Sigma 85 f1,4 or Sigma 70-200 f2,8?

Cavalier · 03-22-2014, 06:36 AM - **2 Likes**

I'm planning to buy Sigma 85 f1,4 or Sigma 70-200 f2,8.

I will use them to take portrett fotos, playing photos and photos in the wood of mine dogs. The picture quality is the most important. I know that the 70-200 is a lot heavier then the 85mm. The 85mm is 1,4, and that a plus. It is someone who has tryed both lenses? And whick gives the best image quality?

I have take some playing photos with old lenses, and than use manual focus. But it would be nice to have a lens with automaticly focus to. Here are some action photos I have taken with different lenses.

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Sigma 70-300 f4

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Tokina 80-200 f4

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Tokina 80-200 f4

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Pentax 35-105 f3,5

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Pentax 35-105 f3,5

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Tokina 80-200 f4

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Sigma 70-300 f4

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Pentax 18-135 f3,5

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Pentax 35-105 f3,5

normhead · 03-22-2014, 06:45 AM

Can't you must look at what focal length you use? If you use between 80 and 90 most of the time... then the 85 would do, if you're using longer focal lengths then the Sigma. You have the exif info for these pictures, just look it over. Don't carry that Sigma 70-200 unless you have to. It's a great lens, but I haven't bought one, because I don't want to carry it.

OnTheWeb · 03-22-2014, 07:00 AM

First, this is a really great series with some stellar shots.

The lens decision is tougher... I could see, like Normhead says, the not wanting to carry a big 'ol 70-200 around all the time. But that 85 1.4 is very versatile, too, in the evenings, at dusk, indoors, etc. it can produce in tougher lighting situations. The minimum focus distance on the 85mm is nicer, too.

I guess if you are going to use it indoors at all then the 85 is a no-brainer. If mostly for outside then get the big guy.

JinDesu · 03-22-2014, 07:37 AM

If I were to choose today, I would get the 85 F1.4. I have a 70-200 and I do dearly wish I have a 85 F1.4.

Also, fantastic pics!

starjedi · 03-22-2014, 08:53 AM

Fantastic pictures... Thanks for sharing....

Kozlok · 03-22-2014, 10:01 AM

How about a completely different suggestion: Get the Tamron 70-200 used here on the forum for ~$600 or so, and also buy the Rokinon 85/1.4 for when you don't need autofocus and really want f1.4. Together, that would be $800-$850 or so, less than the lenses you are considering. I have the Tamron, and as far as IQ, I think it's better than the Sigma. The pictures just seem to have more pixie dust. The downside of the Tamron is it has a loud focus, so for weddings, I'd pick the Sigma, but outdoors, who cares about a little whirr noise. One big factor for me is the max magnification of the Tamron is 1:3, while the Sigma is 1:8. The Tamron does a decent semi-macro for butterflies and flowers and such, which I dearly love. 1:8 is useless for this.
I don't have the Rokinon, but I've seen loads of good work with it. Some Tamron Samples (click on them for full-sized images on Flickr):

**burzum** · 03-22-2014, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by Kozlok

How about a completely different suggestion: Get the Tamron 70-200 used here on the forum for ~$600 or so, and also buy the Rokinon 85/1.4 for when you don't need autofocus and really want f1.4. Together, that would be $800-$850 or so, less than the lenses you are considering. I have the Tamron, and as far as IQ, I think it's better than the Sigma. The pictures just seem to have more pixie dust. The downside of the Tamron is it has a loud focus, so for weddings, I'd pick the Sigma, but outdoors, who cares about a little whirr noise. One big factor for me is the max magnification of the Tamron is 1:3, while the Sigma is 1:8. The Tamron does a decent semi-macro for butterflies and flowers and such, which I dearly love. 1:8 is useless for this.
I don't have the Rokinon, but I've seen loads of good work with it. Some Tamron Samples (click on them for full-sized images on Flickr):

+1 ..

awaldram · 03-22-2014, 10:59 AM

Originally posted by Cavalier

I'm planning to buy Sigma 85 f1,4 or Sigma 70-200 f2,8.

I will use them to take portrett fotos, playing photos and photos in the wood of mine dogs. The picture quality is the most important. I know that the 70-200 is a lot heavier then the 85mm. The 85mm is 1,4, and that a plus. It is someone who has tryed both lenses? And whick gives the best image quality?

