Sigma 70-300mm - Upgrade to Pentax 55-300mm??

theraven871 · 06-02-2014, 02:08 PM

I currently own a sigma 70-300mm and I am very happy with it.
The only complaint I have is I sometimes wish it would zoom down to 50mm.

I'm tempted to order a used Pentax 55mm-300mm (especially since they can be found so cheap!)
I'm not hoping that the lens is better optically than the sigma. I only want the additional 55-70mm zoom range.

However, I do need to ask: Is the Pentax lens at least on par optically with the Sigma?
I don't want to order one just to find out that it isn't as good of a lens as the Sigma.

**boriscleto** · 06-02-2014, 02:13 PM

The only thing it doesn't do is focus quite as close.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/130-lens-sample-photo-archive/153150-pent...d-samples.html

tibbitts · 06-02-2014, 03:27 PM

The additional range on the Pentax is a significant advantage, and there are some other advantages too, depending if you get the L version or the DA/WR.

Only you can determine the relative performance for the lenses you actually have, and that's what matters, not whether some hypothetically perfect 70-300 would out/under-perform some hypothetically perfect 55-300.

Depending on what other lenses you have, the other choice would be to fill the gap on the short end with, for example, a 17-70mm vs. an 18-55mm. Or you could go with the 60mm Tamron macro. Oh wait, you can't. Thanks, Tamron.

Having recently taken a couple of thousand pictures with a 17-50 and 70-300 (vs. the 55-300 previously and the 50-200 prior to that), I can tell you that the 50-70mm range is missed - but so far I haven't missed it quite as much as I'd thought.

bluenose · 06-02-2014, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by theraven871

I currently own a sigma 70-300mm and I am very happy with it.
The only complaint I have is I sometimes wish it would zoom down to 50mm.

I'm tempted to order a used Pentax 55mm-300mm (especially since they can be found so cheap!)
I'm not hoping that the lens is better optically than the sigma. I only want the additional 55-70mm zoom range.

However, I do need to ask: Is the Pentax lens at least on par optically with the Sigma?
I don't want to order one just to find out that it isn't as good of a lens as the Sigma.

I was in a similar quandary with my Tamron 70-300mm lens in that the 55mm to 70mm gap from the kit lens was annoying at times. I picked up the Pentax 55-300 DA L and haven't regretted it. Image quality is on a par with the Tamron and focal lengths 18-55mm and 55-300mm are covered with no gaps. The Tamron was able to focus closer but to date haven't missed it.

Regards

Bob from Aus · 06-02-2014, 04:08 PM

If you are happy with the sigma 70-300 you have no idea just how exceptional the pentax 60-250 is. They are worlds apart. While you might think that this pentax lens only goes to 250 my sigma 70-300 was very poor from 250 to 300. Yes it is more dollars, but the 60-250 should still be a coveted lens 20 years from now (if SLRs still exist)

DSims · 06-02-2014, 05:35 PM - **1 Like**

If anything, the DA55-300 has better IQ than the Sigma 70-300, so there shouldn't be a problem there.

When I had the DA55-300 I thought having the 55mm end was very handy. It really helps when someone or a group comes closer to you than you expected, and you can still frame the shot.

calsan · 06-02-2014, 07:07 PM

The 55-300 is slightly better in the centre than the 70-300, but much much better at the edges. 70-300 is more decisive when autofocusing, but when it misses, you can't quick shift it, like you can with the pentax. I had the 70-300APO and sold it once I bought the 55-300. Apart from the noisy autofocus (which also is a problem on the sigma), I'm happy. I would get the wr version, were I to buy now.

SpecialK · 06-02-2014, 07:23 PM

Originally posted by theraven871

Is the Pentax lens at least on par optically with the Sigma?
I don't want to order one just to find out that it isn't as good of a lens as the Sigma.

All similar threads have ended the same way - the Pentax 55-300 IQ is better than the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro (the better of the 2 versions of that) and the Tamron 70-300. You lose the close focusing ability, however.

reeftool · 06-02-2014, 08:02 PM

I have the Sigma 70-300. On bright sunny days when I can shoot at f/11, it's wonderful. On cloudy days and poor light, not so good although I can usually get acceptable results with some extra PP. I have used it indoors with a flash on the short end of the zoom and had surprisingly good results. I don't have the 55-300 but from what I have seen posted, it appears to be a better lens. I have hesitated to replace the Sigma with the 55-300 because I'm not convinced it's that much better although the new WR tips the scales. I use the macro feature of my Sigma quite a bit and it's superb for close ups from canoes and kayaks. The 70-300 is worth owning for that feature alone IMO. Most of my telephoto shooting is done with MF primes although I just spent the day shooting motorcycle races with the Sigma with decent results (bright sunshine, f/8-f/11). The racers all love them so I guess that's what counts.

theraven871 · 06-03-2014, 06:18 AM

I really appreciate the feedback.
From what I'm understanding, the Pentax 55-300mm is equal to (or better) than the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro.
However, the Pentax will not be as useful for Macro shots.

