Originally posted by Rondec With respect, Jim, there are folks who have a use for the lens and those who don't. For shooting squirrels and birds at bird feeders, you may not see much improvement, but it does seem that there is some image quality boost for the 150-450 over the Bigma. It is great that you are satisfied with the Bigma, but not everyone is.
I agree with that! My point is that although the Bigma gets a lot of knocks from "Pentax Purists" it is more than decent enough for 90%plus shooters that are not Pros but want decent shots. It's not a given that the new Pentax 150-450 will satisfy Pros either, is it?
I'm also looking at the cost factor....maybe the savings could be used on a truly fantastic lens...like your FA31, a truly significant lens.
Most of the complaints I hear about the Bigma are from those who don't know how to use it, or are not strong enough to use it. If used properly and if you can handhold it, you can get shots plenty decent enough for the vast majority of shooters...and save a little cash while doing it!
If this won't meet your demands, neither will the 150-450.....I guarantee!
70% crop....handheld at 40 feet, double pane glass, 500mm......did I mention the nice Bigma bokeh I can get?
Wow! Doesn't look like this was shot at a feeder? Yep, Bigmas don't have to shoot at feeders...how shocking!
There is a place for the 150-450, as you mentioned.....but there is a place for the Bigmas too, let's don't rule that out......however, it looks like Sigma has ruled out Pentax, so maybe that is where the "hate" comes from?
Regards!