Looking to get a 70-200 lens for my K-1

vtownbill · 08-30-2016, 01:27 PM

Hi, I am looking to get a 70-200 lens for my new K-1. I see basically two choices, the Pentax HD PENTAX D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Lens or the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro AF Lens for Pentax AF. There is a $1000 difference between the two and was wondering if the Tamron will do just fine. A $1000 is a quite a bit more and was wondering if it is worth the extra money? I am not a pro, but wanted to get something with a good zoom range. I currently have a 28-105 lens, but sometimes more zoom would be nice. I mainly shoot outdoor landscapes and nature. Thank you in advance for any info or advice you can provide. Unfortunately the zooms for my K-S2 will be cropped down when using them and to me that kind of defeats the purpose of more megapixels.

**jatrax** · 08-30-2016, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by vtownbill

Unfortunately the zooms for my K-S2 will be cropped down when using them

Which lenses do you have? Some will work fine on the K-1. For example the DA*60-250 works 'OK' with some vignetting, and with a rather simple modification to remove a baffle works great.

Nass · 08-30-2016, 01:52 PM

Go with Tamron, you'll be delighted

vladfrenkel · 08-30-2016, 02:04 PM

Interesting. Not sure if I'm the rite person to provide answer to the question. But let me try.
I have owned both Sigma 70-200 HSM II as well as Pentax DFA* 70-200 (sorry no Tamron, my coworker has one, lovely lens though).
Some one on the forum did the comparison earlier: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/54-pentax-lens-articles/273342-tamron-70-...elephotos.html

Just wanted to pointed out, you have 2 (or even more) options for this range. Obviously Sigma 70-200 HSM or HSM II or if you could find OS version as well and of course PENTAX SMC FA 80-200mm (I have never used it personally but heard it is very very sharp).

From my own experience...Pentax DFA * is faster and sharper (center and corners), but breath a lot more compared to Sigma (if it helps).
I have done the comparison between Sigma, Pentax 24-70 and Pentax DFA 70-200 with respect to sharpness/breath to see what Tony Northrup mentioned during his K1 review...and could not prove "corner sharpness" of 70-200 claim that he has mentioned, but saw focus breathing between Sigma and Pentax.
Here are RAW files if interested...Microsoft OneDrive - Access files anywhere. Create docs with free Office Online.

Again, not sure if it helps. Ive used SIGMA for over 2.5 years (great performer) as well as DFA* for 6-7 month (couldn't say anything bad either, fast and sharp).
Not sure if it helps though...

Rupert · 08-30-2016, 02:09 PM

Originally posted by Nass

Go with Tamron, you'll be delighted

I usually recommend Pentax, but having recently purchased the Tamron, I agree with Nass 100%. This is a super lens and a delight to use. You will not be disappointed!

Regards!

noelpolar · 08-30-2016, 03:07 PM

If I was into this for the long haul, and appreciated quality and the lens was going to get a lot of use, then the DFA....... if not, then go cheap and cheerful.

Affordability doesn't seem to be the issue for you..... given what you already have. Unfortunately the Sigma, which kind of straddled both camps is a bit hard to come by these days (Especially the best one.... the OS HSM last version).

btnapa · 08-30-2016, 03:40 PM

Originally posted by Rupert

I usually recommend Pentax, but having recently purchased the Tamron, I agree with Nass 100%. This is a super lens and a delight to use. You will not be disappointed!

Regards!

I agree with Rupert and Nass. I have the Tamron and it is fantastic both on K3 and K1. If I had the budget, I would get the Pentax but for the money the Tamron is a no brainer.

VoiceOfReason · 08-30-2016, 03:43 PM

If you can live without the WR and can live with screw drive noise the Tamron is superb on the K1. I'd love to try the DFA up against it though.

Rupert · 08-30-2016, 03:48 PM

Originally posted by btnapa

I agree with Rupert and Nass. I have the Tamron and it is fantastic both on K3 and K1. If I had the budget, I would get the Pentax but for the money the Tamron is a no brainer.

Yes....with the money saved I can buy the Pentax 28-105 and the Samyang 85mm to help fill in my FF needs....and still have a few dollars left over. If I was a Pro or if I used the 70-200 range very often, I might go the Pentax......but the Tamron is so good I might not anyhow?

At any rate...the Tamron will not disappoint!

Regards!

Paul the Sunman · 08-30-2016, 04:34 PM

The Pentax DFA* 70-200 may be the best lens Pentax ever made. It really is magnificent. But it's heavy and expensive. Are you willing to pay the extra $1k and carry the extra weight for that little bit of IQ compared to the Tamron (plus AW and DC)? Your choice. I went for the Pentax (at a good price) and have already forgotten the pain of the expense, so I'm happy with my decision.

