[Ahab]

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Speaking of LBA I just bought this Novoflex 300 / 5.6 on ebay. By googling it is supposed to be a german cult lens still used by bird / nature photographers. Design philosophy is sharp at center but poor at the edges hopefully croped out by digitals smaller sensor. My 11 y'o is starting to get into both birds and photography so a lens that looks so cool (like a missile launcher) is easy to rationalize.

NOVOFLEX 300MM F5.6 LENS - eBay (item 130214740191 end time Apr-21-08 13:08:29 PDT)

Cheez, why didn't you just get the Tammy 70-300 for $129 shipped?

[TourDeForce]

For those of you who have used this lens, post your review. I'd like to see more data on all the lenses the PFers own.

I'm very happy to see more people singing the praises of this lens. It really is hard to beat, and I have yet to see a lens to match it that costs under $200.

I absolutely love my copy and it is packed in my bag at all times. Not many chances to use it recently, but I'll get out & play again soon.

[spb37]

Totally agree that the Tamaron is an exceptional choice. I was showing my 11 year old some of the great bird photos in this thread. But we have two 10x zoom konica /minolta (RIP) z1 and z3s floating around the family. So I thought we would start our k100d digital foray with several fixed lenses /primes, to be complemented later by the 70-300 (I already have the Tam 28-80).

I just started receiving the AARP magazine. So it is time for some demented choices / fun on fleabay.

[TourDeForce]

Totally agree that the Tamaron is an exceptional choice. I was showing my 11 year old some of the great bird photos in this thread. But we have two 10x zoom konica /minolta (RIP) z1 and z3s floating around the family. So I thought we would start our k100d digital foray with several fixed lenses /primes, to be complemented later by the 70-300 (I already have the Tam 28-80).

I just started receiving the AARP magazine. So it is time for some demented choices / fun on fleabay.

Sounds like you've started your research on lenses. Wise to educate yourself if you want to get quality & value.

I have an extra 50mm or two that I will be selling. I hope we can team up when you're ready.

[TourDeForce]

Just thought I'd add to the thread with a sample Tamron 70-300 Di photo. This was taken with a K100D, f18, at 1/50 second on a tripod. This was a camera .jpg and I finally post processed just for fun. Cropped & used auto color, brightness, sharpness in Photoshop Elements 6. Sorry, no remote shutter release, pressed the button & let 'er rip. A remote release & better planning will net better results...:



I especially like the texture in the upper right quadrant. So many moonscapes look flat & featureless.

[pentagor]

I just love this lens:

[BBear]

How does the Tamron compares to the Sigma 70-300mm APO?

I was holding for the soon-to-be-release DA telephoto but I am sure it will cost WAY more than these third-parties..

so which is a better value? Sigma or Tamron?

[Jodokast96]

How does the Tamron compares to the Sigma 70-300mm APO?

I was holding for the soon-to-be-release DA telephoto but I am sure it will cost WAY more than these third-parties..

so which is a better value? Sigma or Tamron?

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/224520-post35.html

[BBear]

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/224520-post35.html

He he he..

I am following the thread.. only thing is.. they are flowing in parallel... not a direct comparison.

I guess I am asking for trouble when asking which one is better... just like asking for oil preferences in car forums!


cheers

[ivoire]

How does the Tamron compares to the Sigma 70-300mm APO?

I was holding for the soon-to-be-release DA telephoto but I am sure it will cost WAY more than these third-parties..

so which is a better value? Sigma or Tamron?

I would recommend reading thru both of these threads, examine the pics and decide for yourself:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/24756-tamron-70-300mm.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/25563-sigma-70-300mm-apo.html

[jsherman999]

.


I've only used the Tamron, but it seems to be the consensus that the Sigma has better CA & PF control than the Tamron, and the Tamron is a bit sharper, particularily at 200mm+.

I think someone mentioned that his copy of the Sigma showed better color/contrast than his Tamron, but I suspect that may have been due to sample variation - the color/contrast on my Tamron is very good, and its hard to imagine another sub $400 zoom being noticeably better, although if it *is noticeably better, I'd say that the Sigma APO would be considered exceptional for it's price range.

So, if CA/PF is important to you, get the Sigma - if you really need to have maximum sharpness, you may want to go with Tamron.

Personally, the Tamron is perfect for me - I judge lenses using the following criteria:

Sharpness: 60%
Contrast: 20%
Color: 15%
CA/PF/Barrel distortion/vignetting: 5%

I just need the sharpness, contrast, color - especially sharpness. Lack of CA/PF, etc, is just gravy, and isn't as important to me. I find that people tend to respond to sharpness/color in an image, and don't really even notice PF/CA if the sharpness is good - at least non photographers do, anyway - and so do I.


.

[BBear]

I would recommend reading thru both of these threads, examine the pics and decide for yourself:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/24756-tamron-70-300mm.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/25563-sigma-70-300mm-apo.html

Two good threads... i am following both. I just actually wanted to spicy things up a bit, hoping for a direct confrontation


I definitely want a 300mm telephoto available in my gear. The APO seems like a sweet deal...
I have a Vivitar 70-210 to keep me busy for now... maybe till the new DA comes out and reviews come out..


Let's see.. I am itching for a 300mm with macro. Actually.. i have to check if the new DA will have macro on it...

[KjetilH]

Good lens, especially for the price. Doesn't feel very cheap either when it is not extended.

Fun having macro, the bokeh is terrible, though. Makes me want a tele macro prime. Sigh.
(The flower shot below doesn't really count for the bad bokeh.)


Some shots, all hastily postprocessed:

[TourDeForce]

Good lens, especially for the price. Doesn't feel very cheap either when it is not extended.

Fun having macro, the bokeh is terrible, though.

Thought I missed something so I went back in the thread and checked out all the pictures hunting for the terrible bokeh. The backgrounds look like freakin' Monet masterpieces. Background light sources have nicely rounded and pleasantly dispersed patterns. I just don't know what you're talkin' about.

Maybe my understanding of bokeh is not accurate from the ancient days of black & white film, so if this description that seems to match my interpretation is incorrect somebody please let me know:

Bokeh

[maxwell1295]

I give up! I was trying to hold off on this lens so I can enjoy my F70-210. Now I think I'm going to have to swap them out and get the Tammy. There are just too many good shots in this thread to ignore.....