Best recommendation for Telephoto Lens

**crewl1** · 11-30-2013, 02:48 PM - **1 Like**

Use whatever @TenZ.NL recommends, seriously
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/55946-300mm-plus-lens-club...ml#post2573691

goubejp · 11-30-2013, 02:54 PM - **1 Like**

Hopefully the longawaited Pentax converter will be available at the beginning of 2014, so the best option for me is DA*300 and use of 1,4 RC if reach is not enough

audiodoc · 11-30-2013, 03:11 PM

Originally posted by TenZ.NL

Try to find a sigma 100-300 F4 APO EX DG. It also takes the sigma 1.4 EX teleconverter which makes it a 140-420mm F5.6. That combo makes a very flexible and reasonably fast set for safari`s and has great IQ.
It`s too bad that your K30 doesn`t allow a batterygrip, the balance would be better.

can't seem to locate the 100-300 mm lens for Pentax. Is the 70-300 equally as good and can it be used with the TC? Thanks

**crewl1** · 11-30-2013, 03:18 PM

Originally posted by audiodoc

can't seem to locate the 100-300 mm lens for Pentax. Is the 70-300 equally as good and can it be used with the TC? Thanks

The 70-300 is no where near the quality of the 100-300 F4, which I believe is discontinued now so hard to find.
Check eBay or put out a request in the Wanted section of the marketplace.

audiodoc · 11-30-2013, 03:19 PM

Originally posted by crewl1

The 70-300 is no where near the quality of the 100-300 F4, which I believe is discontinued now so hard to find.
Check eBay or put out a request in the Wanted section of the marketplace.

thanks Crewl.. I did check on ebay, nada. I'll keep checking the marketplace, great idea ;-)

**crewl1** · 11-30-2013, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by audiodoc

thanks Crewl.. I did check on ebay, nada. I'll keep checking the marketplace, great idea ;-)

This is the one you are looking for. Sigma APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

audiodoc · 11-30-2013, 05:11 PM

Originally posted by crewl1

This is the one you are looking for. Sigma APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

looks impossible to find for pentax mount ;-(

**jatrax** · 11-30-2013, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by audiodoc

looks impossible to find for pentax mount ;-(

Not impossible but you have to be patient. Set up a watch list on the marketplace. There have been 2 maybe 3 for sale over the last 4 months or so.

audiodoc · 11-30-2013, 05:17 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

Not impossible but you have to be patient. Set up a watch list on the marketplace. There have been 2 maybe 3 for sale over the last 4 months or so.

thanks, I just did that, I think. Not familiar with how the marketplace works. Appreciate all the help

**jatrax** · 11-30-2013, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by audiodoc

thanks, I just did that, I think.

If you have it set correctly you will get an email when someone posts a listing with your keywords. But when you get the email act quick as scarce lenses get snapped up in minutes sometimes.

**savoche** · 12-01-2013, 03:16 AM

Originally posted by audiodoc

Thanks, I already own and used on my last safari the Sigma 28-300... would the 55-300 be different enough to worry about? Don't need 2 lenses that similar.

No, I wouldn't think there's that much of a difference between them.

The DA*300 might be sufficiently good to give you a real cropping advantage, and it would definitely give you the option of a teleconverter. Since you don't seem to use the rest of the zoom range anyway, that actually might be a good option for you.

GaryH · 12-03-2013, 04:49 PM

I vote for the 50-500mm os ,and use it with a Monopod. It will give very good results

KevinR · 12-06-2013, 12:48 PM

It seems a key question you need to decide is whether you only intend shooting birds, or also other things and landscapes as well. If only birds, then Sigma 100-300+TC or DA*300+TC or Sigma 500 f/4.5 would be best IQ.

IMO, it would seem to me the logical option for a one lens solution with reach well beyond 300mm on safari would be the Sigma 50-500mm. This give you a wide FL range for animals and birds, and good but not excellent IQ. If you were happy with the 28-300mm IQ, then the 50-500 at the long end will be a big improvement. When walking you won't get close to animals, but you still might be overkill if you only have 200-500mm FL range. If you also do a vehicle safari, you might wish you had wider than 50mm.

Must also agree with others that recommended good super-zoom bridge camera. Perhaps as a backup and for the wider angles...especially if you go with only >300mm.

sivagriva · 12-07-2013, 03:02 AM

Originally posted by audiodoc

looks impossible to find for pentax mount ;-(

Here is one available if you're still looking for.....

TenZ.NL · 12-07-2013, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by sivagriva

Here is one available if you're still looking for.....

That`s more than the newprice...I`ve seen them go for €650-700 2nd hand.

