DA 60-250 f/4 OR Tammy 70-200??? Others

northmole · 03-26-2014, 10:14 PM

Which lens do you prefer in the 60-200 range? I want to have a nice versitle lens for a trip to Europe, lots of landscapes, buildings and flowers. Not sure which one I should go with.

Also for birding, should I get a 300mm just for that? Would like to take one or two lenses at most. I plan on a lot of walking around London as well, so a lens for this would be needed.
I just go back and forth, unsure of my own decision making process

Doanh · 03-26-2014, 10:50 PM

I have both lenses. Out of the two, I'd recommend the Tammy as it is more versatile (f2.8, semi-macro capability). For landscapes and building, I think you need a wide angle lens (DA 14, 15, or 12-24). DA 35 macro works too. Good luck with your trip.

Peter

calsan · 03-26-2014, 10:52 PM

That's a huge lens for cities and travel? You don't mind being really noticeable and and are prepared to carry the weight???

noelpolar · 03-26-2014, 11:20 PM

I love my sigma 70-200 2.8 ......... sharp at either end at 2.8 and so quiet to focus. I take it with me when travelling all the time. I've found the low light capabilities of the lens is geat in doors (ie. China.....Terracota warriors, shows or performances) and in forests when bushwalking etc. See https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/246271-sigma-70-200-2-8-lens-club.html

Obviously for london you would need somethig shorter/wider as well.......

Last edited by noelpolar; 03-26-2014 at 11:31 PM.

Mazhe · 03-26-2014, 11:26 PM

If you plan on staying APS forever, the 60-250 is way better in image quality, and compatible with the new 1.4 TC if you want to extend your reach for birding.

northmole · 03-26-2014, 11:30 PM

Originally posted by calsan

That's a huge lens for cities and travel? You don't mind being really noticeable and and are prepared to carry the weight???

I wasn't really planning the city shots with the big lens, mainly for the rural scenery and small villages, and we have a bird sanctuary visit scheduled, I'd like to take pics of the cliff birds

Barry Pearson · 03-27-2014, 12:10 AM

Originally posted by northmole

Which lens do you prefer in the 60-200 range? I want to have a nice versitle lens for a trip to Europe, lots of landscapes, buildings and flowers. Not sure which one I should go with.

Also for birding, should I get a 300mm just for that? Would like to take one or two lenses at most. I plan on a lot of walking around London as well, so a lens for this would be needed.
I just go back and forth, unsure of my own decision making process

If I could only take two of my lenses on a round the world trip, they would be my DA* 60-250mm f/4 and my DA 12-24mm f/4. (I would cheat and take my Pentax 1.4x teleconverter too!)

If I could only keep one of my lenses, it would be the DA* 60-250mm.

(I have no experience with the Tamron, but I wouldn't want extra weight and reduced zoom range just to have f/2.8).

GaryH · 03-27-2014, 03:52 AM

For the sake of keeping things light, have you considered the HD DA55-300mm. I tend to travel with that lens vs the 60-250 when I am not anticipating a lot of wildlife shots.

HenrikDK · 03-27-2014, 05:19 AM

Originally posted by Mazhe

If you plan on staying APS forever, the 60-250 is way better in image quality, and compatible with the new 1.4 TC if you want to extend your reach for birding.

There may be other reasons to pick the 60-250 over the Tamron 70-200, but IQ would not be one of them...

normhead · 03-27-2014, 05:26 AM

Originally posted by HenrikDK

There may be other reasons to pick the 60-250 over the Tamron 70-200, but IQ would not be one of them...

Interesting perspective... how do you know this?

cali92rs · 03-27-2014, 05:55 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by HenrikDK

There may be other reasons to pick the 60-250 over the Tamron 70-200, but IQ would not be one of them...

I agree with this...

And I know this because I have owned both of them. The Tamron is on par, IQ-wise, with the the DA*.

There are pros and cons to each lens. I say IQ is a wash.
Weather sealing and range are pros the DA*. I was surprised how much noticeable difference there is with 10mm wider and 50mm longer. I thought It wouldnt make a difference, but it does.
Close focusing and wider aperture are pros for the Tamron.
Price is a big +1 for the Tamron.
The size is probably a wash, i am sure one is bigger than the other, but in practice, neither are small lenses that you want around your neck walking the streets of London.

---------- Post added 03-27-14 at 04:58 AM ----------

Originally posted by GaryH

For the sake of keeping things light, have you considered the HD DA55-300mm. I tend to travel with that lens vs the 60-250 when I am not anticipating a lot of wildlife shots.

