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07-23-2010, 06:55 AM   #1
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Which lens?

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but you can't always blame the newbies

Anyway I'm currently looking at obtaining a Pentax k-x, as;
1. They are cheap(about $630 off ebay)
2. They have loads of glass, both new and old
3. They run off AA batteries(I'd like to go bush or travel with it whenever I can(and AA batteries can be found everywhere), and
4. It isn't a Canon or Nikon(lol)

To skip to the point, I'm looking at either the Tamron 70-300mm or the Sigma 70-300mm, both f/4 - f/5.6. They are both pretty much the same price(Tamron is $190 + $30 shipping, the Sigma is $200 + $20 shipping). I suppose the questions are;

1. Which gives a better photo quality?
2. Do they both support manual aperture adjustments/focusing?(I dislike AF with a passion, as it rarely works when I need it to).

Obviously the budget is around $250, but the Tamron appears to be recommended around here, so for curiosities sake I guess.

Thanks. If it has already been asked(probably) feel free to link it for me

07-23-2010, 07:28 AM   #2
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Save your money on the two lenses. Better to get the Pentax DA 55-300. It's generally recognized as the best of the bunch. I've had a Tammy 70-300 and it's nowhere as good as the Pentax. The Pentax quick shift system is the best too. While it's over your budget, the lens is worth it.
07-23-2010, 07:34 AM - 1 Like   #3
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can you still get the kit that comes with the 55-300? if so it will probably be the cheapest option too
07-23-2010, 07:35 AM - 1 Like   #4
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Why don't you get the camera with the 18-55 kit lens, and then buy a classic old manual Takumar (or other) like so many of us do?

I hate autofocus myself. Don't like the noise. But the kit lens does an "okay" job in indoor conditions with low light for manual focusing.

And yeah, all of the lenses you mentioned and the Pentax 55-300 support manual everything, but you have to check if you can change aperture on the actual lens via an aperture ring, and not via a dial on the body (which I hate). Modern lenses come both ways.

Some still offer aperture ring on the lens.

07-23-2010, 08:22 AM - 1 Like   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Irukanji Quote
Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but you can't always blame the newbies
Look around for all the Pentax 55-300/Sigma/Tamron 70-300 theads already going. Really, it has all been asked and answer lately.

Actually, you only need one...

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/37348-pentax-5...apo-macro.html
07-23-2010, 08:25 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Pablom Quote
can you still get the kit that comes with the 55-300? if so it will probably be the cheapest option too
The 18-55mm kit is $630 or so, and the 18-55mm + 55-300mm is about $1000, I already looked into it

I may be able to squeeze the Pentax DA 55-300 into the budget, if I can find a cheap one on ebay, however the one's I'm seeing are all overseas, and shipping is between $50 and $70, with the lense at $330 odd. Maybe Amazon will have one cheap, with cheap shipping. I the Pentax DA 55-300mm is better than Tamron and Sigma, then if i find a dealer closer to $350 total(incl shipping) than I will more than likely get it.
07-23-2010, 08:40 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
Look around for all the Pentax 55-300/Sigma/Tamron 70-300 theads already going. Really, it has all been asked and answer lately.

Actually, you only need one...

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/37348-pentax-5...apo-macro.html

Thanks. From that thread, I will probably just find a kit with a Pentax DA 55-300mm in it if I can, the prices have changed a bit this week, so maybe by the time i go to buy they will be a bit cheaper.

K, let this thread die now or lock/delete it whatever you feel like

07-23-2010, 10:59 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by Irukanji Quote
Anyway I'm currently looking at obtaining a Pentax k-x, as;
1. They are cheap(about $630 off ebay)
Don't buy for $630 off Ebay. A better deal from DCW is K-x with Sigma 18-125 for $670. Considering you get proper Australian warranty from CR Kennedy with this the Sigma 18-125 comes almost free. If you don't want it there's currently a Wanted notice here offering US$160 for this lens.
07-24-2010, 04:01 AM   #9
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However the DA 55-300 will certainly beat the Sigma in image quality for the range it covers.
The DA 55-300 is definitely worth the money - check out some of the threads showing results captured using this fine little telezoom.

The twin lens kit is worth it. Buy from a reputable Aussie dealer, and you'll probably get it cheaper through them than by eBay. Consider vanbar and DCW.
07-24-2010, 04:30 AM   #10
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Amazon's currently got a listing for the dual-lens kits from a "marketplace" seller for $719, but I have no idea what shipping costs would be to the land down under. (it says "free shipping", but I doubt that includes international purchases)

Amazon.com: Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and…
07-24-2010, 05:50 AM   #11
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Check out previous https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/93964-lens.html post. Strong preference for Pentax 55-300 over Tamron and Pentax 50-200.

I had the Tamron 70-300 for about 18mth and then bought the Pentax. Much happier. The Tamron (and presume the Sigma) are not bad, just the Pentax 55-300 is very good for the range and price imho. Tamron can be a bit of a Purple Fringe monster in certain high contrast situations.

Tamron has good side ito IQ, and Marco on both is useful. See https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/108329-k20d-%40-300mm-iso800.html. But note that front element of Tamron and Sigma rotate, so pain to use CP filter.

Good luck shopping.
Regards
Kevin

Last edited by KevinR; 07-24-2010 at 06:12 AM. Reason: Second link added
07-24-2010, 05:56 AM   #12
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For what it's worth....it'll be a heck of a lot easier to find a good deal on an 18-55mm than on a 55-300mm.
07-25-2010, 01:27 AM   #13
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I'm getting a 18-55mm and 55-300mm kit off eBay from an Aussie dealer in Melbourne for just shy of $900, if I find they don't do what I need them to do, I'll just find a lens which can do it
07-25-2010, 07:16 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Irukanji Quote
I'm getting a 18-55mm and 55-300mm kit off eBay from an Aussie dealer in Melbourne for just shy of $900, if I find they don't do what I need them to do, I'll just find a lens which can do it
That'll cover you quite nicely!
07-25-2010, 10:34 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by blackcloudbrew Quote
Save your money on the two lenses. Better to get the Pentax DA 55-300. It's generally recognized as the best of the bunch. I've had a Tammy 70-300 and it's nowhere as good as the Pentax. The Pentax quick shift system is the best too. While it's over your budget, the lens is worth it.
+1

QuoteOriginally posted by Pablom Quote
can you still get the kit that comes with the 55-300?o
+1

Don't skimp on the glass. The Pentax zoom is very inexpensive for the quality you are getting and will save you money and frustration in the long run. (I have made this mistake and now know better.)

a Hitchcock moment


(Shot with the DA 55-300mm.)
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