How is this lens performing on the K-1 (Sigma 70-300 DG OS )

krgroothuis · 01-25-2020, 05:10 AM

Hello,

Is there a K -1 owner who also has the Sigma Lens 70-300 DG OS ? I Is there someone who will test te actual performance of this combo ? There is only one recent review: Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

I would like to see more reviews ore idea's of this combo. Is it worthwile to buy a secondhand Sigma 70-300 DG OS for 95 EU ?

**pres589** · 01-25-2020, 06:31 AM

Optical Limits test of this lens on a full-frame Nikon point to it being decent, but not great, for the money. Wide end isn't bad but the edges and corner IQ really falls off past 135mm. Take that with a grain of salt, as they usually only test a single copy of a lens unless things go really badly, and it's not on a K-1. I cannot say if I thing it's a good move to buy the copy you're looking at for 95e.

**Rondec** · 01-25-2020, 07:47 AM

Originally posted by krgroothuis

Hello,

Is there a K -1 owner who also has the Sigma Lens 70-300 DG OS ? I Is there someone who will test te actual performance of this combo ? There is only one recent review: Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

I would like to see more reviews ore idea's of this combo. Is it worthwile to buy a secondhand Sigma 70-300 DG OS for 95 EU ?

The price seems reasonable. I don't know that there is much out there that is better unless you jump up in price considerably. I guess I would see if you can test it and see if performs decently enough to meet your needs.

universalfocus · 01-25-2020, 11:58 AM

Is it a lens that is up to the K-1s image quality, sharp from the center to the corners and fit for professional use? No, not at all.

Can you use it as a lens in APS-C mode for some sports and photographing animals in good weather to get some decent images for hobby usage? Sure. I own that lens and I use it for this purpose
The sharphness in center is good up to 200mm and ok at 300mm, towards the corners it becomes softer the more you zoom. colors are very neutral and contrasts are a bit flat. It helps to stop it down to f8 or f11, so image quality frequently depends on the weather. Got it for about 165 € and for that price it´s great. It´s also ok for portraits up to 200mm in FullFrame mode, not outstanding but not ugly either, as long as you keep your subject in the center. A good carry around lens when a compromise in image quality is ok for you.

I seldom use it in FullFrame mode, for birdwatching I wish for something around 400 to 600 mm.
Wouldn´t buy it for 300 € though, but rather save some more money and go for a used Sigma 170-500 (newer version) or 50-500mm.

Austro-Diesel · 01-25-2020, 02:09 PM - **1 Like**

Sometimes I use this lens at the K-1 and I am satisfied. Would never sell this cheap and handy lens, mostly used on trips.

Pro: The optical performance is the best in comparison with all of the other FF fit zoom lenses of this range with K-mount (Sigma 70-300 APO, Tamron 70-300). It's comparable to the Pentax DA 55-300 (WR) and seems to be less good than the new DA 55-300 PLW -- but they are only for APS-C. In my eyes the optical stabilization (OS) is more useful than the SR as the viewfinder is stabilized too (but a bit floating too). The important center sharpness is good, still at 300 mm, the bokeh is mostly quite nice.

Neutral: Stopping down a bit is a good idea for better edges and contrast but not absolutely necessary. The build is rather simple, the size and weight is average.

Cons: The sun hood rotates with the front lens, the zoom ring of my lens runs very choppy. The micro contrast could be a bit higher. And some people hear the OS humming in silent conditions, a high frequency noise.

Here you can see some pictures made with this lens:
https://forum.digitalfotonetz.de/viewtopic.php?t=95421
https://forum.digitalfotonetz.de/viewtopic.php?t=111815

2012 I've ordered this lens as new at LIMAL for 137 EUR and now your offer is 95 EUR ... I think this is a great deal -- try it!

Austro-Diesel · 01-26-2020, 06:39 AM

Another thread with pictures made with this lens: DigitalFotoNetz.de :: Thema anzeigen - Noch nie bei IKEA gewesen ...

krgroothuis · 01-26-2020, 06:46 AM

Originally posted by universalfocus

Is it a lens that is up to the K-1s image quality, sharp from the center to the corners and fit for professional use? No, not at all.

Can you use it as a lens in APS-C mode for some sports and photographing animals in good weather to get some decent images for hobby usage? Sure. I own that lens and I use it for this purpose
The sharphness in center is good up to 200mm and ok at 300mm, towards the corners it becomes softer the more you zoom. colors are very neutral and contrasts are a bit flat. It helps to stop it down to f8 or f11, so image quality frequently depends on the weather. Got it for about 165 € and for that price it´s great. It´s also ok for portraits up to 200mm in FullFrame mode, not outstanding but not ugly either, as long as you keep your subject in the center. A good carry around lens when a compromise in image quality is ok for you.

I seldom use it in FullFrame mode, for birdwatching I wish for something around 400 to 600 mm.
Wouldn´t buy it for 300 € though, but rather save some more money and go for a used Sigma 170-500 (newer version) or 50-500mm.

I already have a good copy of thePentax DA 55- 300 lens. I tested this one a bit in crop mode and FF. I think i can stick to this lens first and wait and see how that combo performs.

Last edited by krgroothuis; 01-27-2020 at 12:13 AM.

