Is it worth it?

flockofbirds · 08-05-2009, 05:47 PM

Hello, I just recently bought a Pentax K200D for my first DSLR camera, so far I am very pleased with it. It came with the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens.

I am looking to buy a second lens, something with more range, and was originally looking on getting the Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 lens, Which i found for about $350... there are other third party lenses from Tamron and Sigma which can be had for a little more than half of the Pentax's price. They are both 70-300mm.

I know they say that you get what you pay for, but is it worth it for me to spend the extra cash on the Pentax over the cheaper alternatives? Specifically this tamron Tamron | 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Lens | AF017P700 | B&H

and this sigma
Sigma | 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Autofocus Lens | 509109 | B&H

thanks.

GerryL · 08-05-2009, 06:24 PM

Welcome to the forums flockofbirds!
I see this is your first post!
You might want to read our lens review database.
It has reviews for the Pentax dedicated lenses (almost all kinds from manual to AF) and third party lenses where the Sigma and Tamron category fall.

Pentax Lens Review Database - Main Index

PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - Main Index

Hope this helps!

We will be looking forward to your future posts!

GerryL · 08-05-2009, 06:28 PM

Here's the Tamron reviews: PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD MACRO 1:2

Here's the Sigma: PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG MACRO (AF Lens)

Here's the APO version of the Sigma DG Macro: PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO (AF Lens)

flockofbirds · 08-05-2009, 06:37 PM

Thanks for the quick reply, I will read those review.

GerryL · 08-05-2009, 06:38 PM

I myself could'nt yet afford the DA 55-300mm so I opted for the Pentax SMC FA J 75-300mm but I still do have the DA 50-200mm which is a great lens but I just needed the reach of the 300mm hence the purchase of the FA-J 75-300mm lens.

You might want to try the DA 50-200mm if you don't need the 300mm reach.
Remember with the APS-C crop, all lenses would be translated to a 1.5X the regular focal length.
Your 18-55mm is actually a 27-82.5mm lens.
If you add the DA 50-200mm then you would be covering the 75-300mm focal lengths.

GerryL · 08-05-2009, 06:41 PM

The DA 50-200mm usually costs around $110-100 or so.
If you are lucky you might get it below $100..but that price rarely pops up!
Good luck on your choice and your purchase soon!
If you are still confused, you can post another thread or ask again some questions.

**Just1MoreDave** · 08-05-2009, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by flockofbirds

...I know they say that you get what you pay for, but is it worth it for me to spend the extra cash on the Pentax over the cheaper alternatives?

I don't have any of these lenses, but I did see a number of comparisons when the Pentax was released. What you'll get for the extra cost is a lens that's sharper at 300mm, has less purple fringing in high-contrast areas, has Pentax coatings and quick-shift focusing.

For some shots, you might not notice a difference. With lenses, small gains can increase prices a lot. If you are going to put all your shots on the web and downsize them so people don't complain about loading times, you can get away with a cheaper lens. If you're printing once in a lifetime shots at 20"x30", you'll want the DA 55-300.

Marc Sabatella · 08-05-2009, 08:49 PM

Originally posted by GerryL

The DA 50-200mm usually costs around $110-100 or so.

Maybe used, or maybe once in a blue moon someone will offer some kind of special offer at that kind of price. But the lens has been out for years, and is very rarely found new that little. It's actually been over $200 for most of its life, although once the WR version came out, it has more often been found under $200. If you do find it for $100, grab it!

flockofbirds · 08-05-2009, 08:59 PM

Thanks for all the info everyone.
I'm considering going with a DA 55-200mm now, since it is more affordable and i don't know if I will for sure being needing all the reach the 300mm will offer.

My old camera had what it said was a 135mm equiv. lens. I don' think i would need a whole lot more than that.

But I'm curious to where a good place to look for lenses would be? The pentax web store is pretty pricey as I would expect, but even looking elsewhere i haven't found the 55-200 under $200

Marc Sabatella · 08-06-2009, 08:39 AM

Originally posted by flockofbirds

But I'm curious to where a good place to look for lenses would be? The pentax web store is pretty pricey as I would expect, but even looking elsewhere i haven't found the 55-200 under $200

First, make sure you are looking for the right lens. There is a 50-200 and a 55-300; there is no 55-200 (at least, not from Pentax). BTW, also note that if your P&S says it has a 135 "equivalent" lens, that means equivalent in film terms. to get the same figure for your DSLR, multiple the focal length by 1.5. So the 50-200 actually goes to the "equivalent" off 300 - way beyond what your P&S did.

