Pentax long zoom Questions Galore!

sysdmg · 06-20-2016, 04:22 PM

Hey everybody!

I have some weddings coming up and it's time to finally invest in a long zoom for them. I'll be strapping it to a K3.

I currently have the Sigma 16-50 f2.8 as my main lens and i LOVE IT!

So I'm not apposed to buying third party. Honestly I wish sigma still did a 70-200 f2.8 but alas they do not.

So my 2 options are the Pentax 50-135 f2.8 or the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8

Both are the same price and I honestly can't decide if I need more of a throw than 135 on a aps-c sensor. This is a lot of money to me so I apologize if it sounds like a dumb question.

Another thing to factor in here. Eventually I will be buying a K1 or maybe even 2 so thats another point towards the tamron. That being said when a aps-c lens is strapped on to a k1 does the benefit of being full frame and its low light performance still factor in?

Thank you in advance!

Adam · 06-20-2016, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by sysdmg

Hey everybody!

I have some weddings coming up and it's time to finally invest in a long zoom for them. I'll be strapping it to a K3.

I currently have the Sigma 16-50 f2.8 as my main lens and i LOVE IT!

So I'm not apposed to buying third party. Honestly I wish sigma still did a 70-200 f2.8 but alas they do not.

So my 2 options are the Pentax 50-135 f2.8 or the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8

Both are the same price and I honestly can't decide if I need more of a throw than 135 on a aps-c sensor. This is a lot of money to me so I apologize if it sounds like a dumb question.

Another thing to factor in here. Eventually I will be buying a K1 or maybe even 2 so thats another point towards the tamron. That being said when a aps-c lens is strapped on to a k1 does the benefit of being full frame and its low light performance still factor in?

Thank you in advance!

Originally posted by sysdmg

Another thing to factor in here. Eventually I will be buying a K1 or maybe even 2 so thats another point towards the tamron. That being said when a aps-c lens is strapped on to a k1 does the benefit of being full frame and its low light performance still factor in?

The 50-135mm doesn't fully cover the FF image circle, so you wouldn't benefit much.

My recommendation would be to go for the Tamron if you plan on adding the K-1 to your kit some day. The added reach outweighs the presence of a gap between 50 and 70mm, IMO.

VoiceOfReason · 06-20-2016, 04:26 PM

If you're going FF get the Tamron. It is sharp, very sharp.The only disadvantages over the 50-135 are lack of WR and screwdrive AF which is not silent.

sysdmg · 06-20-2016, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by VoiceOfReason

If you're going FF get the Tamron. It is sharp, very sharp.The only disadvantages over the 50-135 are lack of WR and screwdrive AF which is not silent.

Is it as loud as say the pentax 50mm 1.4? If that's all I have to worry about im not too concerned. If its quieter then even better!

---------- Post added 06-20-16 at 04:53 PM ----------

Originally posted by Adam

The 50-135mm doesn't fully cover the FF image circle, so you wouldn't benefit much.

My recommendation would be to go for the Tamron if you plan on adding the K-1 to your kit some day. The added reach outweighs the presence of a gap between 50 and 70mm, IMO.

Yea for the 20mm I'm missing I could just step back 2 paces? lol

VoiceOfReason · 06-20-2016, 05:54 PM

Originally posted by sysdmg

Is it as loud as say the pentax 50mm 1.4? If that's all I have to worry about im not too concerned. If its quieter then even better!

It was slightly louder than my F 50 f/1.7. Not too bad really.

**boriscleto** · 06-20-2016, 06:25 PM

70-200? That's not a long lens....

This is a long lens...

SMC Pentax-FA* 250-600mm F5.6 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

VoiceOfReason · 06-20-2016, 06:37 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

70-200? That's not a long lens....

This is a long lens...

SMC Pentax-FA* 250-600mm F5.6 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

My dream lens...

DeadJohn · 06-20-2016, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

70-200? That's not a long lens....
This is a long lens...
SMC Pentax-FA* 250-600mm F5.6 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

A 12 pound, foot-and-a-half long lens is a little cumbersome at weddings

VoiceOfReason · 06-21-2016, 06:16 AM

Originally posted by DeadJohn

A 12 pound, foot-and-a-half long lens is a little cumbersome at weddings

But everyone would definitely say you were a pro!

