Repalcing the kit zoom lens?

peos99 · 08-17-2012, 12:56 AM

Hello!
I'm about to replace my 18-55 kit zoom lens and need some advice from you professionals out there.
I have looked at the Tamron 17-50/f2.8 and the Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4 and wonder what your experience with these lenses are?
The price is about the same but the Sigmas extra 20mm zoom is interresting i think, making the lens more versitile.
What about the image quality?

**i_trax** · 08-17-2012, 01:10 AM

I have 2x Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 Macro ( non HSM) and love them:
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
this one is actually smaller, lighter than the newer one you mentioned and has better MACRO.
you can get them regularly on eBay in Australia for ~ $200.
Tamron or Sigma 17-50 are good but not tele enough as a walk around the only lens.

JohnX · 08-17-2012, 02:19 AM

Presumably you're unhappy with the IQ of the kit lens but are happy with the range?

You could do worse than look for the Pentax 16-45. I found it a step up and well priced.

Since changed to the Pentax 17-70, equally good IQ and longer but SDM only. Not advertised as WR, but does have seals. Only changed because I saw the 17-70 at a bargain price and got a very good price for my 16-45.

There's also the DA* 16-50, which like all DA* lenses is WR, fast and well built.

Have you taken a look at the lens database on here?

sharko · 08-17-2012, 04:47 AM

I replaced the kit lens with the DA* 16-50mm, the f/2.8 aperture give you a little more creative room plus you can shoot in the rain

claimed4all · 08-17-2012, 05:27 AM

I would get the Pentax DA 16-50, but only if I could afford it. I could not. So I got the Tamron 17-50 2.8 for about half the price. I love it. It rarely leaves my k-r body. I am more than impressed with the Tamron, its a HUGE upgrade from the kit lens. After getting a constant f2.8 zoom lens, thats all I want it future zooms. Looking to now sell my Pentax DA-L 55-300 in the coming months and getting the Tamron 70-200 2.8.

mickey · 08-17-2012, 06:24 AM

Another vote for the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5.
It is a solid performer, faster than the kit lens, better range, and it's good at close-ups.

There's a recent comparative review on the front page between the two Sigmas and also the Pentax, all at the 17-70 focal range.

manacho2005 · 08-17-2012, 07:19 AM

I had the same problem. Not so many choices, but enough to drive you crazy deciding. If you had the money; DA*16-50. If not, but still want a fast lens; go third-party. What I found as a compromise between WR and good focal range is actually another kit lens; DA18-135. It's not as fast as my Sigma 18-50, but the range makes up for that. Good luck on your decision, and don't let LBA suck you in.

peos99 · 08-17-2012, 07:24 AM

Thanks för Your opinions.
I am not happy With the 18-55 kit lens since I think it takes poor pictures often out of focus.
I bought the Pentax 55-300 a while ago and that lens I am really happy with. Much sharper pictures than the kit lens.
I was on my way to buy the Tamron 17-50 lens when I heard about the Sigma lens. If the image quality is equal than the extra zoom on the Sigma lens is a winner in my world.
And since the K-5 performs really good on higher Isos maybe the f2.8 over the whole zoom range on the Tamron isn't that important?

**jatrax** · 08-17-2012, 08:06 AM

Originally posted by peos99

And since the K-5 performs really good on higher Isos maybe the f2.8 over the whole zoom range on the Tamron isn't that important?

It is not AS important but still a factor. The iso can make up for less light but it cannot help with depth of field. Depending on your style that may not matter so much but be aware of it. It is harder to get narrow depth of field with an f/4 lens than with an f/2.8 and of course still better with an f/1.4

Pen-A · 08-17-2012, 10:46 AM

+1 for the Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.5 . When I was replacing my kit lens everybody was telling me Tammy 17-50 was the way to go or those above mentioned pentax lenses. So far after over two years no regrets. Well sometimes the constant aperture would be nice though..

Gilzuma · 08-18-2012, 02:27 AM

I personally love the Tamron 17-50. I purchased it as a replacement for the kit lens and have loved every moment! It's quick on the K-5 and I find that I am able to shoot indoors easily without flash. Definitely worth it in my book!

**Ahab** · 08-18-2012, 08:14 AM

Originally posted by Gilzuma

I personally love the Tamron 17-50. I purchased it as a replacement for the kit lens and have loved every moment! It's quick on the K-5 and I find that I am able to shoot indoors easily without flash. Definitely worth it in my book!

I bought the Sigma and promptly returned it due to a sticky focus problem. Replaced it with the Tamron and am extremely happy with it.

sb in ak · 08-18-2012, 11:02 AM

I've used the Sigma and Tamron 17-50s. Both are a nice upgrade!

msatlas · 08-18-2012, 04:23 PM

I have the Tamron 17-50. Got it for $350 used. It needed a -5 AF adjustment on my K-r but otherwise is great. Perfectly usable at f/2.8 and gets really sharp from f/3.5 on.

LeDave · 08-18-2012, 05:12 PM

Had the same addiction, once you get into a constant F-stop zoom lens, you never want to go back. It's nice to zoom up and down to frame your shot without having to think about f-stop and loss of depth of field.

