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12-22-2014, 08:26 PM   #16
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I would keep the DA*50-135 and buy the teleconverter. My DA*60-250 never impressed me the way my DA*50-135 and DA*300 still do.

12-22-2014, 08:36 PM   #17
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In good light I find the Sigma 150-500 with a monpod pretty good for racing.
12-22-2014, 08:45 PM   #18
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I was lucky enough to borrow my brother's sigma 50-500 to shoot motogp Silverstone and f1 Valencia a couple years back. But I'm not sure I could justify the cost for the bigma if I'm only using it for racing.

After hearing that the 60-250 IQ doesn't cut it vs its little broyher, I suspect an HD tele may be the best option
12-23-2014, 02:30 AM   #19
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QuoteOriginally posted by Sandy Hancock Quote
I would keep the DA*50-135 and buy the teleconverter. My DA*60-250 never impressed me the way my DA*50-135 and DA*300 still do.
As Sandy said, you're not going to get as good an IQ out of a DA*60-250.

The FA77 is just as versatile as the DA*50-135 for me, mostly because of its fast aperture, and partly because of its small size. So it's possible to replace one with the other. But I need both the DA*50-135 and the FA*85 (my FA77's slightly better replacement). There are times the zoom is more appropriate, but probably more often I'd rather just have (and do only take) the FA*85 (or FA77 when I had it).


Don't sell the *300 lenses short - you might be better off with two bodies - one with a *300 and one with an FA77 on it. Sometimes a tighter shot is exactly what you need to make it interesting!

12-23-2014, 05:50 AM   #20
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QuoteOriginally posted by Sandy Hancock Quote
I would keep the DA*50-135 and buy the teleconverter. My DA*60-250 never impressed me the way my DA*50-135 and DA*300 still do.

The perceived IQ difference between the DA*60-250 vs. the DA*50-135 could be more down to sample variation than design. Granted, I own neither of those nor have I shot them, but the bottom line of all the reviews I've read would seem to be that IQ-wise the DA*60-250 is more akin to the DA*300, which would make it a fine lens indeed (if you get a good copy, that is). Interestingly, the DA*60-250 and DA*300 score very similarly in average user liking on this site, and somewhat higher than the DA*50-135. (Which, needless to say, doesn't mean that the latter isn't an awesome lens.)
12-23-2014, 10:16 AM   #21
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I've owned the 60-250 since September, shot thousands of shots with it, and I still find myself being stunned at how fantastic it is. Honestly, I think that if any of the lenses I own has "pixie dust" it's the 60-250. Maybe I just got lucky and got a good copy.
12-23-2014, 10:36 AM - 1 Like   #22
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QuoteOriginally posted by reeftool Quote
Overlap is a fact of life in photography.
How would one justify LBA if overlapping wasn't allowed?

Seb

12-24-2014, 06:43 AM   #23
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QuoteOriginally posted by bassek Quote
How would one justify LBA if overlapping wasn't allowed?

Seb
Lol. Agreed.
12-24-2014, 07:56 AM - 1 Like   #24
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I take pics at a drag racing track. I shoot from the bleachers...and of course every bleacher to track is different. I've used both my 55-300 (one of the first models out, bought June 2008) and occasionally my Sigma 150-500....among other lenses.

I find that I'm usually shooting at 250 to 275mm to get a drag vehicle to fill the frame. Sometimes I want a closeup of a racer in an open race car or on a motorcycle. Again track distances are different at each track. I also move around a lot, through the pits....hit both sides of the track...sometimes behind the start line....a zoom with a lot of range helps. Racing generally is outdoors and during the day...for me anyways... and I find I don't need a fast F 2.8 lens. For racing shots, I generally have the lens set at F 8, F10...or sometimes F 5.6/6.3.

I get plenty of shutter speed at 400 ISO. I can easily go to 800 ISO if need be....with my K-5 and little loss in resolution.

I wouldn't want to not use a zoom...as I can make picture frame adjustments easily and quickly. A prime like a 300 will limit a photographer at a race track, IMO.

I don't like using a monopod or a tripod. I need to be able to react quickly as to what is happening on the track.

I actually prefer using my 55-300 to other lenses ...when at the track...due to it's lighweight....very good clarity....and wide focal options.

Last edited by lesmore49; 12-24-2014 at 08:01 AM.
12-24-2014, 10:00 AM   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by Madaboutpix Quote
The perceived IQ difference between the DA*60-250 vs. the DA*50-135 could be more down to sample variation than design.
I really don't think so. It comes down to the perceptor. Some of us don't "percept" as critically as others. Or we shoot with a style that isn't as demanding on the lens (e.g. we shoot closer to f/8, rather than close to wide-open - or we lean heavily on PP).



If you haven't shot a lens, then I suggest carefully examining shots taken with it (including the settings used) in order to form an opinion about it. Other's opinions are very helpful - especially in pointing us in the right direction - but ultimately we need to look at the output for ourselves. If we can't get hands-on, then others' opinions are extremely useful in giving us hints about ergonomics and other factors.


But ultimately, IQ speaks for itself - if that's what you're comparing!

Last edited by DSims; 12-24-2014 at 10:11 AM.
12-24-2014, 11:40 AM   #26
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The best thing to do is rent, or borrow, the lens so you can make up your own mind.
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