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09-14-2009, 05:03 PM   #1
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Confused on what lens to get

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Hey all,

I need your advice, I have recently got back into photography and am looking for another lens to go with what came with my K20Ds (smc PENTAX DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II). I really enjoy the lens but would like to get something in a zoom lens to complement it. Im think up to around 200mm to 300mm Zoom would be cool

I have a budget of $300.00, I have research the 3 brands that people talk about (Pentax, Tamron, Sigma) but as I research I get even more confused. I'm not sure what company would be best to go with.

Any suggestion would be awesome, and sorry if this might have been asked before. If so, please point me to the discussion.

Thanks again

Craig


Last edited by Cregar; 09-14-2009 at 05:45 PM.
09-14-2009, 05:12 PM   #2
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I recommend the Pentax 55-300. Usually a bit higher than $300, but this demo unit is available.

Pentax SMC DA Series 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED *NEW-DEMO* - eBay (item 270456528395 end time Oct-14-09 12:21:32 PDT)
09-14-2009, 05:31 PM   #3
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Agree with that 100%.

I've also gotten two 55-300mm from this forum's marketplace for $250 each, shipped.
09-14-2009, 05:34 PM   #4
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I've got the Tamron 100-300 that's pretty good.

09-14-2009, 06:44 PM   #5
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I have a Tamron 70-300mm Di Macro and Pentax DA 55-300mm. I dropped my K20D/55-300 and it landed on the lens on frozen pavement. The 55-300 needed a repair, so I've been using the 70-300 for a couple of months, after a year with the 55-300. I am very anxious to get my 55-300 back.

The sharpness of the Pentax at 300mm is significantly better, especially wide open. With slow lenses like this, being able to shoot wide open is a huge deal. Colour and contrast are better as well with the Pentax. I like the Tamron's 1:2 macro, but I wouldn't trade the "macro" function for 55-70mm. Besides, the sharpness of the 55-300 means I can crop and still get as close as the Tamron in macro mode. For casual macro, I can pop an inexpensive Raynox 150 diopter on the end and get real macro, not just 1:2.

IME, there's no reason to choose the Tamron unless one simply can't swing the cash. The Pentax is a better lens (for more money).

Last edited by audiobomber; 09-14-2009 at 07:56 PM.
09-14-2009, 06:45 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by graphicgr8s Quote
I've got the Tamron 100-300 that's pretty good.
But a long way from $300.
09-14-2009, 07:14 PM   #7
Ash
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Can't go past the 55-300 for value for money.
Your budget just about covers it, and no other lens in that price range rivals it.
Go for it.

09-15-2009, 12:12 PM   #8
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Original Poster
Hey all,

Thanks so much for the advice. I'm down to these 2 lens:

1. smc PENTAX DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR - Amazon price: $250.00
2. smc PENTAX DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED - Amazon price: $350.00

So, between these 2 lens optic wise, which is better.

Thanks again for your advice.

Craig
09-15-2009, 07:22 PM   #9
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55-300 is better, by almost univeral acclaim. Only reasons to choose the 50-200 would be the WR, the lower price, or the smaller size (all of which are actually worth considering).
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