Lens suggestions needed, Please advise

Maksat Tutan · 02-03-2014, 10:00 PM

I just upgraded my previous Pentax to the K5 and bought Sigma 18-250 DC OS HSM for everyday walkaround photos.

Now I have a small budget to invest in one lens which has sweet focal range and F2.8.
I am taking a good look at older version Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG Macro, Sigma 28-70 F2.8, Tamron 28-75 f2.8 and tamron 17-50 f2.8.

I get paid for wedding photo shootings and activity photo shootings. I were using DA L 18-55 kit lens with high ISO and lots of Post processing to reduce noise. widest focal of 18mm was OK and 55mm was wanted to be more. So I guess 17-50, 24-70, 28-75 are fine with me.

Please suggest me the great choice.

**manishved** · 02-03-2014, 10:06 PM

Have you considered the DA 16-50?

mikemike · 02-03-2014, 10:11 PM

Between the Sigma and Tamron 2x-7x I think the tamron has a better reputation. Between the Sigma, Tamron, and Pentax 16/17-50 the sigma has the best reputation.

This might help you: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

Maksat Tutan · 02-03-2014, 10:12 PM

Originally posted by manishved

Have you considered the DA 16-50?

thanx for your reply. Yes, I have. But it is expensive and out of my budget.

I also considered DA 16-45 f4 and 17-70 f4. But there are lots of thread that are saying there are plenty of problems with AF.
What do you think?

Maksat Tutan · 02-03-2014, 10:14 PM

Originally posted by mikemike

Between the Sigma and Tamron 2x-7x I think the tamron has a better reputation. Between the Sigma, Tamron, and Pentax 16/17-50 the sigma has the best reputation.

This might help you: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

thanx for the link.

I didn't even finally decide between the focals I meant.
What do you prefer or suggest? 17-50 or 24(28)-70(75).

mikemike · 02-03-2014, 10:15 PM

I have the Pentax 16-45 f4 and I love it, no problems with AF, the only thing I hear people complain about is that it is one of the many pentax lenses with screwdrive and it is certainly louder screwdrive than my DA 21 ltd. The other issue with it is that the onboard flash casts a shadow if you are using it at 16-20 (24 with the hood). If you have an external flash it won't be an issue otherwise you might want to be aware of that.

mikemike · 02-03-2014, 10:18 PM

Look at your catalog of shots and see if you take a lot of shots between 18-24 or 28 with your current lens because you will be losing them or still relying upon the kit lens to deliver at those focal lengths. Do you deal with a lot of group shots?

Maksat Tutan · 02-03-2014, 10:31 PM

Originally posted by mikemike

Look at your catalog of shots and see if you take a lot of shots between 18-24 or 28 with your current lens because you will be losing them or still relying upon the kit lens to deliver at those focal lengths. Do you deal with a lot of group shots?

Of course, I have to shoot group shots when weddings and activities. Otherwise I don't shoot at wide angle that often.

I think and believe that I may don't use wide angle with wide aperture open. Coz', at this wide angle, I have to set my aperture at 8 or 11 to catch all people in focus.
So, my Sigma 18-250 may can do the job.

mikemike · 02-03-2014, 10:46 PM

I think you have your answer then

28-75 would give you a nice normal to portrait range that is very useful. Good luck

DSims · 02-03-2014, 10:53 PM

I had the DA17-70/4 and would buy it again for this situation.

I prefer Pentax glass in most cases, but some people like the latest Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 as well.

Alternately (if you don't need to go wide with it) the FA28-105/3.2-4.5 takes surprisingly nice photos. I still have my copy of this lens, despite owning better glass now.

Maksat Tutan · 02-03-2014, 11:16 PM

Originally posted by DSims

I had the DA17-70/4 and would buy it again for this situation.

I prefer Pentax glass in most cases, but some people like the latest Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 as well.

Alternately (if you don't need to go wide with it) the FA28-105/3.2-4.5 takes surprisingly nice photos. I still have my copy of this lens, despite owning better glass now.

@DSims;
Since I red a threat about Pentax SDM failure, I am afraid of 17-70 f4.

the thread I red was meaning that there is 34% chance of SMD failure on the 17-70 that requires +$200 repair cost, and in 2012, 50% of users reported the SDM failure.

So I took a look at the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 (older ones have f2.8-4.5). But I think that I must sacrifice at least 1 f stop to get full sharpness. So I am considering the f2.8s.

Am I wrong?

DSims · 02-03-2014, 11:38 PM

Originally posted by Maksat Tutan

@DSims;
Since I red a threat about Pentax SDM failure, I am afraid of 17-70 f4.

the thread I red was meaning that there is 34% chance of SMD failure on the 17-70 that requires +$200 repair cost, and in 2012, 50% of users reported the SDM failure.

So I took a look at the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 (older ones have f2.8-4.5). But I think that I must sacrifice at least 1 f stop to get full sharpness. So I am considering the f2.8s.

Am I wrong?