01-25-2020, 05:10 AM	#1
krgroothuis Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Winsum, the Netherlands Posts: 86	How is this lens performing on the K-1 (Sigma 70-300 DG OS ) Hello, Is there a K -1 owner who also has the Sigma Lens 70-300 DG OS ? I Is there someone who will test te actual performance of this combo ? There is only one recent review: Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database I would like to see more reviews ore idea's of this combo. Is it worthwile to buy a secondhand Sigma 70-300 DG OS for 95 EU ?

01-25-2020, 02:09 PM - 1 Like	#5
Austro-Diesel Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 78	Sometimes I use this lens at the K-1 and I am satisfied. Would never sell this cheap and handy lens, mostly used on trips. Pro: The optical performance is the best in comparison with all of the other FF fit zoom lenses of this range with K-mount (Sigma 70-300 APO, Tamron 70-300). It's comparable to the Pentax DA 55-300 (WR) and seems to be less good than the new DA 55-300 PLW -- but they are only for APS-C. In my eyes the optical stabilization (OS) is more useful than the SR as the viewfinder is stabilized too (but a bit floating too). The important center sharpness is good, still at 300 mm, the bokeh is mostly quite nice. Neutral: Stopping down a bit is a good idea for better edges and contrast but not absolutely necessary. The build is rather simple, the size and weight is average. Cons: The sun hood rotates with the front lens, the zoom ring of my lens runs very choppy. The micro contrast could be a bit higher. And some people hear the OS humming in silent conditions, a high frequency noise. Here you can see some pictures made with this lens: https://forum.digitalfotonetz.de/viewtopic.php?t=95421 https://forum.digitalfotonetz.de/viewtopic.php?t=111815 2012 I've ordered this lens as new at LIMAL for 137 EUR and now your offer is 95 EUR ... I think this is a great deal -- try it! Last edited by Austro-Diesel; 01-25-2020 at 02:26 PM.

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01-25-2020, 06:31 AM	#2
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	Optical Limits test of this lens on a full-frame Nikon point to it being decent, but not great, for the money. Wide end isn't bad but the edges and corner IQ really falls off past 135mm. Take that with a grain of salt, as they usually only test a single copy of a lens unless things go really badly, and it's not on a K-1. I cannot say if I thing it's a good move to buy the copy you're looking at for 95e.

01-25-2020, 07:47 AM	#3
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by krgroothuis Hello, Is there a K -1 owner who also has the Sigma Lens 70-300 DG OS ? I Is there someone who will test te actual performance of this combo ? There is only one recent review: Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database I would like to see more reviews ore idea's of this combo. Is it worthwile to buy a secondhand Sigma 70-300 DG OS for 95 EU ? The price seems reasonable. I don't know that there is much out there that is better unless you jump up in price considerably. I guess I would see if you can test it and see if performs decently enough to meet your needs.

01-25-2020, 11:58 AM	#4
universalfocus Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 76	Is it a lens that is up to the K-1s image quality, sharp from the center to the corners and fit for professional use? No, not at all. Can you use it as a lens in APS-C mode for some sports and photographing animals in good weather to get some decent images for hobby usage? Sure. I own that lens and I use it for this purpose The sharphness in center is good up to 200mm and ok at 300mm, towards the corners it becomes softer the more you zoom. colors are very neutral and contrasts are a bit flat. It helps to stop it down to f8 or f11, so image quality frequently depends on the weather. Got it for about 165 € and for that price it´s great. It´s also ok for portraits up to 200mm in FullFrame mode, not outstanding but not ugly either, as long as you keep your subject in the center. A good carry around lens when a compromise in image quality is ok for you. I seldom use it in FullFrame mode, for birdwatching I wish for something around 400 to 600 mm. Wouldn´t buy it for 300 € though, but rather save some more money and go for a used Sigma 170-500 (newer version) or 50-500mm.

01-26-2020, 06:39 AM	#6
Austro-Diesel Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 78	Another thread with pictures made with this lens: DigitalFotoNetz.de :: Thema anzeigen - Noch nie bei IKEA gewesen ...

01-26-2020, 06:46 AM	#7
krgroothuis Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Winsum, the Netherlands Posts: 86 Original Poster	Originally posted by universalfocus Is it a lens that is up to the K-1s image quality, sharp from the center to the corners and fit for professional use? No, not at all. Can you use it as a lens in APS-C mode for some sports and photographing animals in good weather to get some decent images for hobby usage? Sure. I own that lens and I use it for this purpose The sharphness in center is good up to 200mm and ok at 300mm, towards the corners it becomes softer the more you zoom. colors are very neutral and contrasts are a bit flat. It helps to stop it down to f8 or f11, so image quality frequently depends on the weather. Got it for about 165 € and for that price it´s great. It´s also ok for portraits up to 200mm in FullFrame mode, not outstanding but not ugly either, as long as you keep your subject in the center. A good carry around lens when a compromise in image quality is ok for you. I seldom use it in FullFrame mode, for birdwatching I wish for something around 400 to 600 mm. Wouldn´t buy it for 300 € though, but rather save some more money and go for a used Sigma 170-500 (newer version) or 50-500mm. I already have a good copy of thePentax DA 55- 300 lens. I tested this one a bit in crop mode and FF. I think i can stick to this lens first and wait and see how that combo performs. Last edited by krgroothuis; 01-27-2020 at 12:13 AM.