HD D-FA 24-70 Vs Sigma 17-50 EX DC

**jatrax** · 02-01-2017, 08:18 PM

Originally posted by Driline

They're not the same caliber as the FA primes so maybe that's it.

I keep looking at the 31mm and 77mm especially now that I have the k-1 but the 24-70 works so well I just cannot justify the expense. I'm sure I would love them, but they are too much money to sit on the shelf.

**jrpower10** · 02-02-2017, 10:56 AM - **1 Like**

As I understand it, your specs are:

1. Replaces the Sigma and 18-135
2. Covers 24-60, to complement the 60-250
3. IQ equal to or better than Sigma
4. Fast fixed aperture
5. Weather sealed

The only lens I know of that meets your specs is the DFA 24-70. It's big and a little pricey, but if that's OK, I wouldn't waste time with other options.

ddharriman · 02-02-2017, 01:49 PM

«Does anyone have any exprience with the Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 AF IF XR Di LD?»

It has been my main lens for 7 years with a Kx and now with my new K-S2...

Does everything, it’s good inside, it’s good outside.... per example, for portraits inside is simple, I set it to f4 and shoot away... and when less then 28mm is needed I just change to the 18-55mm kit lens and use it up to 28mm at f4.5 and up.

Anyway, I’m very pleased with the Tamron in all its range from 28 to 75mm.

Best regards,

**W.j.christy** · 02-02-2017, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by jrpower10

As I understand it, your specs are:

1. Replaces the Sigma and 18-135
2. Covers 24-60, to complement the 60-250
3. IQ equal to or better than Sigma
4. Fast fixed aperture
5. Weather sealed

The only lens I know of that meets your specs is the DFA 24-70. It's big and a little pricey, but if that's OK, I wouldn't waste time with other options.

I agree, i am just trying to make sure that i will be happy with it. At 1200+ usd its not something i want buyers remorse over.

**clackers** · 02-02-2017, 03:48 PM

Originally posted by W.j.christy

I agree, i am just trying to make sure that i will be happy with it. At 1200+ usd its not something i want buyers remorse over.

It's a professional f2.8 zoom, WJ!

Pentax could not have launched the K-1 without it.

Check out what our fellow forum members have shot:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/306371-hd-pentax-d-fa-24-70mm-f2-8-club.html

**W.j.christy** · 02-03-2017, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by jrpower10

As I understand it, your specs are:

1. Replaces the Sigma and 18-135
2. Covers 24-60, to complement the 60-250
3. IQ equal to or better than Sigma
4. Fast fixed aperture
5. Weather sealed

The only lens I know of that meets your specs is the DFA 24-70. It's big and a little pricey, but if that's OK, I wouldn't waste time with other options.

Yep that was my conclusion too!

---------- Post added 02-03-17 at 04:14 PM ----------

Originally posted by clackers

It's a professional f2.8 zoom, WJ!

Pentax could not have launched the K-1 without it.

Check out what our fellow forum members have shot:

HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm F2.8 Club - PentaxForums.com

Fair enough....

My Tokina comes today so I can have a go at the focal range. If i like it I may have to list the sigma and the 18-135 to help fund the 24-70.....

dave2k · 02-04-2017, 03:17 PM

The D FA 24-70 is now my main lens and I'm quite happy with it on my K-1. Before the K-1, my best combo was my K-3 with the Sigma 17-50. I think the 17-50 is a superb lens for someone like me who puts a high value on sharpness. That was a great combo. While my current combo is larger and heavier than the prior combo, the advantages are worthwhile I think. Having said that, I'd be happy to use the K-3 and 17-50 if I needed to travel light. I have also used the Tamron 28-75 with both cameras. For the price and zoom range, I think this is a pretty good lens. When I closely inspected some of the shots taken with this lens I was pleasantly surprised. It's not up to the level of the other two, but I have used it for shots that I think are enlargement worthy, and that is my ultimate goal.

redcat · 02-06-2017, 12:58 AM

Originally posted by W.j.christy

Does anyone have any exprience with the Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 AF IF XR Di LD?

it's a very good lens on K3, more than good

you won't regret getting this lens and it's not big or heavy

**W.j.christy** · 02-06-2017, 07:03 AM

Originally posted by redcat

it's a very good lens on K3, more than good

you won't regret getting this lens and it's not big or heavy

Thank you for that. I am looking at several options now to see what would be the most cost effective... Given the great suggestions here, I am beginning to think I may not go the Dfa route.

