Help needed-DA*50-135 vs Sigma 70-200 2.8 EX DG APO Macro II

Dario79 · 02-16-2015, 12:20 PM

Hy all and thanx in advance. I own DA*50-135 2.8 and I was offered Sigma for exchange. I love may DA but Sigma is FF and I plan to step into FF world

IQ of DA is great exept on the long end wide open but that's not problem. AF is slow and I'd like to have faster. I heard that Sigma is better in this regard. I,m worried about mixed reviews on Sigma IQ. Some say it's great even wide open but some say it's soft and lacks contrast. Did anyone had both lenses and could you give me some advice. I'm bit unsure about that trade because DA have WR and I love that. I'd sacrifice it if IQ of Sigma is at least near IQ of DA.
Thanx one more time

**sergysergy** · 02-16-2015, 12:27 PM

I have had both (well, the older version of the Sigma) and I prefer the Sigma. Maybe because of the extra reach. The older version was supposed to be better that the macro ones so maybe that's why you are reading mixed reviews. The 50-135 is great too.

Blue · 02-16-2015, 12:35 PM

There is the money issue, but you could hold out for the new D FA* 70-200/2.8 ED AW.

Dario79 · 02-16-2015, 12:41 PM

Ouch- money is serious issue

That kind of money is somewere between lottery wining and wonderland

)

MadMathMind · 02-16-2015, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by Blue

There is the money issue, but you could hold out for the new D FA* 70-200/2.8 ED AW.

I don't think it's going to be $2k better. You can pick up the Sigma for ~$600. Hard to beat that.

I have the Sigma II and it's a really wonderful lens. The results speak for themselves:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/madmathmind/sets/72157649539510101/

Blue · 02-16-2015, 01:24 PM

Originally posted by MadMathMind

I don't think it's going to be $2k better. You can pick up the Sigma for ~$600. Hard to beat that.

I have the Sigma II and it's a really wonderful lens. The results speak for themselves:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/madmathmind/sets/72157649539510101/

I have seen MSRP ~ $2200 for it. It is less than the D FA zoom. That said, I expect it to be on par with the FA* 80-200mm/2.8 which I don't think Sigma nor Tamron is going to touch in a zoom. I have seen some good images from the Sigma and Tammy zooms, but that FA*, the good images are just in another league. They may not be $2K better but they are definitely 1K better. And are ff ready and Dario is expecting to go into the ff world which is why I mentioned and why I mentioned the money issue.

PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model

PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model

PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model

Dario79 · 02-16-2015, 01:28 PM

I hope D FA will live up to it's price.... That is most expensive 70-200 and doesn't have OS so I guess optics are perfect from 70 to 200....we'll see about that.)
Thanks for info MadMathMind

Blue · 02-16-2015, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by Dario79

I hope D FA will live up to it's price.... That is most expensive 70-200 and doesn't have OS so I guess optics are perfect from 70 to 200....we'll see about that.)
Thanks for info MadMathMind

Pentax bodies have the SR in them.

Dario79 · 02-16-2015, 01:43 PM

Just to put things in perspective. I shoot wedding and I need at least good IQ wide open. Like wedding book good IQ. DA* is giving me very good IQ up to~120mm than it is "just" good. FF is serious consideration because most of my lenses are for FF. I don't have much but it is nice setup for what I do. F 35-70, manual focus Sigma 90 2.8 macro(that lens is beast in the best way), A 50 1.7 and DA*50-135. I borow Tamron 17-50 2.8 for wide shots when I nead it. So if Sigma is on pair with DA* or at least not significantly weaker I would go for it.

---------- Post added 02-16-15 at 09:54 PM ----------

@Blue I know we have SR and that's not my point. Point is price especialy comparing to Canon. OS cost money just like all metal body and optics on Canon version are amazing. We are being served with plastic body,no OS and price tag is above Canikon. That is strange IMO because Pentax have to offer more than them if they want to make enterance in to FF world. Pentax FF lineup can't egsist on our posible purchases. There is not enough of us and Pentax have to lure new costumers to buy the product. To do that it have to give something. It's not APSC world and we are starting from scratch now. Some kind of deal like 645z is in MF world...

