[Timbuctoo]

I've decided to get 2 new lenses from B&H. I'm certain about the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 but I'm undecided about the other, it's a toss up.

It's either the Tamron 75-300 f4-5.6 or Sigma 75-300 f4-5.6 APO.
There is also a non APO version of the Sigma which is the same price as the Tamron at about $150.00. The Sigma APO version has the red ring and is a bit over $200.00.

Question;

Is the extra $50.00 for the APO version of the Sigma worth it over the Tamron?
Any thoughts are appreciated!!

I'm also after a flash and a battery grip for my K10D.

Tim H

[Bramela]

I have the Tamron and am of the opinion it is good value for its price.
Has a very acceptable Macro function and is quite sharp and good colour and bokeh.
Only problem to be on the watch for, in very bright light conditions it is prone to Purple Fringing at the long end. I have expereienced a little with my model.
As I say, I think for its price its good value.
I cannot compare however with the Sigma, as I am not familiar with that particular lens.
Sorry if that is a little vague.
Cheers, mate

[SpecialK]

As recently discussed in similar thread, the Sigma DG APO Macro version seems to be much better than the non-APO. And as neither is really an expensive lens, I would suggest the better of the two if you go with Sigma. However, it's a 70-300, not 75-300.

Many people like the Tamron, though.

[mike.hiran]

circuit city has the AF360 for $150 now... don't know what their shipping costs to Aus would be though. anyway, here's the link

but the 360 doesn't have a swivel head so don't know if that's a deal killer for you...

[jmeelo]

Getting the APO version is well worth the extra $$$. I had this lens and found it to be a very very good performer outdoors with good lighting. Stopped down 1-2 stops and it was very sharp. However I didn't like the contrast or the colour rendition from this lens. The contrast was a bit weak and the colours were very pale looking. The lens was built like a tank so it was heavy. The zoom room felt stiff and when I brought it back to the store they said it was normal and I tried another copy in-store and they were all the same. Another thing to note is that this lens didn't like cold weather at all. Anything colder then 10 degrees celcius and this lens wouldn't allow me to change the aperture and made my K100d spit errors on the top LCD. It wasn't the body because I tested with other lenses and it worked fine, once I placed the Sigma on, it went bezerk. I returned the lens and exchanged it for the Tamron 70-300Di. I found the Tamron lighter and better balanced. The zoom ring was better dampened. Better contrast and colour rendition. Sharpness was probably equal but the Tamron produced more CA between 200-300mm.

[Timbuctoo]

Nice tips guys. I might go with the Tamron 75-300 since I'm hoping to use it in NZ this year which gets quite cold. It's also a bit cheaper and no ones complaining about it.

If the 360 flash can bounce I think I'll get it because that's all I require. I guess it depends how much more the next flash up the rung costs.

I found a few good prices on the Battery Grip for the K10D on eBay.

Thanks again peoples.

Tim H

[Mikhail]

I personally don't like the Sigma 70-300mm's (both) as I tested both in a shop and I found their zoom\focus rings to be stiff and rather annoying. That was more than enough to turn me off getting either one.

Thanks