Sigma 18-300 in K-mount

reh321 · 08-09-2015, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by mee

I don't understand why Pentax themselves don't release a lens like this with weather seals.. that would make for a really nice travel lens. when you are in an environment where changing lenses isn't an option... be it from challenging terrain, weather, or lack of time (fast paced setting).

Ultimately, I guess it all depends on who you are, how much money you can spend on photography, and what your actual needs are. In my particular case, 18 months ago I bought a Tamron 18-270mm for my Canon Rebel. Before that Rebel had died (a few months ago), and I moved to a Pentax K-30 because that was what my current bank-balance would permit, I had already "retired" the 18-270 and gone back to the two lens solution I had been using previously - for me personally, there just weren't many cases when a "standard" (something like a 18-55mm) lens didn't meet my needs, so the 18-270mm was just not a good solution for me - but I would never dream of telling others what will or will not work for them.

Nicolas06 · 08-09-2015, 11:09 AM

Originally posted by normhead

Excellent at the wide end, good at the long end... according to these guys. It's not a DA*60-250 or DA* 300 ƒ4, but, really? Who expected that?
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/sigma-18-300mm-f-3-5-6-3-macro-os-hsm-c-lens-review-26618

At 300mm the 55-300 is rated much better. That's all I would want to know, myself.

As I'am still not sure what lens to take, I wonder how you took the conclusion that the 55-300 was better at 300mm?

From ephotozine I got:
HD 55-300: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/hd-pentax-da-55-300mm-f-4-5-8-ed-wr-lens-review-23902
and
sigma 18-300: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/sigma-18-300mm-f-3-5-6-3-macro-os-hsm-c-lens-review-26618

HD55-300 on the K5-IIs

SMC 55-300 on K5

And the sigma 18-300 on an oldie D300 with 12MP:

It look like to me that maybe the 55-300 has a bit better center but also significantly worse borders... On lenstip, the sigma 18-300 manage 45 lines per mm on center on a D7000 at 300mm f/8, while the best primes do 50-55 on the body they tested... The border is like... 30 lines per mm, not so great.

I don't say you are wrong, but to me this is not so easy to conclude and unfortunately there no so many actual pictures from the sigma to see in practice.

If there no significant difference between the 2 lenses at the long end (even if the 55-300 is say a tiny better) I think I'd prefer the possibility to get the benefit of the whole range... If the difference is significant in favor of the 55-300, for sure I'd like to go for it, but that would be a bit less conveniant. I'd need another zoom for the time I want to go for zooms (and especially for my safari project).

thibs · 08-09-2015, 10:58 PM

Originally posted by Nicolas06

As I'am still not sure what lens to take, I wonder how you took the conclusion that the 55-300 was better at 300mm?

From ephotozine I got:
HD 55-300: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/hd-pentax-da-55-300mm-f-4-5-8-ed-wr-lens-review-23902
and
sigma 18-300: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/sigma-18-300mm-f-3-5-6-3-macro-os-hsm-c-lens-review-26618

HD55-300 on the K5-IIs

SMC 55-300 on K5

And the sigma 18-300 on an oldie D300 with 12MP:

It look like to me that maybe the 55-300 has a bit better center but also significantly worse borders... On lenstip, the sigma 18-300 manage 45 lines per mm on center on a D7000 at 300mm f/8, while the best primes do 50-55 on the body they tested... The border is like... 30 lines per mm, not so great.

I don't say you are wrong, but to me this is not so easy to conclude and unfortunately there no so many actual pictures from the sigma to see in practice.

If there no significant difference between the 2 lenses at the long end (even if the 55-300 is say a tiny better) I think I'd prefer the possibility to get the benefit of the whole range... If the difference is significant in favor of the 55-300, for sure I'd like to go for it, but that would be a bit less conveniant. I'd need another zoom for the time I want to go for zooms (and especially for my safari project).

The 55-300 is almost full frame lens. What about the 16-300 on the same range? I'd be surprised...

