[jwmster]

Got the short end covered up to 100mm for the most part, and a kit lens 50-200mm. Long end, I'm looking at the Pentax DA 300mm and the Sigma zooms - 150mm -500mm and especially the 120mm to 400mm. Surely there are others I'm missing. Not in a hurry... so taking my time. But I'm curious about a couple of things:

1) Prime vs Zoom at long end - Assume sharpness favors the Prime (duh), seems the variable distance to the subject - longer end for the most part, is going to favor zooms over primes in wildlife, birds, even some sports. Can't say 'cause I don't got the length! So that's a question... what do you or other photographers find more practical when you have to pick and pack your bag?

2) Sigma zooms get some comments: "Not good (sharp) on high pixel cameras like K-5's and later". Having a K-5... I'm wondering whether this was a lone comment or commonly accepted view? Some used Sigmas can be pretty attractive in price.

Any other input appreciated.

Thanks!

[blackcloudbrew]

I'd suggest that you rent a few of the long lenses and get some time with them. I rented the Sigma 150-500 in September and learned a lot about it. Costs a lot less than owning. YMMV

[jatrax]

I think the Sigma zooms are quite good for the price, but not prime quality, which costs 3-4x more. Check out the 300mm plus thread for long lens info: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/55946-300mm-plus-lens-club...ng-lenses.html

If money is no object then either the Pentax DA 560 or the Sigma 500 but those are big money. From what I have read from others the 50-500 is as good or better than the 150-500. I have the 50-500 and in good light I find it fine out to around 400 or a little further it does get softer after that but still acceptable if you have good technique.

[cahudson42]

Just a thought if you don't need poster-size blowups and AF:

Buy a new closeout Q complete with 5-15mm zoom for $189 at NewEgg. Add a Fotodiox M42 (V1 - no flange) adapter at $30.

Buy an SMC Takumar F1.4 50mm lens for maybe $70. Its an F1.4 280mm on the Q.

Buy an SMC Takumar F3.5 135mm for maybe another $50. Its an F3.5 750mm on the Q.

Or use whatever existing lenses you have with a K adapter instead.

You get 'long' lenses on the cheap, plus an extra camera

I did - lots of fun. Easy to tote. Couple shots below with 135mm hand-held. Full frame and cropped. Probably a lot sharper with a tripod.

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