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05-07-2015, 07:11 AM   #1
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Telephoto Lens Advice Please!

I have really been going back and forth about which telephoto lens to get and feel like I just don't have enough information to make an informed decision. Your thoughts and experience would be greatly appreciated!

Amount willing to spend: ~$1000
Planned uses for telephoto lens: air shows/aviation, nature, sports
Prime or zoom: Not sure.
Teleconverter: Not opposed to it.

Lenses considered so far: Sigma 150-500 F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM, Sigma 100-300 F4 EX, Sigma 120-400 F/4.5.-5.6 APO HSM DG OS.
Lenses I want to avoid: DA* 300mm (would like to get a lens capable of FF)
Lenses I have: Tamron 70-200mm F2.8

Qualities I want most in a lens: IQ, sharpness
Things that don't bother me too much: Weight

My concerns:
- Will a long prime be too long at times shooting air shows/aviation and sports? I feel like there are instances even with the 70-200mm that I zoom out because a subject comes too close.
- Will a prime telephoto lens coupled with a teleconverter still yield good images?

I think these are most of the things I'm trying to factor into my decision. Thank you in advance for your advice.

05-07-2015, 07:19 AM   #2
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"Will a prime telephoto lens coupled with a teleconverter still yield good images?


Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/294864-tele...#ixzz3ZSixmquk

Only if you use a tripod, once you get past the 300mm range it gets really hard trying to hand hold the lens and camera and get a good focused shot.
05-07-2015, 07:20 AM   #3
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On a $1000 budget the DA* is the best option in terms of IQ. From its design patent is rated as FF compatible. The second best in terms of IQ would be the 150-500 OS HSM lens...
05-07-2015, 07:26 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by vagabond79 Quote
Lenses I want to avoid: DA* 300mm (would like to get a lens capable of FF)
The DA* 300 is supposed to be based on FF design and reportedly works pretty well on FF. It's significantly superior, in terms of IQ, to all the Sigma lenses, except for the Sigma 100-300. I would reconsider the position on avoiding the DA* 300 (at least for the reason given). The only real issue with the DA* 300 is that it's a prime lens and might not have the flexibility you need.

Another possible solution might be to use the 1.4 TC with the Tamron 70-200.

05-07-2015, 07:26 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Stavri Quote
On a $1000 budget the DA* is the best option in terms of IQ. From its design patent is rated as FF compatible. The second best in terms of IQ would be the 150-500 OS HSM lens...
Interesting. I never knew the DA* was so close to FF compatible. That may help make my decision. Thank you.

---------- Post added 05-07-15 at 10:32 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by northcoastgreg Quote
It's significantly superior, in terms of IQ, to all the Sigma lenses, except for the Sigma 100-300.
Just curious, do you have experience with the Sigma 100-300 F4? If so, have you compared it to any telephoto primes?
05-07-2015, 07:33 AM   #6
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The question you have to answer is whether you need a zoom, in which case the 150-500 might be the best bet. Or if a prime will work, either with or without the TC.
QuoteOriginally posted by vagabond79 Quote
Will a prime telephoto lens coupled with a teleconverter still yield good images?
Take a look at this thread and the test images. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/293399-pent...da-300-iq.html My conclusion was that the DA*300 + HD 1.4x RC was better than the DA*300 alone when images were cropped to the same size. So that combo gives you 300mm and 420mm with excellent IQ.

Another option is the DA*60-250 + HD 1.4x RC that combo has been delivering very good images as well.
05-07-2015, 07:45 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by vagabond79 Quote
Interesting. I never knew the DA* was so close to FF compatible. That may help make my decision. Thank you.

---------- Post added 05-07-15 at 10:32 AM ----------



Just curious, do you have experience with the Sigma 100-300 F4? If so, have you compared it to any telephoto primes?

I've used the Sigma 100-300/f4 some years back (sold it for the Sigma 300/f2.8), it's a fine lens for all purposes, sharp from 100-240mm then softens up a bit. In comparison my F* 300mm f4.5 (with a hazy inner element) is superior. The 100-300 is all about high performance flexibility, it produces great images with careful technique, framing and post-processing, but can't match the performance of the F*/FA*/DA* 300 offerings.

05-07-2015, 07:46 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by vagabond79 Quote
I have really been going back and forth about which telephoto lens to get and feel like I just don't have enough information to make an informed decision. Your thoughts and experience would be greatly appreciated!

