Sigma AF 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 do you know it? Should I keep it?

Bui · 08-20-2019, 01:05 PM

Hello, I recently acquired a nice Pentax K5ii to use as a backup to my KP. Came with it was a Sigma 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 Macro, the lens looks pretty old, because I couldn't find any information about it, all Sigma versions currently are 70-300, 70-300 DG, APO, etc. I thought it could be this one Sigma MF 75-300mm F4-5.6 Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database but the looks is different, and my lens is AF, although it has the same push & pull zooming mechanism. Physically the lens is in good state, functioning very well.

Do you know this lens? Is it a good performer that worth keeping? In terms of telephoto lenses I only have the 55-300 PLM that belongs to the 200-300mm territory. It's very sharp, compact and light, but a bit slow. What I like about this Sigma lens is the metal build quality, and it stays at f4.5 until 200mm, quite nice. But at the same time I do not use telephoto lenses very much, and when I do, the 55-300 is very convenient thanks to its range, compactness, sharpness and fast focus.

If I sell this Sigma, how much do you think I could get for it?

Last edited by Bui; 05-01-2020 at 06:16 AM.

MarkJerling · 08-20-2019, 01:20 PM

The 70-300mm lenses are cheap. I've never seen a 75-300mm by Sigma. Collectors value?

**BigMackCam** · 08-20-2019, 01:25 PM

You really need to try it and decide for yourself. It's highly unlikely that it'll compete optically with the 55-300 PLM... In fact, I can all but guarantee it won't. But, chances are it will be perfectly usable from 75mm to, say, 200mm (perhaps even longer), especially when stopped down. If it is, if that range is useful to you, if you get on OK with the handling and enjoy using it, there's no reason not to keep it. But, again, I'm sure your 55-300 PLM will run rings around it optically...

EDIT: There's a K-mount version on eBay right now, here in the UK, for GBP £60 (66 euro). I think that's rather optimistic, given that a brand new Tamron 75-300 can be bought for under £100, and a used Pentax DA L 55-300 for maybe £80. But essentially it's worth what someone will pay for it on any given day. With near-vintage lenses, that could be almost anything

ChristianRock · 08-20-2019, 01:33 PM

It's very likely the same 75-300mm manual focus lens that you saw in terms of optics, but with autofocus added (which will of course cause an external change in the barrel).

The reviews for the 75-300mm seem to show a lens capable of some decent results, so you might as well use it for a while and see how you like it

Some of those older designs are not too bad at all. I have a 60-300mm lens branded Craigs Optics that was made by Cosina from what I can tell, and it's surprisingly good. My old manual focus Pentax SMC-A 70-210mm f4 always gives me good results as well.

Do you have newer lenses to compare your Sigma to?

**ramseybuckeye** · 08-20-2019, 04:39 PM

I've had a few Sigma and Tamron lenses in that range (only a Tamron at actually 75-300) and they can have a lot of variation from copy to copy. But even a good one won't touch your PLM.

**boriscleto** · 08-20-2019, 05:40 PM

I have one. Don't think I've ever used it...

**Merv-O** · 08-21-2019, 12:24 PM - **1 Like**

I have used this lens in APS-c and now with my K-1. I find it excellent at the mid-f/stops. Full open there is some barrel distortion, but otherwise for a mid-range zoom, it's an excellent value. I bought mine almost new for $150.00 on eBay and it has been a very steady performer. Any softness is easily cleaned up in LIght room or Apple Photo. For the price it's a keeper, especially when attached to the K-1.

Bui · 08-22-2019, 04:56 AM

Thanks for all of your info. I agree the best would be spending sometimes doing a test (though it's one of the thing I do terribly, and it takes time). It would be a pity if image quality is not good, since the lens's build quality is really good, and it's faster than my current 55-300. Cheers!

08-20-2019, 01:05 PM	#1
Bui Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 316	Sigma AF 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 do you know it? Should I keep it? Hello, I recently acquired a nice Pentax K5ii to use as a backup to my KP. Came with it was a Sigma 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 Macro, the lens looks pretty old, because I couldn't find any information about it, all Sigma versions currently are 70-300, 70-300 DG, APO, etc. I thought it could be this one Sigma MF 75-300mm F4-5.6 Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database but the looks is different, and my lens is AF, although it has the same push & pull zooming mechanism. Physically the lens is in good state, functioning very well. Do you know this lens? Is it a good performer that worth keeping? In terms of telephoto lenses I only have the 55-300 PLM that belongs to the 200-300mm territory. It's very sharp, compact and light, but a bit slow. What I like about this Sigma lens is the metal build quality, and it stays at f4.5 until 200mm, quite nice. But at the same time I do not use telephoto lenses very much, and when I do, the 55-300 is very convenient thanks to its range, compactness, sharpness and fast focus. If I sell this Sigma, how much do you think I could get for it? Last edited by Bui; 05-01-2020 at 06:16 AM.

08-20-2019, 01:25 PM	#3
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,674	You really need to try it and decide for yourself. It's highly unlikely that it'll compete optically with the 55-300 PLM... In fact, I can all but guarantee it won't. But, chances are it will be perfectly usable from 75mm to, say, 200mm (perhaps even longer), especially when stopped down. If it is, if that range is useful to you, if you get on OK with the handling and enjoy using it, there's no reason not to keep it. But, again, I'm sure your 55-300 PLM will run rings around it optically... EDIT: There's a K-mount version on eBay right now, here in the UK, for GBP £60 (66 euro). I think that's rather optimistic, given that a brand new Tamron 75-300 can be bought for under £100, and a used Pentax DA L 55-300 for maybe £80. But essentially it's worth what someone will pay for it on any given day. With near-vintage lenses, that could be almost anything Last edited by BigMackCam; 08-20-2019 at 01:42 PM.

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08-20-2019, 01:20 PM	#2
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	The 70-300mm lenses are cheap. I've never seen a 75-300mm by Sigma. Collectors value?

08-20-2019, 01:33 PM	#4
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	It's very likely the same 75-300mm manual focus lens that you saw in terms of optics, but with autofocus added (which will of course cause an external change in the barrel). The reviews for the 75-300mm seem to show a lens capable of some decent results, so you might as well use it for a while and see how you like it Some of those older designs are not too bad at all. I have a 60-300mm lens branded Craigs Optics that was made by Cosina from what I can tell, and it's surprisingly good. My old manual focus Pentax SMC-A 70-210mm f4 always gives me good results as well. Do you have newer lenses to compare your Sigma to?

08-20-2019, 04:39 PM	#5
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,292	I've had a few Sigma and Tamron lenses in that range (only a Tamron at actually 75-300) and they can have a lot of variation from copy to copy. But even a good one won't touch your PLM.

08-20-2019, 05:40 PM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	I have one. Don't think I've ever used it...

08-21-2019, 12:24 PM - 1 Like	#7
Merv-O Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Philadelphia Photos: Albums Posts: 2,098	I have used this lens in APS-c and now with my K-1. I find it excellent at the mid-f/stops. Full open there is some barrel distortion, but otherwise for a mid-range zoom, it's an excellent value. I bought mine almost new for $150.00 on eBay and it has been a very steady performer. Any softness is easily cleaned up in LIght room or Apple Photo. For the price it's a keeper, especially when attached to the K-1.

08-22-2019, 04:56 AM	#8
Bui Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 316 Original Poster	Thanks for all of your info. I agree the best would be spending sometimes doing a test (though it's one of the thing I do terribly, and it takes time). It would be a pity if image quality is not good, since the lens's build quality is really good, and it's faster than my current 55-300. Cheers!