06-20-2016, 04:22 PM	#1
sysdmg New Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 18	Pentax long zoom Questions Galore! Hey everybody! I have some weddings coming up and it's time to finally invest in a long zoom for them. I'll be strapping it to a K3. I currently have the Sigma 16-50 f2.8 as my main lens and i LOVE IT! So I'm not apposed to buying third party. Honestly I wish sigma still did a 70-200 f2.8 but alas they do not. So my 2 options are the Pentax 50-135 f2.8 or the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 Both are the same price and I honestly can't decide if I need more of a throw than 135 on a aps-c sensor. This is a lot of money to me so I apologize if it sounds like a dumb question. Another thing to factor in here. Eventually I will be buying a K1 or maybe even 2 so thats another point towards the tamron. That being said when a aps-c lens is strapped on to a k1 does the benefit of being full frame and its low light performance still factor in? Thank you in advance!

06-20-2016, 04:24 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	Originally posted by sysdmg Hey everybody! I have some weddings coming up and it's time to finally invest in a long zoom for them. I'll be strapping it to a K3. I currently have the Sigma 16-50 f2.8 as my main lens and i LOVE IT! So I'm not apposed to buying third party. Honestly I wish sigma still did a 70-200 f2.8 but alas they do not. So my 2 options are the Pentax 50-135 f2.8 or the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 Both are the same price and I honestly can't decide if I need more of a throw than 135 on a aps-c sensor. This is a lot of money to me so I apologize if it sounds like a dumb question. Another thing to factor in here. Eventually I will be buying a K1 or maybe even 2 so thats another point towards the tamron. That being said when a aps-c lens is strapped on to a k1 does the benefit of being full frame and its low light performance still factor in? Thank you in advance! Originally posted by sysdmg Another thing to factor in here. Eventually I will be buying a K1 or maybe even 2 so thats another point towards the tamron. That being said when a aps-c lens is strapped on to a k1 does the benefit of being full frame and its low light performance still factor in? The 50-135mm doesn't fully cover the FF image circle, so you wouldn't benefit much. My recommendation would be to go for the Tamron if you plan on adding the K-1 to your kit some day. The added reach outweighs the presence of a gap between 50 and 70mm, IMO. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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06-20-2016, 04:26 PM	#3
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	If you're going FF get the Tamron. It is sharp, very sharp.The only disadvantages over the 50-135 are lack of WR and screwdrive AF which is not silent.

06-20-2016, 04:53 PM	#4
sysdmg New Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 18 Original Poster	Originally posted by VoiceOfReason If you're going FF get the Tamron. It is sharp, very sharp.The only disadvantages over the 50-135 are lack of WR and screwdrive AF which is not silent. Is it as loud as say the pentax 50mm 1.4? If that's all I have to worry about im not too concerned. If its quieter then even better! ---------- Post added 06-20-16 at 04:53 PM ---------- Originally posted by Adam The 50-135mm doesn't fully cover the FF image circle, so you wouldn't benefit much. My recommendation would be to go for the Tamron if you plan on adding the K-1 to your kit some day. The added reach outweighs the presence of a gap between 50 and 70mm, IMO. Yea for the 20mm I'm missing I could just step back 2 paces? lol

06-20-2016, 05:54 PM	#5
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Originally posted by sysdmg Is it as loud as say the pentax 50mm 1.4? If that's all I have to worry about im not too concerned. If its quieter then even better! It was slightly louder than my F 50 f/1.7. Not too bad really.

06-20-2016, 06:25 PM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,473	70-200? That's not a long lens.... This is a long lens... SMC Pentax-FA* 250-600mm F5.6 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

06-20-2016, 06:37 PM	#7
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Originally posted by boriscleto 70-200? That's not a long lens.... This is a long lens... SMC Pentax-FA* 250-600mm F5.6 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database My dream lens...

06-20-2016, 08:17 PM	#8
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	Originally posted by boriscleto 70-200? That's not a long lens.... This is a long lens... SMC Pentax-FA* 250-600mm F5.6 ED [IF] Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database A 12 pound, foot-and-a-half long lens is a little cumbersome at weddings

06-21-2016, 06:16 AM	#9
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Originally posted by DeadJohn A 12 pound, foot-and-a-half long lens is a little cumbersome at weddings But everyone would definitely say you were a pro!

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