Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

reivax · 11-19-2013, 06:28 AM

Has anyone had a chance to test out this combination? I'm currently debating whether I should but a K-3 to use with my Tamron 70-200, or if I should stick with my K-30 and purchase a Sigma 70-200. My main concern is autofocus speed. I shoot a lot of sports and I'm looking for the best overall combination. It seems as though the K-3 doesn't offer a large improvement on ISO (over the K-30), so I'm hoping the autofocus has been significantly improved. I really appreciate anyone's advice on this. Thanks.

I know that I can sell the Tamron to help fund the Sigma, but since I don't know how long it would take to sell the Tamron, I'm not really considering that as an option at the moment. To add, I really do love the optical quality of the Tamron so I'd love to keep it, if possible.

**tomwil** · 11-19-2013, 07:18 AM

Originally posted by reivax

I know that I can sell the Tamron to help fund the Sigma, but since I don't know how long it would take to sell the Tamron, I'm not really considering that as an option at the moment.

If you price it right, it can sell very quickly.

**ak_kiwi** · 11-19-2013, 09:50 AM

Originally posted by reivax

My main concern is autofocus speed.

I cannot compare the K-30 but I can compare the K5iis against the K3 for you.

Hi Revax,
FWIW personally I would think the K3 with the Tamron would be a good combo for two reasons. Firstly the screw drive seems to be a bit stronger/faster (at least compared to a K5iis) and also the focus tracking of the K3 is vastly superior.
I have the Sigma 70 - 200 and whilst it is a good lens I think the Tamron would be a good match for it on a K3.

There is probably something else you need to consider though. The K3 runs into ISO limitations probably a stop before the K5iis but 3200 can be used on the K3 shooting raw with some post work. (see heavy crop below)

My recommendation? Find a member/shop with a K3, dial in your Tamron , and see what you think. (But keep your K-30 as the second camera for the sports short zoom work)

Cheers Chris

normhead · 11-19-2013, 09:59 AM

That sounds like good advice to me… starting from scratch, the Sigma 70-200 is as far as I can tell the fastest focusing lens for sports etc on Pentax mount, and it's HSM so it's quiet, but if you have the Tamron and like it, i.e. you're used to the sound and it doesn't bother you, then go with what you have.

Skeeter · 11-19-2013, 10:00 AM

Originally posted by reivax

Has anyone had a chance to test out this combination? I'm currently debating whether I should but a K-3 to use with my Tamron 70-200, or if I should stick with my K-30 and purchase a Sigma 70-200. My main concern is autofocus speed. I shoot a lot of sports and I'm looking for the best overall combination. It seems as though the K-3 doesn't offer a large improvement on ISO (over the K-30), so I'm hoping the autofocus has been significantly improved. I really appreciate anyone's advice on this. Thanks.

I know that I can sell the Tamron to help fund the Sigma, but since I don't know how long it would take to sell the Tamron, I'm not really considering that as an option at the moment. To add, I really do love the optical quality of the Tamron so I'd love to keep it, if possible.

I have the K30 and Sigma 70-200 and the lens sits in my bag, unused

The K30 is plenty fast, but the tracking is where it fails (miserably, IMO). I will be upgrading to the K3 soon.

Is there a reason why you can't use your Tamron 70-200 on a new K3??? Not sure why you'd consider replacing it with a Sigma if you're happy with it?

reivax · 11-19-2013, 10:43 AM

I would love to try out the K-3 with the Tamron. Unfortunately, I live in the middle of nowhere so that's not an option. I really do like the Tamron and hope to be able to keep it.

normhead · 11-19-2013, 10:46 AM

Originally posted by reivax

I would love to try out the K-3 with the Tamron. Unfortunately, I live in the middle of nowhere so that's not an option. I really do like the Tamron and hope to be able to keep it.

The K-3 will make you like it even more. Faster more decisive AF will make it seem like a new lens.

