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11-26-2008, 03:48 PM   #1
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Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 vs. Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 vs Pentax 50-135mm f/2.8

So I'm looking for a new telephoto and most important for me would be image sharpness, then price, and focal length of the lenses would be 3rd priority. I've seen rave reviews from local Pentaxians about the DA*, has anyone used the Tamron and Sigma before?

I know the Tamron is around 699, Sigma 900, and the DA* 700...

Thanks!

11-26-2008, 04:05 PM   #2
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I have the DA and the Sigma. I like both. I would choose the Sigma if I could only have one. It is awesome.
11-26-2008, 05:05 PM   #3
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I just pick up my Tamron last Friday shot with it over the weekend and am not sure I'm impressed. It may be just me and getting used to the lens I have gotten some nice sharp shots and some that were not so good it seems to back focus on my K10D and I don't have this problem with any of my other lenses I'm going to work with it through this weekend and maybe next if things don't improve with practice it is going back and I'll get the Sigma. My Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6 is very sharp all the time and if it weren't for the fact that I need the range of the 70-200 I would have likely bought the Pentax 50-135 long ago, it is a shame the Tamron got good reviews. I'll keep you posted if it stays or goes.
11-26-2008, 05:08 PM   #4
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Thanks guys, if you could, can you post some samples? Thanks.

11-29-2008, 12:15 AM   #5
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I used to have the Sigma 70-200mm HSM for 1 week, then it was back for repair due to serious FF issues. I went to -10 AF adjustment on my K20D, and it still FF, so there is no hope.

Then I send it back twice for repair, and the service center seems to think that the lens is fine.
Its just too much hassle and time wasted on this lens, so today I exchanged it with Tamron 70-200mm, and focus is spot on. no AF adjustment needed.

I've the Pentax 50-135mm as well, and it is a very nice and sharp lens to use. Its just sometimes I long for the 200mm range, but i like the light weight characteristic of it.

Comparing Sigma and Tamron, I like the lighter weight of Tamron, and at the short end, it seemd to perform really well. At 200mm, I think the sigma is sharper.. too bad with the FF issue.

Sigma is heavier, but focus faster, and almost silent. I would much prefer this if I can get a good copy.. ohh well... i'm settle with Tamron now.
11-29-2008, 10:31 AM   #6
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Here you go : Images from Tamron 70-200 thread.

Lake-dunked filter method.
11-29-2008, 04:08 PM   #7
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I've sat here reading reviews and comparing prices for a long time, and I'd more or less decided on the Pentax 50-135.

Then I checked the latest UK prices and there isn't that great a difference between them now, and I've had a little windfall so buying the cheapest isn't a deciding factor.

So now the Tamron is looking like the favorite, but I like the stellar reputation of the Pentax. I've had a long history of using Tamron and like them, but I want the weatherproofing of the Pentax.

A guy I know has the Sigma, it's a great lens. Still tempting.

And what about a used Tokina?

I'm still confused..................



11-30-2008, 02:36 AM   #8
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It's definitely a tough decision, each one has it's pros and cons. I wish I had some sort of windfall and get them all.
11-30-2008, 03:55 AM   #9
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Nah,

you might want to have a look here, there was a similar discussion before:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/42108-sigma-70...-50-135-a.html

As I wrote there I tested the Sigma 70-200, the Pentax 50-135 along with the Sigma 50-150 at a local retailer.

The S. 70-200 feels twice as heavy as the 50-135 (which in fact I think it is) and a little less sharp. Focussing speed was about the same. Still, both are very solid and sharp lenses.

No idea how the Tamron does, though.
11-30-2008, 05:16 PM   #10
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I just ordered a sigma 70-200mm, so I should be able to compare shortly.

I love the 50-135, it's hard to beat IQ wise but the FL is a bit limited for me, and I could really use something in the 200 range at 2.8...

Picked up the sigma brand new for less than $500 on ebay with the combination of some lucrative offers...can't wait to start shooting with it.
11-30-2008, 08:13 PM   #11
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I just ordered the Tamron 70-200mm. I have nothing to compare it to but I'll post up some thoughts once it's in my hands.
12-01-2008, 01:39 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by bigben91682 Quote
I just ordered a sigma 70-200mm, so I should be able to compare shortly.

I love the 50-135, it's hard to beat IQ wise but the FL is a bit limited for me, and I could really use something in the 200 range at 2.8...

Picked up the sigma brand new for less than $500 on ebay with the combination of some lucrative offers...can't wait to start shooting with it.
I'm envious of you guys and the eBay offerings right now with the 30% off.
12-01-2008, 08:25 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by bigben91682 Quote
I just ordered a sigma 70-200mm, so I should be able to compare shortly.

I love the 50-135, it's hard to beat IQ wise but the FL is a bit limited for me, and I could really use something in the 200 range at 2.8...

Picked up the sigma brand new for less than $500 on ebay with the combination of some lucrative offers...can't wait to start shooting with it.

The cheapest I've seen that in the UK is £540 or $803.

We get ripped off over here.
12-01-2008, 12:59 PM   #14
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What about Sigma 100-300 f4?

I have been thinking about the Sigma 100-300 f4 as the alternative to the 70-200 f2.8s. Seems like Amazon is selling a HSM version of this lens!

Amazon.com: Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM APO Fast Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax and Samsung SLR Cameras: Electronics

They also seem to have a HSM version of the Bigma.

Amazon.com: Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM APO RF Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax and Samsung SLR Cameras: Electronics

Any thoughts?
12-01-2008, 01:02 PM   #15
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Further thoughts

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.
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