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murgur · 02-25-2007, 12:57 AM

I will soon buy a Pentax K100D with kit lens. I also would like buy a 300mm telephoto lens. Sigma 70-300 is an option. Other than that, I have seen on bhphoto:

"Pentax Zoom Telephoto SMCP-FA 100-300mm f/4.7-5.8" and
"Pentax Zoom Telephoto SMCP-FA J 75-300mm f/4.5-5.8 AL"

USD prices are 150 USD ve 130 USD, respectively. Can they be an alternative to Sigma 70-300 APO DG MACRO?

And I also would like to get your opinion about "Phoenix Telephoto 100mm f/3.5 Macro Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF" , pricing 140 USD. Is it good for macro shots?

Adam · 02-25-2007, 10:43 AM

Both of those Pentax lenses fall in the "budget" category, so you shouldn't expect much sharpness. For just a bit more, you can try one of these two sharper (and slightly faster) alternatives:

SMC Pentax FA 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 [Power Zoom]
SMC Pentax FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 (probably the best of these four)

I know that they aren't stocked at B&H, but you should be able to find a pristine copy on eBay

Vulpix · 02-25-2007, 10:59 AM

I would recommend none of those lenses in your list, and Mo's list. Get the Tamron 70-300mm LD Di version because it is so much sharper than any of Pentax's budget zoom lens at the moment.

Yes, PF exists on the Tamron but it can corrected with Photoshop easily.

Harald · 02-25-2007, 12:46 PM

Originally posted by Mo

Both of those Pentax lenses fall in the "budget" category, so you shouldn't expect much sharpness. For just a bit more, you can try one of these two sharper (and slightly faster) alternatives:

SMC Pentax FA 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 [Power Zoom]
SMC Pentax FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6

I know that they aren't stocked at B&H, but you should be able to find a pristine copy on eBay

IF I have understood it correctly, FA 100-300 (one with this power zoom gizmo) is not particularly good even compared to similar Pentax lenses. AFAIK FA 80-320 and F 100-300 are the best ones. But perhaps newer Tamron really is better choice....

murgur · 02-25-2007, 02:54 PM

Thank everyone for the replies. Most people agree that Sigma 70-300 APO DG MACRO is the best cost effective tele lens, I think ı will also choose Sigma 70-300.

SpecialK · 02-25-2007, 03:10 PM

Originally posted by murgur

Thank everyone for the replies. Most people agree that Sigma 70-300 APO DG MACRO is the best cost effective tele lens, I think ı will also choose Sigma 70-300.

You can buy mine :-) I use it much less now that I have the Pentax 50-200 which is a bit sharper, and less bulky. Unless I need the extra length, the Sigma sits in the bag :-(

murgur · 02-25-2007, 11:34 PM

I could, but I haven't even got the K100D yet

02-25-2007, 12:57 AM	#1
murgur New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Turkey Posts: 5	Pentax 100-300mm and 75-300mm I will soon buy a Pentax K100D with kit lens. I also would like buy a 300mm telephoto lens. Sigma 70-300 is an option. Other than that, I have seen on bhphoto: "Pentax Zoom Telephoto SMCP-FA 100-300mm f/4.7-5.8" and "Pentax Zoom Telephoto SMCP-FA J 75-300mm f/4.5-5.8 AL" USD prices are 150 USD ve 130 USD, respectively. Can they be an alternative to Sigma 70-300 APO DG MACRO? And I also would like to get your opinion about "Phoenix Telephoto 100mm f/3.5 Macro Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF" , pricing 140 USD. Is it good for macro shots?

02-25-2007, 10:43 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Both of those Pentax lenses fall in the "budget" category, so you shouldn't expect much sharpness. For just a bit more, you can try one of these two sharper (and slightly faster) alternatives: SMC Pentax FA 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 [Power Zoom] SMC Pentax FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 (probably the best of these four) I know that they aren't stocked at B&H, but you should be able to find a pristine copy on eBay 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:

02-25-2007, 12:46 PM	#4
Harald Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 259	Originally posted by Mo Both of those Pentax lenses fall in the "budget" category, so you shouldn't expect much sharpness. For just a bit more, you can try one of these two sharper (and slightly faster) alternatives: SMC Pentax FA 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 [Power Zoom] SMC Pentax FA 80-320mm F4.5-5.6 I know that they aren't stocked at B&H, but you should be able to find a pristine copy on eBay IF I have understood it correctly, FA 100-300 (one with this power zoom gizmo) is not particularly good even compared to similar Pentax lenses. AFAIK FA 80-320 and F 100-300 are the best ones. But perhaps newer Tamron really is better choice....

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02-25-2007, 10:59 AM	#3
Vulpix Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 61	I would recommend none of those lenses in your list, and Mo's list. Get the Tamron 70-300mm LD Di version because it is so much sharper than any of Pentax's budget zoom lens at the moment. Yes, PF exists on the Tamron but it can corrected with Photoshop easily.

02-25-2007, 02:54 PM	#5
murgur New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Turkey Posts: 5 Original Poster	Thank everyone for the replies. Most people agree that Sigma 70-300 APO DG MACRO is the best cost effective tele lens, I think ı will also choose Sigma 70-300.

02-25-2007, 03:10 PM	#6
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	Originally posted by murgur Thank everyone for the replies. Most people agree that Sigma 70-300 APO DG MACRO is the best cost effective tele lens, I think ı will also choose Sigma 70-300. You can buy mine :-) I use it much less now that I have the Pentax 50-200 which is a bit sharper, and less bulky. Unless I need the extra length, the Sigma sits in the bag :-(

02-25-2007, 11:34 PM	#7
murgur New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Turkey Posts: 5 Original Poster	I could, but I haven't even got the K100D yet

Pentax 100-300mm and 75-300mm

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