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03-15-2016, 02:31 PM   #1
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Looking for opinions on the Pentax HD DA 560mm vs the Sigma 500mm f4.5

Hello Everyone! I am looking for the opinions of people who have used or, better yet, owned both of these lenses, pure & simple. Just wondering how the two really compare in terms of sharpness, especially wide open or stopped down 1/2 to 1 stop. Thank you!

03-15-2016, 03:11 PM   #2
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Embarrassing question. I think it depends very much on what kind of photography you want to do with the lens. If the DA560 was priced like a Sigma 150-600, I'd buy it.

Last edited by biz-engineer; 03-15-2016 at 03:22 PM.
03-15-2016, 03:22 PM   #3
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The Sigma's got a great reputation, hasn't it?
03-15-2016, 04:35 PM - 1 Like   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by HawaiianOnline Quote
Hello Everyone! I am looking for the opinions of people who have used or, better yet, owned both of these lenses, pure & simple. Just wondering how the two really compare in terms of sharpness, especially wide open or stopped down 1/2 to 1 stop. Thank you!
We're still in the process of putting together an in-depth review, but the bottom line is that the Sigma is the better lens, with similar sharpness and much less chromatic aberration at wider aperture settings. Plus, the Sigma is physically a shorter lens than the Pentax.


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03-15-2016, 04:58 PM - 1 Like   #5
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https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/302540-pent...me-decide.html

Also forum member @Heie has owned both.
03-15-2016, 07:19 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
We're still in the process of putting together an in-depth review, but the bottom line is that the Sigma is the better lens, with similar sharpness and much less chromatic aberration at wider aperture settings. Plus, it's physically a shorter lens than the Sigma.
Adam, In the last sentence do you mean to say that the Sigma is physically shorter than the DA*560??

Thanks, Bob
03-15-2016, 07:19 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
the bottom line is that the Sigma is the better lens [...] Plus, it's physically a shorter lens than the Sigma.
Can you clarify--is the first sentence about the Pentax rather than the Sigma?

03-15-2016, 08:28 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by bar_foo Quote
Can you clarify--is the first sentence about the Pentax rather than the Sigma?
Yup, sorry about that. Fixed the original post.

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03-15-2016, 08:31 PM   #9
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If you're looking at either lens, I'm assuming it's to be used for wildlife? Would you need it to be weather sealed for shooting in the rain?
03-15-2016, 10:58 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kameko Quote
If you're looking at either lens, I'm assuming it's to be used for wildlife? Would you need it to be weather sealed for shooting in the rain?

Yes, it might be essential ... especially if operating near rivers, lakes, marshland, too ...
03-16-2016, 01:13 AM   #11
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Practical use for birds: due to the size of birds, shooting distance = 10 x focal length. 400mm = 4 meters, 560mm = 5.6 meter. The HD DA560 has a min focus distance of 5.6 meters, which makes it practical for shooting birds with a K-3. However, on a K-1, in order to benefit from the larger sensor and iso capability (allowing faster shutter speed) the shooting distance would be less than the minimum focus distance. The Sigma 500 has a min focus distance of 4 meters, which is just the limit for small birds on FF, but still ok. The DA560 is capable of high quality when the lighting is soft and in proper direction (no water reflections). I see not problem with min focus distance for shooting large birds and mammals. Generally, I see only two advantages of the DA560: weather sealing and price, but price isn't specially a bargain...so that make the choice not obvious. This DA560 isn't even using FL elements, it's using ED elements, not the best corrected of the bunch regarding color correction. Borg 90FL (500mm f5.6) and Kowa 500 f5.6 FL cost around $2000, while equivalent ED scopes costs 4 times less. On the DA560, I think Ricoh are pushing a bit hard on the price of that lens.
03-16-2016, 05:31 AM   #12
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I've wondered about these two lenses and consequently have looked carefully at IQ of images posted with both. IMHO, the sigma has an edge. Look up bird images posted by Kengoh, they are either inspiring or intimidating, probably both. However, the real winner for IQ IMHO is the 600 f4 Pentax, but the availability, the price, the size and weight. Might the slight aperture advantage of the Sigma enable it to AF with the 1.4X HD in bright sun?
03-16-2016, 03:26 PM   #13
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I just bought a Tamron adaptall2 300mm f/2,8 with a 1,4x converter and would suggest this lens if you want to save some money. It can get AF through the Pentax-F 1,7x teleconverter, and full aperture control via the AD2-P/KA adapter. And of course stabilisation through the camera. The lens normally costs around 600$ according to PF lens database. The 1,7x TC may be expensive (300$) and the P/KA adapter usually under 100$. This gives you an estimated price of just 1000$ (compared to a lot more for the other two options). And you get:

300mm f/2,8 MF
420mm f/4,0 MF
510mm f/4,76 AF

714mm f/6,67 AF

Just remember the Catch-in focus function when using manual focus.
03-16-2016, 08:56 PM   #14
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I have the 500 f4.5, I have shot the 560 a bit, not enough to know it.

The 560 is long. It focuses similar the the DA*300, accurate but a bit slow. The iq is nice, it has a very warm and rich tone, where the Sigma is a bit less so especially wide open. Half a stop smaller aperture. The people who have it produce very nice results and seem happy.

The Sigma has screw focus and is sharp wide open. Focus is quick, the body is the limit. It is a nice handling lens, a solid well balanced tripod mount. Some shot handheld, I haven't had great results myself.
03-18-2016, 09:36 PM - 2 Likes   #15
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Thank you all for your responses. Just to clarify, the primary uses of this lens will be for wildlife (mainly birding) and surf photography. Also, I already shoot with a Sigma 300mm f2.8 with the Pentax-F 1.7X AFTC. It's a good combination, but I'm looking for a bit more. Also, I'm not too concerned with weather sealing since I have lots of experience using a "Storm Jacket" cover with the 300mm. I'm just trying to feel out which of the two lenses I'd want to get to hit 500mm or 560 mm natively. I'd love a modernized 600f4 or even a Sigmonster in K mount, but who knows if such a thing is ever coming out...

EDIT: Here are some photos I've taken with the Sigma 300mm & the Pentax-f 1.7




Last edited by HawaiianOnline; 03-18-2016 at 09:46 PM.
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