Boc · 11-19-2013, 10:54 AM

I have the K-30 and the Tammy and i used it on the K-x as well. The difference is considerable even on blind stop-to-stop focusing. IMHO all the Tamron needs is a beefy enough motor to drive its focus and as I saw from reviews the K-3 has it. I also had the opportunity to play around with the Sigma and it beats the Tamron hands down in speed but image quality-wise lags a bit behind (especially at f2.8). I would say that if you plan to shoot below f4 the most time and need the IQ and OTOH don't mind the focus noise the Tamron - K-3 wouild be the better option. Otherwise if you would like to stay stealthier, and need more of a reach then low light performance go with the Sigma - K-30 combo.

jacpat1234 · 11-19-2013, 01:33 PM

Originally posted by Boc

I have the K-30 and the Tammy and i used it on the K-x as well. The difference is considerable even on blind stop-to-stop focusing. IMHO all the Tamron needs is a beefy enough motor to drive its focus and as I saw from reviews the K-3 has it. I also had the opportunity to play around with the Sigma and it beats the Tamron hands down in speed but image quality-wise lags a bit behind (especially at f2.8). I would say that if you plan to shoot below f4 the most time and need the IQ and OTOH don't mind the focus noise the Tamron - K-3 wouild be the better option. Otherwise if you would like to stay stealthier, and need more of a reach then low light performance go with the Sigma - K-30 combo.

I have similar but not exactly same query. Just upgraded from K5 to K3 and is looking for a tele-zoom lens, so is considering Tamron 70-200, Sigam 70-200 or Pentax DA 60-250.....Would be great if someone can help what will the performance of these tele-zoom lens in K3 ??

**Ahab** · 11-19-2013, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by jacpat1234

I have similar but not exactly same query. Just upgraded from K5 to K3 and is looking for a tele-zoom lens, so is considering Tamron 70-200, Sigam 70-200 or Pentax DA 60-250.....Would be great if someone can help what will the performance of these tele-zoom lens in K3 ??

Someone has, read the new review of the DA*60-250. It made up my mind.

JeremyP · 11-19-2013, 02:56 PM

Originally posted by jacpat1234

I have similar but not exactly same query. Just upgraded from K5 to K3 and is looking for a tele-zoom lens, so is considering Tamron 70-200, Sigam 70-200 or Pentax DA 60-250.....Would be great if someone can help what will the performance of these tele-zoom lens in K3 ??

If you don't have to shoot below f4.0, then the Pentax is wider and has more reach. But, if you have to shoot below f4.0, then your only choices would be the Tamron or the Sigma. I have the older non OS Sigma and have been very happy with it. I'm not a big fan of the noise that the screw drive lenses make, but the K-3 is supposed to be quieter in that respect.

**DDoram** · 11-19-2013, 03:31 PM

I haven't tried the Tamron 70-200 on my K3 yet but will hopefully soon. The Tamron worked great on the K5IIs so I expect it will work just as well on the K3.

Dale

Shivaess · 11-21-2013, 11:07 AM - **1 Like**

I have the K-3 and am a longtime user of the Tamron. I shot a bunch of frames last night and I can tell you the lens works. I have not gotten to put it through its paces though. If I take some action/focus intensive shots in the next few days I'll try and put them up.

reivax · 11-21-2013, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by Shivaess

I have the K-3 and am a longtime user of the Tamron. I shot a bunch of frames last night and I can tell you the lens works. I have not gotten to put it through its paces though. If I take some action/focus intensive shots in the next few days I'll try and put them up.

Please do so. I am very curious to see how well it works.

reivax · 11-28-2013, 11:20 PM

Since the Sigma 70-200 is on sale for black Friday, I thought I'd check in to see if there is any other further debate/discussion on the topic. Still wondering which combination would give me the best results. Thanks again.

11-19-2013, 06:28 AM	#1
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 826	K-3 + Tamron 70-200 or K-30 + Sigma 70-200 Has anyone had a chance to test out this combination? I'm currently debating whether I should but a K-3 to use with my Tamron 70-200, or if I should stick with my K-30 and purchase a Sigma 70-200. My main concern is autofocus speed. I shoot a lot of sports and I'm looking for the best overall combination. It seems as though the K-3 doesn't offer a large improvement on ISO (over the K-30), so I'm hoping the autofocus has been significantly improved. I really appreciate anyone's advice on this. Thanks. I know that I can sell the Tamron to help fund the Sigma, but since I don't know how long it would take to sell the Tamron, I'm not really considering that as an option at the moment. To add, I really do love the optical quality of the Tamron so I'd love to keep it, if possible.