I don't think you're wrong about the Sigma; I think it must be treated as an f/4 lens at best. This is why I liked the DA17-70, which took nice photos at f/4.5 throughout its range.

I prioritize IQ and functionality over fears of failure. I didn't find lenses I liked better than the 3 SDM lenses I've had, including the DA17-70 (I still have the 16-50 and 50-135 * zooms). Fortunately I haven't had an SDM failure on any of them. I won't be happy if I have a failure, but already I would have missed out on so many good photos that other lenses wouldn't have given me. I have to tell you, I've had to deal with so many worse things in my life that this just isn't a big risk. Missed photos would be the greater loss.

If you really need the speed, and the DA*16-50's too expensive, than the Tamron is probably your best bet. From what I've seen and heard the 17-50 and 28-75 give you almost equivalent IQ to each other; you just need to decide which range is better for you.

Kozlok · 02-04-2014, 08:41 AM - **1 Like**

I love the images from the Sigma 17-70. From everything I've seen, it's much better than the Pentax: faster, faster to focus, all around just better. For weddings, it also does pseudo macro, which would be great for ring shots or flowers or whatever.

If I was getting a constant f2.8 lens, for wedding work I'd get the Sigma; the Tamron doesn't have SDM, so too noisy for churches.

DSims · 02-04-2014, 11:59 PM

Originally posted by Kozlok

If I was getting a constant f2.8 lens, for wedding work I'd get the Sigma; the Tamron doesn't have SDM, so too noisy for churches.

Good point; I have the DA*16-50 myself now, and I wasn't thinking of this.

mikemike · 02-05-2014, 12:37 AM

Originally posted by Maksat Tutan

@DSims;
Since I red a threat about Pentax SDM failure, I am afraid of 17-70 f4

I think pentaxs biggest screw up with Sdm was not taking responsibility. I don't know if it is an industry or cultural thing to not lose face because Nikon has done the same thing with d600 and one of their high end flashes, released a defective product and never formally acknowledged the defect. Nikon though corrected the defect with a new revision while Pentax just continues selling the non defective update without changing the model name.

The fact that the products that were afcted were very expensive and only carried a one year warranty also did not help matters.

02-03-2014, 10:00 PM	#1
Maksat Tutan Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 45	Lens suggestions needed, Please advise I just upgraded my previous Pentax to the K5 and bought Sigma 18-250 DC OS HSM for everyday walkaround photos. Now I have a small budget to invest in one lens which has sweet focal range and F2.8. I am taking a good look at older version Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG Macro, Sigma 28-70 F2.8, Tamron 28-75 f2.8 and tamron 17-50 f2.8. I get paid for wedding photo shootings and activity photo shootings. I were using DA L 18-55 kit lens with high ISO and lots of Post processing to reduce noise. widest focal of 18mm was OK and 55mm was wanted to be more. So I guess 17-50, 24-70, 28-75 are fine with me. Please suggest me the great choice.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New old lens suggestions please!	Cloapex	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	01-27-2014 02:29 PM
M50mm f1.4 lens - Advise Needed !!	Ali	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	28	06-15-2012 01:02 PM
advise needed:wide-angle lens	Slice	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	4	11-09-2009 10:22 AM
Wich lens for birding ? Please advise	netuser	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	22	07-15-2009 05:04 AM
Lens Advise please	Murphy2004	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	4	10-21-2008 06:06 PM

02-03-2014, 10:06 PM	#2
manishved Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N. Calif Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,651	Have you considered the DA 16-50?

02-03-2014, 10:11 PM	#3
mikemike Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: New Orleans Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,053	Between the Sigma and Tamron 2x-7x I think the tamron has a better reputation. Between the Sigma, Tamron, and Pentax 16/17-50 the sigma has the best reputation. This might help you: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

02-03-2014, 10:12 PM	#4
Maksat Tutan Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 45 Original Poster	Originally posted by manishved Have you considered the DA 16-50? thanx for your reply. Yes, I have. But it is expensive and out of my budget. I also considered DA 16-45 f4 and 17-70 f4. But there are lots of thread that are saying there are plenty of problems with AF. What do you think?

02-03-2014, 10:14 PM	#5
Maksat Tutan Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 45 Original Poster	Originally posted by mikemike Between the Sigma and Tamron 2x-7x I think the tamron has a better reputation. Between the Sigma, Tamron, and Pentax 16/17-50 the sigma has the best reputation. This might help you: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com thanx for the link. I didn't even finally decide between the focals I meant. What do you prefer or suggest? 17-50 or 24(28)-70(75).

02-03-2014, 10:15 PM	#6
mikemike Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: New Orleans Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,053	I have the Pentax 16-45 f4 and I love it, no problems with AF, the only thing I hear people complain about is that it is one of the many pentax lenses with screwdrive and it is certainly louder screwdrive than my DA 21 ltd. The other issue with it is that the onboard flash casts a shadow if you are using it at 16-20 (24 with the hood). If you have an external flash it won't be an issue otherwise you might want to be aware of that.