12-06-2013, 12:48 PM	#28
KevinR Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Cape Town, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 653	It seems a key question you need to decide is whether you only intend shooting birds, or also other things and landscapes as well. If only birds, then Sigma 100-300+TC or DA300+TC or Sigma 500 f/4.5 would be best IQ. IMO, it would seem to me the logical option for a one lens solution with reach well beyond 300mm on safari would be the Sigma 50-500mm. This give you a wide FL range for animals and birds, and good but not excellent IQ. If you were happy with the 28-300mm IQ, then the 50-500 at the long end will be a big improvement. When walking you won't get close to animals, but you still might be overkill if you only have 200-500mm FL range. If you also do a vehicle safari, you might wish you had wider than 50mm. Must also agree with others that recommended good super-zoom bridge camera. Perhaps as a backup and for the wider angles...especially if you go with only >300mm. Last edited by KevinR; 12-07-2013 at 12:14 PM.*

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Best budget telephoto lens?	robert	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	05-20-2012 09:08 PM
Best Telephoto Zoom for a K20D	bonaprof	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	14	03-26-2011 01:18 PM
Best telephoto lense for indoor sports?	plucci	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	20	02-03-2010 12:20 PM
Best tripod for a heavy telephoto lens?	FastPhotography	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	10	01-23-2008 08:20 PM
Best macro lenses for the K10D (medium telephoto)	sphinx000514	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	16	04-30-2007 06:13 PM

11-30-2013, 02:48 PM - 1 Like	#16
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Use whatever @TenZ.NL recommends, seriously https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/55946-300mm-plus-lens-club...ml#post2573691

11-30-2013, 02:54 PM - 1 Like	#17
goubejp Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: France Photos: Albums Posts: 804	Hopefully the longawaited Pentax converter will be available at the beginning of 2014, so the best option for me is DA*300 and use of 1,4 RC if reach is not enough

11-30-2013, 03:11 PM	#18
audiodoc Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 55 Original Poster	Originally posted by TenZ.NL Try to find a sigma 100-300 F4 APO EX DG. It also takes the sigma 1.4 EX teleconverter which makes it a 140-420mm F5.6. That combo makes a very flexible and reasonably fast set for safari`s and has great IQ. It`s too bad that your K30 doesn`t allow a batterygrip, the balance would be better. can't seem to locate the 100-300 mm lens for Pentax. Is the 70-300 equally as good and can it be used with the TC? Thanks

11-30-2013, 03:18 PM	#19
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by audiodoc can't seem to locate the 100-300 mm lens for Pentax. Is the 70-300 equally as good and can it be used with the TC? Thanks The 70-300 is no where near the quality of the 100-300 F4, which I believe is discontinued now so hard to find. Check eBay or put out a request in the Wanted section of the marketplace.

11-30-2013, 03:19 PM	#20
audiodoc Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 55 Original Poster	Originally posted by crewl1 The 70-300 is no where near the quality of the 100-300 F4, which I believe is discontinued now so hard to find. Check eBay or put out a request in the Wanted section of the marketplace. thanks Crewl.. I did check on ebay, nada. I'll keep checking the marketplace, great idea ;-)

11-30-2013, 03:36 PM	#21
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by audiodoc thanks Crewl.. I did check on ebay, nada. I'll keep checking the marketplace, great idea ;-) This is the one you are looking for. Sigma APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

11-30-2013, 05:11 PM	#22
audiodoc Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 55 Original Poster	Originally posted by crewl1 This is the one you are looking for. Sigma APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database looks impossible to find for pentax mount ;-(

11-30-2013, 05:15 PM	#23
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by audiodoc looks impossible to find for pentax mount ;-( Not impossible but you have to be patient. Set up a watch list on the marketplace. There have been 2 maybe 3 for sale over the last 4 months or so.

11-30-2013, 05:17 PM	#24
audiodoc Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 55 Original Poster	Originally posted by jatrax Not impossible but you have to be patient. Set up a watch list on the marketplace. There have been 2 maybe 3 for sale over the last 4 months or so. thanks, I just did that, I think. Not familiar with how the marketplace works. Appreciate all the help

11-30-2013, 05:32 PM	#25
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by audiodoc thanks, I just did that, I think. If you have it set correctly you will get an email when someone posts a listing with your keywords. But when you get the email act quick as scarce lenses get snapped up in minutes sometimes.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

12-01-2013, 03:16 AM	#26
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Originally posted by audiodoc Thanks, I already own and used on my last safari the Sigma 28-300... would the 55-300 be different enough to worry about? Don't need 2 lenses that similar. No, I wouldn't think there's that much of a difference between them. The DA*300 might be sufficiently good to give you a real cropping advantage, and it would definitely give you the option of a teleconverter. Since you don't seem to use the rest of the zoom range anyway, that actually might be a good option for you.

12-03-2013, 04:49 PM	#27
GaryH Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Philadelphia, Pa Photos: Gallery Posts: 764	I vote for the 50-500mm os ,and use it with a Monopod. It will give very good results

12-07-2013, 03:02 AM	#29
sivagriva New Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: sLOVEnia Posts: 13	Originally posted by audiodoc looks impossible to find for pentax mount ;-( Here is one available if you're still looking for.....

12-07-2013, 11:48 AM	#30
TenZ.NL Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Below sealevel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,100	Originally posted by sivagriva Here is one available if you're still looking for..... That`s more than the newprice...I`ve seen them go for €650-700 2nd hand.