I have take some playing photos with old lenses, and than use manual focus. But it would be nice to have a lens with automaticly focus to. Here are some action photos I have taken with different lenses.

Attachment 212337
Sigma 70-300 f4

Attachment 212338
Tokina 80-200 f4

Attachment 212339
Tokina 80-200 f4

Attachment 212340
Pentax 35-105 f3,5

Attachment 212341
Pentax 35-105 f3,5

Attachment 212342
Tokina 80-200 f4

Attachment 212343
Sigma 70-300 f4

Attachment 212344
Pentax 18-135 f3,5

Attachment 212345
Pentax 35-105 f3,5

Some good sugestions

But a word of caution I very much doubt the 85 is geared as a 'sports' optic

I would imagine it is geared as a portrait lens and will have long throw AF so wil not really be suitable for the type of shots in your examples.

Not to say it can't do it but assume your after something better than the 70-300's you currently use.?

From you examples I'd note the following

1 you need a zoom
2 you need fast acurate af

to me this discounts the 85 1.4 and the tamron 70-200 f2.8

personaly I'd look at the Sigma 70-200 AS HSM and the Pentax da* 60-250 f4

Don't forget that old saying Jack of all trades master of none it is very applicable here.

DogLover · 03-22-2014, 11:36 AM

I've done a fair bit of dog action shooting myself and if you're not in a smaller, confined area (and from the photos you've posted it doesn't look like you are) then I'd say that you absolutely need a zoom.

The IQ on the Tamron shown above looks excellent, and it has a good reputation for it's IQ, but I have no experience with that lens, so I've no idea what the AF speed is like, but that would be an important consideration. I may try one someday even though I'm sure the reportedly whiny AF would get on my nerves.

If the 50-135 had faster AF it would be the hands-down, no-brainer choice. It's still my choice, though I have had to accept that I am going to miss some shots because of the AF speed. My Sigma 100-300 has both excellent IQ and good AF speed, but it's so big that I only use it with a tripod. The Sigma 70-200 is very nearly as big, which is why I'll never buy it. I've tried the Sigma 50-150 and it worked fine but didn't have anything special to it's IQ. Definitely left me wanting. Would be good for journalistic or documentary-style shooting only, IMO.

cali92rs · 03-22-2014, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by awaldram

Some good sugestions

But a word of caution I very much doubt the 85 is geared as a 'sports' optic

I would imagine it is geared as a portrait lens and will have long throw AF so wil not really be suitable for the type of shots in your examples.

Not to say it can't do it but assume your after something better than the 70-300's you currently use.?

From you examples I'd note the following

1 you need a zoom
2 you need fast acurate af

to me this discounts the 85 1.4 and the tamron 70-200 f2.8

personaly I'd look at the Sigma 70-200 AS HSM and the Pentax da* 60-250 f4

Don't forget that old saying Jack of all trades master of none it is very applicable here.

I kind of disagree with your suggestion of the 60-250mm. I had that lens for a bit and while the IQ is fantastic, the AF speed is average and it's a stop slower than the 2.8 offerings. For this kind of shooting every stop is precious.

Brooke Meyer · 03-22-2014, 03:24 PM

Once a year I get to shoot Frisbee dogs, in harsh, mid-day June sun. My 50-135 ( I have Sigma 100-300/4) is the choice. My most frequent use is Dance. Have to have the zoom function.

Kozlok · 03-22-2014, 08:57 PM

I would guess that the Sigma is not appreciably faster than the Tamron for focusing. SDM lenses in general don't seem faster than screwdrive, just quieter. The Tamron isn't fast like a DA40, but it gets the job done. The DA40 is the fastest focusing lens you can buy for Pentax, and it won't keep up with my dogs at full tilt. I prefocus and use the high drive mode, keep the one in focus.

If you get a used lens from the forum's marketplace for a fair price, you can easily sell it if you don't like it. When I bought my Tamron, it was for a specific event, and I planned on selling it right afterwards, but I fell in love with it. It is big, and heavy, and noisy, but I put up with it hapliy because I absolutely love the rendering. Buy whatever you like, if it doesn't work, sell it along for very little loss. Just make a choice.

