Zoom Lens suggestion for Travel

SunnyG. · 12-19-2018, 01:17 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

have no idea of shipping costs or import fees, if any but as of right now the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE is on sale

the price of $346.95 is still available at Amazon, Adorama and B H

amazon.com : Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens : Camera & Photo?tag=pentaxforums-20&

Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Telephoto Zoom Lens 21277

Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens 21277

___________________________

Diam x Length 76.5 x 89 mm (3.01 x 3.5 in.)
Weight 442 g (15.6 oz.)

Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens 21277

Read more at: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

the " in depth review " can be found here

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM WR RE Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Check with customs. Import duty for photography products!

jeallen01 · 12-19-2018, 01:59 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

I'm strictly a newbie and trying to learn...

With 11.5k posts, you're a newbie

FozzFoster · 12-19-2018, 02:13 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by jeallen01

Originally posted by aslyfox*
I'm strictly a newbie and trying to learn...
With 11.5k posts, you're a newbie

"Ancora Imparo"

**Des** · 12-19-2018, 02:36 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by FozzFoster

"Ancora Imparo"

And it was Michelangelo who said that.

FozzFoster · 12-19-2018, 02:38 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Des

And it was Michelangelo who said that.

At the age of 87

**aslyfox** · 12-19-2018, 02:39 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by jeallen01

With 11.5k posts, you're a newbie

at photography definitely a newbie

didn't pick photography up again before fall of 2015 with a K 5 II and old Tamron 70-300mm and Vivitar series one lenses to prepare for a 2016 trip to Tanzania to celebrate our Anniversary

didn't take the camera off " green " until 2017

_____________________________

at research and discussion

I must admit that I do have a little expertise

**aslyfox** · 12-20-2018, 06:02 AM

Originally posted by SunnyG.

Check with customs. Import duty for photography products!

I'm lucky with my location here in the USA

I've never ordered anything from another country with the sole exception of Canada

so I don't worry about customs/import duties

**AntonioS** · 12-20-2018, 08:24 AM

What would you choose between the Pentax 16-85 and the Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 Contemporary ?

**AntonioS** · 12-20-2018, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by AntonioS

What would you choose between the Pentax 16-85 and the Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 Contemporary ?

Never mind, I just found a thread about this specific issue.

**AntonioS** · 12-23-2018, 02:05 PM

Hi again !

I wasn't using my Pentaxes for some time and this weekend I made several tests with them and I gave up on the DA18-55 WR.
This kit zoom lens is better at F7.5 to F8 and the image quality at this aperture is quite nice but the borders are horrible wide open.
All the other lenses I have for it are primes like I said before and I don't like the idea of changing lenses every time, especially when travelling with family, I'm sure you all understand

After taking a careful look at the options people suggested here, I think I'll go for the Pentax 16-85 or the SIgma 17-70 "C". Both are very capable lenses, I'll see what I can find in Paris during this trip.

What I like about the Pentax is the IQ and WR
About the Sigma, if focus much closer and has a larger aperture, making it more versatile. And it's also less expensive.

Just one more question, This 16-85 has a buil-in DC motor for what I saw. Is it reliable ? I heard lots of complains about the Pentax ultrasonic motor and I never had a Pentax lens with a built-in motor.

**pres589** · 12-24-2018, 08:59 PM

I believe that the DC motor in the 16-85 is quite reliable, like the 18-135 before it.

I don't think that you can go wrong between the Sigma and the 16-85.

erluko · 12-25-2018, 05:59 AM

Originally posted by AntonioS

After taking a careful look at the options people suggested here, I think I'll go for the Pentax 16-85 or the SIgma 17-70 "C". Both are very capable lenses, I'll see what I can find in Paris during this trip.

Why the Sigma 17-70 C rather than their 17-50/2.8? It's more useful in low light and lets you get better subject/background separation at the long end. It perfectly complements the DA* 50-135/2.8, but that one is a bit larger for travel.

Boa sorte!

