[dima]

SMC Pentax-FA J 75-300mm F4.5-5.8 AL
Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD MACRO 1:2
Quantaray 70-300mm F4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2

I've done plenty of research, but im still stuck. please help me!

[Buddha Jones]

How about upgrade to the DA55-300mm and blow them all out of the water!

[heatherslightbox]

Ditto Buddha on that one. Even if you have to put off your purchase for a while to save up for one, I would most definitely recommend it.

Heather

[dima]

lol because im a broke college freshman with no job

[Mechan1k]

Have a look at the Third Party Review Database .... to me the Tamron looks to be the better lens out of the lot ... with Macro to boot (although only 1:2 ... it's still produces decent macro-ish images)

[Eastern Shore Charlie]

lol because im a broke college freshman with no job

In the Market place some one is selling the Quantary pretty cheap shipped. "Quantaray 70-300"
I thought I read that the Quantaray 70-300mm F4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2 is a rebadged Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD MACRO 1:2
could fit your budget....

[hinman]

I am pretty happy with Tamron 70-300 Di LD 1:2 Macro. I bought it used in marketplace from a great soul for $90 -- I think I may have bought it from Eastern Shore Charlie. Yes, PF can be a problem with the lens but I learn to cope with it in f/8.0 and smaller apertures (bigger f numbers as in f/8.0, f/11.0) and up ISO when in dimmer light. I also use PFree+XnView for PF removal. Here are few blog posts with test pictures on the lens

• Tamron 70-300 Di LD Macro 1:2
• Close up on flowers
• Close up on Bees
• Birds In Flight
• PF correction with the Tamron (Caveat: not all PF can be fixed in my experience)

I used it for everything from tele to close up and portraits. On a limited budget, I can recommend this lens with the noted caveats on PF but if you learn to cope with it, it is a value lens to have.

[Art Vandelay II]

I own the Tamron 70-300mm. Got it for only $140 at buydig.com. I think it's the best $140 I've ever spent. The lens has some issue's, but nothing that can't be corrected in lightroom/photoshop. I have no doubt the new Pentax DA 55-300mm will prove to be a better lens, but it is also over twice the price, and I seriously doubt you're going to notice a huge a huge IQ and even build difference.

If I were you I'd just save some cash and get the Tamron for now until you can afford a real upgrade such as the new DA*60-250 or even the DA*200 and a TC. My only really complaint with the Tamron is it only f/5.6 on the long end, so an f/4 300mm would be a nice upgrade.

Here are some pics I took over the weekend with the Tamron:

http://ericparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/_igp2901.jpg

http://ericparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/_igp2890.jpg

http://ericparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/imgp2226-edit.jpg

http://ericparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/_igp2965.jpg

[SpecialK]

By process of elimination (any Quantaray, and that FAJ...) I would suggest the Tamron, which has had pretty decent reviews.

[Gadget_Guy]

I know it wasn't in your list... but I am very pleased with my Sigma 70-300mm/f4-5.6 APO DG Macro

D.

[dima]

The sigma cost about $50 more than the tamron. is it worth the $50, or should i just stick with getting the tamron?

[brothereye]

The sigma cost about $50 more than the tamron. is it worth the $50, or should i just stick with getting the tamron?

There's two versions of the Sigma, the one I have is the slightly more expensive one, and it set me back $190 US. It was worth it though, it's a good sharp lens. The less expensive version is supposed to be really good too.

[user440]

I have the Sigma APO and am very pleased. It's nice and sharp and great warmth to the photos.

[Gadget_Guy]

I was in the same boat as you.

I looked at the Tamron and the Sigma..... after seeing a bunch of sample pics I decided to go with the Sigma.

I also did spend the extra $$ and got the APO version based on suggestions from people that had both the APO and non-APO version.


I seem to levetate to the Sigma lenses for some reason.... partially cost and partially from my experience with them.

I am by no means a professional photographer... I am just a hobbiest so I can't justify the big bucks.

I am currently saving for a Bigma and a very wide fisheye (once again... Sigma lenses)

D.

[Entropy]

By process of elimination (any Quantaray, and that FAJ...) I would suggest the Tamron, which has had pretty decent reviews.

You realize that the Tamron and the Quantaray are the EXACT same lens? The only difference is the labeling on the outside and the lens cap. (I believe the official Tamron is center-pinch but the Quantaray is not. Easy enough to fix for $2-3 on eBay.)

That said, getting the Quantaray no longer makes sense as the official Tamron is now the same price or even lower - the QR used to be sold for $30-40 less.

So of the options:
Pentax FA-J: It's a piece of junk according to every review I've seen of it. It's the prime example I use whenever someone makes a comment of "Why do you have a Pentax body and not use Pentax glass?"
Tamron 70-300: Generally regarded as very sharp, but prone to purple fringing in certain high contrast situations. Seems far less prone to PF on the K20D than the K10D.
Sigma 70-300: Two versions, generally regarded as softer than the Tamron but with no CA for the APO. Also apparently much more sample variation (quality control) than the Tamron.

Since the Tamron's deficiencies are pretty situational and the Sigma's affect it at all times, the Tamron tends to be the most popular.