Sigma 70mm 2.8 Macro

**ellicottva** · 05-12-2018, 05:56 AM

Hi All:

I have now begun collecting basic prime lenses. I started out with a KS-2 with 18-135 (versatile combination) and have now added 35mm and 50mm da primes. I just purchased the Sigma 70mm 2.8 Macro for the K mount here at the Marketplace and was wondering if a) If this lens works on the KS-2 and b) If any of you are using it and what you think of the combination for Macro photography and general portrait and other pictures?

Lastly, do you guys have any suggestions for decent zooms beyond 135mm? Also any zooms in the wide angle range to make my kit robust would be helpful info. Thanks in advance.

photolady95 · 05-12-2018, 06:21 AM

Moved to its own thread.

normhead · 05-12-2018, 06:28 AM

The Sigma 70 macro is sort of a one of a kind lens for Pentax right now, in that it's a very high quality macro with better than average correction. It is a bit weighty and takes some space in the camera bag but it's an awesome lens. It's by far my best portrait lens. And it's as awesome on my K-1 as it is on the K-3. That being said, it usually is left home because of it's size and weight. The DFA 100 macro is just so much more convenient.

For wide angle I use the Sigma 8-16, although the new 11-18 looks promising.

My zoom for paring with my 18-135 is my DA*60-250 and 1.4 TC, although I also picked up a 55-300 PLM for it's lighter weight and smaller size, on long hikes etc.

Kozlok · 05-12-2018, 08:54 AM

The Sigma 70 is in a league of its own. I only also own the 77 because the 70 is heavy, otherwise the 70 is basically just as beautiful.

normhead · 05-12-2018, 09:02 AM

Originally posted by Kozlok

The Sigma 70 is in a league of its own. I only also own the 77 because the 70 is heavy, otherwise the 70 is basically just as beautiful.

I agree, like many Sigma lenses, someday Pentax will release a lens like this and it will have many advantages (like not showing up as the Sigma 30 1.4 in my exif info, and WR) , but the Sigma is available now.

**niels hansen** · 05-12-2018, 11:36 AM - **1 Like**

I have used the Sigma 70 2.8 macro on the K 30 anf KP. It is an absolute exellent lens for portraiture and some kind of landscapes, especially when using a good polarizing filter. For me the heavy weight is a plus, I have never understood the emphasis on lightweight. I am still happy with my Mamiya 330 and its 4 lenses. I have only made a few - not very demanding - macros, they were algo very good

swanlefitte · 05-12-2018, 12:00 PM - **1 Like**

The sig70 is on my ks2 right now. Its great. I saw that one on the market and wanted to buy it again. And the exif is wrong.
I think for a long zoom the 55-300 plm is a no brainer to start with. Even if you decide to pay for more quality later, you have a versatile light water resistant lens with decent iq.

**ellicottva** · 05-12-2018, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by swanlefitte

The sig70 is on my ks2 right now. Its great. I saw that one on the market and wanted to buy it again. And the exif is wrong.
I think for a long zoom the 55-300 plm is a no brainer to start with. Even if you decide to pay for more quality later, you have a versatile light water resistant lens with decent iq.

Thanks! That makes me so happy because I remember reading in one of the reviews that a person was looking for an adapter to fit his K-3 and that made me nervous. In all likelihood he had the Sigma with another mount perhaps...

---------- Post added 05-12-18 at 01:19 PM ----------

Thank you all for the responses. I'll take your input into advisement and decide. I am still a beginner photographer and the reason I miss the extended zoom lens is on a recent trip to Seattle I went on a whale watching tour and had some great opportunities for pictures including the Minke whale, seals and a couple of beautifully perched and majestic bald eagle. I did manage to shoot with my 18-135 but missed the sharpness and the zoom a lot. Hopefully I'll soon get a decent zoom to complement my photography. The 55-300 plm seems like a good candidate. Does this work well with the 1.4 extender? As it is we are down to 6.3 F stop at 300, so it should stop down a couple more F stops in conjunction with the 1.4 right? Thanks again folks.

swanlefitte · 05-12-2018, 02:23 PM - **1 Like**

The 55-300plm works great with the da 1.4x. At 420mm its f9.5. But back off to around 400mm is f.8.
The tc also allows for closer focus. It makes the sigma a 98mm macro with macro of 1:1.4.
The zoom when closed is the same size as the sigma.

normhead · 05-12-2018, 06:47 PM - **2 Likes**

Some sigma 70 photos...

DA 55-300 PLM
by itself

with the 1.4 TC

The 55-300 PLM is not as sharp as my DA* lenses, but it's not really supposed to be. The Sigma 70 is as good as it gets.