I'm going to order the Pentax 55-300mm.
Its so cheap to buy a used copy that I'm confident that if I don't like it, I could always resell it.
Thanks again for the replies!

---------- Post added 06-03-14 at 08:41 AM ----------

Originally posted by Bob from Aus

If you are happy with the sigma 70-300 you have no idea just how exceptional the pentax 60-250 is. They are worlds apart. While you might think that this pentax lens only goes to 250 my sigma 70-300 was very poor from 250 to 300. Yes it is more dollars, but the 60-250 should still be a coveted lens 20 years from now (if SLRs still exist)

I'm not upset with my Sigma from 250-300mm. Yes, it is a bit soft, but not soft enough to destroy any photos I take. Its still quite sharp.
I keep hearing about the Pentax 60-250mm. I will definitely try one out.
But they seem to be a bit too expensive.

---------- Post added 06-03-14 at 08:44 AM ----------

Originally posted by bluenose

I was in a similar quandary with my Tamron 70-300mm lens in that the 55mm to 70mm gap from the kit lens was annoying at times. I picked up the Pentax 55-300 DA L and haven't regretted it. Image quality is on a par with the Tamron and focal lengths 18-55mm and 55-300mm are covered with no gaps. The Tamron was able to focus closer but to date haven't missed it.

Regards

Exactly. That gap between 55-70mm is really useful. There are many times I have my Sigma 70-300mm mounted and discover that I NEED to get down around 50mm.

---------- Post added 06-03-14 at 08:45 AM ----------

Originally posted by DSims

If anything, the DA55-300 has better IQ than the Sigma 70-300, so there shouldn't be a problem there.
When I had the DA55-300 I thought having the 55mm end was very handy. It really helps when someone or a group comes closer to you than you expected, and you can still frame the shot.

Thank you. This was EXACTLY what I needed to know.

---------- Post added 06-03-14 at 08:45 AM ----------

Originally posted by SpecialK

All similar threads have ended the same way - the Pentax 55-300 IQ is better than the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro (the better of the 2 versions of that) and the Tamron 70-300. You lose the close focusing ability, however.

Thank you.

06-02-2014, 02:08 PM	#1
theraven871 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 86	Sigma 70-300mm - Upgrade to Pentax 55-300mm?? I currently own a sigma 70-300mm and I am very happy with it. The only complaint I have is I sometimes wish it would zoom down to 50mm. I'm tempted to order a used Pentax 55mm-300mm (especially since they can be found so cheap!) I'm not hoping that the lens is better optically than the sigma. I only want the additional 55-70mm zoom range. However, I do need to ask: Is the Pentax lens at least on par optically with the Sigma? I don't want to order one just to find out that it isn't as good of a lens as the Sigma.

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06-02-2014, 02:13 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	The only thing it doesn't do is focus quite as close. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/130-lens-sample-photo-archive/153150-pent...d-samples.html

06-02-2014, 03:27 PM	#3
tibbitts Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 2,193	The additional range on the Pentax is a significant advantage, and there are some other advantages too, depending if you get the L version or the DA/WR. Only you can determine the relative performance for the lenses you actually have, and that's what matters, not whether some hypothetically perfect 70-300 would out/under-perform some hypothetically perfect 55-300. Depending on what other lenses you have, the other choice would be to fill the gap on the short end with, for example, a 17-70mm vs. an 18-55mm. Or you could go with the 60mm Tamron macro. Oh wait, you can't. Thanks, Tamron. Having recently taken a couple of thousand pictures with a 17-50 and 70-300 (vs. the 55-300 previously and the 50-200 prior to that), I can tell you that the 50-70mm range is missed - but so far I haven't missed it quite as much as I'd thought.

06-02-2014, 03:47 PM	#4
bluenose Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: S. Ontario Posts: 227	Originally posted by theraven871 I currently own a sigma 70-300mm and I am very happy with it. The only complaint I have is I sometimes wish it would zoom down to 50mm. I'm tempted to order a used Pentax 55mm-300mm (especially since they can be found so cheap!) I'm not hoping that the lens is better optically than the sigma. I only want the additional 55-70mm zoom range. However, I do need to ask: Is the Pentax lens at least on par optically with the Sigma? I don't want to order one just to find out that it isn't as good of a lens as the Sigma. I was in a similar quandary with my Tamron 70-300mm lens in that the 55mm to 70mm gap from the kit lens was annoying at times. I picked up the Pentax 55-300 DA L and haven't regretted it. Image quality is on a par with the Tamron and focal lengths 18-55mm and 55-300mm are covered with no gaps. The Tamron was able to focus closer but to date haven't missed it. Regards

