Lens advice for long range - 300mm and up

Driline · 10-20-2015, 10:19 AM

Originally posted by normhead

Cheap stops at 300mm. Expensive starts at 200mm

Another "Normism" Wise words to live by.

superdavis · 10-20-2015, 11:29 PM

Originally posted by normhead

Cheap stops at 300mm. Expensive starts at 200mm.

That's spot on

Anyhow, thanks all for you thought and experience. Currently I tend to go for two option and probably my final decision will be dependent on second hand availability

1. Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 with a 1.4x or 2x - this way I could get some extra reach i would need during the trips and also use the lens afterwards for my daily needs.
2. Try to find one of the mentioned Sigmas second hand - with 400 or 500 tele end reach.

somehow i am not too convinced about the contrast, IQ and performance of the cheaper end consumer zooms, including 55-300.

Thanks again,
Davis

---------- Post added 10-21-15 at 07:32 AM ----------

Originally posted by cbergy

Is the Bigma 50-500 still available for Pentax mount?

I guess not - i have only seen second hand versions.

Originally posted by stemked

But anyway I have run through several lenses over the years and can give you some quick input.

thanks for such a great input. you have had a lot of testing

I am considering thought Sigma 150-500 type as we will be mostly traveling by car and i will have trip with me

so the weight is not the main constraint.

**UncleVanya** · 10-21-2015, 06:25 AM

Originally posted by superdavis

somehow i am not too convinced about the contrast, IQ and performance of the cheaper end consumer zooms, including 55-300.

Have you browsed this thread?
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/304151-pentax-55-300-lens.html

I can attest to the fact that the 60-250 is sharper than the 55-300; as is the FA* 300. The DA* 200 with a 1.4x HD TC is sharper as well. But Sharper doesn't mean that the other is unacceptable. None of these other lenses with the exception of the FA* 300 are even 300mm.

The 70-200 you mentioned will only be an 84-280 so not much longer than the 60-250 really. If you think you will have enough light the 60-250 plus a 1.4x TC is a good combo as well.

**csa** · 10-21-2015, 07:50 AM

Originally posted by superdavis

somehow i am not too convinced about the contrast, IQ and performance of the cheaper end consumer zooms, including 55-300.

I think you would find the Pentax 55-300 is a great lens at a bargain price! This was taken, hand-held @300, and cropped. The light was not very good, heavy overcast.

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

**jacamar** · 10-21-2015, 08:04 AM

Here's another 55-300 shot, taken while I was waiting impatiently for my DA*300mm to arrive! Focal length was 285mm.

superdavis · 10-26-2015, 07:07 AM

Hi all who replied

I did my selection today and bought used SIGMA 150-500 mm F5-6.3. HSM DG APO lens. it was quite reasonable on price. now I am waiting for the shipment to arrive and test the real life performance.

Cheers!

---------- Post added 10-26-15 at 04:09 PM ----------

Originally posted by normhead

My favourite recommendation at the moment for those who want longer would be the Sigma 150-500. It's by far the best bang for the buck in long range zooms.

Somehow I came to same conclusion. let's see if I keep up with it after some practical experience.

**csa** · 10-26-2015, 07:49 AM

Congratulations on your purchase! We'd love to see photos from that 150-500 when you get it!

Mothballs · 10-26-2015, 08:02 AM

300mm f4.5 TAIR 3

Strong Russian lens. A little bit of CA wide open, but Go down one stop and the thing's amazing.

Rupert · 10-26-2015, 08:05 AM

Originally posted by redpit

My recommendation is the Bigma 50-500. You will have an all around lens that if you learn it does everything with very good results (excellent under ideal circumstances). You don't have to carry any other lens and you won't miss a near or far away shot

It has all the range you might need. The results are plenty good and the price is very reasonable for the results you can get. They are available, it may take some searching. The IQ on my Bigmas is good from end to end.
The range means you won't have to be changing lenses often, and that is always important when out in the field. The new Pentax 150-450 would be excellent...but it is pretty pricey.

Whatever you might get, you need some advance practice, these big lenses take some getting adjusted to...for sure!

Regards!

redpit · 10-26-2015, 08:14 AM

It's a very good lens and I'm sure you'll enjoy it and it will surprise you quite often!

**boriscleto** · 10-26-2015, 09:15 AM

Congrats on the lil'Bigma. Post some pics in the 300mm+ club when you get it.

**UncleVanya** · 10-26-2015, 11:16 AM

The default answer to this thread should be " Get out your wallet "... lol.

superdavis · 10-26-2015, 11:47 PM

Originally posted by Mothballs

300mm f4.5 TAIR 3

funny, but I do have this lens even in Brussels Grand Prix version

and it is nice, but m42 manual focus fixed lens is not something I am willing to take with me to the other part of the world

sure, no problem on my daily stroke around the forest.

Originally posted by Rupert

hatever you might get, you need some advance practice, these big lenses take some getting adjusted to...for sure!

oh,shure

I am now actually quite excited and will have 2-3 month practice time

let's see how do I manage

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The default answer to this thread should be " Get out your wallet "... lol.

at the end, it was not that bad

Rupert · 10-27-2015, 06:12 AM

Originally posted by superdavis

oh,shure I am now actually quite excited and will have 2-3 month practice time let's see how do I manage

You made a good choice. A little practice and learning its ways and you will be all set!

Regards!

lesmore49 · 10-27-2015, 06:30 AM

I have a 150-500 Sigma. Very happy with it. It is large and heavy though. I also have one of the first Pentax 55-300's, metal mount. Bought in early June, 2008. It's also very good. much smaller and lighter than my Sigma, which maybe a consideration for travel.

