Zoom Lens for K7

Mai199 · 12-30-2010, 07:32 AM

I am stuck in trying to choose a zoom for my k7. It is between:

Pentax 55-300 f/4-5.8 ED
Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus
Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 DG OS Telephoto Zoom

PLease explain your choice. Will the sigma with the Macro be as sharp at 300 as the others? My other lens is Pentax 18-55. Thank you

Bobe416 · 12-30-2010, 08:08 AM

I am not a fan of most zoom lenses, but I would suggest you take a look at the lens review section of Pentax Forums Pentax Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database
as well as Photozone.de Pentax K / Samsung NX Lens Tests

northcoastgreg · 12-30-2010, 09:26 AM

If I had to choose between those three lenses, I would pick the DA 55-300mm. It's generally regarded as best lens in its class (at least among what is available in the K-mount).

Of course, I would not buy any of those lenses if I was mostly looking to shoot at 300mm. None of them will perform particularly well at the focal length.

rockmaster1964 · 12-30-2010, 11:07 AM

There are lots of threads comparing the Sigma and Tamron 70-300mm lens to the Pentax 55-300mm. The Pentax is considered the better lens. I used to own a Tamron 70-300mm and replaced it with the Pentax. I like the Pentax better.

hcc · 12-30-2010, 08:17 PM

I may recommend that you expand your interest to the DA18-250mm/Tamron 18-250mm. This all-around lens is a great lens among all the brands, Cainkon, Oly and Sony included. It covers a very broad range of focal lenghts. Its flexibility is legendary and it is the best travel lens.

The 18-250mm is well adapted to the zoo. In addition, it will reduce your system to one body and one lens. While the 18-250mm is not a macro lens, it can be used for some macro shots with some success.

The only downside is the DA18-250mm is no longer manufactured. But its sibbling (Tamron 18-250mm L-mount) is still available, while some 2nd hand DA18-250mm/Tamron 18-250mm are available regularly in second hand shops and retailers, as well as in the Forum market place.

Hope that the comment will help...

and Happy New Year.

12-30-2010, 07:32 AM	#1
Mai199 New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: McHenry, IL Posts: 6	Zoom Lens for K7 I am stuck in trying to choose a zoom for my k7. It is between: Pentax 55-300 f/4-5.8 ED Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 DG OS Telephoto Zoom PLease explain your choice. Will the sigma with the Macro be as sharp at 300 as the others? My other lens is Pentax 18-55. Thank you

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12-30-2010, 08:08 AM	#2
Bobe416 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 57	I am not a fan of most zoom lenses, but I would suggest you take a look at the lens review section of Pentax Forums Pentax Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database as well as Photozone.de Pentax K / Samsung NX Lens Tests

12-30-2010, 09:26 AM	#3
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,168	If I had to choose between those three lenses, I would pick the DA 55-300mm. It's generally regarded as best lens in its class (at least among what is available in the K-mount). Of course, I would not buy any of those lenses if I was mostly looking to shoot at 300mm. None of them will perform particularly well at the focal length.

12-30-2010, 11:07 AM	#4
rockmaster1964 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Frisco Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 382	There are lots of threads comparing the Sigma and Tamron 70-300mm lens to the Pentax 55-300mm. The Pentax is considered the better lens. I used to own a Tamron 70-300mm and replaced it with the Pentax. I like the Pentax better.

12-30-2010, 08:17 PM	#5
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,001	I may recommend that you expand your interest to the DA18-250mm/Tamron 18-250mm. This all-around lens is a great lens among all the brands, Cainkon, Oly and Sony included. It covers a very broad range of focal lenghts. Its flexibility is legendary and it is the best travel lens. The 18-250mm is well adapted to the zoo. In addition, it will reduce your system to one body and one lens. While the 18-250mm is not a macro lens, it can be used for some macro shots with some success. The only downside is the DA18-250mm is no longer manufactured. But its sibbling (Tamron 18-250mm L-mount) is still available, while some 2nd hand DA18-250mm/Tamron 18-250mm are available regularly in second hand shops and retailers, as well as in the Forum market place. Hope that the comment will help... and Happy New Year.

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