06-02-2014, 04:08 PM	#5
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	If you are happy with the sigma 70-300 you have no idea just how exceptional the pentax 60-250 is. They are worlds apart. While you might think that this pentax lens only goes to 250 my sigma 70-300 was very poor from 250 to 300. Yes it is more dollars, but the 60-250 should still be a coveted lens 20 years from now (if SLRs still exist)

06-02-2014, 05:35 PM - 1 Like	#6
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	If anything, the DA55-300 has better IQ than the Sigma 70-300, so there shouldn't be a problem there. When I had the DA55-300 I thought having the 55mm end was very handy. It really helps when someone or a group comes closer to you than you expected, and you can still frame the shot.

06-02-2014, 07:07 PM	#7
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,548	The 55-300 is slightly better in the centre than the 70-300, but much much better at the edges. 70-300 is more decisive when autofocusing, but when it misses, you can't quick shift it, like you can with the pentax. I had the 70-300APO and sold it once I bought the 55-300. Apart from the noisy autofocus (which also is a problem on the sigma), I'm happy. I would get the wr version, were I to buy now.

06-02-2014, 07:23 PM	#8
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Originally posted by theraven871 Is the Pentax lens at least on par optically with the Sigma? I don't want to order one just to find out that it isn't as good of a lens as the Sigma. All similar threads have ended the same way - the Pentax 55-300 IQ is better than the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro (the better of the 2 versions of that) and the Tamron 70-300. You lose the close focusing ability, however.

06-02-2014, 08:02 PM	#9
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,553	I have the Sigma 70-300. On bright sunny days when I can shoot at f/11, it's wonderful. On cloudy days and poor light, not so good although I can usually get acceptable results with some extra PP. I have used it indoors with a flash on the short end of the zoom and had surprisingly good results. I don't have the 55-300 but from what I have seen posted, it appears to be a better lens. I have hesitated to replace the Sigma with the 55-300 because I'm not convinced it's that much better although the new WR tips the scales. I use the macro feature of my Sigma quite a bit and it's superb for close ups from canoes and kayaks. The 70-300 is worth owning for that feature alone IMO. Most of my telephoto shooting is done with MF primes although I just spent the day shooting motorcycle races with the Sigma with decent results (bright sunshine, f/8-f/11). The racers all love them so I guess that's what counts.

06-03-2014, 06:18 AM	#10
theraven871 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 86 Original Poster	I really appreciate the feedback. From what I'm understanding, the Pentax 55-300mm is equal to (or better) than the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro. However, the Pentax will not be as useful for Macro shots. I'm going to order the Pentax 55-300mm. Its so cheap to buy a used copy that I'm confident that if I don't like it, I could always resell it. Thanks again for the replies! ---------- Post added 06-03-14 at 08:41 AM ---------- Originally posted by Bob from Aus If you are happy with the sigma 70-300 you have no idea just how exceptional the pentax 60-250 is. They are worlds apart. While you might think that this pentax lens only goes to 250 my sigma 70-300 was very poor from 250 to 300. Yes it is more dollars, but the 60-250 should still be a coveted lens 20 years from now (if SLRs still exist) I'm not upset with my Sigma from 250-300mm. Yes, it is a bit soft, but not soft enough to destroy any photos I take. Its still quite sharp. I keep hearing about the Pentax 60-250mm. I will definitely try one out. But they seem to be a bit too expensive. ---------- Post added 06-03-14 at 08:44 AM ---------- Originally posted by bluenose I was in a similar quandary with my Tamron 70-300mm lens in that the 55mm to 70mm gap from the kit lens was annoying at times. I picked up the Pentax 55-300 DA L and haven't regretted it. Image quality is on a par with the Tamron and focal lengths 18-55mm and 55-300mm are covered with no gaps. The Tamron was able to focus closer but to date haven't missed it. Regards Exactly. That gap between 55-70mm is really useful. There are many times I have my Sigma 70-300mm mounted and discover that I NEED to get down around 50mm. ---------- Post added 06-03-14 at 08:45 AM ---------- Originally posted by DSims If anything, the DA55-300 has better IQ than the Sigma 70-300, so there shouldn't be a problem there. When I had the DA55-300 I thought having the 55mm end was very handy. It really helps when someone or a group comes closer to you than you expected, and you can still frame the shot. Thank you. This was EXACTLY what I needed to know. ---------- Post added 06-03-14 at 08:45 AM ---------- Originally posted by SpecialK All similar threads have ended the same way - the Pentax 55-300 IQ is better than the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro (the better of the 2 versions of that) and the Tamron 70-300. You lose the close focusing ability, however. Thank you.