400,500mm ???

powdablu21 · 02-23-2010, 07:10 PM

I have a K7 and want to be able to reach out there to grab some birds and occasionally a few sports scenes like racing . I will probably have about a grand to spend and am looking for some input before I buy. I want to be able to use auto as well. I saw a couple sigmas i like in the 500 range, but am not sure..help please, money burning a hole in my pocket! I dont think I want to go used...

dandog · 02-23-2010, 07:54 PM

i would advise doin alot of research on the net regarding sigmas you like.
although people have said they can be quite soft at 500mm.
then you need to factor a tripod into the money.
do not get a cheap tripod.
there are a lot of good deals on the used market so dont dismiss it fully.
i recently bought a sigma 100-300 f/4 with a 1.4 teleconverter.
to get over 400mm,and the quality is alot better than your 50-500-150-500 range
like i said do alot of research.

**jpzk** · 02-23-2010, 07:58 PM

Dandog is right: the Sigma 100-300 coupled with the Sigma 1.4X TC is a great combo.
I used to have this set up until I bought a "smaller" DA*300.
At 300mm, the Sigma performs really well and you have a plus in "magnification" due to the smaller APS-C sensor of the camera.
Tally that up: 300mm X 1.4x plus the magnification of the "small" sensor of any APS-C camera (which the K7 is part of). ... someone would mind calculating this properly for me?

JP

powdablu21 · 02-23-2010, 08:56 PM

I went to sigma and that 100-300 f4 is listed at 1800 bucks..Is this the lens you were referring to?

Gaelen · 02-23-2010, 09:19 PM

yes that would be the lense, it is a fantastic lense and one day I will own one!

I picked up a Sigma 400m f/5.6 a year ago on here for about $150...I've snapped a number of of good shots with it but I would prefer the one mentioned above

tybeck · 02-23-2010, 09:53 PM

Originally posted by powdablu21

I went to sigma and that 100-300 f4 is listed at 1800 bucks..Is this the lens you were referring to?

That's the one they are talking about. Try Sigma4Less they usually have pretty good prices. The lens also pops up in the Marketplace now and then.

dandog · 02-23-2010, 09:57 PM

thats why i wouldnt write off buying secondhand.
that lens is listed at 1800 australian $
i picked one up here at the marketplace last week for $1500
virtually brand new,plus a teleconverter and three filters!
i am happy chappy thanks to david glazebrook.

plus i can stack my 2x teleconverter to reach almost 750mm not including sensor crop
although you need to stop down alot and is only good on a tripod or in bright light
i find the resolution still better than a 50-500.

Last edited by dandog; 02-23-2010 at 10:01 PM. Reason: adding comment

rickn · 02-24-2010, 06:19 AM

I just looked on the Sigma4Less site and they do not seem to carry the 100-300 zoom lens for Pentax.

netuser · 02-24-2010, 06:28 AM

Originally posted by powdablu21

I have a K7 and want to be able to reach out there to grab some birds and occasionally a few sports scenes like racing . I will probably have about a grand to spend and am looking for some input before I buy. I want to be able to use auto as well. I saw a couple sigmas i like in the 500 range, but am not sure..help please, money burning a hole in my pocket! I dont think I want to go used...

My input at

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/89397-lens-buy...-3-images.html

Ben_Edict · 02-24-2010, 07:46 AM

Originally posted by dandog

i would advise doin alot of research on the net regarding sigmas you like.

I would emphasize that!

Originally posted by dandog

although people have said they can be quite soft at 500mm.

I cannot rule out, that there are "soft" copies of the Sigma 50-500 "out there". But generally this is an "urban myth". The Bigma gets soft at 500mm if the focus is not spot on. Look through the many images posted on this site and on others and you'll get a good idea of what that lens is capable. And it can be tack sharp with good contrast even wide open at 500mm, if used properly.

But using a 500mm lens is not easy and results usually are not good at the start. We have had a lot of threads on really long glass over the last months.

You may find a lot of info in the thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/55946-300mm-pl...ng-lenses.html

Originally posted by dandog

then you need to factor a tripod into the money.
do not get a cheap tripod.

That is VERY true. A good tripod and head is a must for long glass. IIn some cases even a good monopod provides already a notiecable improvement in IQ.

Originally posted by dandog

there are a lot of good deals on the used market so dont dismiss it fully.
i recently bought a sigma 100-300 f/4 with a 1.4 teleconverter.
to get over 400mm,and the quality is alot better than your 50-500-150-500 range.