C_Jones · 08-15-2015, 02:15 PM

I ordered the Sigma 18-300 for Pentax Mount today on Amazon after seeing it shown as "In Stock". I called the store that listed it as being in stock, and the person went into the warehouse, got the lens, and told me on the phone that he had it in his hand. I thanked him, and ordered it within minutes on Amazon, while it was still available. I checked on Amazon later, and it showed that it was not available as currently "In Stock". Supposedly I got the last one currently available at that time. I am happy. I have been waiting, and checking off and on on the internet since last year when the lens was announced. I have the 150-500 on my K5IIS, and am going to take the 18-55 AL II I have on my K5 and replace it with the 18-300 for versatility. I find if I use a proper F stop with the zoom lenses that they maintain detail/sharpness throughout their ranges. I will most likely upgrade my kit to a newer model Pentax body which lacks the AA filter in the future. The K3II and the upcoming FF are certainly interesting. In sticking with the APS-C, such as the K3II, the telephoto range I still find valuable, but the FF has its valuable attributes also. In the meantime, the K5 which does well, will be using the lens.

Last edited by C_Jones; 08-15-2015 at 02:29 PM.

Nicolas06 · 08-16-2015, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by thibs

The 55-300 is almost full frame lens. What about the 16-300 on the same range? I'd be surprised...

If I was interrested in FF I would not get an almost FF lense and limit myself to 300mm... In fact the whole plan to have a lightweight lense with lot of reach would be even more difficult than it is already on APSC.

C_Jones · 08-17-2015, 12:43 PM

I had the older version of the 55-300 and the focus system was not loud, but was not quiet, supposedly due to not having an SDM (Supersonic Drive Motor). The newer WR 55-300 seems to lack the SDM also. In its specs under Autofocus, under the "Silent Wave / Ultrasonic Motor" spec it says "No". I did not have the WR model, am not familiar with how much sound the AF makes. I know some of the Pentax lenses have the SDM and I like that feature. The reason I have bought Sigma lenses is that they have the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) which is quiet, and the lenses give me nice IQ while using the right settings. I know preferences can differ, but that is one of the reasons I like Sigma along with the SDM quality of some of the Pentax lenses.

totsmuyco · 08-18-2015, 04:50 AM

I have the HD 55-300 WR and it's a bit noisy. But I don't mind. From a review in YouTube, this lens out performs Tamron in terms sharpness by a slight margin. The autofocus was noted to be a bit old compared to Tamron 16-300 but, it may be better than the HD 55-300 WR. At the end of the day, the buyer makes the decision for whatever reason he or she has. I normally read reviews before buying and like I said, if this thing is WR, I'll consider getting one. Heck if Tamron has one in k-mount I'm in for the deal.

**WPRESTO** · 08-18-2015, 05:06 AM

Do not overlook the Sigma 18-250, which perhaps will be discontinued and may become available at significant discount? Trivial difference between 250 & 300mm, and the 18-250 IMHO is a decent travel zoom, especially if you can keep it @ f8~11 when out toward the long end.

**seventysixersfan** · 08-18-2015, 06:34 AM

Originally posted by WPRESTO

Do not overlook the Sigma 18-250, which perhaps will be discontinued and may become available at significant discount?

Sometimes there are nice sales on ebay, via buydig, for a $250 Sigma 18-250, brand-new with warranty. That's an excellent value!

C_Jones · 08-20-2015, 07:56 AM

I received my Sigma 18-300 for Pentax Mount yesterday. I also see it available on Amazon today at the $579 price before taxes and shipping in case anyone is interested.

**seventysixersfan** · 08-20-2015, 07:58 AM

Originally posted by C_Jones

I received my Sigma 18-300 for Pentax Mount yesterday.

so what do you think? Any instant reactions to it? Can't wait to hear your early review of it.

C_Jones · 08-20-2015, 08:50 AM

Originally posted by seventysixersfan

so what do you think? Any instant reactions to it? Can't wait to hear your early review of it.