11-19-2013, 09:50 AM	#3
ak_kiwi Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Auckland, New Zealand. Posts: 328	Originally posted by reivax My main concern is autofocus speed. I cannot compare the K-30 but I can compare the K5iis against the K3 for you. Hi Revax, FWIW personally I would think the K3 with the Tamron would be a good combo for two reasons. Firstly the screw drive seems to be a bit stronger/faster (at least compared to a K5iis) and also the focus tracking of the K3 is vastly superior. I have the Sigma 70 - 200 and whilst it is a good lens I think the Tamron would be a good match for it on a K3. There is probably something else you need to consider though. The K3 runs into ISO limitations probably a stop before the K5iis but 3200 can be used on the K3 shooting raw with some post work. (see heavy crop below) My recommendation? Find a member/shop with a K3, dial in your Tamron , and see what you think. (But keep your K-30 as the second camera for the sports short zoom work) Cheers Chris Attached Images Last edited by ak_kiwi; 11-22-2013 at 10:48 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Field Sports - DA*60~250 [or] Tamron 70~200 [or] Sigma 70~200	joe.penn	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	25	02-03-2014 06:11 AM
Help with Tamron 70-200 or Sigma 70-200	candgpics	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	05-01-2013 06:03 PM
DA* 200 mm vs. Tamron/Sigma 70-200 f2.8	yorik	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	08-21-2012 03:50 PM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax FA 100-300, FA 70-200, M 28mm; Sigma EX 28-70, Apo 70-300; Tamron Di LD 70-300	stillnk	Sold Items	17	04-08-2012 11:39 AM
K-5 and Tamron 70-200?	nick52	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	16	02-11-2012 07:32 AM

11-19-2013, 07:18 AM	#2
tomwil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2009 Location: Maryland USA Posts: 778	Originally posted by reivax I know that I can sell the Tamron to help fund the Sigma, but since I don't know how long it would take to sell the Tamron, I'm not really considering that as an option at the moment. If you price it right, it can sell very quickly.

11-19-2013, 09:59 AM	#4
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	That sounds like good advice to me… starting from scratch, the Sigma 70-200 is as far as I can tell the fastest focusing lens for sports etc on Pentax mount, and it's HSM so it's quiet, but if you have the Tamron and like it, i.e. you're used to the sound and it doesn't bother you, then go with what you have.

11-19-2013, 10:00 AM	#5
Skeeter Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 39	Originally posted by reivax Has anyone had a chance to test out this combination? I'm currently debating whether I should but a K-3 to use with my Tamron 70-200, or if I should stick with my K-30 and purchase a Sigma 70-200. My main concern is autofocus speed. I shoot a lot of sports and I'm looking for the best overall combination. It seems as though the K-3 doesn't offer a large improvement on ISO (over the K-30), so I'm hoping the autofocus has been significantly improved. I really appreciate anyone's advice on this. Thanks. I know that I can sell the Tamron to help fund the Sigma, but since I don't know how long it would take to sell the Tamron, I'm not really considering that as an option at the moment. To add, I really do love the optical quality of the Tamron so I'd love to keep it, if possible. I have the K30 and Sigma 70-200 and the lens sits in my bag, unused The K30 is plenty fast, but the tracking is where it fails (miserably, IMO). I will be upgrading to the K3 soon. Is there a reason why you can't use your Tamron 70-200 on a new K3??? Not sure why you'd consider replacing it with a Sigma if you're happy with it?

11-19-2013, 10:43 AM	#6
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 826 Original Poster	I would love to try out the K-3 with the Tamron. Unfortunately, I live in the middle of nowhere so that's not an option. I really do like the Tamron and hope to be able to keep it.

11-19-2013, 10:46 AM	#7
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by reivax I would love to try out the K-3 with the Tamron. Unfortunately, I live in the middle of nowhere so that's not an option. I really do like the Tamron and hope to be able to keep it. The K-3 will make you like it even more. Faster more decisive AF will make it seem like a new lens.

