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02-12-2009, 09:03 AM   #1
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Tamron 70-300 or Pentax 55-300?

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I have seen some beautiful pictures taken with a Tamron lens. Which do you prefer? I know at least one poster prefers the Pentax, although I'm not sure which Tamron lens he had -- I assume it was the 70-300, but I'm not sure... Is the Pentax lens much better?

02-12-2009, 09:18 AM   #2
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The 70-300 is a CA monster. That being said, if you use it in the right situations, it can be a great lens, especially for the price. I have owned both, first the 70-300 then the 55-300. The Pentax obviously has a wider range, quick shift, and it manages to be smaller. Honestly, I preferred the 70-300 and may get one again because they are so much cheaper in comparison to the 55-300.
02-12-2009, 10:24 AM   #3
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paolojackson: did you try the 70-300 on the K20D?
I noticed it CA's considerably less than when I had it on the K10D. No clue why though...
02-12-2009, 10:30 AM   #4
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I did not notice that yet...

QuoteOriginally posted by kenyee Quote
paolojackson: did you try the 70-300 on the K20D?
I noticed it CA's considerably less than when I had it on the K10D. No clue why though...

But man, I hope you are right. Love the cost and convienence of the tamy, and like you said if the conditions are right I have got some very nice shots with it. But when it goes all purple on me it is a bit frustrating...

I personally would get the 55-300 if I have the money.


But I look forward to seeing if the tamy is better on the K20d... but it has to stop raining first... Not a lot of high contrast on these cloudy days.

02-12-2009, 10:36 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by kenyee Quote
paolojackson: did you try the 70-300 on the K20D?
I noticed it CA's considerably less than when I had it on the K10D. No clue why though...
Sadly, I did not get the chance to try it on the K20D. I don't shoot long very often so I ended up getting rid of both lenses at different points in time. If I ever find the need to, I may get to try the 70-300 +K20D combo
02-12-2009, 12:30 PM   #6
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the 700-300 and the 55-300 aren't in direct competition per se. The pentax is a much bettter lens. The tammy and the sigma of the same focal range are competition...
02-12-2009, 03:44 PM   #7
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Sweet bay, I'll agree with the some of the other comment. I've no experiance with the Pentax, but the Tamron is a great leans especially considering the cost. You just have to shoot with it a lot and learn it's limitations.

Some examples from the Tamron:







02-12-2009, 03:56 PM   #8
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I've no clue how you got that bird shot, but I've owned the Tamron new and used and I truly hated both of them. Purple fringing, softness on the long end, slow, cheaply built, slow focusing, ridiculously "fat" and way too long when fully zoomed out especially with a hood.

But, I've seen great shots with the Tammy, like your bird there so who knows?

Regards,
Mike
QuoteOriginally posted by dws1117 Quote
... I've no experiance with the Pentax, but the Tamron is a great leans especially considering the cost. You just have to shoot with it a lot and learn it's limitations.

Some examples from the Tamron:
02-12-2009, 04:45 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by X Man Quote
I've no clue how you got that bird shot, but I've owned the Tamron new and used and I truly hated both of them. Purple fringing, softness on the long end, slow, cheaply built, slow focusing, ridiculously "fat" and way too long when fully zoomed out especially with a hood.

But, I've seen great shots with the Tammy, like your bird there so who knows?

Regards,
Mike
Thanks. I must have a good copy. Not too much purple as long as I don't use is in situations with too much contrast.

As for the bird, that guy was a ham or cold not sure which. I was only about 5 feet from him while taking these shots. He let me take shots of him for at least 20 minutes.

Sweet Bay, You probably can't go wrong with either, If budget wasn't a concern i'd probably trade for the Pentax and I like the Tamron. Another negative for the Tammy is it has a rotating front element. Makes using a circular polarizer a real pain.
02-12-2009, 05:47 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by sweet bay Quote
Sorry if this is a silly question, but I have seen some beautiful pictures taken with a Tamron lens. Which do you prefer? I know at least one poster prefers the Pentax, although I'm not sure which Tamron lens he had -- I assume it was the 70-300, but I'm not sure... Is the Pentax lens much better?
The consensus is that the 55-300 is better. But is it 3-4x better? The Tamron can be had for less than 100$ used sometimes. It's a mighty bargain. Go with your budget. A Sigma 100-300 f/4 is even better but it costs more than 1000$.
02-12-2009, 08:26 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by ManuH Quote
The consensus is that the 55-300 is better. But is it 3-4x better? The Tamron can be had for less than 100$ used sometimes. It's a mighty bargain. Go with your budget. A Sigma 100-300 f/4 is even better but it costs more than 1000$.
i just got the 55-300mm that i ordered last week today... paid $599 AUD.. and on the topic of price, the sticker on it read $799... so i'm pretty darn lucky...

unfortunately its raining here with lots of clouds - not really the best of weather to go about testing the lens..

maybe ill take photos of the TV........ heh
02-12-2009, 08:53 PM   #12
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Da for me

Hi,these are JPEGS straight from camera.Its a gr8 lens very hapy with it.Worth the extra money .Thnx PAUL
Attachment 28051

Attachment 28052

Attachment 28053

Last edited by trumpyman; 03-03-2009 at 03:36 PM.
02-12-2009, 08:58 PM   #13
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Wow those are great. Which body?
02-12-2009, 09:10 PM   #14
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OOPS sory

Shot with the K20D.,They make a gr8 couple seem to get on well. lol
Thnx Paul
02-13-2009, 01:02 AM   #15
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never had DA55-300 but for the price, and with it's close focus ability, it's hard to beat Tamron. You need ot know how to work around it's limits at times, but generaly it's very good lens...
BR
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