Pentax 560 vs Sigma 500: Help me Decide

**csa** · 12-02-2015, 12:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Kath

Aw, gee, thanks, Carol.

You are so welcome! I'm always happy to see someone get something that will give them more & better opportunities for photography.

bertwert · 12-02-2015, 12:40 PM

Originally posted by Kath

I like to make people happy, @sholtzma. I'll send it to you as soon as I'm done with it. Um, what is your life expectancy?

Want to address the lens to me in your will?

Kath · 12-02-2015, 01:28 PM

@bertwert - I'll put that on my to do list. But I don't know if any of you folks will make it. I'm a lot younger than I look!

bertwert · 12-02-2015, 01:35 PM

Originally posted by Kath

@bertwert - I'll put that on my to do list. But I don't know if any of you folks will make it. I'm a lot younger than I look!

I'm 14...

KiloHotelphoto · 12-02-2015, 01:47 PM

My 560 arrived today! Weather is horrible here today but I will be out at sunrise tomorrow to try it out.

With the K3 mounted it just fits in the Lens Trekker 600 AW III. Their is a removable pad you could take out to give a little more room but with it in there the lens is not going anywhere.

I forgot to order a longer lens quick release plate when I ordered the lens, you really need it. Like Oneill said in his review the center of gravity point with the K3 and grip is further back from the lens mount.

Kath · 12-02-2015, 03:15 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

I'm 14...

Hahahaha! Well, you just might last long enough, then. Let's see.. sholtzma, then bertwert, then... Hey, if either of us dies in suspicious circumstances, they'll know where to look, so don't get any ideas!

---------- Post added 12-02-15 at 02:21 PM ----------

Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto

My 560 arrived today! Weather is horrible here today but I will be out at sunrise tomorrow to try it out.

With the K3 mounted it just fits in the Lens Trekker 600 AW III. Their is a removable pad you could take out to give a little more room but with it in there the lens is not going anywhere.

I forgot to order a longer lens quick release plate when I ordered the lens, you really need it. Like Oneill said in his review the center of gravity point with the K3 and grip is further back from the lens mount.

How exciting! I'm experiencing vicarious anticipatory anxiety right now. LIke, I should be home waiting for the UPS guy. Did you have to sign for it?

So, I'll order the Lens Trekker. If it's that tight a fit in there, none of the other good backpacks will come close. Too bad, I did like the Tamrac.

I have the long lens plate for the Wimberley, so should be ok there.

Go, have fun, enjoy! I can just picture you in your living room at this very moment...

**sholtzma** · 12-02-2015, 03:40 PM - **2 Likes**

If my wife sees me with a lens that big (which she will know is expensive), my life expectancy will drop by about 20-30 years.

KiloHotelphoto · 12-02-2015, 03:58 PM - **1 Like**

Here are a couple of pics with the 560 in the bag. You still have room in there for a light jacket or maybe some rain gear.

bertwert · 12-02-2015, 04:27 PM

Originally posted by sholtzma

If my wife sees me with a lens that big (which she will know is expensive), my life expectancy will drop by about 20-30 years.

Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto

Here are a couple of pics with the 560 in the bag. You still have room in there for a light jacket or maybe some rain gear.

You're making me so jealous!

---------- Post added 02-12-15 at 16:58 ----------

If anyone with a 560 happens to be in Golden anytime...

---------- Post added 02-12-15 at 16:59 ----------

Also, I know I'll never afford this but do you want to take some test shots with the HD TC and 560?
Just wondering how the K-3 would focus at f/8?

Kath · 12-02-2015, 05:47 PM

Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto

Here are a couple of pics with the 560 in the bag. You still have room in there for a light jacket or maybe some rain gear.

That's perfect! Looks like plenty of room for a few extras, carefully packed. What a beauty!

---------- Post added 12-02-15 at 04:48 PM ----------

Originally posted by sholtzma

If my wife sees me with a lens that big (which she will know is expensive), my life expectancy will drop by about 20-30 years.

---------- Post added 12-02-15 at 04:56 PM ----------

Originally posted by bertwert

You're making me so jealous!

When you buy stuff like this, they give you a little certificate that says you're allowed to do that. It doesn't cost extra.

---------- Post added 02-12-15 at 16:58 ----------

Quote:

If anyone with a 560 happens to be in Golden anytime...

If I'm ever in Golden, I'll be sure to look you up.