As for where to buy lenses, the two most popular ptions would be Amazon - who actually deals with a number of different supplier, including Adorama, which is one of the major ones - and B&H Photo Video (bhphotovideo.com). Don't expect to see it *much* below $200, though - Amazon had it at $175 the other day, but it's back to $200 now. As I said, for years it sold for over $200, and it has only been very recently that one occasionally sees prices below $200.

Parallax · 08-06-2009, 09:32 AM

My $00.02. I have 2 K20Ds. I have not used, handled, or even seen a K-7. The k20D is a far better camera than I am a photographer and I can't imaging that, other than the satisfaction of having the "latest and greatest" I would benefit much from upgrading to the K-7. If I did not have the K20s though, I would most probably go with the K-7.
I think the determining factors should be:
1: budget
2. Do you need or particularly desire the video.

flockofbirds · 08-06-2009, 10:52 AM

Parallax I think you posted in the the wrong tab.

Also yeah, I meant the 50-200mm, not 55-200mm.

I found it at Tristate camera for $179. So I think that is what I will buy.
Thanks for the help everyone.

vmax84 · 08-06-2009, 11:57 AM

I have had very good luck with the cheap Tamron AF 75-300 1:4-5.6 LD lens. With good light, it has surprised me what it can do. For 75 bucks used, it has given me a great place to start with collecting lens.

vmax84

mickeyobe · 08-06-2009, 12:32 PM

vmax84,

I don't think you can get much better than that.

I must have one.

Mickey

vmax84 · 08-06-2009, 01:11 PM

Originally posted by mickeyobe

vmax84,

I don't think you can get much better than that.

I must have one.

Mickey

Well, I don't know about that. I've recently picked up a polarizer (sp?) which is adding another "dimension" to my shots. Fun to mess around with.

This is the lens I have:

AF276P700 Tamron 75-300mm f/4-5.6 LD AF Macro Auto Focus Zoom Lens with Hood for Pentax AF - with 6 Year USA Warranty

This is the lens I'd like to have some day: :-)

579109 Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG Macro HSM II Auto Focus Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax AF

vmax84

08-05-2009, 05:47 PM	#1
flockofbirds Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oregon, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 178	Is it worth it? Hello, I just recently bought a Pentax K200D for my first DSLR camera, so far I am very pleased with it. It came with the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. I am looking to buy a second lens, something with more range, and was originally looking on getting the Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 lens, Which i found for about $350... there are other third party lenses from Tamron and Sigma which can be had for a little more than half of the Pentax's price. They are both 70-300mm. I know they say that you get what you pay for, but is it worth it for me to spend the extra cash on the Pentax over the cheaper alternatives? Specifically this tamron Tamron \| 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Lens \| AF017P700 \| B&H and this sigma Sigma \| 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Autofocus Lens \| 509109 \| B&H thanks.

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08-05-2009, 06:24 PM	#2
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Welcome to the forums flockofbirds! I see this is your first post! You might want to read our lens review database. It has reviews for the Pentax dedicated lenses (almost all kinds from manual to AF) and third party lenses where the Sigma and Tamron category fall. Pentax Lens Review Database - Main Index PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - Main Index Hope this helps! We will be looking forward to your future posts!

08-05-2009, 06:28 PM	#3
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Here's the Tamron reviews: PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD MACRO 1:2 Here's the Sigma: PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG MACRO (AF Lens) Here's the APO version of the Sigma DG Macro: PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO (AF Lens)

08-05-2009, 06:37 PM	#4
flockofbirds Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oregon, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 178 Original Poster	Thanks for the quick reply, I will read those review.

08-05-2009, 06:38 PM	#5
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	I myself could'nt yet afford the DA 55-300mm so I opted for the Pentax SMC FA J 75-300mm but I still do have the DA 50-200mm which is a great lens but I just needed the reach of the 300mm hence the purchase of the FA-J 75-300mm lens. You might want to try the DA 50-200mm if you don't need the 300mm reach. Remember with the APS-C crop, all lenses would be translated to a 1.5X the regular focal length. Your 18-55mm is actually a 27-82.5mm lens. If you add the DA 50-200mm then you would be covering the 75-300mm focal lengths.

08-05-2009, 06:41 PM	#6
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	The DA 50-200mm usually costs around $110-100 or so. If you are lucky you might get it below $100..but that price rarely pops up! Good luck on your choice and your purchase soon! If you are still confused, you can post another thread or ask again some questions.