MBT74 · 02-07-2017, 02:42 AM

Haven't used the Sigma 16-50 but I bought the new Pentax 24-70 late last year. So far I've used it for concert photography, a wedding reception, a holiday trip and a portrait photo shoot. It's worked beautifully on each occasion. It is heavy and large though.

**W.j.christy** · 02-07-2017, 08:26 AM

So i found a good deal on a new 28-70 2.8 from south korea on ebay..... The reviews of the lens are decent, and the price would allow me to add the lens to my collection as opposed to having to sell some to be able to add this one.

It has limited reviews here on the forums, (10 i think) and most are positive. Does anyone have any experience with this lens they could share? Sample Pictures maybe as well?

So far the input here has been great I really do appreciate the insights!

**clackers** · 02-07-2017, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by W.j.christy

So i found a good deal on a new 28-70 2.8

What lens is this, WJ?

**W.j.christy** · 02-07-2017, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by clackers

What lens is this, WJ?

Oops sorry, it's a sigma.

**clackers** · 02-07-2017, 05:06 PM

Originally posted by W.j.christy

Oops sorry, it's a sigma.

Ooh, you're brave!

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Lens Review

**W.j.christy** · 02-07-2017, 05:28 PM

Originally posted by clackers

Ooh, you're brave!

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Lens Review

Hmm glad I passed on that....Thanks for posting that.

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02-01-2017, 08:18 PM	#16
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Driline They're not the same caliber as the FA primes so maybe that's it. I keep looking at the 31mm and 77mm especially now that I have the k-1 but the 24-70 works so well I just cannot justify the expense. I'm sure I would love them, but they are too much money to sit on the shelf.

02-02-2017, 10:56 AM - 1 Like	#17
jrpower10 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935	As I understand it, your specs are: 1. Replaces the Sigma and 18-135 2. Covers 24-60, to complement the 60-250 3. IQ equal to or better than Sigma 4. Fast fixed aperture 5. Weather sealed The only lens I know of that meets your specs is the DFA 24-70. It's big and a little pricey, but if that's OK, I wouldn't waste time with other options.

02-02-2017, 01:49 PM	#18
ddharriman Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 345	«Does anyone have any exprience with the Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 AF IF XR Di LD?» It has been my main lens for 7 years with a Kx and now with my new K-S2... Does everything, it’s good inside, it’s good outside.... per example, for portraits inside is simple, I set it to f4 and shoot away... and when less then 28mm is needed I just change to the 18-55mm kit lens and use it up to 28mm at f4.5 and up. Anyway, I’m very pleased with the Tamron in all its range from 28 to 75mm. Best regards,

02-02-2017, 01:56 PM	#19
W.j.christy Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Texas Photos: Albums Posts: 558 Original Poster	Originally posted by jrpower10 As I understand it, your specs are: 1. Replaces the Sigma and 18-135 2. Covers 24-60, to complement the 60-250 3. IQ equal to or better than Sigma 4. Fast fixed aperture 5. Weather sealed The only lens I know of that meets your specs is the DFA 24-70. It's big and a little pricey, but if that's OK, I wouldn't waste time with other options. I agree, i am just trying to make sure that i will be happy with it. At 1200+ usd its not something i want buyers remorse over.