---------- Post added 02-12-15 at 16:59 ----------

Quote:

Also, I know I'll never afford this but do you want to take some test shots with the HD TC and 560?
Just wondering how the K-3 would focus at f/8?

Sure!

Kameko · 12-03-2015, 09:05 PM - **1 Like**

Here's a few photo's of the bag I'm using for the 560. It's roomy enough inside that I can still fit my 200, 31 and 77.

Originally posted by bertwert

[/COLOR]If anyone with a 560 happens to be in Golden anytime...[COLOR="Silver"]

That'd probably be me. We'll see where spring road trips take us Bert... If I get over my beef with Alberta law enforcement we may have to stop in and say hi.

ps.... socks are on purpose

Kath · 12-09-2015, 01:22 AM - **3 Likes**

After much anticipation and several emails, two Fedex guys showed up early this morning with my 560. I didn't have too much time to play with it, but managed to get it up on the Wimberley and try a few shots out the window. It really is a lovely thing and I can't wait to take it to the woods and the river and get up close to all my little friends.

**woodywesty** · 12-09-2015, 07:20 AM

Originally posted by Kath

After much anticipation and several emails, two Fedex guys showed up early this morning with my 560. I didn't have too much time to play with it, but managed to get it up on the Wimberley and try a few shots out the window. It really is a lovely thing and I can't wait to take it to the woods and the river and get up close to all my little friends.

WOW!! Now I'm excited as well.... Looks great. Keep the pics coming as you explore your new toy. I'm still not 100% sure which way to go between the DA 560 and the Sigma 500 but I'm starting to lean a little toward the DA 560. Another $4,000 sale may tip me to the 560. ;-)

Bet you're up earlier than usual cause you can't sleep because you want to play with the new lens......

**jpzk** · 12-09-2015, 08:29 AM

Originally posted by Kameko

Here's a few photo's of the bag I'm using for the 560. It's roomy enough inside that I can still fit my 200, 31 and 77.

That'd probably be me. We'll see where spring road trips take us Bert... If I get over my beef with Alberta law enforcement we may have to stop in and say hi.

ps.... socks are on purpose

Nice socks .... I hadn't noticed the gear.

JML69 · 12-09-2015, 09:10 AM

My checkbook just ran out of my office screaming something about no way in H$ll can you afford that lens right now....Shows how much he knows, he forgot to take the debit card......

Congratulations to KiloHotelphoto, Kameko and Kath on the new lens, it's on my list for 2016.

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12-02-2015, 12:37 PM - 1 Like	#76
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Originally posted by Kath Aw, gee, thanks, Carol. You are so welcome! I'm always happy to see someone get something that will give them more & better opportunities for photography.

12-02-2015, 12:40 PM	#77
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by Kath I like to make people happy, @sholtzma. I'll send it to you as soon as I'm done with it. Um, what is your life expectancy? Want to address the lens to me in your will?

12-02-2015, 01:28 PM	#78
Kath Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portland, OR Photos: Gallery Posts: 737 Original Poster	@bertwert - I'll put that on my to do list. But I don't know if any of you folks will make it. I'm a lot younger than I look!

12-02-2015, 01:35 PM	#79
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by Kath @bertwert - I'll put that on my to do list. But I don't know if any of you folks will make it. I'm a lot younger than I look! I'm 14...

12-02-2015, 01:47 PM	#80
KiloHotelphoto Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Glen Mills, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,030	My 560 arrived today! Weather is horrible here today but I will be out at sunrise tomorrow to try it out. With the K3 mounted it just fits in the Lens Trekker 600 AW III. Their is a removable pad you could take out to give a little more room but with it in there the lens is not going anywhere. I forgot to order a longer lens quick release plate when I ordered the lens, you really need it. Like Oneill said in his review the center of gravity point with the K3 and grip is further back from the lens mount.