**niels hansen** · 05-12-2018, 08:21 PM

If you want value for money, the Tamron 70 300 macro is a good choise, even if it does not have the same range as a 50 300. look at the review in Optical limits. I use this lens a lot and is very pleased

normhead · 05-13-2018, 06:25 AM

Originally posted by niels hansen

If you want value for money, the Tamron 70 300 macro is a good choise, even if it does not have the same range as a 50 300. look at the review in Optical limits. I use this lens a lot and is very pleased

It's nice looking lens on the charts, stronger than the 55-300 in the long end which is what most people want. Personally, I want compact, light and WR and silent operation, but the Tamron looks like a great alternative for the right person.

For myself, I have approx. 4k invested in heavy, wide aperture glass. So I have big, when I got the 55-300 I wanted portable, and fits in my under-seat pelican case. But the Tamrron might be a better bet for someone's first and only telephoto.

**ellicottva** · 05-14-2018, 05:04 PM

Hi Folks:

Just got the 70mm macro! I must say I'm confused because it simply doesn't want to set focus and keeps hunting in auto. Most of the pictures I've taken so far don't seem to be that sharp. Probably a learning curve involved in using this lens. I tried manual focus and unfortunately it isn't very easy to focus manually either probably to do with depth of field. Well, the lens looks in very good condition on the outside and the glass is very clean as well. Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to change settings in the camera before using manual focus? All I did was turn the button to manual on ihefront of the camera. Hopefully I'll get it down with some practice...

swanlefitte · 05-14-2018, 05:18 PM

Is the focus limit switch on full? The dof should be no problem if you take a shot at say a meter away at f8. Macro is very narrow dof even at f16.
If it still can't get focus you need to adjust focus for that lens with camera menus. Probably front or back focusing some.

**ellicottva** · 05-14-2018, 07:29 PM

Originally posted by swanlefitte

Is the focus limit switch on full? The dof should be no problem if you take a shot at say a meter away at f8. Macro is very narrow dof even at f16.
If it still can't get focus you need to adjust focus for that lens with camera menus. Probably front or back focusing some.

Okay I'll try that. Before that I want to see exactly how this lens works by going out and taking some pictures and experimenting. I've read somewhere that this lens has a learning curve. Thanks for the response. It is truly appreciated.

05-12-2018, 05:56 AM	#1
ellicottva Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 76	Sigma 70mm 2.8 Macro Hi All: I have now begun collecting basic prime lenses. I started out with a KS-2 with 18-135 (versatile combination) and have now added 35mm and 50mm da primes. I just purchased the Sigma 70mm 2.8 Macro for the K mount here at the Marketplace and was wondering if a) If this lens works on the KS-2 and b) If any of you are using it and what you think of the combination for Macro photography and general portrait and other pictures? Lastly, do you guys have any suggestions for decent zooms beyond 135mm? Also any zooms in the wide angle range to make my kit robust would be helpful info. Thanks in advance.

05-12-2018, 11:36 AM - 1 Like	#6
niels hansen Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 343	I have used the Sigma 70 2.8 macro on the K 30 anf KP. It is an absolute exellent lens for portraiture and some kind of landscapes, especially when using a good polarizing filter. For me the heavy weight is a plus, I have never understood the emphasis on lightweight. I am still happy with my Mamiya 330 and its 4 lenses. I have only made a few - not very demanding - macros, they were algo very good Last edited by niels hansen; 05-12-2018 at 11:38 AM. Reason: forgot

05-13-2018, 06:25 AM	#12
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by niels hansen If you want value for money, the Tamron 70 300 macro is a good choise, even if it does not have the same range as a 50 300. look at the review in Optical limits. I use this lens a lot and is very pleased It's nice looking lens on the charts, stronger than the 55-300 in the long end which is what most people want. Personally, I want compact, light and WR and silent operation, but the Tamron looks like a great alternative for the right person. For myself, I have approx. 4k invested in heavy, wide aperture glass. So I have big, when I got the 55-300 I wanted portable, and fits in my under-seat pelican case. But the Tamrron might be a better bet for someone's first and only telephoto. Last edited by normhead; 05-13-2018 at 08:05 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Sigma 17-70mm DC Macro F2.8-4.5, Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro F4-5.6	link_1111	Sold Items	4	07-21-2011 05:19 AM
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM - VS - Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro	Braciola	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	10-15-2010 04:54 AM
Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 macro or Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 macro?	Toonahfish	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	14	07-09-2007 11:31 PM

05-12-2018, 06:21 AM	#2
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Moved to its own thread.

