New to Pentax from the Canon Camp Pentax equivalent to Canon 70-200mm f/4 L

frank2001 · 12-16-2009, 11:55 AM

Hi all.
I am an advanced amateur and have been for many many years.
I've been a Canon DSLR user since the D30.
Now using a 5D.
I have wanted to downsize and made several unsuccessful attempts with Rebels, Olympus 4/3, Panasonic and Olympus micro 4/3 and my large hands just don't lend themselves well to those tiny grips and I miss the optical viewfinder.
Also, I don't shoot nearly as much as I used to and have way too much money invested in my Canon stuff.
I ordered a K-x today based on many opinions and reviews and the fact that it comes in White!
I hope it's the answer.
I've read the kit lens is pretty good so...
First thing I'll need is a tele lens.
I currently use a Canon 70-200mm f4 and haven't figured out the Pentax equivalent so any suggestions would be welcome
Frank

Last edited by frank2001; 12-22-2009 at 09:06 AM.

Peter Zack · 12-16-2009, 12:12 PM

welcome to Pentax and Pentax Forums. I combined the 2 threads as they were identical.

IMO with a cropped sensor, the DA*50-135mm is the lens you want with the same FOV. But I use a Sigma EX 70-200 f2.8. A very nice lens. Mine is older and I think a little sharper than the current offering (HSM VII) So I'd suggest the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8. If I were buying today, that's the lens I'd get. Plus Tamron and Pentax often share designs. The Tamron 18-250 is also a Pentax as one example.

frank2001 · 12-16-2009, 12:17 PM

Thanks Peter.
I'll start investigating your suggestions.
Frank

Zav · 12-16-2009, 12:31 PM

Hello and welcome there!
You should have a look at the DA* 60-250 f4. This is an incredible lens, one of the best Pentax have ever produced but it may be too expensive (don't know about your budget).

Peter Zack · 12-16-2009, 12:34 PM

Don't forget we have a very active maketplace here and you might find one of them there. We also have a lens review data base here.

There's a wanted section there as well. Plus you can post a new message to ask opinions of others if you've got it down to 2-3 choices.

Peter Zack · 12-16-2009, 12:35 PM

Very good suggestion Zav. Probably the best lens of the bunch if f2.8 doesn't matter and this lens is great at f4 so it may not matter.

eigelb · 12-16-2009, 12:37 PM

or a cheap SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED

frank2001 · 12-16-2009, 12:40 PM

Thanks Zav.;I
'm not sure about my budget either.
If I decide to stay with Pentax, I could sell off my Canon gear and have a lot of $$ to spend but, part of the downsizing is to be in the amount of money I have invested as well.
So, I am open to all suggestions but will favor the less expensive options first

.
Frank

frank2001 · 12-16-2009, 12:42 PM

Wow!
I got 2 more replies while I was typing the last one!
Thanks guys!
What a friendly place

.

**Ash** · 12-16-2009, 01:20 PM

Welcome to the forum Frank.
The K-x is a fine little camera. The DA 60-250 will be a large lens to balance on it but will perform brilliantly.
The other options are the faster 70-200 offerings from Tamron or Sigma.
But even better, if you don't need so much reach, is the Pentax DA* 50-135. Top results, top build quality.

frank2001 · 12-16-2009, 01:45 PM

Okay, I've been reading a lot and I'm seriously considering the PENTAX DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED.
It may, I think, fit my needs at a very reasonable cost, I hope

.
I do have some questions:
First:
Maybe I should move this discussion to the lens forum or maybe you could, Peter?
Anyway,
How long does this lens hold f4?
I'm using the Canon 70-200mm f/4 on a full frame 5D so on the K-x this lens it would reach the 35mm equivalent of 200mm @ 135mm, right?
I really like the bokeh at f4 so if this lens hold f/4 out to 135mm or longer and it's still in it's sweet zoom range (not maxed out) it may be a low price solution.
Plus, give me the extra reach I get now with my 1.4x teleconverter (240mm @ f5.6).
Also, does anyone know the difference between the DA and the kit DA L (which isn't available with the white one or separately)?
Thanks,
Frank

jimH · 12-16-2009, 04:35 PM

Originally posted by Peter Zack

welcome to Pentax and Pentax Forums. I combined the 2 threads as they were identical.