I have removed it from the shipping box and it is labeled as for the Pentax Mount. I have not taken it out of the Sigma box yet, as I am occupied with other tasks. Obviously it is not mounted on a camera yet. So, no result comments yet as of this time. I am happy to have received it, and that it finally became available. I appreciate your interest. Thank you.

normhead · 08-20-2015, 09:37 AM

I like my Sigma 18-250 enough, Wouldn't look at this lens unless it was significantly better. But if it is the new 18-250. The 18-250 was a slightly redesigned 18-200 with 50mm more reach. I suspect from the descriptions this 18-300 is a slightly redesigned 18-250 stretched out to 300mm.

Nicolas06 · 08-20-2015, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by normhead

I like my Sigma 18-250 enough, Wouldn't look at this lens unless it was significantly better. But if it is the new 18-250. The 18-250 was a slightly redesigned 18-200 with 50mm more reach. I suspect from the descriptions this 18-300 is a slightly redesigned 18-250 stretched out to 300mm.

From lenstip review the 18-300 tend to be a bit better at 300mm than the 18-250 is at 250mm. 18-300 has better border and less chromatic aberations at the long end. It look also better at 100mm but at 18mm it has more chromatic aberations.

mee · 08-25-2015, 06:01 AM

Originally posted by reh321

Ultimately, I guess it all depends on who you are, how much money you can spend on photography, and what your actual needs are. In my particular case, 18 months ago I bought a Tamron 18-270mm for my Canon Rebel. Before that Rebel had died (a few months ago), and I moved to a Pentax K-30 because that was what my current bank-balance would permit, I had already "retired" the 18-270 and gone back to the two lens solution I had been using previously - for me personally, there just weren't many cases when a "standard" (something like a 18-55mm) lens didn't meet my needs, so the 18-270mm was just not a good solution for me - but I would never dream of telling others what will or will not work for them.

Me either. That is why I never told others what would or would not work for them. All I did was wondered why Pentax hasn't released a superzoom lens with weather seals.

08-09-2015, 11:09 AM	#17
Nicolas06 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 4,854	Originally posted by normhead Excellent at the wide end, good at the long end... according to these guys. It's not a DA60-250 or DA 300 ƒ4, but, really? Who expected that? https://www.ephotozine.com/article/sigma-18-300mm-f-3-5-6-3-macro-os-hsm-c-lens-review-26618 At 300mm the 55-300 is rated much better. That's all I would want to know, myself. As I'am still not sure what lens to take, I wonder how you took the conclusion that the 55-300 was better at 300mm? From ephotozine I got: HD 55-300: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/hd-pentax-da-55-300mm-f-4-5-8-ed-wr-lens-review-23902 and sigma 18-300: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/sigma-18-300mm-f-3-5-6-3-macro-os-hsm-c-lens-review-26618 HD55-300 on the K5-IIs SMC 55-300 on K5 And the sigma 18-300 on an oldie D300 with 12MP: It look like to me that maybe the 55-300 has a bit better center but also significantly worse borders... On lenstip, the sigma 18-300 manage 45 lines per mm on center on a D7000 at 300mm f/8, while the best primes do 50-55 on the body they tested... The border is like... 30 lines per mm, not so great. I don't say you are wrong, but to me this is not so easy to conclude and unfortunately there no so many actual pictures from the sigma to see in practice. If there no significant difference between the 2 lenses at the long end (even if the 55-300 is say a tiny better) I think I'd prefer the possibility to get the benefit of the whole range... If the difference is significant in favor of the 55-300, for sure I'd like to go for it, but that would be a bit less conveniant. I'd need another zoom for the time I want to go for zooms (and especially for my safari project). Last edited by Nicolas06; 08-09-2015 at 11:16 AM.