08-17-2012, 12:56 AM	#1
peos99 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 53	Repalcing the kit zoom lens? Hello! I'm about to replace my 18-55 kit zoom lens and need some advice from you professionals out there. I have looked at the Tamron 17-50/f2.8 and the Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4 and wonder what your experience with these lenses are? The price is about the same but the Sigmas extra 20mm zoom is interresting i think, making the lens more versitile. What about the image quality?

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08-17-2012, 01:10 AM	#2
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	I have 2x Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 Macro ( non HSM) and love them: Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database this one is actually smaller, lighter than the newer one you mentioned and has better MACRO. you can get them regularly on eBay in Australia for ~ $200. Tamron or Sigma 17-50 are good but not tele enough as a walk around the only lens.

08-17-2012, 02:19 AM	#3
JohnX Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,116	Presumably you're unhappy with the IQ of the kit lens but are happy with the range? You could do worse than look for the Pentax 16-45. I found it a step up and well priced. Since changed to the Pentax 17-70, equally good IQ and longer but SDM only. Not advertised as WR, but does have seals. Only changed because I saw the 17-70 at a bargain price and got a very good price for my 16-45. There's also the DA* 16-50, which like all DA* lenses is WR, fast and well built. Have you taken a look at the lens database on here?

08-17-2012, 04:47 AM	#4
sharko Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: City of Angels Photos: Gallery Posts: 278	I replaced the kit lens with the DA* 16-50mm, the f/2.8 aperture give you a little more creative room plus you can shoot in the rain

08-17-2012, 05:27 AM	#5
claimed4all Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Grand Rapids Michigan Posts: 96	I would get the Pentax DA 16-50, but only if I could afford it. I could not. So I got the Tamron 17-50 2.8 for about half the price. I love it. It rarely leaves my k-r body. I am more than impressed with the Tamron, its a HUGE upgrade from the kit lens. After getting a constant f2.8 zoom lens, thats all I want it future zooms. Looking to now sell my Pentax DA-L 55-300 in the coming months and getting the Tamron 70-200 2.8.

08-17-2012, 06:24 AM	#6
mickey Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,146	Another vote for the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5. It is a solid performer, faster than the kit lens, better range, and it's good at close-ups. There's a recent comparative review on the front page between the two Sigmas and also the Pentax, all at the 17-70 focal range.

08-17-2012, 07:19 AM	#7
manacho2005 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Red Oak, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 462	I had the same problem. Not so many choices, but enough to drive you crazy deciding. If you had the money; DA*16-50. If not, but still want a fast lens; go third-party. What I found as a compromise between WR and good focal range is actually another kit lens; DA18-135. It's not as fast as my Sigma 18-50, but the range makes up for that. Good luck on your decision, and don't let LBA suck you in.

08-17-2012, 07:24 AM	#8
peos99 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 53 Original Poster	Thanks för Your opinions. I am not happy With the 18-55 kit lens since I think it takes poor pictures often out of focus. I bought the Pentax 55-300 a while ago and that lens I am really happy with. Much sharper pictures than the kit lens. I was on my way to buy the Tamron 17-50 lens when I heard about the Sigma lens. If the image quality is equal than the extra zoom on the Sigma lens is a winner in my world. And since the K-5 performs really good on higher Isos maybe the f2.8 over the whole zoom range on the Tamron isn't that important?

08-17-2012, 08:06 AM	#9
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by peos99 And since the K-5 performs really good on higher Isos maybe the f2.8 over the whole zoom range on the Tamron isn't that important? It is not AS important but still a factor. The iso can make up for less light but it cannot help with depth of field. Depending on your style that may not matter so much but be aware of it. It is harder to get narrow depth of field with an f/4 lens than with an f/2.8 and of course still better with an f/1.4

08-17-2012, 10:46 AM	#10
Pen-A Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 675	+1 for the Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.5 . When I was replacing my kit lens everybody was telling me Tammy 17-50 was the way to go or those above mentioned pentax lenses. So far after over two years no regrets. Well sometimes the constant aperture would be nice though..

08-18-2012, 02:27 AM	#11
Gilzuma Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Okinawa, Japan Posts: 91	I personally love the Tamron 17-50. I purchased it as a replacement for the kit lens and have loved every moment! It's quick on the K-5 and I find that I am able to shoot indoors easily without flash. Definitely worth it in my book!

08-18-2012, 08:14 AM	#12
Ahab Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Arnold, Md. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 762	Originally posted by Gilzuma I personally love the Tamron 17-50. I purchased it as a replacement for the kit lens and have loved every moment! It's quick on the K-5 and I find that I am able to shoot indoors easily without flash. Definitely worth it in my book! I bought the Sigma and promptly returned it due to a sticky focus problem. Replaced it with the Tamron and am extremely happy with it.

08-18-2012, 11:02 AM	#13
sb in ak Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Omaha, NE Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 612	I've used the Sigma and Tamron 17-50s. Both are a nice upgrade!

08-18-2012, 04:23 PM	#14
msatlas Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 309	I have the Tamron 17-50. Got it for $350 used. It needed a -5 AF adjustment on my K-r but otherwise is great. Perfectly usable at f/2.8 and gets really sharp from f/3.5 on.

08-18-2012, 05:12 PM	#15
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	Had the same addiction, once you get into a constant F-stop zoom lens, you never want to go back. It's nice to zoom up and down to frame your shot without having to think about f-stop and loss of depth of field.