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07-11-2008, 08:20 AM   #1
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Sigma 70-200/2.8 MkII or Pentax FA*80-200 ?

What to choose between Sigma EX 70-200/2.8 HSM II and Pentax FA*80-200/2.8 ? Considering only the image quality (i.e. optics) point of view.

Does it make the old Pentax FA* at twice the price - and second hand - in front of the new Sigma 70-200 version II ?

Does somebody have or had both lenses to compare them directly ? Resolution, CA, color rendering, bokeh etc.

I prefer straight and objective answers, please avoid speculations. (I am not interested in other alternatives as Tamron or other Pentax DA)

Thanks in advance!

07-11-2008, 08:28 AM   #2
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I'm not sure a good answer is possible.

My the MkII do you mean th eupcoming sigma 70-200 F2.8 USM, or the existing APO 70-200F2.8 EX DG macro version?

The USM version is not yet available to my knowledge in pentax version yet,.
07-11-2008, 09:04 AM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by Lowell Goudge Quote
I'm not sure a good answer is possible.

My the MkII do you mean th eupcoming sigma 70-200 F2.8 USM, or the existing APO 70-200F2.8 EX DG macro version?

The USM version is not yet available to my knowledge in pentax version yet,.
The very new version. This one!
I understood it's already on the market, I've seen many photos taken with it on PBase and other websites.
07-11-2008, 09:16 AM   #4
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It's been out for Canikon for awhile (The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG II), but hasn't arrived yet for Pentax.

The EX and EX DG (no-HSM) has been out, but discontinued and hard to find.

07-11-2008, 09:26 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by egordon99 Quote

The EX and EX DG (no-HSM) has been out, but discontinued and hard to find.
That depends on where you look, mine is within 5 feet of my computer at the moment but I know what you mean, there are lots out there just not many people who want to let them go, me included.
07-11-2008, 08:02 PM   #6
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So the new 70-200 version II is not on the market you say... then when it will be?
They announced it almost a half of year before but the Pentax version is not yet on the market ? Uhhh!
07-11-2008, 09:58 PM   #7
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I will simply stick with Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 II. I doubt the price tag for Fa* 80-200 f2.8 really justifies its own optical capability.

Fa* 80-200 produces images with a little warm tone and better performance after f4 while Sigma version gives more clarity to subjects even at f2.8 (and much lighter weight as well)

07-12-2008, 07:41 AM   #8
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Thanks roentarre, I just hope the new vII of Sigma would be consistently sharper than its predecesors.
07-12-2008, 08:04 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by huqedato Quote
Thanks roentarre, I just hope the new vII of Sigma would be consistently sharper than its predecesors.
Based upon my experience with the APO 70-200 F2.8 EX anything consistently sharper would be an incredible lens indeed
07-12-2008, 08:53 AM   #10
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I know one of the guys on this forum, Peter Zack, had the older Sigma and the Pentax side by side for comparison at one time. He sold the Pentax pretty quickly as it was easily outclassed by the Sigma.
07-12-2008, 09:34 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by huqedato Quote
So the new 70-200 version II is not on the market you say... then when it will be?
They announced it almost a half of year before but the Pentax version is not yet on the market ? Uhhh!
I don't think that Sigma has the deepest pockets in the world, and they've had their hands full, releasing a revolutionary camera a few months back.
So all that I can say is try to be patient, it will come and it's worth the wait.
07-12-2008, 11:05 AM   #12
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Interestingly, my August issue of Popular Photography which just arrived in the mail yesterday includes a test on page 80 of the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 Di LD Macro AF SP (how's that for a name?). They seem to like it better than the Sigma. No mention made of the erratically functioning auto-focus reported by DPreview. I'm sure I'm not the only one eagerly awaiting the release of these two lenses in the Pentax mount.

CN
07-12-2008, 12:08 PM   #13
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Popular Photography calls the article Wicked Good! and there final word to High Speed Tele Zoom buyers is POUNCE!!! even despite it's lack of 0-Rings for extra Dust & Water resistance.
I think this will be another lens on my get list besides the DA* 300 f4
07-12-2008, 02:34 PM   #14
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Regarding the Tamron 70-200mm, Justin Serpico (who sometimes posts here too) posted his views on this lens in a thread titled Tamron 70-200 is a POS...DO NOT BUY. Can you guess what his verdict is? He tested it in Nikon mount.
07-12-2008, 03:44 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by roentarre Quote
I will simply stick with Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 II. I doubt the price tag for Fa* 80-200 f2.8 really justifies its own optical capability.

Fa* 80-200 produces images with a little warm tone and better performance after f4 while Sigma version gives more clarity to subjects even at f2.8 (and much lighter weight as well)
You have to take chance with the new optical formula of the new Sigma HSM 70-200mm. Mind you both the old non-macro apo Sigma is a winner and so is the Pentax *80-200mm. These are proven optics.

There has been report of Tamron 70-200mm in Nikon mount has been a dud (allegedly)

Tamron 70-200 is a POS...DO NOT BUY - Photo.net Pentax Forum

Proven formula is proven. Untested remains untested though

Daniel
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