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03-15-2010, 04:50 AM   #1
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Lens choice - opinions sought

Hello fellow Pentaxians,
I am new to this forum although have enjoyed photography for some time now. I have a question but would like to give you my background about my equipment firts. I have a K20 D and bought it with the DA18-250 lens. Last year I acquired the Pentax DA 12-24 lens and could immediatley appreciate the difference in quality. More recently (2 weeks ago) I got myself the DA*50-135, which is a beauty! Now I am itching to get a fast lens with a bigger zoom as well, to hopefully complete my set. I plan to ask the wife to get it for my birthday in a few months (6 to be exact). After having a look on the net, I thought I might go for the Sigma 120-400 but I would appreciate your opinion as well. If you guys were in my shoes, what would you go for? I am looking at a budget of maybe £600-700.
Thanks in advance.

03-15-2010, 05:21 AM   #2
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It's hard to pretend I'm in your shoes... I have no idea what you intend to use these lenses for. Each situation can be fulfilled by a vast array of lenses. For me, the DA* 50-135mm fulfills my telephoto needs perfectly, so I have no intention of getting anything longer. I also have a super-cheap F 35-70mm which rarely gets taken off my camera, and that one has almost taken the kit lens out of rotation (except for some really wide shots where 35mm won't cut it).

I don't think you should be relying on us to make your lens decisions for you. You're better off trying to figure out which lenses will best fit your needs. Once you have it narrowed down to specific choices, then you can ask more questions like which one is better than the others, etc.
03-15-2010, 06:41 AM   #3
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£600-700 I would be looking at a used Sigma 50-500mm or 100-300mm f4.

If you want new then something like the Sigma 150-500mm.
03-15-2010, 08:08 AM   #4
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I was in the same boat in looking for better zoom and I went with the Sigma 100-300 F4 and also picked up the 1.4 TC. While I haven't really tried out the TC the lens has proven to be all I wanted. It is a large heavy lens but I hiked around last week end carrying it and it wasn't too bad.
Found this Great Blue Heron with it. BUt I have to admit I still need to learn how to take a good picture with it. I just got it and haven'u done much yet.

03-15-2010, 03:38 PM   #5
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Thanks for your replies chaps. I still have time to decide and will keep on the look out.
03-17-2010, 12:04 AM   #6
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Yes, that Sigma 100-300 f4 is said to have best IQ in its class, but a new one would precariously perch you on the very edge of your budget. A used one, though I do not think it will be that much less, may be just within your grips.

Please, if you buy this lens, treat us all here by posting some shots with it. Thanks.
03-17-2010, 02:13 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Naim Khan Quote
... I thought I might go for the Sigma 120-400... I am looking at a budget of maybe £600-700.
My marketplace listing has expired, but I have a Lil'Bigma -- Sigma APO DGL 170-500mm f/5-6.3 -- that I don't want. That's a full-frame lens, barely used, essentially NEW. I paid US$1000 for it (yes, too much). I priced it for the marketplace at US$800, and I may be flexible. It performs absolutely great on my K20D, superb IQ, I just don't need to haul around something that big that I use so infrequently. All the packaging is complete and undamaged. If you or anyone is interested, I can re-list it. Ah, I should do that anyway.

03-18-2010, 01:46 AM   #8
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Well guys, I have bought a lens but not the one I asked the question about! I thought about my requirements and felt that for the moment my DA* 50-135 should cover everything and if occasionally I need a longer focal length, I will continue with the 18-250. So instead I have gone for the Sigma 18-50 EX Macro!! My reasoning? I feel I need a faster lens for indoor photography. The lens is arriving today so let's hope I have made the right choice.
03-18-2010, 02:11 AM   #9
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Ach, still about 6 month till your birthday. Sure the replies will not be wasted
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