**AntonioS** · 01-06-2019, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by erluko

Why the Sigma 17-70 C rather than their 17-50/2.8? It's more useful in low light and lets you get better subject/background separation at the long end. It perfectly complements the DA* 50-135/2.8, but that one is a bit larger for travel.

Boa sorte!

The 17-70 2.8-4 is lighter, cheaper and can be fine tuned with the Sigma USB dock.
I also don't care for a perfect blur on the background.

mikesbike · 01-07-2019, 12:26 PM

Originally posted by AntonioS

Hi again !

I wasn't using my Pentaxes for some time and this weekend I made several tests with them and I gave up on the DA18-55 WR.
This kit zoom lens is better at F7.5 to F8 and the image quality at this aperture is quite nice but the borders are horrible wide open.
All the other lenses I have for it are primes like I said before and I don't like the idea of changing lenses every time, especially when travelling with family, I'm sure you all understand

After taking a careful look at the options people suggested here, I think I'll go for the Pentax 16-85 or the SIgma 17-70 "C". Both are very capable lenses, I'll see what I can find in Paris during this trip.

What I like about the Pentax is the IQ and WR
About the Sigma, if focus much closer and has a larger aperture, making it more versatile. And it's also less expensive.

Just one more question, This 16-85 has a buil-in DC motor for what I saw. Is it reliable ? I heard lots of complains about the Pentax ultrasonic motor and I never had a Pentax lens with a built-in motor.

The complaints have been regarding the Pentax first in-lens AF SDM models, not the more recent lens models having SDM motors. Also not those having DC motors, like the one in the DA 16-85mm.

---------- Post added 01-07-19 at 12:40 PM ----------

Originally posted by AntonioS

The 17-70 2.8-4 is lighter, cheaper and can be fine tuned with the Sigma USB dock.
I also don't care for a perfect blur on the background.

The Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 is a good lens. And you can get a good degree of background blur if shooting at f/4 and at 70mm. But the time will likely come when you will value that background blur quality and degree, and the additional ability to control depth of field, making it shallower (less in the frame being sharp). The wider aperture will also allow greater shutter speed in the same lighting without having to increase ISO, which can add noise and degradation of image quality beyond a certain point. Compared to f/4, f/2.8 can provide double the shutter speed. Also, with a constant-aperture lens, if shooting in the Manual mode at wide open aperture, you don't have to be always manually changing your shutter speed setting as you zoom the lens so your exposure won't go off the mark. These are reasons why professional-style zoom lenses are traditionally f/2.8 constant-aperture lenses.

**AntonioS** · 01-09-2019, 12:18 PM

Originally posted by mikesbike

T
The Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 is a good lens. And you can get a good degree of background blur if shooting at f/4 and at 70mm. But the time will likely come when you will value that background blur quality and degree, and the additional ability to control depth of field, making it shallower (less in the frame being sharp). The wider aperture will also allow greater shutter speed in the same lighting without having to increase ISO, which can add noise and degradation of image quality beyond a certain point. Compared to f/4, f/2.8 can provide double the shutter speed. Also, with a constant-aperture lens, if shooting in the Manual mode at wide open aperture, you don't have to be always manually changing your shutter speed setting as you zoom the lens so your exposure won't go off the mark. These are reasons why professional-style zoom lenses are traditionally f/2.8 constant-aperture lenses.

That's why I'll keep my Pentax primes 40/2.8 , 70/2.5 and a Tamron SP 90/2.5 Macro and some other old 1.4 and 1.8 manual focus lenses.

What I need at the moment is a decent "compact" standard zoom, better than the 18-55 Kit lens.
I had the 18-85 on hands but it was much more expensive than the Sigma 17-70 and the closer focus distance of the Sigma , for me, is a welcome bonus.