**mwilky55** · 08-30-2016, 05:25 PM

Would love to own the Pentax, but I don't think you can go wrong with the Tamron. I like mine (though it's not light either) and have also gotten great use out of the Tamron 28-75. You can probably get both new for just north of $1K and still be saving beaucoup dollars.

btnapa · 08-30-2016, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by Rupert

If I was a Pro or if I used the 70-200 range very often, I might go the Pentax

Hi Rupert,
It is up for debate whether I am a pro or not but I have been paid for my photos! I think the Tamron at F4 and beyond is pro level glass no questions asked. If I shot at f2.8 a lot and needed faster focusing lens the Pentax has to be the choice otherwise the Tamron will challenge any lens I have shot. I have shot with the Nikon 70-200 and the Canon IS 70-200. and lots of primes. The Tamron is so good, I cannot believe it is a zoom.

**kiwi_jono** · 08-30-2016, 06:08 PM

I have a Tammy and its IQ is very good but it depends if weather sealing and better auto focus are important to you.
From what I have heard the Pentax has an edge on IQ but the Tamron is no slouch.

The autofocus on my K-5 is just Ok (is not quiet, and has issues in LV - but works for some). That said I'm hearing reports that autofocus is pretty good with the Tammy on the K-1.

Rupert · 08-30-2016, 06:15 PM

I have never been associated with the word Pro.....probably with good reason!

But...the Tammy 70-200 is plenty sharp enough for me wide open.

1/80 handheld f2.8 @200mm ISO 12800 K1 ...in an unlit room. Works for me!

Regards!

btnapa · 08-30-2016, 07:49 PM

Originally posted by Rupert

I have never been associated with the word Pro.....probably with good reason!

But...the Tammy 70-200 is plenty sharp enough for me wide open.

1/80 handheld f2.8 @200mm ISO 12800 K1 ...in an unlit room. Works for me!

Regards!

Great example Rupert.

08-30-2016, 01:27 PM	#1
vtownbill New Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Grass Valley, CA Posts: 5	Looking to get a 70-200 lens for my K-1 Hi, I am looking to get a 70-200 lens for my new K-1. I see basically two choices, the Pentax HD PENTAX D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Lens or the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro AF Lens for Pentax AF. There is a $1000 difference between the two and was wondering if the Tamron will do just fine. A $1000 is a quite a bit more and was wondering if it is worth the extra money? I am not a pro, but wanted to get something with a good zoom range. I currently have a 28-105 lens, but sometimes more zoom would be nice. I mainly shoot outdoor landscapes and nature. Thank you in advance for any info or advice you can provide. Unfortunately the zooms for my K-S2 will be cropped down when using them and to me that kind of defeats the purpose of more megapixels.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Looking for a solid foundation for flashes on my K-1	brokeh	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	5	07-13-2016 04:46 AM
Lens tests on K-1 : 15-30, 24-70, 70-200, 31, 43, 77, 100 Macro, 28-70 and 80-200	Mistral75	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	14	06-28-2016 11:46 AM
K-1 camera looking for a good walk around lens ????	Gold Coast	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	06-11-2016 10:17 AM
Looking to get a good zoom lens for pentax k-100 d super	Rekuci	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	3	12-13-2014 06:18 PM

08-30-2016, 01:52 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by vtownbill Unfortunately the zooms for my K-S2 will be cropped down when using them Which lenses do you have? Some will work fine on the K-1. For example the DA*60-250 works 'OK' with some vignetting, and with a rather simple modification to remove a baffle works great.

08-30-2016, 01:52 PM	#3
Nass Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The British Isles Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,402	Go with Tamron, you'll be delighted

08-30-2016, 02:04 PM	#4
vladfrenkel Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 265	Interesting. Not sure if I'm the rite person to provide answer to the question. But let me try. I have owned both Sigma 70-200 HSM II as well as Pentax DFA* 70-200 (sorry no Tamron, my coworker has one, lovely lens though). Some one on the forum did the comparison earlier: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/54-pentax-lens-articles/273342-tamron-70-...elephotos.html Just wanted to pointed out, you have 2 (or even more) options for this range. Obviously Sigma 70-200 HSM or HSM II or if you could find OS version as well and of course PENTAX SMC FA 80-200mm (I have never used it personally but heard it is very very sharp). From my own experience...Pentax DFA * is faster and sharper (center and corners), but breath a lot more compared to Sigma (if it helps). I have done the comparison between Sigma, Pentax 24-70 and Pentax DFA 70-200 with respect to sharpness/breath to see what Tony Northrup mentioned during his K1 review...and could not prove "corner sharpness" of 70-200 claim that he has mentioned, but saw focus breathing between Sigma and Pentax. Here are RAW files if interested...Microsoft OneDrive - Access files anywhere. Create docs with free Office Online. Again, not sure if it helps. Ive used SIGMA for over 2.5 years (great performer) as well as DFA* for 6-7 month (couldn't say anything bad either, fast and sharp). Not sure if it helps though...