I think I would go with the HD DA 55-300mm for travelling over either of the two big guys.

HenrikDK · 03-27-2014, 06:05 AM

Originally posted by normhead

Interesting perspective... how do you know this?

The comment was "way better...".. The Tammy 70-200mm consistently gets applaued for it's IQ, and even in the comparison on this website I seem to recall it was considered having excellent (best?) IQ of the 70-200mm F2.8s being tested. I have the 70-200mm and it rivals my fixed lenses (DFA 100mm, DA* 300mm), and is far better than two copies of the 55-300mm I have owned.

I don't want to get into a discussion of whether it is slightly better or (i doubt it) worse than the 60-250, but the 60-250mm is defintely not MUCH BETTER...

SpecialK · 03-27-2014, 06:12 AM

I love the 70-200 but those are big and long lenses for the city. I always recommend the 12-24 for travel, and if down to one lens it would be the Sigma 17-70 - very handy focal length and focuses closely. Birds usually requires 300mm or hopefully more. I would also recommend the 55-300 for its travel size and decent IQ.

**miltona580** · 03-27-2014, 06:18 AM

I have the DA L 55-300 and the DA* 60-260. The DA L 55-300, which shares the same optical formula as the HD DA 55-300 but has less good coatings (the only IQ-affecting change), is a good lens. The DA* 60-250 is a great lens, better in every way except for price, weight, and size.

bdery · 03-27-2014, 06:22 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Doanh

I'd recommend the Tammy as it is more versatile

I disagree. The reach of the Pentax makes it much more versatile.

Long story short:

Tamron : cheaper, faster aperture, slower AF, slightly more CA, focuses close, internal zooming

Sigma : faster aperture, faster AF, silent AF, internal zooming

Pentax : better build quality, WR, wider AND longer range, lighter, smaller, slightly better IQ, silent AF

I went for the 60-250 and never looked back. It is as good as the others at f4, the wider FOV at 60mm is really a perk, it's better designed (gotta love that foot). It can be found relatively cheap but never as cheap as the Tamron however.

03-26-2014, 10:14 PM	#1
northmole Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 37	DA 60-250 f/4 OR Tammy 70-200??? Others Which lens do you prefer in the 60-200 range? I want to have a nice versitle lens for a trip to Europe, lots of landscapes, buildings and flowers. Not sure which one I should go with. Also for birding, should I get a 300mm just for that? Would like to take one or two lenses at most. I plan on a lot of walking around London as well, so a lens for this would be needed. I just go back and forth, unsure of my own decision making process

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03-26-2014, 10:50 PM	#2
Doanh Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 247	I have both lenses. Out of the two, I'd recommend the Tammy as it is more versatile (f2.8, semi-macro capability). For landscapes and building, I think you need a wide angle lens (DA 14, 15, or 12-24). DA 35 macro works too. Good luck with your trip. Peter

03-26-2014, 10:52 PM	#3
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,548	That's a huge lens for cities and travel? You don't mind being really noticeable and and are prepared to carry the weight???

03-26-2014, 11:20 PM	#4
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	I love my sigma 70-200 2.8 ......... sharp at either end at 2.8 and so quiet to focus. I take it with me when travelling all the time. I've found the low light capabilities of the lens is geat in doors (ie. China.....Terracota warriors, shows or performances) and in forests when bushwalking etc. See https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/246271-sigma-70-200-2-8-lens-club.html Obviously for london you would need somethig shorter/wider as well....... Last edited by noelpolar; 03-26-2014 at 11:31 PM.

03-26-2014, 11:26 PM	#5
Mazhe Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 139	If you plan on staying APS forever, the 60-250 is way better in image quality, and compatible with the new 1.4 TC if you want to extend your reach for birding.

03-26-2014, 11:30 PM	#6
northmole Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 37 Original Poster	Originally posted by calsan That's a huge lens for cities and travel? You don't mind being really noticeable and and are prepared to carry the weight??? I wasn't really planning the city shots with the big lens, mainly for the rural scenery and small villages, and we have a bird sanctuary visit scheduled, I'd like to take pics of the cliff birds

03-27-2014, 12:10 AM	#7
Barry Pearson Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Stockport Posts: 964	Originally posted by northmole Which lens do you prefer in the 60-200 range? I want to have a nice versitle lens for a trip to Europe, lots of landscapes, buildings and flowers. Not sure which one I should go with. Also for birding, should I get a 300mm just for that? Would like to take one or two lenses at most. I plan on a lot of walking around London as well, so a lens for this would be needed. I just go back and forth, unsure of my own decision making process If I could only take two of my lenses on a round the world trip, they would be my DA* 60-250mm f/4 and my DA 12-24mm f/4. (I would cheat and take my Pentax 1.4x teleconverter too!) If I could only keep one of my lenses, it would be the DA* 60-250mm. (I have no experience with the Tamron, but I wouldn't want extra weight and reduced zoom range just to have f/2.8).