12-02-2015, 03:15 PM	#81
Kath Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portland, OR Photos: Gallery Posts: 737 Original Poster	Originally posted by bertwert I'm 14... Hahahaha! Well, you just might last long enough, then. Let's see.. sholtzma, then bertwert, then... Hey, if either of us dies in suspicious circumstances, they'll know where to look, so don't get any ideas! ---------- Post added 12-02-15 at 02:21 PM ---------- Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto My 560 arrived today! Weather is horrible here today but I will be out at sunrise tomorrow to try it out. With the K3 mounted it just fits in the Lens Trekker 600 AW III. Their is a removable pad you could take out to give a little more room but with it in there the lens is not going anywhere. I forgot to order a longer lens quick release plate when I ordered the lens, you really need it. Like Oneill said in his review the center of gravity point with the K3 and grip is further back from the lens mount. How exciting! I'm experiencing vicarious anticipatory anxiety right now. LIke, I should be home waiting for the UPS guy. Did you have to sign for it? So, I'll order the Lens Trekker. If it's that tight a fit in there, none of the other good backpacks will come close. Too bad, I did like the Tamrac. I have the long lens plate for the Wimberley, so should be ok there. Go, have fun, enjoy! I can just picture you in your living room at this very moment...

12-02-2015, 03:40 PM - 2 Likes	#82
sholtzma Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Salisbury, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,043	If my wife sees me with a lens that big (which she will know is expensive), my life expectancy will drop by about 20-30 years.

12-02-2015, 04:27 PM	#84
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by sholtzma If my wife sees me with a lens that big (which she will know is expensive), my life expectancy will drop by about 20-30 years. Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto Here are a couple of pics with the 560 in the bag. You still have room in there for a light jacket or maybe some rain gear. You're making me so jealous! ---------- Post added 02-12-15 at 16:58 ---------- If anyone with a 560 happens to be in Golden anytime... ---------- Post added 02-12-15 at 16:59 ---------- Also, I know I'll never afford this but do you want to take some test shots with the HD TC and 560? Just wondering how the K-3 would focus at f/8?

12-02-2015, 05:47 PM	#85
Kath Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portland, OR Photos: Gallery Posts: 737 Original Poster	Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto Here are a couple of pics with the 560 in the bag. You still have room in there for a light jacket or maybe some rain gear. That's perfect! Looks like plenty of room for a few extras, carefully packed. What a beauty! ---------- Post added 12-02-15 at 04:48 PM ---------- Originally posted by sholtzma If my wife sees me with a lens that big (which she will know is expensive), my life expectancy will drop by about 20-30 years. ---------- Post added 12-02-15 at 04:56 PM ---------- Originally posted by bertwert You're making me so jealous! When you buy stuff like this, they give you a little certificate that says you're allowed to do that. It doesn't cost extra. ---------- Post added 02-12-15 at 16:58 ---------- Quote: If anyone with a 560 happens to be in Golden anytime... If I'm ever in Golden, I'll be sure to look you up. ---------- Post added 02-12-15 at 16:59 ---------- Quote: Also, I know I'll never afford this but do you want to take some test shots with the HD TC and 560? Just wondering how the K-3 would focus at f/8? Sure!

12-09-2015, 01:22 AM - 3 Likes	#87
Kath Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portland, OR Photos: Gallery Posts: 737 Original Poster	After much anticipation and several emails, two Fedex guys showed up early this morning with my 560. I didn't have too much time to play with it, but managed to get it up on the Wimberley and try a few shots out the window. It really is a lovely thing and I can't wait to take it to the woods and the river and get up close to all my little friends.

12-09-2015, 07:20 AM	#88
woodywesty Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 725	Originally posted by Kath After much anticipation and several emails, two Fedex guys showed up early this morning with my 560. I didn't have too much time to play with it, but managed to get it up on the Wimberley and try a few shots out the window. It really is a lovely thing and I can't wait to take it to the woods and the river and get up close to all my little friends. WOW!! Now I'm excited as well.... Looks great. Keep the pics coming as you explore your new toy. I'm still not 100% sure which way to go between the DA 560 and the Sigma 500 but I'm starting to lean a little toward the DA 560. Another $4,000 sale may tip me to the 560. ;-) Bet you're up earlier than usual cause you can't sleep because you want to play with the new lens......

12-09-2015, 08:29 AM	#89
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Originally posted by Kameko Here's a few photo's of the bag I'm using for the 560. It's roomy enough inside that I can still fit my 200, 31 and 77. That'd probably be me. We'll see where spring road trips take us Bert... If I get over my beef with Alberta law enforcement we may have to stop in and say hi. ps.... socks are on purpose Nice socks .... I hadn't noticed the gear.

12-09-2015, 09:10 AM	#90
JML69 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: FL Posts: 172	My checkbook just ran out of my office screaming something about no way in H$ll can you afford that lens right now....Shows how much he knows, he forgot to take the debit card...... Congratulations to KiloHotelphoto, Kameko and Kath on the new lens, it's on my list for 2016.