Teleconverter: Not opposed to it.
Fair enough a converter is a good option with quality glass
QuoteOriginally posted by vagabond79 Quote
Lenses considered so far: Sigma 150-500 F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM, Sigma 100-300 F4 EX, Sigma 120-400 F/4.5.-5.6 APO HSM DG OS.
No converter in existence will AF these lens properly besides the screw 100-300 (if you can find one)
QuoteOriginally posted by vagabond79 Quote
Lenses I want to avoid: DA* 300mm (would like to get a lens capable of FF)
Lenses I have: Tamron 70-200mm F2.8

Qualities I want most in a lens: IQ, sharpness
Things that don't bother me too much: Weight

My concerns:
- Will a long prime be too long at times shooting air shows/aviation and sports? I feel like there are instances even with the 70-200mm that I zoom out because a subject comes too close.
- Will a prime telephoto lens coupled with a teleconverter still yield good images?

I think these are most of the things I'm trying to factor into my decision. Thank you in advance for your advice.
From your words your looking for reach , Ignoring your price points a quick look at options and market
Sigma 50-500 , Pentax da* 300 , Sigma 100-300 = pro level sports centric lens very High IQ
Sigma 150-500 F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM, Sigma 120-400 F/4.5.-5.6 APO HSM DG OS = consumer long zooms IQ OK target use I don't know check for rear focusing and short throw

As to length for air shows/aviation traditionally your looking for 300mm+ But if your shooting is zooming out a 70-200 maybe you don't need a long lens?

IQ wise in order
1 da* 300
2 Sigma 50-500
3 da* 300 + 1.4 HD wr
4 Sigma 120-400
5 Sigma 150-500
05-07-2015, 07:51 AM   #9
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300mm is about the minimum for single planes. 200mm or 300mm works for formations pretty well.

The Sigma 150-500 on my K5 focused too slowly for fast-moving subjects. I've moved to the Tamron 150-600 on a Canon. Big zooms are tough to work with for hours, but I tripod is unwieldy for planes in flight. Even a monopod is awkward.
05-07-2015, 08:53 AM   #10
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Used a Bigma for air shows with more than acceptable results.The flexibility of 50-500 is great.have a look at this set:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/14468090@N00/sets/72157646737210789/
05-07-2015, 09:05 AM   #11
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I've used my F*300 at air shows with great success. You can purchase it used for under $1,000 and its full frame. Plus it will give you street Cred and look awesome on your camera.

<script async src="//widgets.flickr.com/embedr/embedr.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<script async src="//widgets.flickr.com/embedr/embedr.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<script async src="//widgets.flickr.com/embedr/embedr.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Last edited by Driline; 05-07-2015 at 09:39 AM.
05-07-2015, 09:13 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Stavri Quote
On a $1000 budget the DA* is the best option in terms of IQ. From its design patent is rated as FF compatible.
+1. The DA*300mm is basically FF compatible and this has been discuss at PF before. The DA*300mm design is based upon the FA*300mm f4.5, which is another lighter FF option.

If budget and weight are not an option, go for the DA*300mm which has a faster AF and is WR. If weight is a concern, the FA*300mm f4.5 is a great alternative IMHO and it is FF. (I have myself the FA*300m f4.5 that I chose over the DA*300mm for its lighter, more compact design.)

In addition, the DA*300mm (and FA*300mm) works well with the newer Pentax 1.4 TC, if you need a longer reach. While it might be out of your budget right now, this would be a logical incremental future step if you go for the DA*300mm (or FA*300mm).

My 5 cents.

Last edited by hcc; 05-07-2015 at 03:03 PM.
05-07-2015, 11:11 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Driline Quote
I've used my F*300 at air shows with great success. You can purchase it used for under $1,000 and its full frame. Plus it will give you street Cred and look awesome on your camera.
You are right, that F*300mm is incredibly sexy. Could I see some more of your air show photography taken with that lens?

---------- Post added 05-07-15 at 03:06 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by hcc Quote
My 5 cents.
What a bargain! I was only expecting 2 cents.

I'm going to look at the FA* and the F* for comparison. One thing no one has really discussed is that the DA* is WR, which I did not realize. That could be pretty handy.
05-07-2015, 12:51 PM   #14
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I had this exact dilemma about five months ago (including the issue of future Pentax FF body coming out). I was leaning towards the Tamron 70-200 but found a Pentax F-300 and jumped on that instead. No regrets at all. Excellent lens. I can't recommend it highly enough. It doesn't have the range of the telephoto but the IQ makes up for that in spades.
05-07-2015, 01:24 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by david94903 Quote
I had this exact dilemma about five months ago (including the issue of future Pentax FF body coming out). I was leaning towards the Tamron 70-200 but found a Pentax F-300 and jumped on that instead. No regrets at all. Excellent lens. I can't recommend it highly enough. It doesn't have the range of the telephoto but the IQ makes up for that in spades.
Would you mind sharing where you got it and how much it cost? Reading pretty much nothing but good things about the F* and FA* 300mm.
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