02-03-2014, 10:18 PM	#7
mikemike Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: New Orleans Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,053	Look at your catalog of shots and see if you take a lot of shots between 18-24 or 28 with your current lens because you will be losing them or still relying upon the kit lens to deliver at those focal lengths. Do you deal with a lot of group shots?

02-03-2014, 10:31 PM	#8
Maksat Tutan Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 45 Original Poster	Originally posted by mikemike Look at your catalog of shots and see if you take a lot of shots between 18-24 or 28 with your current lens because you will be losing them or still relying upon the kit lens to deliver at those focal lengths. Do you deal with a lot of group shots? Of course, I have to shoot group shots when weddings and activities. Otherwise I don't shoot at wide angle that often. I think and believe that I may don't use wide angle with wide aperture open. Coz', at this wide angle, I have to set my aperture at 8 or 11 to catch all people in focus. So, my Sigma 18-250 may can do the job.

02-03-2014, 10:46 PM	#9
mikemike Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: New Orleans Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,053	I think you have your answer then 28-75 would give you a nice normal to portrait range that is very useful. Good luck

02-03-2014, 10:53 PM	#10
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	I had the DA17-70/4 and would buy it again for this situation. I prefer Pentax glass in most cases, but some people like the latest Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 as well. Alternately (if you don't need to go wide with it) the FA28-105/3.2-4.5 takes surprisingly nice photos. I still have my copy of this lens, despite owning better glass now.

02-03-2014, 11:16 PM	#11
Maksat Tutan Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 45 Original Poster	Originally posted by DSims I had the DA17-70/4 and would buy it again for this situation. I prefer Pentax glass in most cases, but some people like the latest Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 as well. Alternately (if you don't need to go wide with it) the FA28-105/3.2-4.5 takes surprisingly nice photos. I still have my copy of this lens, despite owning better glass now. @DSims; Since I red a threat about Pentax SDM failure, I am afraid of 17-70 f4. the thread I red was meaning that there is 34% chance of SMD failure on the 17-70 that requires +$200 repair cost, and in 2012, 50% of users reported the SDM failure. So I took a look at the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 (older ones have f2.8-4.5). But I think that I must sacrifice at least 1 f stop to get full sharpness. So I am considering the f2.8s. Am I wrong?

02-03-2014, 11:38 PM	#12
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Originally posted by Maksat Tutan @DSims; Since I red a threat about Pentax SDM failure, I am afraid of 17-70 f4. the thread I red was meaning that there is 34% chance of SMD failure on the 17-70 that requires +$200 repair cost, and in 2012, 50% of users reported the SDM failure. So I took a look at the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 (older ones have f2.8-4.5). But I think that I must sacrifice at least 1 f stop to get full sharpness. So I am considering the f2.8s. Am I wrong? I don't think you're wrong about the Sigma; I think it must be treated as an f/4 lens at best. This is why I liked the DA17-70, which took nice photos at f/4.5 throughout its range. I prioritize IQ and functionality over fears of failure. I didn't find lenses I liked better than the 3 SDM lenses I've had, including the DA17-70 (I still have the 16-50 and 50-135 * zooms). Fortunately I haven't had an SDM failure on any of them. I won't be happy if I have a failure, but already I would have missed out on so many good photos that other lenses wouldn't have given me. I have to tell you, I've had to deal with so many worse things in my life that this just isn't a big risk. Missed photos would be the greater loss. If you really need the speed, and the DA*16-50's too expensive, than the Tamron is probably your best bet. From what I've seen and heard the 17-50 and 28-75 give you almost equivalent IQ to each other; you just need to decide which range is better for you.

02-04-2014, 08:41 AM - 1 Like	#13
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	I love the images from the Sigma 17-70. From everything I've seen, it's much better than the Pentax: faster, faster to focus, all around just better. For weddings, it also does pseudo macro, which would be great for ring shots or flowers or whatever. If I was getting a constant f2.8 lens, for wedding work I'd get the Sigma; the Tamron doesn't have SDM, so too noisy for churches.

02-04-2014, 11:59 PM	#14
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Originally posted by Kozlok If I was getting a constant f2.8 lens, for wedding work I'd get the Sigma; the Tamron doesn't have SDM, so too noisy for churches. Good point; I have the DA*16-50 myself now, and I wasn't thinking of this.

02-05-2014, 12:37 AM	#15
mikemike Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: New Orleans Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,053	Originally posted by Maksat Tutan @DSims; Since I red a threat about Pentax SDM failure, I am afraid of 17-70 f4 I think pentaxs biggest screw up with Sdm was not taking responsibility. I don't know if it is an industry or cultural thing to not lose face because Nikon has done the same thing with d600 and one of their high end flashes, released a defective product and never formally acknowledged the defect. Nikon though corrected the defect with a new revision while Pentax just continues selling the non defective update without changing the model name. The fact that the products that were afcted were very expensive and only carried a one year warranty also did not help matters.