03-22-2014, 06:36 AM - 2 Likes	#1
Cavalier New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 4	Sigma 85 f1,4 or Sigma 70-200 f2,8? I'm planning to buy Sigma 85 f1,4 or Sigma 70-200 f2,8. I will use them to take portrett fotos, playing photos and photos in the wood of mine dogs. The picture quality is the most important. I know that the 70-200 is a lot heavier then the 85mm. The 85mm is 1,4, and that a plus. It is someone who has tryed both lenses? And whick gives the best image quality? I have take some playing photos with old lenses, and than use manual focus. But it would be nice to have a lens with automaticly focus to. Here are some action photos I have taken with different lenses. Sigma 70-300 f4 Tokina 80-200 f4 Tokina 80-200 f4 Pentax 35-105 f3,5 Pentax 35-105 f3,5 Tokina 80-200 f4 Sigma 70-300 f4 Pentax 18-135 f3,5 Pentax 35-105 f3,5

03-22-2014, 03:24 PM	#11
Brooke Meyer Guest	Once a year I get to shoot Frisbee dogs, in harsh, mid-day June sun. My 50-135 ( I have Sigma 100-300/4) is the choice. My most frequent use is Dance. Have to have the zoom function. Last edited by Brooke Meyer; 12-03-2014 at 09:17 PM.

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03-22-2014, 06:45 AM	#2
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Can't you must look at what focal length you use? If you use between 80 and 90 most of the time... then the 85 would do, if you're using longer focal lengths then the Sigma. You have the exif info for these pictures, just look it over. Don't carry that Sigma 70-200 unless you have to. It's a great lens, but I haven't bought one, because I don't want to carry it.

03-22-2014, 07:00 AM	#3
OnTheWeb Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 791	First, this is a really great series with some stellar shots. The lens decision is tougher... I could see, like Normhead says, the not wanting to carry a big 'ol 70-200 around all the time. But that 85 1.4 is very versatile, too, in the evenings, at dusk, indoors, etc. it can produce in tougher lighting situations. The minimum focus distance on the 85mm is nicer, too. I guess if you are going to use it indoors at all then the 85 is a no-brainer. If mostly for outside then get the big guy.

03-22-2014, 07:37 AM	#4
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	If I were to choose today, I would get the 85 F1.4. I have a 70-200 and I do dearly wish I have a 85 F1.4. Also, fantastic pics!

03-22-2014, 08:53 AM	#5
starjedi Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 932	Fantastic pictures... Thanks for sharing....

03-22-2014, 10:01 AM	#6
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	How about a completely different suggestion: Get the Tamron 70-200 used here on the forum for ~$600 or so, and also buy the Rokinon 85/1.4 for when you don't need autofocus and really want f1.4. Together, that would be $800-$850 or so, less than the lenses you are considering. I have the Tamron, and as far as IQ, I think it's better than the Sigma. The pictures just seem to have more pixie dust. The downside of the Tamron is it has a loud focus, so for weddings, I'd pick the Sigma, but outdoors, who cares about a little whirr noise. One big factor for me is the max magnification of the Tamron is 1:3, while the Sigma is 1:8. The Tamron does a decent semi-macro for butterflies and flowers and such, which I dearly love. 1:8 is useless for this. I don't have the Rokinon, but I've seen loads of good work with it. Some Tamron Samples (click on them for full-sized images on Flickr):

03-22-2014, 10:24 AM	#7
burzum Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 172	Originally posted by Kozlok How about a completely different suggestion: Get the Tamron 70-200 used here on the forum for ~$600 or so, and also buy the Rokinon 85/1.4 for when you don't need autofocus and really want f1.4. Together, that would be $800-$850 or so, less than the lenses you are considering. I have the Tamron, and as far as IQ, I think it's better than the Sigma. The pictures just seem to have more pixie dust. The downside of the Tamron is it has a loud focus, so for weddings, I'd pick the Sigma, but outdoors, who cares about a little whirr noise. One big factor for me is the max magnification of the Tamron is 1:3, while the Sigma is 1:8. The Tamron does a decent semi-macro for butterflies and flowers and such, which I dearly love. 1:8 is useless for this. I don't have the Rokinon, but I've seen loads of good work with it. Some Tamron Samples (click on them for full-sized images on Flickr): +1 ..