I sure concede, that the Sigma 100-300/4 is an excellent lens. Whether it is better at 420mm (the max. with a 1.4x tc) than the Bigma or any other dedictadet longer lens, I don't know.

What I know is, that it is very hard to actually see these potential differences at these long focal lengthes, as there are other limitations to IQ with these long lenses, than slight resolution or contrast differences. Using long lenses, as I wrote above, needs practice. It also needs the right circumstances and all in all, fine differences in lens quality will play only a minor part. Ofcourse I am not writing about crappy lenses.

Ben

dandog · 02-24-2010, 07:59 AM

that is very true ben,i have seen images from the bigma which seem tack sharp
at the long end.
i guess its all in the user

Ben_Edict · 02-24-2010, 09:22 AM

Originally posted by dandog

that is very true ben,i have seen images from the bigma which seem tack sharp
at the long end.
i guess its all in the user

Its not necessarily the user. We all know and some have experienced it first hand, that there is the occasional poor lens, which slipped quality control. That might have been the case with your copy of the Bigma. If your results with the 100-300/4+tc are better, it is at least the better choice for you!

Ben

**jpzk** · 02-24-2010, 12:49 PM

Originally posted by netuser

My input at

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/89397-lens-buy...-3-images.html

I've voted for this picture a couple of days ago at PPG .... I thought it might have been you! And it was! Great pic by the way.
So, when are you selling me this FA 400/5.6?

JP

Oggy · 02-24-2010, 03:23 PM

Originally posted by dandog

i would advise doin alot of research on the net regarding sigmas you like.
although people have said they can be quite soft at 500mm.

Only wide open. (150-500). Two stops down and they are sharpe. I believe the Bigma is even better.

Quote:

...then you need to factor a tripod into the money.

I use mine hand held most of the time for aircraft and birds.

wildman · 02-24-2010, 11:33 PM

Originally posted by jpzk

Tally that up: 300mm X 1.4x plus the magnification of the "small" sensor of any APS-C camera (which the K7 is part of). ... someone would mind calculating this properly for me?

About 12x
12x mag would require about a 600mm Fl lens on a full frame.

02-23-2010, 07:10 PM	#1
powdablu21 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: texas Posts: 25	400,500mm ??? I have a K7 and want to be able to reach out there to grab some birds and occasionally a few sports scenes like racing . I will probably have about a grand to spend and am looking for some input before I buy. I want to be able to use auto as well. I saw a couple sigmas i like in the 500 range, but am not sure..help please, money burning a hole in my pocket! I dont think I want to go used...

02-24-2010, 11:33 PM	#15
wildman Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Flyover America Posts: 4,469	Originally posted by jpzk Tally that up: 300mm X 1.4x plus the magnification of the "small" sensor of any APS-C camera (which the K7 is part of). ... someone would mind calculating this properly for me? About 12x 12x mag would require about a 600mm Fl lens on a full frame. Last edited by wildman; 02-25-2010 at 01:31 AM.

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02-23-2010, 07:54 PM	#2
dandog Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: kalgoorlie Posts: 187	i would advise doin alot of research on the net regarding sigmas you like. although people have said they can be quite soft at 500mm. then you need to factor a tripod into the money. do not get a cheap tripod. there are a lot of good deals on the used market so dont dismiss it fully. i recently bought a sigma 100-300 f/4 with a 1.4 teleconverter. to get over 400mm,and the quality is alot better than your 50-500-150-500 range like i said do alot of research.

02-23-2010, 07:58 PM	#3
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Dandog is right: the Sigma 100-300 coupled with the Sigma 1.4X TC is a great combo. I used to have this set up until I bought a "smaller" DA*300. At 300mm, the Sigma performs really well and you have a plus in "magnification" due to the smaller APS-C sensor of the camera. Tally that up: 300mm X 1.4x plus the magnification of the "small" sensor of any APS-C camera (which the K7 is part of). ... someone would mind calculating this properly for me? JP

02-23-2010, 08:56 PM	#4
powdablu21 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: texas Posts: 25 Original Poster	I went to sigma and that 100-300 f4 is listed at 1800 bucks..Is this the lens you were referring to?

02-23-2010, 09:19 PM	#5
Gaelen Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Coquitlam, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 749	yes that would be the lense, it is a fantastic lense and one day I will own one! I picked up a Sigma 400m f/5.6 a year ago on here for about $150...I've snapped a number of of good shots with it but I would prefer the one mentioned above

02-23-2010, 09:53 PM	#6
tybeck Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 452	Originally posted by powdablu21 I went to sigma and that 100-300 f4 is listed at 1800 bucks..Is this the lens you were referring to? That's the one they are talking about. Try Sigma4Less they usually have pretty good prices. The lens also pops up in the Marketplace now and then.

