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mbukal · 11-23-2019, 10:50 AM - **2 Likes**

on apsc I used Sigma 70-300 / 4-5.6 APO DG Macro, then Pentax smc F 70-210 / 4-5.6, Pentax DA 55-300 / 4-5,8 ED, now on ff I use Pentax FA 80-320 / 4,5-5,6 silver version, my recommendation for use on ff is Pentax FA 80-320 / 4,5-5,6 silver version if Pentax DFA70-200 / 2.8 ED DC AW is not considered, to me is not clear why in the Pentax lens reviews, there is no particular review for Pentax FA 80-320 / 4,5-5,6 black (gray) and especially review for silver version, some differences certainly exist

some of my "attempts" may be helpful - some examples with the Pentax FA 80-320 / 4,5-5,6 silver version on the K1

Last edited by mbukal; 11-23-2019 at 11:20 AM.

y0chang · 11-24-2019, 10:18 AM

Thank you all for your options and photos, they are much appreciated.

dcpropilot · 11-24-2019, 10:27 AM

Honestly, if you can find a decent copy of the F 70-210, you might be surprised. I've taken some really great photos with it on my K-1.

normhead · 11-25-2019, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by dcpropilot

Honestly, if you can find a decent copy of the F 70-210, you might be surprised. I've taken some really great photos with it on my K-1.

It is certainly a great lens (I do own one), but, you do have to learn to avoid contrast that will create purple fringing.

**mikesbike** · 11-25-2019, 02:12 PM

Looks like some purple fringing in the dog's shoulder above. Maybe a Sigma lens with their DG coatings might be better? These coatings came out along with digital camera bodies. The various 70-300mm lenses are often pretty good especially when used at their best range, between 70-200mm.

**yucatanPentax** · 11-25-2019, 02:52 PM

Originally posted by kiwi_jono

I have a DA 55-300 but ended up getting a Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro.
Its light weight, relatively small (well similar to DA 55-300 - wider but shorter), pretty good performer, close focuses and is very cheap. I picked one up second hand for $60.
Main down side is build feels like rubbish and zoom ring on mine is not smooth (sticks a bit here and there). But for walking / hiking the lightness yet still good IQ is a plus!

I also have one of these, acquired fairly cheaply long ago. Stopped down just a bit, it is sharper than you'd expect in good light. It would be suitable and lighter than most alternatives.

Otherwise, the Pentax 55-300mm PLM in crop mode would likely be my choice.

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11-23-2019, 10:50 AM - 2 Likes	#16
mbukal Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: zagreb Posts: 668	on apsc I used Sigma 70-300 / 4-5.6 APO DG Macro, then Pentax smc F 70-210 / 4-5.6, Pentax DA 55-300 / 4-5,8 ED, now on ff I use Pentax FA 80-320 / 4,5-5,6 silver version, my recommendation for use on ff is Pentax FA 80-320 / 4,5-5,6 silver version if Pentax DFA70-200 / 2.8 ED DC AW is not considered, to me is not clear why in the Pentax lens reviews, there is no particular review for Pentax FA 80-320 / 4,5-5,6 black (gray) and especially review for silver version, some differences certainly exist some of my "attempts" may be helpful - some examples with the Pentax FA 80-320 / 4,5-5,6 silver version on the K1 Last edited by mbukal; 11-23-2019 at 11:20 AM.

11-24-2019, 10:18 AM	#17
y0chang Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: United States Posts: 793 Original Poster	Thank you all for your options and photos, they are much appreciated.

11-24-2019, 10:27 AM	#18
dcpropilot Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vermont Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 941	Honestly, if you can find a decent copy of the F 70-210, you might be surprised. I've taken some really great photos with it on my K-1.

11-25-2019, 01:18 PM	#19
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by dcpropilot Honestly, if you can find a decent copy of the F 70-210, you might be surprised. I've taken some really great photos with it on my K-1. It is certainly a great lens (I do own one), but, you do have to learn to avoid contrast that will create purple fringing.

11-25-2019, 02:12 PM	#20
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,562	Looks like some purple fringing in the dog's shoulder above. Maybe a Sigma lens with their DG coatings might be better? These coatings came out along with digital camera bodies. The various 70-300mm lenses are often pretty good especially when used at their best range, between 70-200mm.

11-25-2019, 02:52 PM	#21
yucatanPentax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas / Yucatan Posts: 1,842	Originally posted by kiwi_jono I have a DA 55-300 but ended up getting a Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro. Its light weight, relatively small (well similar to DA 55-300 - wider but shorter), pretty good performer, close focuses and is very cheap. I picked one up second hand for $60. Main down side is build feels like rubbish and zoom ring on mine is not smooth (sticks a bit here and there). But for walking / hiking the lightness yet still good IQ is a plus! I also have one of these, acquired fairly cheaply long ago. Stopped down just a bit, it is sharper than you'd expect in good light. It would be suitable and lighter than most alternatives. Otherwise, the Pentax 55-300mm PLM in crop mode would likely be my choice.

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