03-22-2014, 10:59 AM	#8
awaldram Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 732	Originally posted by Cavalier I'm planning to buy Sigma 85 f1,4 or Sigma 70-200 f2,8. I will use them to take portrett fotos, playing photos and photos in the wood of mine dogs. The picture quality is the most important. I know that the 70-200 is a lot heavier then the 85mm. The 85mm is 1,4, and that a plus. It is someone who has tryed both lenses? And whick gives the best image quality? I have take some playing photos with old lenses, and than use manual focus. But it would be nice to have a lens with automaticly focus to. Here are some action photos I have taken with different lenses. Attachment 212337 Sigma 70-300 f4 Attachment 212338 Tokina 80-200 f4 Attachment 212339 Tokina 80-200 f4 Attachment 212340 Pentax 35-105 f3,5 Attachment 212341 Pentax 35-105 f3,5 Attachment 212342 Tokina 80-200 f4 Attachment 212343 Sigma 70-300 f4 Attachment 212344 Pentax 18-135 f3,5 Attachment 212345 Pentax 35-105 f3,5 Some good sugestions But a word of caution I very much doubt the 85 is geared as a 'sports' optic I would imagine it is geared as a portrait lens and will have long throw AF so wil not really be suitable for the type of shots in your examples. Not to say it can't do it but assume your after something better than the 70-300's you currently use.? From you examples I'd note the following 1 you need a zoom 2 you need fast acurate af to me this discounts the 85 1.4 and the tamron 70-200 f2.8 personaly I'd look at the Sigma 70-200 AS HSM and the Pentax da* 60-250 f4 Don't forget that old saying Jack of all trades master of none it is very applicable here.

03-22-2014, 11:36 AM	#9
DogLover Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,054	I've done a fair bit of dog action shooting myself and if you're not in a smaller, confined area (and from the photos you've posted it doesn't look like you are) then I'd say that you absolutely need a zoom. The IQ on the Tamron shown above looks excellent, and it has a good reputation for it's IQ, but I have no experience with that lens, so I've no idea what the AF speed is like, but that would be an important consideration. I may try one someday even though I'm sure the reportedly whiny AF would get on my nerves. If the 50-135 had faster AF it would be the hands-down, no-brainer choice. It's still my choice, though I have had to accept that I am going to miss some shots because of the AF speed. My Sigma 100-300 has both excellent IQ and good AF speed, but it's so big that I only use it with a tripod. The Sigma 70-200 is very nearly as big, which is why I'll never buy it. I've tried the Sigma 50-150 and it worked fine but didn't have anything special to it's IQ. Definitely left me wanting. Would be good for journalistic or documentary-style shooting only, IMO.

03-22-2014, 03:03 PM	#10
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Originally posted by awaldram Some good sugestions But a word of caution I very much doubt the 85 is geared as a 'sports' optic I would imagine it is geared as a portrait lens and will have long throw AF so wil not really be suitable for the type of shots in your examples. Not to say it can't do it but assume your after something better than the 70-300's you currently use.? From you examples I'd note the following 1 you need a zoom 2 you need fast acurate af to me this discounts the 85 1.4 and the tamron 70-200 f2.8 personaly I'd look at the Sigma 70-200 AS HSM and the Pentax da* 60-250 f4 Don't forget that old saying Jack of all trades master of none it is very applicable here. I kind of disagree with your suggestion of the 60-250mm. I had that lens for a bit and while the IQ is fantastic, the AF speed is average and it's a stop slower than the 2.8 offerings. For this kind of shooting every stop is precious.

03-22-2014, 08:57 PM	#12
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	I would guess that the Sigma is not appreciably faster than the Tamron for focusing. SDM lenses in general don't seem faster than screwdrive, just quieter. The Tamron isn't fast like a DA40, but it gets the job done. The DA40 is the fastest focusing lens you can buy for Pentax, and it won't keep up with my dogs at full tilt. I prefocus and use the high drive mode, keep the one in focus. If you get a used lens from the forum's marketplace for a fair price, you can easily sell it if you don't like it. When I bought my Tamron, it was for a specific event, and I planned on selling it right afterwards, but I fell in love with it. It is big, and heavy, and noisy, but I put up with it hapliy because I absolutely love the rendering. Buy whatever you like, if it doesn't work, sell it along for very little loss. Just make a choice.