Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD Macro VS SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM

WVRICK · 01-16-2014, 05:47 PM

I am still narrowing down my choices for a zoom to replace the Pentax 18-135 I have now. I am certain about the Pentax HD Limited 20-40. I am confused about the other choice between the Tamron 70-200 F2.8 and the Pentax 60-250 F4. There is a considerable price difference plus a longer reach on the Pentax. However, I am more concerned with sharpness than reach where 50mm is concerned. Any input is appreciated. I am thinking about trading my Pentax 18-135, BH offered me $226, it is like brand new used 6 weeks.

Lurch · 01-16-2014, 05:52 PM

May I also throw a 3rd option in there? The Sigma 70-200 2.8 HSM. I had it on my Nikon (and am currently saving for a Pentax one) and loooooved it. It also gets good review here and DxO (Take DxO rating as you will however)

WVRICK · 01-16-2014, 05:54 PM

Originally posted by Lurch

May I also throw a 3rd option in there? The Sigma 70-200 2.8 HSM. I had it on my Nikon (and am currently saving for a Pentax one) and loooooved it. It also gets good review here and DxO (Take DxO rating as you will however)

I will check it as well, thanks for the information.

Kozlok · 01-16-2014, 06:04 PM

I think this one is pretty simple. If you need fast AF, get the Sigma, if you need WR, and f4 is fast enough, get the Pentax, if you want close focus, get the Tamron (goes 1:3.1). 200 vs 250 isn't a huge difference (but if you really really need 250...). 60 vs 70 isn't earth shaking either (but if you want the range more than f2.8...). If you are on a budget, get the Tamron and never regret it.

These are all blisteringly sharp. The one and only optical weakness is the Tamron is weak right at 200 only exactly at f2.8, and only when focused far away. Stopping down any at all gets rid of the "glow" that occurs. At all other FL it is amazingly sharp wide open. I wanted to shoot butterflies, and really needed 2.8, so I got the Tamron.

WVRICK · 01-16-2014, 06:09 PM

Originally posted by Kozlok

I think this one is pretty simple. If you need fast AF, get the Sigma, if you need WR, and f4 is fast enough, get the Pentax, if you want close focus, get the Tamron (goes 1:3.1). 200 vs 250 isn't a huge difference (but if you really really need 250...). 60 vs 70 isn't earth shaking either (but if you want the range more than f2.8...). If you are on a budget, get the Tamron and never regret it.

These are all blisteringly sharp. The one and only optical weakness is the Tamron is weak right at 200 only exactly at f2.8, and only when focused far away. Stopping down any at all gets rid of the "glow" that occurs. At all other FL it is amazingly sharp wide open. I wanted to shoot butterflies, and really needed 2.8, so I got the Tamron.

I am leaning toward the Tamron as well. The reviews are good and the IQ seems great from samples I have looked at. I like the Sigma and the Pentax but they are almost twice the cost of the Tamron.

WVRICK · 01-16-2014, 06:21 PM

Originally posted by takhyon

I'm selling a tamron if you're interested.

PM the details. Thanks.

WVRICK · 01-16-2014, 06:22 PM

Originally posted by WVRICK

I am still narrowing down my choices for a zoom to replace the Pentax 18-135 I have now. I am certain about the Pentax HD Limited 20-40. I am confused about the other choice between the Tamron 70-200 F2.8 and the Pentax 60-250 F4. There is a considerable price difference plus a longer reach on the Pentax. However, I am more concerned with sharpness than reach where 50mm is concerned. Any input is appreciated. I am thinking about trading my Pentax 18-135, BH offered me $226, it is like brand new used 6 weeks.

I should also let you know I tend to shoot birds, butterflies, animals and bugs. Not sure if that helps.

JimmyDranox · 01-16-2014, 07:10 PM

This means that you need speed. I have Tamron and an old Sigma 70-200 HSM. Sigma focus faster.

V.rider · 01-16-2014, 07:27 PM

In a similar position to you. I'm close to pulling the trigger on the Sigma 70-200. I would love to have WR but I'm afraid for my intended purpose (sports, wildlife) I need f/2.8.