**clackers** · 02-16-2015, 03:14 PM

Originally posted by Dario79

Point is price especialy comparing to Canon. ..

Pentax (or Olympus or Fuji) can't undercut low margin, high volume sellers like Canon or Nikon - it's a fight that can't be won.

The majority of Pentax FF buyers will be loyal current Pentax APS-C owners, so you do your pricing accordingly - high margin, low volume. :-)

Blue · 02-16-2015, 04:10 PM

Originally posted by Dario79

Just to put things in perspective. I shoot wedding and I need at least good IQ wide open. Like wedding book good IQ. DA* is giving me very good IQ up to~120mm than it is "just" good. FF is serious consideration because most of my lenses are for FF. I don't have much but it is nice setup for what I do. F 35-70, manual focus Sigma 90 2.8 macro(that lens is beast in the best way), A 50 1.7 and DA*50-135. I borow Tamron 17-50 2.8 for wide shots when I nead it. So if Sigma is on pair with DA* or at least not significantly weaker I would go for it.

---------- Post added 02-16-15 at 09:54 PM ----------

@Blue I know we have SR and that's not my point. Point is price especialy comparing to Canon. OS cost money just like all metal body and optics on Canon version are amazing. We are being served with plastic body,no OS and price tag is above Canikon. That is strange IMO because Pentax have to offer more than them if they want to make enterance in to FF world. Pentax FF lineup can't egsist on our posible purchases. There is not enough of us and Pentax have to lure new costumers to buy the product. To do that it have to give something. It's not APSC world and we are starting from scratch now. Some kind of deal like 645z is in MF world...

Really?
Canon's L lens in 70-200mm/2.8

$2199 or $2099 after rebate.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens 2751B002

Furthermore, Pentax isn't starting as far from scratch as you may think. They have several hundred designs they can pull from. Plus their prime line is in good shape.

BTW, Canon has a 100-400 variable aperture zoom L glass coming out as well for $2199.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1092632-REG/canon_9524b002_ef_100_400m...5_5_6l_is.html

Blue · 02-16-2015, 04:23 PM

The Sigma 70-200/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon is currently $1200 after a 200 rebate at BH.

howieb101 · 02-16-2015, 04:34 PM - **1 Like**

I have both and they both have excellent image quality. However, I use them quite differently. The Sigma 70-200 HSM II is what I regard as a specialist lens as it is so heavy, 1.4kg. Whereas, the DA*50-135 is a lot more portable. The Sigma has by far faster AF.

The DA* has superlative image quality and when you nail it the Sigma also has excellent image quality. One of my favorite portraits is from the Sigma but then again I have plenty of portraits from the DA* that I am happy with.

I'd say if AF is important for you the Sigma has good enough image quality that you wouldn't feel you were missing out. Also for portraits, the extra focal length can help blur the background more but if you can control the background the DA* is more than good enough at this as well.

I like the DA* because it is WR and you never know when that is going to come in handy.

Howie B

robjmitchell · 02-16-2015, 04:52 PM

The only real downsides with the sigma are the weight and colour rendition. If you use tripods then the weight is no big deal, If you are carrying them round your neck then it becomes an issue. Of course if you find the 50-135 is lacking in range then utilising a 70-200/2.8 on both APS-C and FF gives you more options.

Qwntm · 02-16-2015, 06:25 PM - **1 Like**

They really are different lenses for different purposes. IF they were FF equals then your talking about a 70-200 (50-135) and 100-300 (70-200)

One's very light and portable with decent reach and the other is heavy and not so portable with better reach.

You need both.

