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04-13-2007, 10:07 PM   #1
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Pentax 50-135 or Sigma 70-200?

I'm fairly sure I know what most people will say to this, but...

I'm going to New Zealand in September for the WRC (world rally championship. crazy cars, crazy cars, doing crazy stuff on dirt. woot!)

Obviously, the lens I have isn't that well suited - most of the action will be in broad daylight, but not all of it. F4 just isn't enough & I'm not keen on going past 400ISO. And at any rate I need a longer zoom.

So - which one? Pentax DA* 50-135 F2.8 or Sigma EX 70-200 F2.8? The Pentax has the name, the weathersealing (good for other rallies where it's going to be dusty), and possibly the more useful focal range, the ultrasonic focus motor, and the same (67mm) filter as the 16-45. The Sigma has the price (available for under US$1000 from the US, vs closer to US$1300 (guess) for the Pentax), possibly the more useful focal range, and it's readily available and proven.

Got several months to make up my mind, but...

04-13-2007, 11:18 PM   #2
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For the motor car racing, DA 50-135 might be of better choice for faster autofocusing (not that people really use autofocus during motor sports photography). Or if you usually prefer manual focus to snap shots pre-timed and focused on a point in the race track, Sigma 70-200 might be a better option just for the better reach.

The image quality from sigma 70-200 is just outstanding. I had trouble using it in low light as it hunts while I was focusing on birds in the trees. The colour and contrast are all very rich from this lens. Sure this is a good choice only if you do not really rely on its autofocusing capability.
04-14-2007, 12:14 AM   #3
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I thought Pentax priced the 50-135 at $999 on the website? After double checking they did price it at $999US
04-14-2007, 12:23 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by codiac2600 Quote
I thought Pentax priced the 50-135 at $999 on the website? After double checking they did price it at $999US
Oops. That should've been under AU$1000 for the Sigma, and around AU$1300 for the Pentax.

04-14-2007, 12:40 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by codiac2600 Quote
I thought Pentax priced the 50-135 at $999 on the website? After double checking they did price it at $999US
It's $829 at Adorama.
04-14-2007, 12:53 AM   #6
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Mmm I know... in which case it'd feel a little silly not to get it over the Sigma, which can be had for $699. But is that price going to stay once it's launched?
04-14-2007, 02:37 AM   #7
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I would love to check out WRC in person, lucky you! It's a shame SpeedTV stopped showing it, but at least I still have my Formula 1. I think the Pentax lens will have a more useful focal range at the event since spectactors get to be pretty close from what I've seen, although it might also be nice to have that extra length once in a while with the Sigma. And as you said, the Sigma is proven (although I'm sure the Pentax will be no slouch); tough call.

Whichever you decide, be sure to post some photos up when the time comes around.

04-14-2007, 03:10 AM   #8
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Just to further confuse matters... I wonder if the Tamron 70-200 2.8 will be out before then...

From everything I've read, you can't go wrong with either. I think the choice comes down to the most useful focal lengths you use. 135mm could be a little short, but the 50-135mm still makes me drool... just a bit... um.... I need a napkin...
04-14-2007, 03:34 AM   #9
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AND!!!!!!!!!!! What if Sigma releases the 50-150mm F2.8 for Pentax mount by then? It's Canon & Nikon only ATM, but...

Also agree with the feeling that the 50-135 is probably the more useful of the two - it's the 70-200 equivalent, rather than 105-300.
04-14-2007, 07:16 AM   #10
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IMHO I think that the SDM is the make or break feature since Optically the pentax should best the others, maybe not greatly but a visible amount, so the fast focus and better ability to pan around with constant focus and catch those great pearly shots would make for a great time with those quick cars.
04-14-2007, 08:37 AM   #11
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Well if all goes to plan, i should have my 50-135 by the start of may, and since you live in Adelaide, i may be able to organise a shoot with a couple other Pentaxers from Adelaide as well.
04-14-2007, 10:31 PM   #12
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Wouldn't be the first time if it rains here during the race. Something else to consider. I reckon the Sigma would have the more useful range, really being able to pull the cars up close, but if you can afford it, I think the Pentax seals and Fast focus (which may not be much use during the rally but sure will be for other things) would be the one for you (you can always crop!).
04-15-2007, 05:34 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by SupremeMoFo Quote
I'm fairly sure I know what most people will say to this, but...

I'm going to New Zealand in September for the WRC (world rally championship. crazy cars, crazy cars, doing crazy stuff on dirt. woot!)

Obviously, the lens I have isn't that well suited - most of the action will be in broad daylight, but not all of it. F4 just isn't enough & I'm not keen on going past 400ISO. And at any rate I need a longer zoom.

So - which one? Pentax DA* 50-135 F2.8 or Sigma EX 70-200 F2.8? The Pentax has the name, the weathersealing (good for other rallies where it's going to be dusty), and possibly the more useful focal range, the ultrasonic focus motor, and the same (67mm) filter as the 16-45. The Sigma has the price (available for under US$1000 from the US, vs closer to US$1300 (guess) for the Pentax), possibly the more useful focal range, and it's readily available and proven.

Got several months to make up my mind, but...

if you can wait a bit (about september???) there will also be a tamron 70-200 looks good on paper, but how good remains to be seen


TAMRON | News | Tamron Develops new product SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di [Model A001]

Rgds
Phil
10-25-2009, 01:19 AM   #14
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Any new opinion?
is the sigma slow?
10-25-2009, 01:23 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by roentarre Quote
For the motor car racing, DA 50-135 might be of better choice for faster autofocusing (not that people really use autofocus during motor sports photography)
For these it seems like trap-af would be mighty useful, but it is my understanding that AF lenses w/o MF switch on the lens can't use trap-AF (and the sigma 70-200/2.8 MF switch didn't decouple the focus mechanism w/ the body, but just coupled it to the focus ring so tit doesn't actually work).

If I had a MF lens or shorted out the contacts, would the body be fast enough for a race to trap-AF some shots?
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