05-12-2018, 06:28 AM	#3
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	The Sigma 70 macro is sort of a one of a kind lens for Pentax right now, in that it's a very high quality macro with better than average correction. It is a bit weighty and takes some space in the camera bag but it's an awesome lens. It's by far my best portrait lens. And it's as awesome on my K-1 as it is on the K-3. That being said, it usually is left home because of it's size and weight. The DFA 100 macro is just so much more convenient. For wide angle I use the Sigma 8-16, although the new 11-18 looks promising. My zoom for paring with my 18-135 is my DA*60-250 and 1.4 TC, although I also picked up a 55-300 PLM for it's lighter weight and smaller size, on long hikes etc.

05-12-2018, 08:54 AM	#4
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	The Sigma 70 is in a league of its own. I only also own the 77 because the 70 is heavy, otherwise the 70 is basically just as beautiful.

05-12-2018, 09:02 AM	#5
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by Kozlok The Sigma 70 is in a league of its own. I only also own the 77 because the 70 is heavy, otherwise the 70 is basically just as beautiful. I agree, like many Sigma lenses, someday Pentax will release a lens like this and it will have many advantages (like not showing up as the Sigma 30 1.4 in my exif info, and WR) , but the Sigma is available now.

05-12-2018, 12:00 PM - 1 Like	#7
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	The sig70 is on my ks2 right now. Its great. I saw that one on the market and wanted to buy it again. And the exif is wrong. I think for a long zoom the 55-300 plm is a no brainer to start with. Even if you decide to pay for more quality later, you have a versatile light water resistant lens with decent iq.

05-12-2018, 01:14 PM	#8
ellicottva Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 76 Original Poster	Originally posted by swanlefitte The sig70 is on my ks2 right now. Its great. I saw that one on the market and wanted to buy it again. And the exif is wrong. I think for a long zoom the 55-300 plm is a no brainer to start with. Even if you decide to pay for more quality later, you have a versatile light water resistant lens with decent iq. Thanks! That makes me so happy because I remember reading in one of the reviews that a person was looking for an adapter to fit his K-3 and that made me nervous. In all likelihood he had the Sigma with another mount perhaps... ---------- Post added 05-12-18 at 01:19 PM ---------- Thank you all for the responses. I'll take your input into advisement and decide. I am still a beginner photographer and the reason I miss the extended zoom lens is on a recent trip to Seattle I went on a whale watching tour and had some great opportunities for pictures including the Minke whale, seals and a couple of beautifully perched and majestic bald eagle. I did manage to shoot with my 18-135 but missed the sharpness and the zoom a lot. Hopefully I'll soon get a decent zoom to complement my photography. The 55-300 plm seems like a good candidate. Does this work well with the 1.4 extender? As it is we are down to 6.3 F stop at 300, so it should stop down a couple more F stops in conjunction with the 1.4 right? Thanks again folks.

05-12-2018, 02:23 PM - 1 Like	#9
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	The 55-300plm works great with the da 1.4x. At 420mm its f9.5. But back off to around 400mm is f.8. The tc also allows for closer focus. It makes the sigma a 98mm macro with macro of 1:1.4. The zoom when closed is the same size as the sigma.

05-12-2018, 06:47 PM - 2 Likes	#10
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Some sigma 70 photos... DA 55-300 PLM by itself with the 1.4 TC The 55-300 PLM is not as sharp as my DA* lenses, but it's not really supposed to be. The Sigma 70 is as good as it gets.

05-12-2018, 08:21 PM	#11
niels hansen Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 343	If you want value for money, the Tamron 70 300 macro is a good choise, even if it does not have the same range as a 50 300. look at the review in Optical limits. I use this lens a lot and is very pleased

05-14-2018, 05:04 PM	#13
ellicottva Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 76 Original Poster	Hi Folks: Just got the 70mm macro! I must say I'm confused because it simply doesn't want to set focus and keeps hunting in auto. Most of the pictures I've taken so far don't seem to be that sharp. Probably a learning curve involved in using this lens. I tried manual focus and unfortunately it isn't very easy to focus manually either probably to do with depth of field. Well, the lens looks in very good condition on the outside and the glass is very clean as well. Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to change settings in the camera before using manual focus? All I did was turn the button to manual on ihefront of the camera. Hopefully I'll get it down with some practice...

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

05-14-2018, 05:18 PM	#14
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	Is the focus limit switch on full? The dof should be no problem if you take a shot at say a meter away at f8. Macro is very narrow dof even at f16. If it still can't get focus you need to adjust focus for that lens with camera menus. Probably front or back focusing some.

05-14-2018, 07:29 PM	#15
ellicottva Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 76 Original Poster	Originally posted by swanlefitte Is the focus limit switch on full? The dof should be no problem if you take a shot at say a meter away at f8. Macro is very narrow dof even at f16. If it still can't get focus you need to adjust focus for that lens with camera menus. Probably front or back focusing some. Okay I'll try that. Before that I want to see exactly how this lens works by going out and taking some pictures and experimenting. I've read somewhere that this lens has a learning curve. Thanks for the response. It is truly appreciated.