Originally posted by TwoUptons I'm guessing we'll know when you do the review, but I figured your earlier statement was asserting that the DA* 60-250 at 250mm and the DFA 70-210 had about the same equivalent focal length when used up close.
To me that means the DA* has a lot more focus breathing but that the end result is about the same at distances much less than infinity but farther than minimum focus distance...
My comment wasn't clear, and indeed your way of putting it would be a good addition to the review. I'll try to include a comparison of the fields of view of both lenses at their long end.
My comment was meant to say that, when operating both lenses at or close to 210mm, both show comparable focus breathing. Not identical (and it becomes difficult to measure an out-of-focus image, even if the effect is obvious).
Originally posted by TwoUptons I also thought the reason the DA* didn't get turned into a DFA* was that the quality of the images at the edges of a full frame image weren't up to * quality, and they couldn't very well take the baffle out and sell it as a * lens that way.
My tests show that, at the tele end (and to a lesser extent at all focal lengths), the 60-250 has better uniformity and better corner sharpness. The 70-210 is better in the center.
Let's be careful with the word "better" : none is bad. They just have different perks. But the 60-250 is certainly no slouch.
Originally posted by nocturnal Shamed to say I haven't used the F*300 again so what am I going to do with it? OK I used it for a bit with 35mm film but haven't done much of that in the last few years.
Sell it? Many people would love to own it.
Originally posted by nocturnal Not sure a 70-210 could 'replace' a 300mm prime. The 60mm vs 70mm allows a lot more width also, especially for landscapes for which I use this lens almost entirely.
60 vs 70mm is indeed an important difference.
Originally posted by cport I think that there is almost no reason to prefer 60-250/4 over 70-210/4.
I disagree. The choice is not as clear-cut as you put it.
Originally posted by cport Pros (for 70-210/4):
- lighter
- new
- new SDM
- IF
- internal zoom
- cheaper
- KAF4
New is not a perk. It's a characteristic. IF is also common to both lenses. But you forgot a few perks.
Narrower profile
Allows built-in camera corrections in FF
Sharper in the center
Focus limiter
Blazing fast AF using the viewfinder.
Originally posted by cport Cons:
- FL range
- WR (not AW)
- lens pouch
Bokeh cannot be compared. It's the biggest letdown of the 70-210
Even converted to FF, the 60-250 is sharper in the corners
Included tripod foot with the 60-250 (if you purchase the Tamron accessory for the 70-210, the weight difference becomes almost null)
70-210 hood lacks a window for polarizers
70-210 hood completely hides the zoom ring when reversed
70-210 is longer, enough so that it compromises the fit in several bags (see below)
KAF4 is crippling for some people
Somewhat slow AF using live view with the 70-210.
Regarding the bags, here are a few observations (I have many bags)
With my Mindshift Gear Horizon, the 60-250 can fit, barely, standing up in the camera compartment. Not possible with the 70-210.
With my Peak Design Messenger 15, the 60-250 fits vertically, mounted on a K-1. The 70-210 doesn't.
With my Peak Design Zip 20, the 60-250 mounted on K-1 fits horizontally while still leaving space at the end to fold down a divider. Not so with the 70-210 (you might have to become familiar with the dividers system to better understand that comment).
With my Peak Design Sling 10L, the 70-210 doesn't fit vertically (biggest bummer as workarounds are more limited).
That, and the bokeh, are the two biggest dealbreakers for me. I've been seriously considering taking the loss and exchanging my 60-250 for the 70-210. Now the jury is still out, but part of me thinks it's better to keep the money and, at worst, pay to eventually have the SDM system replaced if it fails (not likely, but if it does...)
Originally posted by BigMackCam I'm looking forward to Bernard's review and his comparisons between the two lenses...
I'm hoping to have my first draft completed soon. Even then editing and corrections will take some time. Plus Adam decides when to publish a review, not me