12-19-2018, 02:39 PM - 3 Likes	#36
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,734	Originally posted by jeallen01 With 11.5k posts, you're a newbie at photography definitely a newbie didn't pick photography up again before fall of 2015 with a K 5 II and old Tamron 70-300mm and Vivitar series one lenses to prepare for a 2016 trip to Tanzania to celebrate our Anniversary didn't take the camera off " green " until 2017 _____________________________ at research and discussion I must admit that I do have a little expertise Last edited by aslyfox; 12-19-2018 at 02:44 PM.

01-07-2019, 12:26 PM	#44
mikesbike Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 1,720	Originally posted by AntonioS Hi again ! I wasn't using my Pentaxes for some time and this weekend I made several tests with them and I gave up on the DA18-55 WR. This kit zoom lens is better at F7.5 to F8 and the image quality at this aperture is quite nice but the borders are horrible wide open. All the other lenses I have for it are primes like I said before and I don't like the idea of changing lenses every time, especially when travelling with family, I'm sure you all understand After taking a careful look at the options people suggested here, I think I'll go for the Pentax 16-85 or the SIgma 17-70 "C". Both are very capable lenses, I'll see what I can find in Paris during this trip. What I like about the Pentax is the IQ and WR About the Sigma, if focus much closer and has a larger aperture, making it more versatile. And it's also less expensive. Just one more question, This 16-85 has a buil-in DC motor for what I saw. Is it reliable ? I heard lots of complains about the Pentax ultrasonic motor and I never had a Pentax lens with a built-in motor. The complaints have been regarding the Pentax first in-lens AF SDM models, not the more recent lens models having SDM motors. Also not those having DC motors, like the one in the DA 16-85mm. ---------- Post added 01-07-19 at 12:40 PM ---------- Originally posted by AntonioS The 17-70 2.8-4 is lighter, cheaper and can be fine tuned with the Sigma USB dock. I also don't care for a perfect blur on the background. The Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 is a good lens. And you can get a good degree of background blur if shooting at f/4 and at 70mm. But the time will likely come when you will value that background blur quality and degree, and the additional ability to control depth of field, making it shallower (less in the frame being sharp). The wider aperture will also allow greater shutter speed in the same lighting without having to increase ISO, which can add noise and degradation of image quality beyond a certain point. Compared to f/4, f/2.8 can provide double the shutter speed. Also, with a constant-aperture lens, if shooting in the Manual mode at wide open aperture, you don't have to be always manually changing your shutter speed setting as you zoom the lens so your exposure won't go off the mark. These are reasons why professional-style zoom lenses are traditionally f/2.8 constant-aperture lenses. Last edited by mikesbike; 01-07-2019 at 12:42 PM.

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12-19-2018, 01:17 PM	#31
SunnyG. Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Posts: 323	Originally posted by aslyfox have no idea of shipping costs or import fees, if any but as of right now the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE is on sale the price of $346.95 is still available at Amazon, Adorama and B H amazon.com : Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens : Camera & Photo?tag=pentaxforums-20& Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Telephoto Zoom Lens 21277 Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens 21277 ___________________________ Diam x Length 76.5 x 89 mm (3.01 x 3.5 in.) Weight 442 g (15.6 oz.) Pentax HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens 21277 Read more at: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database the " in depth review " can be found here HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM WR RE Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews Check with customs. Import duty for photography products!

12-19-2018, 01:59 PM	#32
jeallen01 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 918	Originally posted by aslyfox I'm strictly a newbie and trying to learn... With 11.5k posts, you're a newbie

12-19-2018, 02:13 PM - 2 Likes	#33
FozzFoster Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Posts: 3,549	Originally posted by jeallen01 Originally posted by aslyfox* I'm strictly a newbie and trying to learn... With 11.5k posts, you're a newbie "Ancora Imparo"

12-19-2018, 02:36 PM - 2 Likes	#34
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Sth Gippsland Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 3,729	Originally posted by FozzFoster "Ancora Imparo" And it was Michelangelo who said that.