08-17-2015, 12:43 PM	#21
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,079	I had the older version of the 55-300 and the focus system was not loud, but was not quiet, supposedly due to not having an SDM (Supersonic Drive Motor). The newer WR 55-300 seems to lack the SDM also. In its specs under Autofocus, under the "Silent Wave / Ultrasonic Motor" spec it says "No". I did not have the WR model, am not familiar with how much sound the AF makes. I know some of the Pentax lenses have the SDM and I like that feature. The reason I have bought Sigma lenses is that they have the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) which is quiet, and the lenses give me nice IQ while using the right settings. I know preferences can differ, but that is one of the reasons I like Sigma along with the SDM quality of some of the Pentax lenses. Last edited by C_Jones; 08-17-2015 at 12:50 PM.

08-20-2015, 08:50 AM	#27
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,079	Originally posted by seventysixersfan so what do you think? Any instant reactions to it? Can't wait to hear your early review of it. I have removed it from the shipping box and it is labeled as for the Pentax Mount. I have not taken it out of the Sigma box yet, as I am occupied with other tasks. Obviously it is not mounted on a camera yet. So, no result comments yet as of this time. I am happy to have received it, and that it finally became available. I appreciate your interest. Thank you. Last edited by C_Jones; 08-20-2015 at 09:22 AM.

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08-09-2015, 09:52 AM	#16
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by mee I don't understand why Pentax themselves don't release a lens like this with weather seals.. that would make for a really nice travel lens. when you are in an environment where changing lenses isn't an option... be it from challenging terrain, weather, or lack of time (fast paced setting). Ultimately, I guess it all depends on who you are, how much money you can spend on photography, and what your actual needs are. In my particular case, 18 months ago I bought a Tamron 18-270mm for my Canon Rebel. Before that Rebel had died (a few months ago), and I moved to a Pentax K-30 because that was what my current bank-balance would permit, I had already "retired" the 18-270 and gone back to the two lens solution I had been using previously - for me personally, there just weren't many cases when a "standard" (something like a 18-55mm) lens didn't meet my needs, so the 18-270mm was just not a good solution for me - but I would never dream of telling others what will or will not work for them.

08-09-2015, 10:58 PM	#18
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by Nicolas06 As I'am still not sure what lens to take, I wonder how you took the conclusion that the 55-300 was better at 300mm? From ephotozine I got: HD 55-300: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/hd-pentax-da-55-300mm-f-4-5-8-ed-wr-lens-review-23902 and sigma 18-300: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/sigma-18-300mm-f-3-5-6-3-macro-os-hsm-c-lens-review-26618 HD55-300 on the K5-IIs SMC 55-300 on K5 And the sigma 18-300 on an oldie D300 with 12MP: It look like to me that maybe the 55-300 has a bit better center but also significantly worse borders... On lenstip, the sigma 18-300 manage 45 lines per mm on center on a D7000 at 300mm f/8, while the best primes do 50-55 on the body they tested... The border is like... 30 lines per mm, not so great. I don't say you are wrong, but to me this is not so easy to conclude and unfortunately there no so many actual pictures from the sigma to see in practice. If there no significant difference between the 2 lenses at the long end (even if the 55-300 is say a tiny better) I think I'd prefer the possibility to get the benefit of the whole range... If the difference is significant in favor of the 55-300, for sure I'd like to go for it, but that would be a bit less conveniant. I'd need another zoom for the time I want to go for zooms (and especially for my safari project). The 55-300 is almost full frame lens. What about the 16-300 on the same range? I'd be surprised...

08-15-2015, 02:15 PM	#19
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,079	I ordered the Sigma 18-300 for Pentax Mount today on Amazon after seeing it shown as "In Stock". I called the store that listed it as being in stock, and the person went into the warehouse, got the lens, and told me on the phone that he had it in his hand. I thanked him, and ordered it within minutes on Amazon, while it was still available. I checked on Amazon later, and it showed that it was not available as currently "In Stock". Supposedly I got the last one currently available at that time. I am happy. I have been waiting, and checking off and on on the internet since last year when the lens was announced. I have the 150-500 on my K5IIS, and am going to take the 18-55 AL II I have on my K5 and replace it with the 18-300 for versatility. I find if I use a proper F stop with the zoom lenses that they maintain detail/sharpness throughout their ranges. I will most likely upgrade my kit to a newer model Pentax body which lacks the AA filter in the future. The K3II and the upcoming FF are certainly interesting. In sticking with the APS-C, such as the K3II, the telephoto range I still find valuable, but the FF has its valuable attributes also. In the meantime, the K5 which does well, will be using the lens. Last edited by C_Jones; 08-15-2015 at 02:29 PM.