02-23-2010, 09:57 PM	#7
dandog Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: kalgoorlie Posts: 187	thats why i wouldnt write off buying secondhand. that lens is listed at 1800 australian $ i picked one up here at the marketplace last week for $1500 virtually brand new,plus a teleconverter and three filters! i am happy chappy thanks to david glazebrook. plus i can stack my 2x teleconverter to reach almost 750mm not including sensor crop although you need to stop down alot and is only good on a tripod or in bright light i find the resolution still better than a 50-500. Last edited by dandog; 02-23-2010 at 10:01 PM. Reason: adding comment

02-24-2010, 06:19 AM	#8
rickn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mechanicsburg, Pa, Dania, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 122	I just looked on the Sigma4Less site and they do not seem to carry the 100-300 zoom lens for Pentax.

02-24-2010, 06:28 AM	#9
netuser Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Azores Islands, Portugal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,236	Originally posted by powdablu21 I have a K7 and want to be able to reach out there to grab some birds and occasionally a few sports scenes like racing . I will probably have about a grand to spend and am looking for some input before I buy. I want to be able to use auto as well. I saw a couple sigmas i like in the 500 range, but am not sure..help please, money burning a hole in my pocket! I dont think I want to go used... My input at https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/89397-lens-buy...-3-images.html

02-24-2010, 07:46 AM	#10
Ben_Edict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SouthWest "Regio" Photos: Albums Posts: 3,309	Originally posted by dandog i would advise doin alot of research on the net regarding sigmas you like. I would emphasize that! Originally posted by dandog although people have said they can be quite soft at 500mm. I cannot rule out, that there are "soft" copies of the Sigma 50-500 "out there". But generally this is an "urban myth". The Bigma gets soft at 500mm if the focus is not spot on. Look through the many images posted on this site and on others and you'll get a good idea of what that lens is capable. And it can be tack sharp with good contrast even wide open at 500mm, if used properly. But using a 500mm lens is not easy and results usually are not good at the start. We have had a lot of threads on really long glass over the last months. You may find a lot of info in the thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/55946-300mm-pl...ng-lenses.html Originally posted by dandog then you need to factor a tripod into the money. do not get a cheap tripod. That is VERY true. A good tripod and head is a must for long glass. IIn some cases even a good monopod provides already a notiecable improvement in IQ. Originally posted by dandog there are a lot of good deals on the used market so dont dismiss it fully. i recently bought a sigma 100-300 f/4 with a 1.4 teleconverter. to get over 400mm,and the quality is alot better than your 50-500-150-500 range. I sure concede, that the Sigma 100-300/4 is an excellent lens. Whether it is better at 420mm (the max. with a 1.4x tc) than the Bigma or any other dedictadet longer lens, I don't know. What I know is, that it is very hard to actually see these potential differences at these long focal lengthes, as there are other limitations to IQ with these long lenses, than slight resolution or contrast differences. Using long lenses, as I wrote above, needs practice. It also needs the right circumstances and all in all, fine differences in lens quality will play only a minor part. Ofcourse I am not writing about crappy lenses. Ben

02-24-2010, 07:59 AM	#11
dandog Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: kalgoorlie Posts: 187	that is very true ben,i have seen images from the bigma which seem tack sharp at the long end. i guess its all in the user

02-24-2010, 09:22 AM	#12
Ben_Edict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SouthWest "Regio" Photos: Albums Posts: 3,309	Originally posted by dandog that is very true ben,i have seen images from the bigma which seem tack sharp at the long end. i guess its all in the user Its not necessarily the user. We all know and some have experienced it first hand, that there is the occasional poor lens, which slipped quality control. That might have been the case with your copy of the Bigma. If your results with the 100-300/4+tc are better, it is at least the better choice for you! Ben

02-24-2010, 12:49 PM	#13
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Originally posted by netuser My input at https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/89397-lens-buy...-3-images.html I've voted for this picture a couple of days ago at PPG .... I thought it might have been you! And it was! Great pic by the way. So, when are you selling me this FA 400/5.6? JP

02-24-2010, 03:23 PM	#14
Oggy Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: West Sussex UK Posts: 235	Originally posted by dandog i would advise doin alot of research on the net regarding sigmas you like. although people have said they can be quite soft at 500mm. Only wide open. (150-500). Two stops down and they are sharpe. I believe the Bigma is even better. Quote: ...then you need to factor a tripod into the money. I use mine hand held most of the time for aircraft and birds.