listed at $1019.

[joe.penn]

is there a big IQ difference between the DA 55-300 and the DA* 300?

A really big HUGE difference!

I might just end up going with the DA* 300

Great choice!

(sorry for the double post) but would the Sigma 150-500 be anywhere near as good as the *300? B&H has the Sigma listed at $1019.

No...

[Bcrary3]

Hmm... I might have to do some selling of things and what not and get off my (hippy) ass and get a job! Haha, I think I am just going to get the DA* 300mm and then keep my 70-210 sell my 28-300 for parts and put that towards a *300.