12-19-2018, 02:38 PM - 2 Likes	#35
FozzFoster Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Posts: 3,549	Originally posted by Des And it was Michelangelo who said that. At the age of 87

12-20-2018, 06:02 AM	#37
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,734	Originally posted by SunnyG. Check with customs. Import duty for photography products! I'm lucky with my location here in the USA I've never ordered anything from another country with the sole exception of Canada so I don't worry about customs/import duties

12-20-2018, 08:24 AM	#38
AntonioS Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 95 Original Poster	What would you choose between the Pentax 16-85 and the Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 Contemporary ?

12-20-2018, 01:06 PM	#39
AntonioS Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 95 Original Poster	Originally posted by AntonioS What would you choose between the Pentax 16-85 and the Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 Contemporary ? Never mind, I just found a thread about this specific issue.

12-23-2018, 02:05 PM	#40
AntonioS Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 95 Original Poster	Hi again ! I wasn't using my Pentaxes for some time and this weekend I made several tests with them and I gave up on the DA18-55 WR. This kit zoom lens is better at F7.5 to F8 and the image quality at this aperture is quite nice but the borders are horrible wide open. All the other lenses I have for it are primes like I said before and I don't like the idea of changing lenses every time, especially when travelling with family, I'm sure you all understand After taking a careful look at the options people suggested here, I think I'll go for the Pentax 16-85 or the SIgma 17-70 "C". Both are very capable lenses, I'll see what I can find in Paris during this trip. What I like about the Pentax is the IQ and WR About the Sigma, if focus much closer and has a larger aperture, making it more versatile. And it's also less expensive. Just one more question, This 16-85 has a buil-in DC motor for what I saw. Is it reliable ? I heard lots of complains about the Pentax ultrasonic motor and I never had a Pentax lens with a built-in motor.

12-24-2018, 08:59 PM	#41
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Lawrence, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 2,409	I believe that the DC motor in the 16-85 is quite reliable, like the 18-135 before it. I don't think that you can go wrong between the Sigma and the 16-85.

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12-25-2018, 05:59 AM	#42
erluko New Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 13	Originally posted by AntonioS After taking a careful look at the options people suggested here, I think I'll go for the Pentax 16-85 or the SIgma 17-70 "C". Both are very capable lenses, I'll see what I can find in Paris during this trip. Why the Sigma 17-70 C rather than their 17-50/2.8? It's more useful in low light and lets you get better subject/background separation at the long end. It perfectly complements the DA* 50-135/2.8, but that one is a bit larger for travel. Boa sorte!

01-06-2019, 06:53 AM	#43
AntonioS Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 95 Original Poster	Originally posted by erluko Why the Sigma 17-70 C rather than their 17-50/2.8? It's more useful in low light and lets you get better subject/background separation at the long end. It perfectly complements the DA* 50-135/2.8, but that one is a bit larger for travel. Boa sorte! The 17-70 2.8-4 is lighter, cheaper and can be fine tuned with the Sigma USB dock. I also don't care for a perfect blur on the background.

01-09-2019, 12:18 PM	#45
AntonioS Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 95 Original Poster	Originally posted by mikesbike T The Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 is a good lens. And you can get a good degree of background blur if shooting at f/4 and at 70mm. But the time will likely come when you will value that background blur quality and degree, and the additional ability to control depth of field, making it shallower (less in the frame being sharp). The wider aperture will also allow greater shutter speed in the same lighting without having to increase ISO, which can add noise and degradation of image quality beyond a certain point. Compared to f/4, f/2.8 can provide double the shutter speed. Also, with a constant-aperture lens, if shooting in the Manual mode at wide open aperture, you don't have to be always manually changing your shutter speed setting as you zoom the lens so your exposure won't go off the mark. These are reasons why professional-style zoom lenses are traditionally f/2.8 constant-aperture lenses. That's why I'll keep my Pentax primes 40/2.8 , 70/2.5 and a Tamron SP 90/2.5 Macro and some other old 1.4 and 1.8 manual focus lenses. What I need at the moment is a decent "compact" standard zoom, better than the 18-55 Kit lens. I had the 18-85 on hands but it was much more expensive than the Sigma 17-70 and the closer focus distance of the Sigma , for me, is a welcome bonus.