08-16-2015, 11:57 AM	#20
Nicolas06 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 4,854	Originally posted by thibs The 55-300 is almost full frame lens. What about the 16-300 on the same range? I'd be surprised... If I was interrested in FF I would not get an almost FF lense and limit myself to 300mm... In fact the whole plan to have a lightweight lense with lot of reach would be even more difficult than it is already on APSC.

08-18-2015, 04:50 AM	#22
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	I have the HD 55-300 WR and it's a bit noisy. But I don't mind. From a review in YouTube, this lens out performs Tamron in terms sharpness by a slight margin. The autofocus was noted to be a bit old compared to Tamron 16-300 but, it may be better than the HD 55-300 WR. At the end of the day, the buyer makes the decision for whatever reason he or she has. I normally read reviews before buying and like I said, if this thing is WR, I'll consider getting one. Heck if Tamron has one in k-mount I'm in for the deal.

08-18-2015, 05:06 AM	#23
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,103	Do not overlook the Sigma 18-250, which perhaps will be discontinued and may become available at significant discount? Trivial difference between 250 & 300mm, and the 18-250 IMHO is a decent travel zoom, especially if you can keep it @ f8~11 when out toward the long end.

08-18-2015, 06:34 AM	#24
seventysixersfan Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by WPRESTO Do not overlook the Sigma 18-250, which perhaps will be discontinued and may become available at significant discount? Sometimes there are nice sales on ebay, via buydig, for a $250 Sigma 18-250, brand-new with warranty. That's an excellent value!

08-20-2015, 07:56 AM	#25
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,079	I received my Sigma 18-300 for Pentax Mount yesterday. I also see it available on Amazon today at the $579 price before taxes and shipping in case anyone is interested.

08-20-2015, 07:58 AM	#26
seventysixersfan Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by C_Jones I received my Sigma 18-300 for Pentax Mount yesterday. so what do you think? Any instant reactions to it? Can't wait to hear your early review of it.

08-20-2015, 09:37 AM	#28
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I like my Sigma 18-250 enough, Wouldn't look at this lens unless it was significantly better. But if it is the new 18-250. The 18-250 was a slightly redesigned 18-200 with 50mm more reach. I suspect from the descriptions this 18-300 is a slightly redesigned 18-250 stretched out to 300mm.

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08-20-2015, 01:09 PM	#29
Nicolas06 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 4,854	Originally posted by normhead I like my Sigma 18-250 enough, Wouldn't look at this lens unless it was significantly better. But if it is the new 18-250. The 18-250 was a slightly redesigned 18-200 with 50mm more reach. I suspect from the descriptions this 18-300 is a slightly redesigned 18-250 stretched out to 300mm. From lenstip review the 18-300 tend to be a bit better at 300mm than the 18-250 is at 250mm. 18-300 has better border and less chromatic aberations at the long end. It look also better at 100mm but at 18mm it has more chromatic aberations.

08-25-2015, 06:01 AM	#30
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Originally posted by reh321 Ultimately, I guess it all depends on who you are, how much money you can spend on photography, and what your actual needs are. In my particular case, 18 months ago I bought a Tamron 18-270mm for my Canon Rebel. Before that Rebel had died (a few months ago), and I moved to a Pentax K-30 because that was what my current bank-balance would permit, I had already "retired" the 18-270 and gone back to the two lens solution I had been using previously - for me personally, there just weren't many cases when a "standard" (something like a 18-55mm) lens didn't meet my needs, so the 18-270mm was just not a good solution for me - but I would never dream of telling others what will or will not work for them. Me either. That is why I never told others what would or would not work for them. All I did was wondered why Pentax hasn't released a superzoom lens with weather seals.