Originally posted by Clem Nichols
... purchasing the Sigma 17-70 mm 2.8-4.5 DC Macro to use for the majority of my picture taking (outdoor scenics and the obligatory snapshots of pets and grandkids) and the Sigma 70-300 APO DG for a reasonably priced telephoto for wildlife. I have read several favorable reviews of each of these lenses
Hi Clem:
I have the Pentax 50-200 and Sigma 70-300. While the Sigma has the extra reach and "macro" facility, I think the Pentax has the slight edge in sharpness, at least out to 200mm. The Sigma contrast and sharpness drops off slightly from there. Others think the Sigma is very sharp, so it may be true that the Sigma QC is hit and miss. The Sigma 18-50 I have is very sharp, so they are capable of making good lenses (though the 18-50 was almost 2X the cost of the 70-300 no doubt due to being f2.8).
Even though I'm a bit lukewarm about the 70-300 I would recommend it for the budget zoom it is. Also, I "think" I'm getting better sharpness by upping the ISO to 400 even in daylight to get a smaller aperture. It is a bit bulky, though not really heavy, and over 10" long at 300mm.
The 17-70 and 70-300 seem like a good combo.