IMO with a cropped sensor, the DA*50-135mm is the lens you want with the same FOV. But I use a Sigma EX 70-200 f2.8. A very nice lens. Mine is older and I think a little sharper than the current offering (HSM VII) So I'd suggest the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8. If I were buying today, that's the lens I'd get. Plus Tamron and Pentax often share designs. The Tamron 18-250 is also a Pentax as one example.

I agree on your assessment. I've recently purchased the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 and I think that it's a very nice lens. Much the same size as the Canon 70-200

wlachan · 12-16-2009, 05:09 PM

Originally posted by frank2001

Also, I don't shoot nearly as much as I used to and have way too much money invested in my Canon stuff.

1) Nobody else has EF70-200/4L (IS or not) equivalence.
2) Buy only what you need and buy quality products, and avoid switching system are the best way to save money in the long run.

edl · 12-16-2009, 05:22 PM

Originally posted by wlachan

1) Nobody else has EF70-200/4L (IS or not) equivalence.
2) Buy only what you need and buy quality products, and avoid switching system are the best way to save money in the long run.

+1 to both comments. I'd be very happy if Pentax or Nikon had a 70-200/4...

Peter Zack · 12-16-2009, 05:38 PM

I'll move this over NP. I kinda figured it would need to go there at some point. Now we'll go to where the sharks are

.

EDL I disagree, why would Pentax build a 70-200 f4 when there's 2 very good F2.8's on the market for around $899.00 The Canon f4 is $1150.00 on Amazon. The 60-250mm f4 is the right lens considering the 50-135mm f2.8 matches up nicely in the line.

As for the DA55-300mm I have only test shot the lens but everything I've heard here is that it's a very good lens. Quite nice even wide open and at both extremes.

12-16-2009, 11:55 AM	#1
frank2001 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 25	New to Pentax from the Canon Camp Pentax equivalent to Canon 70-200mm f/4 L Hi all. I am an advanced amateur and have been for many many years. I've been a Canon DSLR user since the D30. Now using a 5D. I have wanted to downsize and made several unsuccessful attempts with Rebels, Olympus 4/3, Panasonic and Olympus micro 4/3 and my large hands just don't lend themselves well to those tiny grips and I miss the optical viewfinder. Also, I don't shoot nearly as much as I used to and have way too much money invested in my Canon stuff. I ordered a K-x today based on many opinions and reviews and the fact that it comes in White! I hope it's the answer. I've read the kit lens is pretty good so... First thing I'll need is a tele lens. I currently use a Canon 70-200mm f4 and haven't figured out the Pentax equivalent so any suggestions would be welcome Frank Last edited by frank2001; 12-22-2009 at 09:06 AM.

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12-16-2009, 12:12 PM	#2
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	welcome to Pentax and Pentax Forums. I combined the 2 threads as they were identical. IMO with a cropped sensor, the DA*50-135mm is the lens you want with the same FOV. But I use a Sigma EX 70-200 f2.8. A very nice lens. Mine is older and I think a little sharper than the current offering (HSM VII) So I'd suggest the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8. If I were buying today, that's the lens I'd get. Plus Tamron and Pentax often share designs. The Tamron 18-250 is also a Pentax as one example.

12-16-2009, 12:17 PM	#3
frank2001 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 25 Original Poster	Thanks Peter. I'll start investigating your suggestions. Frank

12-16-2009, 12:31 PM	#4
Zav Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,371	Hello and welcome there! You should have a look at the DA* 60-250 f4. This is an incredible lens, one of the best Pentax have ever produced but it may be too expensive (don't know about your budget).

12-16-2009, 12:34 PM	#5
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Don't forget we have a very active maketplace here and you might find one of them there. We also have a lens review data base here. There's a wanted section there as well. Plus you can post a new message to ask opinions of others if you've got it down to 2-3 choices.