I have prime lenses, but like the zoom feature, particularly when traveling. You can 'crop' as it were on the go.

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10-20-2015, 10:19 AM	#16
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by normhead Cheap stops at 300mm. Expensive starts at 200mm Another "Normism" Wise words to live by.

10-20-2015, 11:29 PM	#17
superdavis Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 63 Original Poster	Originally posted by normhead Cheap stops at 300mm. Expensive starts at 200mm. That's spot on Anyhow, thanks all for you thought and experience. Currently I tend to go for two option and probably my final decision will be dependent on second hand availability 1. Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 with a 1.4x or 2x - this way I could get some extra reach i would need during the trips and also use the lens afterwards for my daily needs. 2. Try to find one of the mentioned Sigmas second hand - with 400 or 500 tele end reach. somehow i am not too convinced about the contrast, IQ and performance of the cheaper end consumer zooms, including 55-300. Thanks again, Davis ---------- Post added 10-21-15 at 07:32 AM ---------- Originally posted by cbergy Is the Bigma 50-500 still available for Pentax mount? I guess not - i have only seen second hand versions. Originally posted by stemked But anyway I have run through several lenses over the years and can give you some quick input. thanks for such a great input. you have had a lot of testing I am considering thought Sigma 150-500 type as we will be mostly traveling by car and i will have trip with me so the weight is not the main constraint.

10-21-2015, 06:25 AM	#18
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by superdavis somehow i am not too convinced about the contrast, IQ and performance of the cheaper end consumer zooms, including 55-300. Have you browsed this thread? https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/304151-pentax-55-300-lens.html I can attest to the fact that the 60-250 is sharper than the 55-300; as is the FA* 300. The DA* 200 with a 1.4x HD TC is sharper as well. But Sharper doesn't mean that the other is unacceptable. None of these other lenses with the exception of the FA* 300 are even 300mm. The 70-200 you mentioned will only be an 84-280 so not much longer than the 60-250 really. If you think you will have enough light the 60-250 plus a 1.4x TC is a good combo as well.

10-21-2015, 08:04 AM	#20
jacamar Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Toronto Photos: Albums Posts: 3,443	Here's another 55-300 shot, taken while I was waiting impatiently for my DA*300mm to arrive! Focal length was 285mm.

10-26-2015, 07:07 AM	#21
superdavis Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 63 Original Poster	Hi all who replied I did my selection today and bought used SIGMA 150-500 mm F5-6.3. HSM DG APO lens. it was quite reasonable on price. now I am waiting for the shipment to arrive and test the real life performance. Cheers! ---------- Post added 10-26-15 at 04:09 PM ---------- Originally posted by normhead My favourite recommendation at the moment for those who want longer would be the Sigma 150-500. It's by far the best bang for the buck in long range zooms. Somehow I came to same conclusion. let's see if I keep up with it after some practical experience.

10-26-2015, 07:49 AM	#22
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Congratulations on your purchase! We'd love to see photos from that 150-500 when you get it!

10-26-2015, 08:02 AM	#23
Mothballs Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 275	300mm f4.5 TAIR 3 Strong Russian lens. A little bit of CA wide open, but Go down one stop and the thing's amazing.

10-26-2015, 08:05 AM	#24
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Originally posted by redpit My recommendation is the Bigma 50-500. You will have an all around lens that if you learn it does everything with very good results (excellent under ideal circumstances). You don't have to carry any other lens and you won't miss a near or far away shot It has all the range you might need. The results are plenty good and the price is very reasonable for the results you can get. They are available, it may take some searching. The IQ on my Bigmas is good from end to end. The range means you won't have to be changing lenses often, and that is always important when out in the field. The new Pentax 150-450 would be excellent...but it is pretty pricey. Whatever you might get, you need some advance practice, these big lenses take some getting adjusted to...for sure! Regards!

10-26-2015, 08:14 AM	#25
redpit Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Greece Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	It's a very good lens and I'm sure you'll enjoy it and it will surprise you quite often!

10-26-2015, 09:15 AM	#26
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Congrats on the lil'Bigma. Post some pics in the 300mm+ club when you get it.

10-26-2015, 11:16 AM	#27
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	The default answer to this thread should be " Get out your wallet "... lol.

10-26-2015, 11:47 PM	#28
superdavis Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 63 Original Poster	Originally posted by Mothballs 300mm f4.5 TAIR 3 funny, but I do have this lens even in Brussels Grand Prix version and it is nice, but m42 manual focus fixed lens is not something I am willing to take with me to the other part of the world sure, no problem on my daily stroke around the forest. Originally posted by Rupert hatever you might get, you need some advance practice, these big lenses take some getting adjusted to...for sure! oh,shure I am now actually quite excited and will have 2-3 month practice time let's see how do I manage Originally posted by UncleVanya The default answer to this thread should be " Get out your wallet "... lol. at the end, it was not that bad

10-27-2015, 06:12 AM	#29
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Originally posted by superdavis oh,shure I am now actually quite excited and will have 2-3 month practice time let's see how do I manage You made a good choice. A little practice and learning its ways and you will be all set! Regards!

10-27-2015, 06:30 AM	#30
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	I have a 150-500 Sigma. Very happy with it. It is large and heavy though. I also have one of the first Pentax 55-300's, metal mount. Bought in early June, 2008. It's also very good. much smaller and lighter than my Sigma, which maybe a consideration for travel. I have prime lenses, but like the zoom feature, particularly when traveling. You can 'crop' as it were on the go.