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11-20-2009, 07:04 PM   #1
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DA*300 vs Sigma

I'm looking at the DA*300 f/4 or Sigma 100-300 f/4. Which one has better IQ?

11-20-2009, 08:02 PM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by stoge Quote
I'm looking at the DA*300 f/4 or Sigma 100-300 f/4. Which one has better IQ?
Stoge:
Until 2 days ago, I owned both the Sigma 100-300 F4 and the DA*300 F4.
I just sold the Sigma because there was no point on carrying two large lens during my outings. Nonetheless, the Sigma, in my own opinion, has a similar IQ as the DA*.
Take a look at some of the pics at Pentax Photo Gallery (link below my signature) and you will see that any bird photo which has been taken with "other" (i.e.: other than a Pentax lens) was in fact taken with the Sigma. (Snowy Owl, heron ...etc.)
I liked the versatility of the Sigma "zoom" but it added weight to my gear. I very seldom use a tripod/monopod, so it was a bit bulkier than the DA*
Other than that, I like(d) both lenses for the IQ, mounted on a K20D.
So, it depends if you want a lens with more versatility or a prime which sort of restricts your latitude, but I would say this prime lens is light, fast and easy to handle under harsh conditions,plus it is weather-sealed.
Hope this helps a bit.
JP
11-20-2009, 08:53 PM   #3
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Or if budget allows for a say....Sigma 300mm f2/8 I know cost but.......LBA


cheers
11-21-2009, 03:01 AM   #4
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Thanks for all the great info, You've been a big help! Your photos prove the IQ of the lenses. You've done a great job on your Pics----Jeff

11-21-2009, 05:17 AM   #5
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very interesting that you think the zoom performed as well as a prime...
11-21-2009, 07:29 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by stoge Quote
I'm looking at the DA*300 f/4 or Sigma 100-300 f/4. Which one has better IQ?
Both are excellent lenses ...I have owned both but now only the DA*300 which is more compact. I found that I was using the 100-300 at the 300 almost exclusivly so decided to go with the Pentax glass which is more compact and may have a bit of an edge in IQ.
11-21-2009, 09:38 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by WerTicus Quote
very interesting that you think the zoom performed as well as a prime...
look here Sigma AF 100-300mm f/4 APO EX DG HSM (Nikon) - Review / Test Report and here Pentax SMC-FA* 300mm f/4.5 ED [IF] - Review / Lab Test Report.

I have Sigma and agree with statement "The Sigma AF 100-300mm f/4 EX HSM DG is one of the most impressive Sigma lenses tested to date.". Especially it is very good with TC 1.4. Of course it is much bigger than DA*300. But on other hand it is zoom and very good portrait lens at 100-200mm.

I had chance to test DA*300. Sigma is still better for me - it is my workhorse during my trips. Taking it and TC 1.4 I have portrait lens and 420mm tele for birds and animals.


Sigma EX APO IF 100-300mm 1:4 Photo Gallery by Piotr Sobolewski at pbase.com

11-21-2009, 10:50 AM   #8
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Very Impressive Pics!! Thanks for all the Info! You've really been helpful with my decision. I was leaning toward the Sigma and I think this seals the deal!
11-21-2009, 11:05 AM   #9
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Agreed

QuoteOriginally posted by MikePerham Quote
Both are excellent lenses ...I have owned both but now only the DA*300 which is more compact. I found that I was using the 100-300 at the 300 almost exclusivly so decided to go with the Pentax glass which is more compact and may have a bit of an edge in IQ.
I have had the exact same experience, and concur with Mike.

Additionally the DA*300 does work quite well with the Tamron 1.4 TC.

Last edited by NeverSatisfied; 11-21-2009 at 11:07 AM. Reason: Additional information
11-21-2009, 12:07 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by NeverSatisfied Quote
I have had the exact same experience, and concur with Mike.

Additionally the DA*300 does work quite well with the Tamron 1.4 TC.
.

I have the Sigma 100-300 f4 HSM in Nikon mount, and I also have the Nikon 300 f/4 AF-D, and pretty much also agree with the above.

Optically, the Sigma is one of those rare zooms that perform about as well as a top-quality prime. Only problem with the Sigma is it's size - I also shoot it mostly at 300mm, and when I know I'll be shooting long most of the day I'd rather go out with my Nikon 300 f/4, it's smaller, lighter, easier to handle.

And the DA* 300 is even smaller than the Nikon 300 f4, so the difference is even greater with Pentax.



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11-23-2009, 07:41 AM   #11
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I have to say also that my Sigma 100-300 is the sharpest lens I've used from 100 to 300mm but I use it more than just a 300mm lens too.
11-23-2009, 08:20 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Piotr Quote
look here Sigma AF 100-300mm f/4 APO EX DG HSM (Nikon) - Review / Test Report and here Pentax SMC-FA* 300mm f/4.5 ED [IF] - Review / Lab Test Report.

I have Sigma and agree with statement "The Sigma AF 100-300mm f/4 EX HSM DG is one of the most impressive Sigma lenses tested to date.". Especially it is very good with TC 1.4. Of course it is much bigger than DA*300. But on other hand it is zoom and very good portrait lens at 100-200mm.

I had chance to test DA*300. Sigma is still better for me - it is my workhorse during my trips. Taking it and TC 1.4 I have portrait lens and 420mm tele for birds and animals.


Sigma EX APO IF 100-300mm 1:4 Photo Gallery by Piotr Sobolewski at pbase.com
The Sigma is certainly a fine lens, I had one but opted to trade to a DA* 300 and no regrets. The Sigma is a bit large and long for a portrait lens, but then I have other lenses better suited to that purpose so the DA* 300 suites my kit better.
11-25-2009, 05:38 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by MikePerham Quote
The Sigma is certainly a fine lens, I had one but opted to trade to a DA* 300 and no regrets. The Sigma is a bit large and long for a portrait lens, but then I have other lenses better suited to that purpose so the DA* 300 suites my kit better.
But my remark was about situation when I have one lens and need to use 300mm and 100mm. Something like this

Pentax PENTAX K20D,Sigma 100-300mm f4 EX
1/800s f/5.6 at 300.0mm iso160


Pentax PENTAX K20D,Sigma 100-300mm f4 EX
1/500s f/5.6 at 100.0mm iso160

Last edited by Piotr; 11-25-2009 at 05:59 AM.
11-25-2009, 09:11 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Piotr Quote
Pentax PENTAX K20D,Sigma 100-300mm f4 EX
1/500s f/5.6 at 100.0mm iso160
Holy crap! How are you still alive?
11-25-2009, 09:36 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kirivon Quote
Holy crap! How are you still alive?

Great pix..I would say they were taken in the northern part of my Canadian province...Manitoba at Churchill.

Were they taken from the Tundra Buggy...?
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