02-16-2015, 12:20 PM	#1
Dario79 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Zagreb Posts: 102	*Help needed-DA50-135 vs Sigma 70-200 2.8 EX DG APO Macro II** Hy all and thanx in advance. I own DA*50-135 2.8 and I was offered Sigma for exchange. I love may DA but Sigma is FF and I plan to step into FF world IQ of DA is great exept on the long end wide open but that's not problem. AF is slow and I'd like to have faster. I heard that Sigma is better in this regard. I,m worried about mixed reviews on Sigma IQ. Some say it's great even wide open but some say it's soft and lacks contrast. Did anyone had both lenses and could you give me some advice. I'm bit unsure about that trade because DA have WR and I love that. I'd sacrifice it if IQ of Sigma is at least near IQ of DA. Thanx one more time

02-16-2015, 12:41 PM	#4
Dario79 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Zagreb Posts: 102 Original Poster	Ouch- money is serious issue That kind of money is somewere between lottery wining and wonderland)

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02-16-2015, 12:27 PM	#2
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,170	I have had both (well, the older version of the Sigma) and I prefer the Sigma. Maybe because of the extra reach. The older version was supposed to be better that the macro ones so maybe that's why you are reading mixed reviews. The 50-135 is great too.

02-16-2015, 12:35 PM	#3
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	There is the money issue, but you could hold out for the new D FA* 70-200/2.8 ED AW.

02-16-2015, 12:56 PM	#5
MadMathMind Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,717	Originally posted by Blue There is the money issue, but you could hold out for the new D FA* 70-200/2.8 ED AW. I don't think it's going to be $2k better. You can pick up the Sigma for ~$600. Hard to beat that. I have the Sigma II and it's a really wonderful lens. The results speak for themselves: https://www.flickr.com/photos/madmathmind/sets/72157649539510101/

02-16-2015, 01:24 PM	#6
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by MadMathMind I don't think it's going to be $2k better. You can pick up the Sigma for ~$600. Hard to beat that. I have the Sigma II and it's a really wonderful lens. The results speak for themselves: https://www.flickr.com/photos/madmathmind/sets/72157649539510101/ I have seen MSRP ~ $2200 for it. It is less than the D FA zoom. That said, I expect it to be on par with the FA* 80-200mm/2.8 which I don't think Sigma nor Tamron is going to touch in a zoom. I have seen some good images from the Sigma and Tammy zooms, but that FA*, the good images are just in another league. They may not be $2K better but they are definitely 1K better. And are ff ready and Dario is expecting to go into the ff world which is why I mentioned and why I mentioned the money issue. PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model

02-16-2015, 01:28 PM	#7
Dario79 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Zagreb Posts: 102 Original Poster	I hope D FA will live up to it's price.... That is most expensive 70-200 and doesn't have OS so I guess optics are perfect from 70 to 200....we'll see about that.) Thanks for info MadMathMind

02-16-2015, 01:31 PM	#8
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Dario79 I hope D FA will live up to it's price.... That is most expensive 70-200 and doesn't have OS so I guess optics are perfect from 70 to 200....we'll see about that.) Thanks for info MadMathMind Pentax bodies have the SR in them.

02-16-2015, 01:43 PM	#9
Dario79 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Zagreb Posts: 102 Original Poster	Just to put things in perspective. I shoot wedding and I need at least good IQ wide open. Like wedding book good IQ. DA* is giving me very good IQ up to~120mm than it is "just" good. FF is serious consideration because most of my lenses are for FF. I don't have much but it is nice setup for what I do. F 35-70, manual focus Sigma 90 2.8 macro(that lens is beast in the best way), A 50 1.7 and DA50-135. I borow Tamron 17-50 2.8 for wide shots when I nead it. So if Sigma is on pair with DA or at least not significantly weaker I would go for it. ---------- Post added 02-16-15 at 09:54 PM ---------- @Blue I know we have SR and that's not my point. Point is price especialy comparing to Canon. OS cost money just like all metal body and optics on Canon version are amazing. We are being served with plastic body,no OS and price tag is above Canikon. That is strange IMO because Pentax have to offer more than them if they want to make enterance in to FF world. Pentax FF lineup can't egsist on our posible purchases. There is not enough of us and Pentax have to lure new costumers to buy the product. To do that it have to give something. It's not APSC world and we are starting from scratch now. Some kind of deal like 645z is in MF world...