08-30-2016, 02:09 PM	#5
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Originally posted by Nass Go with Tamron, you'll be delighted I usually recommend Pentax, but having recently purchased the Tamron, I agree with Nass 100%. This is a super lens and a delight to use. You will not be disappointed! Regards!

08-30-2016, 03:07 PM	#6
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	If I was into this for the long haul, and appreciated quality and the lens was going to get a lot of use, then the DFA....... if not, then go cheap and cheerful. Affordability doesn't seem to be the issue for you..... given what you already have. Unfortunately the Sigma, which kind of straddled both camps is a bit hard to come by these days (Especially the best one.... the OS HSM last version).

08-30-2016, 03:40 PM	#7
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,615	Originally posted by Rupert I usually recommend Pentax, but having recently purchased the Tamron, I agree with Nass 100%. This is a super lens and a delight to use. You will not be disappointed! Regards! I agree with Rupert and Nass. I have the Tamron and it is fantastic both on K3 and K1. If I had the budget, I would get the Pentax but for the money the Tamron is a no brainer.

08-30-2016, 03:43 PM	#8
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	If you can live without the WR and can live with screw drive noise the Tamron is superb on the K1. I'd love to try the DFA up against it though.

08-30-2016, 03:48 PM	#9
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Originally posted by btnapa I agree with Rupert and Nass. I have the Tamron and it is fantastic both on K3 and K1. If I had the budget, I would get the Pentax but for the money the Tamron is a no brainer. Yes....with the money saved I can buy the Pentax 28-105 and the Samyang 85mm to help fill in my FF needs....and still have a few dollars left over. If I was a Pro or if I used the 70-200 range very often, I might go the Pentax......but the Tamron is so good I might not anyhow? At any rate...the Tamron will not disappoint! Regards!

08-30-2016, 04:34 PM	#10
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	The Pentax DFA* 70-200 may be the best lens Pentax ever made. It really is magnificent. But it's heavy and expensive. Are you willing to pay the extra $1k and carry the extra weight for that little bit of IQ compared to the Tamron (plus AW and DC)? Your choice. I went for the Pentax (at a good price) and have already forgotten the pain of the expense, so I'm happy with my decision.

08-30-2016, 05:25 PM	#11
mwilky55 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Southeastern Connecticut Photos: Albums Posts: 816	Would love to own the Pentax, but I don't think you can go wrong with the Tamron. I like mine (though it's not light either) and have also gotten great use out of the Tamron 28-75. You can probably get both new for just north of $1K and still be saving beaucoup dollars.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

08-30-2016, 05:56 PM	#12
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,615	Originally posted by Rupert If I was a Pro or if I used the 70-200 range very often, I might go the Pentax Hi Rupert, It is up for debate whether I am a pro or not but I have been paid for my photos! I think the Tamron at F4 and beyond is pro level glass no questions asked. If I shot at f2.8 a lot and needed faster focusing lens the Pentax has to be the choice otherwise the Tamron will challenge any lens I have shot. I have shot with the Nikon 70-200 and the Canon IS 70-200. and lots of primes. The Tamron is so good, I cannot believe it is a zoom.

08-30-2016, 06:08 PM	#13
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	I have a Tammy and its IQ is very good but it depends if weather sealing and better auto focus are important to you. From what I have heard the Pentax has an edge on IQ but the Tamron is no slouch. The autofocus on my K-5 is just Ok (is not quiet, and has issues in LV - but works for some). That said I'm hearing reports that autofocus is pretty good with the Tammy on the K-1.

08-30-2016, 06:15 PM	#14
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	I have never been associated with the word Pro.....probably with good reason! But...the Tammy 70-200 is plenty sharp enough for me wide open. 1/80 handheld f2.8 @200mm ISO 12800 K1 ...in an unlit room. Works for me! Regards!

08-30-2016, 07:49 PM	#15
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,615	Originally posted by Rupert I have never been associated with the word Pro.....probably with good reason! But...the Tammy 70-200 is plenty sharp enough for me wide open. 1/80 handheld f2.8 @200mm ISO 12800 K1 ...in an unlit room. Works for me! Regards! Great example Rupert.