WVRICK · 01-16-2014, 08:09 PM

I woul love the Sigma but the cost is out of my budget.

V.rider · 01-16-2014, 09:26 PM

Originally posted by WVRICK

I woul love the Sigma but the cost is out of my budget.

It is significantly more than the Tamron but still less than the 60-250.

WVRICK · 01-17-2014, 04:15 AM

What price did you find it at? I was seeing $1,249 with the Tamron at $769. If I can find the Sigma cheaper I will grab it immediately.

bdery · 01-17-2014, 06:20 AM

Originally posted by WVRICK

I am thinking about trading my Pentax 18-135, BH offered me $226, it is like brand new used 6 weeks.

That's lower than what you can get here on the marketplace.

Originally posted by Kozlok

60 vs 70 isn't earth shaking either

I disagree. It's a tremendous difference in many situations.

To answer the OP, you can get the 60-250 for lower than 1300$ if you look around. That's still higher than the Tamron. Build quality strongly favours the Pentax. WR, lighter weight, lighter size and range are also perks. If price is an issue I would get the Tamron, if you want the best package I believe that the Pentax is a much better package. It's as good as the Tamron or better at f4, so even if the Tamron is faster on paper, in many situations you might not be using f2.8 anyway.

Good luck with your shopping. Either way you will get a good lens.

WVRICK · 01-17-2014, 06:30 AM

Great information. What do you think a fair price is for the marketplace? I would rather give one of our members a good deal than a corporation. You have given me reason to do some more thinking, I don't drop $1,400 without some thought.

Kozlok · 01-17-2014, 06:38 AM

Just search "for sale 18-135" to get an idea

01-16-2014, 05:47 PM	#1
WVRICK Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Old Fields, WV Posts: 56	*Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD Macro VS SMC Pentax-DA 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM** I am still narrowing down my choices for a zoom to replace the Pentax 18-135 I have now. I am certain about the Pentax HD Limited 20-40. I am confused about the other choice between the Tamron 70-200 F2.8 and the Pentax 60-250 F4. There is a considerable price difference plus a longer reach on the Pentax. However, I am more concerned with sharpness than reach where 50mm is concerned. Any input is appreciated. I am thinking about trading my Pentax 18-135, BH offered me $226, it is like brand new used 6 weeks.

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01-16-2014, 05:52 PM	#2
Lurch Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 582	May I also throw a 3rd option in there? The Sigma 70-200 2.8 HSM. I had it on my Nikon (and am currently saving for a Pentax one) and loooooved it. It also gets good review here and DxO (Take DxO rating as you will however)

01-16-2014, 05:54 PM	#3
WVRICK Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Old Fields, WV Posts: 56 Original Poster	Originally posted by Lurch May I also throw a 3rd option in there? The Sigma 70-200 2.8 HSM. I had it on my Nikon (and am currently saving for a Pentax one) and loooooved it. It also gets good review here and DxO (Take DxO rating as you will however) I will check it as well, thanks for the information.

01-16-2014, 06:04 PM	#4
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	I think this one is pretty simple. If you need fast AF, get the Sigma, if you need WR, and f4 is fast enough, get the Pentax, if you want close focus, get the Tamron (goes 1:3.1). 200 vs 250 isn't a huge difference (but if you really really need 250...). 60 vs 70 isn't earth shaking either (but if you want the range more than f2.8...). If you are on a budget, get the Tamron and never regret it. These are all blisteringly sharp. The one and only optical weakness is the Tamron is weak right at 200 only exactly at f2.8, and only when focused far away. Stopping down any at all gets rid of the "glow" that occurs. At all other FL it is amazingly sharp wide open. I wanted to shoot butterflies, and really needed 2.8, so I got the Tamron.