02-16-2015, 03:14 PM	#10
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Dario79 Point is price especialy comparing to Canon. .. Pentax (or Olympus or Fuji) can't undercut low margin, high volume sellers like Canon or Nikon - it's a fight that can't be won. The majority of Pentax FF buyers will be loyal current Pentax APS-C owners, so you do your pricing accordingly - high margin, low volume. :-)

02-16-2015, 04:10 PM	#11
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Dario79 Just to put things in perspective. I shoot wedding and I need at least good IQ wide open. Like wedding book good IQ. DA* is giving me very good IQ up to~120mm than it is "just" good. FF is serious consideration because most of my lenses are for FF. I don't have much but it is nice setup for what I do. F 35-70, manual focus Sigma 90 2.8 macro(that lens is beast in the best way), A 50 1.7 and DA50-135. I borow Tamron 17-50 2.8 for wide shots when I nead it. So if Sigma is on pair with DA or at least not significantly weaker I would go for it. ---------- Post added 02-16-15 at 09:54 PM ---------- @Blue I know we have SR and that's not my point. Point is price especialy comparing to Canon. OS cost money just like all metal body and optics on Canon version are amazing. We are being served with plastic body,no OS and price tag is above Canikon. That is strange IMO because Pentax have to offer more than them if they want to make enterance in to FF world. Pentax FF lineup can't egsist on our posible purchases. There is not enough of us and Pentax have to lure new costumers to buy the product. To do that it have to give something. It's not APSC world and we are starting from scratch now. Some kind of deal like 645z is in MF world... Really? Canon's L lens in 70-200mm/2.8 $2199 or $2099 after rebate. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens 2751B002 Furthermore, Pentax isn't starting as far from scratch as you may think. They have several hundred designs they can pull from. Plus their prime line is in good shape. BTW, Canon has a 100-400 variable aperture zoom L glass coming out as well for $2199. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1092632-REG/canon_9524b002_ef_100_400m...5_5_6l_is.html

02-16-2015, 04:23 PM	#12
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	The Sigma 70-200/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Canon is currently $1200 after a 200 rebate at BH.

02-16-2015, 04:34 PM - 1 Like	#13
howieb101 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 594	I have both and they both have excellent image quality. However, I use them quite differently. The Sigma 70-200 HSM II is what I regard as a specialist lens as it is so heavy, 1.4kg. Whereas, the DA50-135 is a lot more portable. The Sigma has by far faster AF. The DA has superlative image quality and when you nail it the Sigma also has excellent image quality. One of my favorite portraits is from the Sigma but then again I have plenty of portraits from the DA* that I am happy with. I'd say if AF is important for you the Sigma has good enough image quality that you wouldn't feel you were missing out. Also for portraits, the extra focal length can help blur the background more but if you can control the background the DA* is more than good enough at this as well. I like the DA* because it is WR and you never know when that is going to come in handy. Howie B

02-16-2015, 04:52 PM	#14
robjmitchell Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Aus Posts: 1,776	The only real downsides with the sigma are the weight and colour rendition. If you use tripods then the weight is no big deal, If you are carrying them round your neck then it becomes an issue. Of course if you find the 50-135 is lacking in range then utilising a 70-200/2.8 on both APS-C and FF gives you more options.

02-16-2015, 06:25 PM - 1 Like	#15
Qwntm Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 856	They really are different lenses for different purposes. IF they were FF equals then your talking about a 70-200 (50-135) and 100-300 (70-200) One's very light and portable with decent reach and the other is heavy and not so portable with better reach. You need both.