08-05-2009, 07:04 PM	#7
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by flockofbirds ...I know they say that you get what you pay for, but is it worth it for me to spend the extra cash on the Pentax over the cheaper alternatives? I don't have any of these lenses, but I did see a number of comparisons when the Pentax was released. What you'll get for the extra cost is a lens that's sharper at 300mm, has less purple fringing in high-contrast areas, has Pentax coatings and quick-shift focusing. For some shots, you might not notice a difference. With lenses, small gains can increase prices a lot. If you are going to put all your shots on the web and downsize them so people don't complain about loading times, you can get away with a cheaper lens. If you're printing once in a lifetime shots at 20"x30", you'll want the DA 55-300.

08-05-2009, 08:49 PM	#8
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Originally posted by GerryL The DA 50-200mm usually costs around $110-100 or so. Maybe used, or maybe once in a blue moon someone will offer some kind of special offer at that kind of price. But the lens has been out for years, and is very rarely found new that little. It's actually been over $200 for most of its life, although once the WR version came out, it has more often been found under $200. If you do find it for $100, grab it!

08-05-2009, 08:59 PM	#9
flockofbirds Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oregon, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 178 Original Poster	Thanks for all the info everyone. I'm considering going with a DA 55-200mm now, since it is more affordable and i don't know if I will for sure being needing all the reach the 300mm will offer. My old camera had what it said was a 135mm equiv. lens. I don' think i would need a whole lot more than that. But I'm curious to where a good place to look for lenses would be? The pentax web store is pretty pricey as I would expect, but even looking elsewhere i haven't found the 55-200 under $200

08-06-2009, 08:39 AM	#10
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Originally posted by flockofbirds But I'm curious to where a good place to look for lenses would be? The pentax web store is pretty pricey as I would expect, but even looking elsewhere i haven't found the 55-200 under $200 First, make sure you are looking for the right lens. There is a 50-200 and a 55-300; there is no 55-200 (at least, not from Pentax). BTW, also note that if your P&S says it has a 135 "equivalent" lens, that means equivalent in film terms. to get the same figure for your DSLR, multiple the focal length by 1.5. So the 50-200 actually goes to the "equivalent" off 300 - way beyond what your P&S did. As for where to buy lenses, the two most popular ptions would be Amazon - who actually deals with a number of different supplier, including Adorama, which is one of the major ones - and B&H Photo Video (bhphotovideo.com). Don't expect to see it much below $200, though - Amazon had it at $175 the other day, but it's back to $200 now. As I said, for years it sold for over $200, and it has only been very recently that one occasionally sees prices below $200.

08-06-2009, 09:32 AM	#11
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,333	My $00.02. I have 2 K20Ds. I have not used, handled, or even seen a K-7. The k20D is a far better camera than I am a photographer and I can't imaging that, other than the satisfaction of having the "latest and greatest" I would benefit much from upgrading to the K-7. If I did not have the K20s though, I would most probably go with the K-7. I think the determining factors should be: 1: budget 2. Do you need or particularly desire the video.

08-06-2009, 10:52 AM	#12
flockofbirds Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oregon, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 178 Original Poster	Parallax I think you posted in the the wrong tab. Also yeah, I meant the 50-200mm, not 55-200mm. I found it at Tristate camera for $179. So I think that is what I will buy. Thanks for the help everyone.

08-06-2009, 11:57 AM	#13
vmax84 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 307	I have had very good luck with the cheap Tamron AF 75-300 1:4-5.6 LD lens. With good light, it has surprised me what it can do. For 75 bucks used, it has given me a great place to start with collecting lens. vmax84

08-06-2009, 12:32 PM	#14
mickeyobe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,759	vmax84, I don't think you can get much better than that. I must have one. Mickey

08-06-2009, 01:11 PM	#15
vmax84 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 307	Originally posted by mickeyobe vmax84, I don't think you can get much better than that. I must have one. Mickey Well, I don't know about that. I've recently picked up a polarizer (sp?) which is adding another "dimension" to my shots. Fun to mess around with. This is the lens I have: AF276P700 Tamron 75-300mm f/4-5.6 LD AF Macro Auto Focus Zoom Lens with Hood for Pentax AF - with 6 Year USA Warranty This is the lens I'd like to have some day: :-) 579109 Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG Macro HSM II Auto Focus Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax AF vmax84