02-02-2017, 03:48 PM	#20
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by W.j.christy I agree, i am just trying to make sure that i will be happy with it. At 1200+ usd its not something i want buyers remorse over. It's a professional f2.8 zoom, WJ! Pentax could not have launched the K-1 without it. Check out what our fellow forum members have shot: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/306371-hd-pentax-d-fa-24-70mm-f2-8-club.html

02-03-2017, 03:13 PM	#21
W.j.christy Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Texas Photos: Albums Posts: 558 Original Poster	Originally posted by jrpower10 As I understand it, your specs are: 1. Replaces the Sigma and 18-135 2. Covers 24-60, to complement the 60-250 3. IQ equal to or better than Sigma 4. Fast fixed aperture 5. Weather sealed The only lens I know of that meets your specs is the DFA 24-70. It's big and a little pricey, but if that's OK, I wouldn't waste time with other options. Yep that was my conclusion too! ---------- Post added 02-03-17 at 04:14 PM ---------- Originally posted by clackers It's a professional f2.8 zoom, WJ! Pentax could not have launched the K-1 without it. Check out what our fellow forum members have shot: HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm F2.8 Club - PentaxForums.com Fair enough.... My Tokina comes today so I can have a go at the focal range. If i like it I may have to list the sigma and the 18-135 to help fund the 24-70.....

02-04-2017, 03:17 PM	#22
dave2k Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery Posts: 419	The D FA 24-70 is now my main lens and I'm quite happy with it on my K-1. Before the K-1, my best combo was my K-3 with the Sigma 17-50. I think the 17-50 is a superb lens for someone like me who puts a high value on sharpness. That was a great combo. While my current combo is larger and heavier than the prior combo, the advantages are worthwhile I think. Having said that, I'd be happy to use the K-3 and 17-50 if I needed to travel light. I have also used the Tamron 28-75 with both cameras. For the price and zoom range, I think this is a pretty good lens. When I closely inspected some of the shots taken with this lens I was pleasantly surprised. It's not up to the level of the other two, but I have used it for shots that I think are enlargement worthy, and that is my ultimate goal.

02-06-2017, 12:58 AM	#23
redcat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,939	Originally posted by W.j.christy Does anyone have any exprience with the Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 AF IF XR Di LD? it's a very good lens on K3, more than good you won't regret getting this lens and it's not big or heavy

02-06-2017, 07:03 AM	#24
W.j.christy Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Texas Photos: Albums Posts: 558 Original Poster	Originally posted by redcat it's a very good lens on K3, more than good you won't regret getting this lens and it's not big or heavy Thank you for that. I am looking at several options now to see what would be the most cost effective... Given the great suggestions here, I am beginning to think I may not go the Dfa route.

02-07-2017, 02:42 AM	#25
MBT74 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 135	Haven't used the Sigma 16-50 but I bought the new Pentax 24-70 late last year. So far I've used it for concert photography, a wedding reception, a holiday trip and a portrait photo shoot. It's worked beautifully on each occasion. It is heavy and large though.

02-07-2017, 08:26 AM	#26
W.j.christy Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Texas Photos: Albums Posts: 558 Original Poster	So i found a good deal on a new 28-70 2.8 from south korea on ebay..... The reviews of the lens are decent, and the price would allow me to add the lens to my collection as opposed to having to sell some to be able to add this one. It has limited reviews here on the forums, (10 i think) and most are positive. Does anyone have any experience with this lens they could share? Sample Pictures maybe as well? So far the input here has been great I really do appreciate the insights!

02-07-2017, 03:53 PM	#27
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by W.j.christy So i found a good deal on a new 28-70 2.8 What lens is this, WJ?

02-07-2017, 04:09 PM	#28
W.j.christy Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Texas Photos: Albums Posts: 558 Original Poster	Originally posted by clackers What lens is this, WJ? Oops sorry, it's a sigma.

02-07-2017, 05:06 PM	#29
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by W.j.christy Oops sorry, it's a sigma. Ooh, you're brave! Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Lens Review

02-07-2017, 05:28 PM	#30
W.j.christy Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Texas Photos: Albums Posts: 558 Original Poster	Originally posted by clackers Ooh, you're brave! Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Lens Review Hmm glad I passed on that....Thanks for posting that.