03-27-2014, 03:52 AM	#8
GaryH Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Philadelphia, Pa Photos: Gallery Posts: 764	For the sake of keeping things light, have you considered the HD DA55-300mm. I tend to travel with that lens vs the 60-250 when I am not anticipating a lot of wildlife shots.

03-27-2014, 05:19 AM	#9
HenrikDK Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 386	Originally posted by Mazhe If you plan on staying APS forever, the 60-250 is way better in image quality, and compatible with the new 1.4 TC if you want to extend your reach for birding. There may be other reasons to pick the 60-250 over the Tamron 70-200, but IQ would not be one of them...

03-27-2014, 05:26 AM	#10
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,448	Originally posted by HenrikDK There may be other reasons to pick the 60-250 over the Tamron 70-200, but IQ would not be one of them... Interesting perspective... how do you know this?

03-27-2014, 05:55 AM - 1 Like	#11
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Originally posted by HenrikDK There may be other reasons to pick the 60-250 over the Tamron 70-200, but IQ would not be one of them... I agree with this... And I know this because I have owned both of them. The Tamron is on par, IQ-wise, with the the DA. There are pros and cons to each lens. I say IQ is a wash. Weather sealing and range are pros the DA. I was surprised how much noticeable difference there is with 10mm wider and 50mm longer. I thought It wouldnt make a difference, but it does. Close focusing and wider aperture are pros for the Tamron. Price is a big +1 for the Tamron. The size is probably a wash, i am sure one is bigger than the other, but in practice, neither are small lenses that you want around your neck walking the streets of London. ---------- Post added 03-27-14 at 04:58 AM ---------- Originally posted by GaryH For the sake of keeping things light, have you considered the HD DA55-300mm. I tend to travel with that lens vs the 60-250 when I am not anticipating a lot of wildlife shots. I think I would go with the HD DA 55-300mm for travelling over either of the two big guys.

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03-27-2014, 06:05 AM	#12
HenrikDK Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 386	Originally posted by normhead Interesting perspective... how do you know this? The comment was "way better...".. The Tammy 70-200mm consistently gets applaued for it's IQ, and even in the comparison on this website I seem to recall it was considered having excellent (best?) IQ of the 70-200mm F2.8s being tested. I have the 70-200mm and it rivals my fixed lenses (DFA 100mm, DA* 300mm), and is far better than two copies of the 55-300mm I have owned. I don't want to get into a discussion of whether it is slightly better or (i doubt it) worse than the 60-250, but the 60-250mm is defintely not MUCH BETTER...

03-27-2014, 06:12 AM	#13
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	I love the 70-200 but those are big and long lenses for the city. I always recommend the 12-24 for travel, and if down to one lens it would be the Sigma 17-70 - very handy focal length and focuses closely. Birds usually requires 300mm or hopefully more. I would also recommend the 55-300 for its travel size and decent IQ.

03-27-2014, 06:18 AM	#14
miltona580 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 309	I have the DA L 55-300 and the DA* 60-260. The DA L 55-300, which shares the same optical formula as the HD DA 55-300 but has less good coatings (the only IQ-affecting change), is a good lens. The DA* 60-250 is a great lens, better in every way except for price, weight, and size.

03-27-2014, 06:22 AM - 1 Like	#15
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,356	Originally posted by Doanh I'd recommend the Tammy as it is more versatile I disagree. The reach of the Pentax makes it much more versatile. Long story short: Tamron : cheaper, faster aperture, slower AF, slightly more CA, focuses close, internal zooming Sigma : faster aperture, faster AF, silent AF, internal zooming Pentax : better build quality, WR, wider AND longer range, lighter, smaller, slightly better IQ, silent AF I went for the 60-250 and never looked back. It is as good as the others at f4, the wider FOV at 60mm is really a perk, it's better designed (gotta love that foot). It can be found relatively cheap but never as cheap as the Tamron however.