12-16-2009, 12:35 PM	#6
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Very good suggestion Zav. Probably the best lens of the bunch if f2.8 doesn't matter and this lens is great at f4 so it may not matter.

12-16-2009, 12:37 PM	#7
eigelb Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Italy Posts: 174	or a cheap SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED

12-16-2009, 12:40 PM	#8
frank2001 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 25 Original Poster	Thanks Zav.;I 'm not sure about my budget either. If I decide to stay with Pentax, I could sell off my Canon gear and have a lot of $$ to spend but, part of the downsizing is to be in the amount of money I have invested as well. So, I am open to all suggestions but will favor the less expensive options first . Frank

12-16-2009, 12:42 PM	#9
frank2001 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 25 Original Poster	Wow! I got 2 more replies while I was typing the last one! Thanks guys! What a friendly place .

12-16-2009, 01:20 PM	#10
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Welcome to the forum Frank. The K-x is a fine little camera. The DA 60-250 will be a large lens to balance on it but will perform brilliantly. The other options are the faster 70-200 offerings from Tamron or Sigma. But even better, if you don't need so much reach, is the Pentax DA* 50-135. Top results, top build quality.

12-16-2009, 01:45 PM	#11
frank2001 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 25 Original Poster	Okay, I've been reading a lot and I'm seriously considering the PENTAX DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED. It may, I think, fit my needs at a very reasonable cost, I hope . I do have some questions: First: Maybe I should move this discussion to the lens forum or maybe you could, Peter? Anyway, How long does this lens hold f4? I'm using the Canon 70-200mm f/4 on a full frame 5D so on the K-x this lens it would reach the 35mm equivalent of 200mm @ 135mm, right? I really like the bokeh at f4 so if this lens hold f/4 out to 135mm or longer and it's still in it's sweet zoom range (not maxed out) it may be a low price solution. Plus, give me the extra reach I get now with my 1.4x teleconverter (240mm @ f5.6). Also, does anyone know the difference between the DA and the kit DA L (which isn't available with the white one or separately)? Thanks, Frank

12-16-2009, 04:35 PM	#12
jimH Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Central Nebraska - USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,771	Originally posted by Peter Zack welcome to Pentax and Pentax Forums. I combined the 2 threads as they were identical. IMO with a cropped sensor, the DA*50-135mm is the lens you want with the same FOV. But I use a Sigma EX 70-200 f2.8. A very nice lens. Mine is older and I think a little sharper than the current offering (HSM VII) So I'd suggest the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8. If I were buying today, that's the lens I'd get. Plus Tamron and Pentax often share designs. The Tamron 18-250 is also a Pentax as one example. I agree on your assessment. I've recently purchased the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 and I think that it's a very nice lens. Much the same size as the Canon 70-200

12-16-2009, 05:09 PM	#13
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Originally posted by frank2001 Also, I don't shoot nearly as much as I used to and have way too much money invested in my Canon stuff. 1) Nobody else has EF70-200/4L (IS or not) equivalence. 2) Buy only what you need and buy quality products, and avoid switching system are the best way to save money in the long run.

12-16-2009, 05:22 PM	#14
edl Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Francisco Posts: 457	Originally posted by wlachan 1) Nobody else has EF70-200/4L (IS or not) equivalence. 2) Buy only what you need and buy quality products, and avoid switching system are the best way to save money in the long run. +1 to both comments. I'd be very happy if Pentax or Nikon had a 70-200/4...

12-16-2009, 05:38 PM	#15
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	I'll move this over NP. I kinda figured it would need to go there at some point. Now we'll go to where the sharks are . EDL I disagree, why would Pentax build a 70-200 f4 when there's 2 very good F2.8's on the market for around $899.00 The Canon f4 is $1150.00 on Amazon. The 60-250mm f4 is the right lens considering the 50-135mm f2.8 matches up nicely in the line. As for the DA55-300mm I have only test shot the lens but everything I've heard here is that it's a very good lens. Quite nice even wide open and at both extremes.