11-19-2013, 10:54 AM	#8
Boc New Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Cluj Photos: Albums Posts: 22	I have the K-30 and the Tammy and i used it on the K-x as well. The difference is considerable even on blind stop-to-stop focusing. IMHO all the Tamron needs is a beefy enough motor to drive its focus and as I saw from reviews the K-3 has it. I also had the opportunity to play around with the Sigma and it beats the Tamron hands down in speed but image quality-wise lags a bit behind (especially at f2.8). I would say that if you plan to shoot below f4 the most time and need the IQ and OTOH don't mind the focus noise the Tamron - K-3 wouild be the better option. Otherwise if you would like to stay stealthier, and need more of a reach then low light performance go with the Sigma - K-30 combo.

11-19-2013, 01:33 PM	#9
jacpat1234 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25	Originally posted by Boc I have the K-30 and the Tammy and i used it on the K-x as well. The difference is considerable even on blind stop-to-stop focusing. IMHO all the Tamron needs is a beefy enough motor to drive its focus and as I saw from reviews the K-3 has it. I also had the opportunity to play around with the Sigma and it beats the Tamron hands down in speed but image quality-wise lags a bit behind (especially at f2.8). I would say that if you plan to shoot below f4 the most time and need the IQ and OTOH don't mind the focus noise the Tamron - K-3 wouild be the better option. Otherwise if you would like to stay stealthier, and need more of a reach then low light performance go with the Sigma - K-30 combo. I have similar but not exactly same query. Just upgraded from K5 to K3 and is looking for a tele-zoom lens, so is considering Tamron 70-200, Sigam 70-200 or Pentax DA 60-250.....Would be great if someone can help what will the performance of these tele-zoom lens in K3 ??

11-19-2013, 01:38 PM	#10
Ahab Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Arnold, Md. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 762	Originally posted by jacpat1234 I have similar but not exactly same query. Just upgraded from K5 to K3 and is looking for a tele-zoom lens, so is considering Tamron 70-200, Sigam 70-200 or Pentax DA 60-250.....Would be great if someone can help what will the performance of these tele-zoom lens in K3 ?? Someone has, read the new review of the DA*60-250. It made up my mind.

11-19-2013, 02:56 PM	#11
JeremyP Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 83	Originally posted by jacpat1234 I have similar but not exactly same query. Just upgraded from K5 to K3 and is looking for a tele-zoom lens, so is considering Tamron 70-200, Sigam 70-200 or Pentax DA 60-250.....Would be great if someone can help what will the performance of these tele-zoom lens in K3 ?? If you don't have to shoot below f4.0, then the Pentax is wider and has more reach. But, if you have to shoot below f4.0, then your only choices would be the Tamron or the Sigma. I have the older non OS Sigma and have been very happy with it. I'm not a big fan of the noise that the screw drive lenses make, but the K-3 is supposed to be quieter in that respect.

11-19-2013, 03:31 PM	#12
DDoram Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Canada Posts: 632	I haven't tried the Tamron 70-200 on my K3 yet but will hopefully soon. The Tamron worked great on the K5IIs so I expect it will work just as well on the K3. Dale

11-21-2013, 11:07 AM - 1 Like	#13
Shivaess Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: VA Posts: 28	I have the K-3 and am a longtime user of the Tamron. I shot a bunch of frames last night and I can tell you the lens works. I have not gotten to put it through its paces though. If I take some action/focus intensive shots in the next few days I'll try and put them up.

11-21-2013, 12:59 PM	#14
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 826 Original Poster	Originally posted by Shivaess I have the K-3 and am a longtime user of the Tamron. I shot a bunch of frames last night and I can tell you the lens works. I have not gotten to put it through its paces though. If I take some action/focus intensive shots in the next few days I'll try and put them up. Please do so. I am very curious to see how well it works.

11-28-2013, 11:20 PM	#15
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 826 Original Poster	Since the Sigma 70-200 is on sale for black Friday, I thought I'd check in to see if there is any other further debate/discussion on the topic. Still wondering which combination would give me the best results. Thanks again.

K-3 + Tamron 70-200 or K-30 + Sigma 70-200

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!