[jsherman999]

Should explain.. most of the time, people will use the 70-200 f2.8 lenses at f4 anyway. And the 100-300 f4 is supposed to be sharp even at f4.

Yeah, but it's really nice to have f/2.8 as an option at 200mm for DOF sweetness,
if nothing else:

[Dhruba]

Jsherman...nobody can argue against that pic

[slomojoe]

I have had a chance to try an old (non-macro) version of the Sigma vs a Tamron, and - in my hands and as far as those copies went - the Sigma was better at the long end (150-200), and the Tamron a bit better in the 70-120 range. I kept the Sigma and returned the Tamron because the long range is more valuable to me, but that's a matter of taste.

Frankly, considering the reports of copy-to-copy variation and occasional lemons for both lenses, if one can afford it the best way to go is to buy one of each from Amazon, and trust their return policy, or ask a local retailer to try them before buying. You miss the lower prices on ebay, cashback, etc, but at least you know you get a lens worth that kind of money.

[Arpe]

Yeah, but it's really nice to have f/2.8 as an option at 200mm for DOF sweetness,
if nothing else:

It's also good to have when there's bugger-all light!

[Dhruba]

Getting the Sigma 70-200, it would be my most pricey lens.

[Ratmagiclady]

It's partly about my style and habits (In film days, a decent 300mm was a 'big gun' even at a slow aperture, so I wouldn't miss 200 on crop so very much, but a sharp, walking-around-sized equivalent 75-220ish 2.8? Forget about it, that's where I'd be.

Maybe not for sports, but it's not hard to get a longer lens for that. (By that I mean there's a million decent 70-210ish 3.5-4-ish zooms out there for a song, from film days. )

[cupic]

The sigma f/2.8 is super,in focus in speed and construction.Just need a extra arm(monopod works well here


Hey nothing perfect but if faulty warranty it


cheers

[nah]

I love the pics from the Tamron and if the Pentax is even sharper, I think I'm going with the Pentax. The weather sealing, SDM, and more compact unit has sold me. Thanks guys.

[lamgray]

I'm going through the same debate right now, and am considering one of the following:

Buying:

Sigma 50-150 mm f2.8 for 475 free shipping:
Normal-to-Telephoto Zoom 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Autofocus Lens f/ Pentax Digital SLR at Topchoice Digital

AND

Pentax 50mm f1.4 for about $200


OR

Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 ($700)

OR

Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 ($619)


I shoot concert photography and am usually close up in the pit, so while the 200 mm is a better range for when I am far away, I'm debating whether 70mm is too close up for being directly in the pit.

Any thoughts would be great. I was about to buy one of the 70-200mm. . but I feel like 475 free shiping is a great deal.

[lamgray]

PS: Better deals for you with free shipping:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/539403-REG/Tamron_AF001P_700_70_200mm_f_2_8_Di_LD.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/555141-REG/Sigma_579109_70_200mm_f_2_8_II_EX.html

[lamgray]

Pentax: 635

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=PE5013*&bhs=&sortDrop=Pr...3C=%205000&Q=*

[Dhruba]

The sigma f/2.8 is super,in focus in speed and construction.Just need a extra arm(monopod works well here


Hey nothing perfect but if faulty warranty it


cheers

Think about it this way, it will help me build the muscles now, and when the Sigma 2x HSM-compatible TC comes out, I will be in good shape

[nah]

I went ahead and purchased the Pentax, can't wait for it to come!