01-16-2014, 06:09 PM	#5
WVRICK Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Old Fields, WV Posts: 56 Original Poster	Originally posted by Kozlok I think this one is pretty simple. If you need fast AF, get the Sigma, if you need WR, and f4 is fast enough, get the Pentax, if you want close focus, get the Tamron (goes 1:3.1). 200 vs 250 isn't a huge difference (but if you really really need 250...). 60 vs 70 isn't earth shaking either (but if you want the range more than f2.8...). If you are on a budget, get the Tamron and never regret it. These are all blisteringly sharp. The one and only optical weakness is the Tamron is weak right at 200 only exactly at f2.8, and only when focused far away. Stopping down any at all gets rid of the "glow" that occurs. At all other FL it is amazingly sharp wide open. I wanted to shoot butterflies, and really needed 2.8, so I got the Tamron. I am leaning toward the Tamron as well. The reviews are good and the IQ seems great from samples I have looked at. I like the Sigma and the Pentax but they are almost twice the cost of the Tamron.

01-16-2014, 06:21 PM	#6
WVRICK Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Old Fields, WV Posts: 56 Original Poster	Originally posted by takhyon I'm selling a tamron if you're interested. PM the details. Thanks.

01-16-2014, 06:22 PM	#7
WVRICK Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Old Fields, WV Posts: 56 Original Poster	Originally posted by WVRICK I am still narrowing down my choices for a zoom to replace the Pentax 18-135 I have now. I am certain about the Pentax HD Limited 20-40. I am confused about the other choice between the Tamron 70-200 F2.8 and the Pentax 60-250 F4. There is a considerable price difference plus a longer reach on the Pentax. However, I am more concerned with sharpness than reach where 50mm is concerned. Any input is appreciated. I am thinking about trading my Pentax 18-135, BH offered me $226, it is like brand new used 6 weeks. I should also let you know I tend to shoot birds, butterflies, animals and bugs. Not sure if that helps.

01-16-2014, 07:10 PM	#8
JimmyDranox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Ploiesti, Romania Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,632	This means that you need speed. I have Tamron and an old Sigma 70-200 HSM. Sigma focus faster.

01-16-2014, 07:27 PM	#9
V.rider Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 43	In a similar position to you. I'm close to pulling the trigger on the Sigma 70-200. I would love to have WR but I'm afraid for my intended purpose (sports, wildlife) I need f/2.8.

01-16-2014, 08:09 PM	#10
WVRICK Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Old Fields, WV Posts: 56 Original Poster	I woul love the Sigma but the cost is out of my budget.

01-16-2014, 09:26 PM	#11
V.rider Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 43	Originally posted by WVRICK I woul love the Sigma but the cost is out of my budget. It is significantly more than the Tamron but still less than the 60-250.

01-17-2014, 04:15 AM	#12
WVRICK Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Old Fields, WV Posts: 56 Original Poster	What price did you find it at? I was seeing $1,249 with the Tamron at $769. If I can find the Sigma cheaper I will grab it immediately.

01-17-2014, 06:20 AM	#13
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,360	Originally posted by WVRICK I am thinking about trading my Pentax 18-135, BH offered me $226, it is like brand new used 6 weeks. That's lower than what you can get here on the marketplace. Originally posted by Kozlok 60 vs 70 isn't earth shaking either I disagree. It's a tremendous difference in many situations. To answer the OP, you can get the 60-250 for lower than 1300$ if you look around. That's still higher than the Tamron. Build quality strongly favours the Pentax. WR, lighter weight, lighter size and range are also perks. If price is an issue I would get the Tamron, if you want the best package I believe that the Pentax is a much better package. It's as good as the Tamron or better at f4, so even if the Tamron is faster on paper, in many situations you might not be using f2.8 anyway. Good luck with your shopping. Either way you will get a good lens.

01-17-2014, 06:30 AM	#14
WVRICK Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Old Fields, WV Posts: 56 Original Poster	Great information. What do you think a fair price is for the marketplace? I would rather give one of our members a good deal than a corporation. You have given me reason to do some more thinking, I don't drop $1,400 without some thought.

01-17-2014, 06:38 AM	#15
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	Just search "for sale 18-135" to get an idea