Sigma lens compatibility and zoom lens quality/value

Tripbrad · 04-22-2012, 08:42 AM

Considering purchase of Sigma 50-200mm lens for my newly purchased K5. My question is concerning the HSM used for the lens as well as the OS. Is there any integration problem with the HSM drive? I don't believe so,but I thought that Pentax used a screw drive. Also, the K5 has OS built in so is there a problem, or advantage, with going with Sigma?

Well, since I'm at it, any opinions on the Sigma 50-200 vs the Pentax 50-200? WR aside, the Sigma has a much better price point($159), than the Pentax($249), especially since Pentax lens price increases have left me cold. Originally was saving up for the Pentax 60-250, but no way at $2K! Anyways, I thought I'd buy cheap and sit back to see if this cost increase mess sorts itself out.

Might strech it to $429 for Pentax 55-300mm if someone can convince me it would be major improvement over either. I noted that photo zone suggested 55-300 over 50-200.

Geez, I'm all over the place, but any and all input is welcome! Thanks!

causey · 04-22-2012, 10:45 AM

The Pentax 55-300mm is much better than the Pentax 50-200mm, IMO, and I suppose it's much better than the Sigma 50-200mm as well.

**paulh** · 04-22-2012, 10:52 AM

You should be able to find a better price on the DA55-300. If you don't mind a plastic mount & no quick-shift feature, the DAL version will be an even better bargain (~ $100 less than the DA). They are optically the same lens.

**TomB_tx** · 04-22-2012, 10:58 AM

You might consider the Pentax SMC P-DAL 55-300mm which is the plastic-mount version with identical optics. Since it isn't imported to the USA by Pentax, it is available "grey-market" (direct import such as by Adorama) and isn't affected by Pentax USA price guidelines. Of course, Pentax USA may also add contract conditions saying they won't sell to dealers who also sell grey market; but in the meantime this lens still is available. Of course, if there are problems there is no Pentax USA warranty; but I've never had need of a warranty claim in 45 years buying camera equipment.

Tripbrad · 04-22-2012, 08:20 PM

Thanks for input...I think I will try the grey market DAL...affordable for the short term. $250 with lens cleaning kit.
Thanks!

04-22-2012, 08:42 AM	#1
Tripbrad New Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 10	Sigma lens compatibility and zoom lens quality/value Considering purchase of Sigma 50-200mm lens for my newly purchased K5. My question is concerning the HSM used for the lens as well as the OS. Is there any integration problem with the HSM drive? I don't believe so,but I thought that Pentax used a screw drive. Also, the K5 has OS built in so is there a problem, or advantage, with going with Sigma? Well, since I'm at it, any opinions on the Sigma 50-200 vs the Pentax 50-200? WR aside, the Sigma has a much better price point($159), than the Pentax($249), especially since Pentax lens price increases have left me cold. Originally was saving up for the Pentax 60-250, but no way at $2K! Anyways, I thought I'd buy cheap and sit back to see if this cost increase mess sorts itself out. Might strech it to $429 for Pentax 55-300mm if someone can convince me it would be major improvement over either. I noted that photo zone suggested 55-300 over 50-200. Geez, I'm all over the place, but any and all input is welcome! Thanks!

04-22-2012, 08:20 PM	#5
Tripbrad New Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 10 Original Poster	Excellent thought on grey market lens Thanks for input...I think I will try the grey market DAL...affordable for the short term. $250 with lens cleaning kit. Thanks!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Lens Compatibility 50mm Vivitar Zoom	lorge1989	Pentax K-r	3	01-05-2012 03:20 PM
Image quality between an old lens and a brand new lens with similar basic properties?	Codazzle	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	40	08-13-2011 06:56 AM
DA* Zoom Lens Quality Question	Kubicide	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	12-18-2010 05:06 PM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax k-2000 + kit lens (18-55) + sigma zoom lens 70-300mm	dexmus	Sold Items	6	11-09-2009 05:25 PM
Finally a quality Zoom lens to match a prime	Eastern Shore Charlie	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	08-20-2007 02:16 PM

04-22-2012, 10:45 AM	#2
causey Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arlington, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,757	The Pentax 55-300mm is much better than the Pentax 50-200mm, IMO, and I suppose it's much better than the Sigma 50-200mm as well.

04-22-2012, 10:52 AM	#3
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,308	You should be able to find a better price on the DA55-300. If you don't mind a plastic mount & no quick-shift feature, the DAL version will be an even better bargain (~ $100 less than the DA). They are optically the same lens.

04-22-2012, 10:58 AM	#4
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	You might consider the Pentax SMC P-DAL 55-300mm which is the plastic-mount version with identical optics. Since it isn't imported to the USA by Pentax, it is available "grey-market" (direct import such as by Adorama) and isn't affected by Pentax USA price guidelines. Of course, Pentax USA may also add contract conditions saying they won't sell to dealers who also sell grey market; but in the meantime this lens still is available. Of course, if there are problems there is no Pentax USA warranty; but I've never had need of a warranty claim in 45 years buying camera equipment.