Which 2.8 lens to buy?

bcat · 01-12-2010, 07:06 PM

Here is the problem, I'm trying to pick a lens to use shooting indoor sports and low light/night sports. Here is the list of lenses I'm looking to put with my new K-X camera. Please advise to which one or make suggestions.
1. Pentax SMC DA* Series 50-135mm f/2.8 ED IF SDM Telephoto Zoom Lens
2. Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens
3. Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II Macro Zoom Lens

P.S. I'm always able to get pretty close to the subjects, and this lens will also be used to shoot outdoors.

Damn Brit · 01-12-2010, 07:28 PM

There are a few threads discussing these three lenses in the Lens forum, you should find them on the first two pages.

pxpaulx · 01-12-2010, 07:32 PM

I really love my 50-135 - the slightly wider focal length is great for general shooting, it really is an ideal portrait range. For your uses though, I think one of the 70-200 lenses will serve you better. Both receive alot of praise, however I have heard of problems with the sigma having elements and coatings separating - dont know if that is a widespread issue at all (and warranty does cover it from what I have read as well). The tamron is definitely well received, and also the cheapest (based on amazon pricing at the moment). The 50-135 is now the most expensive of these three (wasnt always the case!), and since weather sealing isnt a bonus (the K-x isnt weather sealed), either the sigma or tamron are probably your best options. Good luck!

Oggy · 01-13-2010, 02:33 PM

Another vote for the DA* 50-135. This lens is blisteringly good - one of Pentax's best.

The only thing to remember is that it it is SDM so it WILL explode and kill you. All my DA* have so far.

**Ash** · 01-13-2010, 02:37 PM

Close to your subjects? How close?
Being sports you're going to be shooting you may be surprised how much reach you actually need to get in on the action from the sidelines.

The 50-135 is a fine fine lens. No doubt. Some have found it come up short on reach though.
That's where you'll need to know whether 135mm is enough for you - if it is, no question, go for the 50-135. Otherwise it's the Tamron 70-200 that I'd go for (but again, I'm biased).

01-12-2010, 07:06 PM	#1
bcat New Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 21	Which 2.8 lens to buy? Here is the problem, I'm trying to pick a lens to use shooting indoor sports and low light/night sports. Here is the list of lenses I'm looking to put with my new K-X camera. Please advise to which one or make suggestions. 1. Pentax SMC DA* Series 50-135mm f/2.8 ED IF SDM Telephoto Zoom Lens 2. Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens 3. Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II Macro Zoom Lens P.S. I'm always able to get pretty close to the subjects, and this lens will also be used to shoot outdoors.

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01-12-2010, 07:28 PM	#2
Damn Brit Guest	There are a few threads discussing these three lenses in the Lens forum, you should find them on the first two pages.

01-12-2010, 07:32 PM	#3
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	I really love my 50-135 - the slightly wider focal length is great for general shooting, it really is an ideal portrait range. For your uses though, I think one of the 70-200 lenses will serve you better. Both receive alot of praise, however I have heard of problems with the sigma having elements and coatings separating - dont know if that is a widespread issue at all (and warranty does cover it from what I have read as well). The tamron is definitely well received, and also the cheapest (based on amazon pricing at the moment). The 50-135 is now the most expensive of these three (wasnt always the case!), and since weather sealing isnt a bonus (the K-x isnt weather sealed), either the sigma or tamron are probably your best options. Good luck!

01-13-2010, 02:33 PM	#4
Oggy Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: West Sussex UK Posts: 235	Another vote for the DA* 50-135. This lens is blisteringly good - one of Pentax's best. The only thing to remember is that it it is SDM so it WILL explode and kill you. All my DA* have so far.

01-13-2010, 02:37 PM	#5
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Close to your subjects? How close? Being sports you're going to be shooting you may be surprised how much reach you actually need to get in on the action from the sidelines. The 50-135 is a fine fine lens. No doubt. Some have found it come up short on reach though. That's where you'll need to know whether 135mm is enough for you - if it is, no question, go for the 50-135. Otherwise it's the Tamron 70-200 that I'd go for (but again, I'm biased).