Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

vroom_skies · 10-21-2008, 06:43 PM

Woot woot:

- Sigma 70-200 EX 2.8 Macro
- Pentax D-BG2 grip (Plus two more batteries (four total) and a ND .6 filter)

I'm happy lol
Bob

vievetrick · 10-21-2008, 06:47 PM

It is a fun lens and I am sure you will like it.

vroom_skies · 10-21-2008, 06:51 PM

Yeah, so far so good. Except I'm going to have to build some more muscels lol.

It was such a hard descision between this and the DA* 50-135, but in the end, with the equipment I have and future purchases no where in sight, this lens offered me the most out of the two.

jocko_nc · 10-21-2008, 06:57 PM

I see your wallet in the background... I suppose it was a little thicker before?

vroom_skies · 10-21-2008, 07:15 PM

haha, just a bit yeah

nupentaxian · 10-21-2008, 10:03 PM

looks good, i'm hoping to get mine by friday for an event; if not then next i'll have it next wk for sure...

iamweasel · 10-21-2008, 10:36 PM

congratulations on your new toy!

wachix · 10-22-2008, 04:17 AM

I'm also looking for new lens and also have same budget ~1000$.

so there are 3 options:

Sigma 70-200 (it is sigma)
Tamron 70-200 (no HSM and have to wait few monts)
DA* 50-135 ( still far form 200)

da 60-250 has f4 and price is bit too big for amateur. ( would probably buy it if it was f2.8)

so what are your real impresions?

tcdk · 10-22-2008, 06:14 AM

Originally posted by wachix

I'm also looking for new lens and also have same budget ~1000$.

so there are 3 options:

Sigma 70-200 (it is sigma)
Tamron 70-200 (no HSM and have to wait few monts)
DA* 50-135 ( still far form 200)

da 60-250 has f4 and price is bit too big for amateur. ( would probably buy it if it was f2.8)

so what are your real impresions?

I've the Sigma and the DA* - I generally find my self using the DA*. The 135 is long enough and for occasions where it's to short, the 200mm is properly not long enough anyway.

I haven't done conclusive tests, but my suspicion is that the 200mm at 2.8 on the sigma, is just a bit softer than than 135/2.8 on the DA*, meaning that you actually do not get much more data using the Sigma...

shutterpuppy · 10-22-2008, 07:29 AM

Psssst, I noticed in the EXIF data in those pics of your new toys were taken with a Canon Powershot. At least you haven't deserted trusty ole Pentax for your DSLR decision.

Barry

vroom_skies · 10-22-2008, 09:34 AM

Originally posted by nupentaxian

looks good, i'm hoping to get mine by friday for an event; if not then next i'll have it next wk for sure...

I wish you the best. Were leaving on vacation on Sat, so I'm glad all the gear got in here already.

Originally posted by iamweasel

congratulations on your new toy!

Thanks

Originally posted by wachix

I'm also looking for new lens and also have same budget ~1000$.

so there are 3 options:

Sigma 70-200 (it is sigma)
Tamron 70-200 (no HSM and have to wait few months)
DA* 50-135 ( still far form 200)

da 60-250 has f4 and price is bit too big for amateur. ( would probably buy it if it was f2.8)

so what are your real impresions?

Well so far so good. The lens is built really nice, I haven't held a DA* yet, but I'm comparing this to 35 year old Taks, which are built like sheer tanks.
The image quality looks quite nice so far, I haven't really done any test, but I'm pleased with what I've seen. I don't have any FF or BF issues either.
The only thing is obviously the size and weight. It's two inches longer and double the weight of the 50-135. It's going to take me a good while to get used to it. You read it on paper, but when you see it in person it's quite a difference.
I still think the Sigma was the right choice for me, but if you really don't need the marginal extra reach then your best off with the DA* 50-135, you'll loose some reach and the 'macro' ability, but you'll gain the Pentax name and image quality, plus you'll save some money as well.
Hope that all helps.

Originally posted by tcdk

I've the Sigma and the DA* - I generally find my self using the DA*. The 135 is long enough and for occasions where it's to short, the 200mm is properly not long enough anyway.

I haven't done conclusive tests, but my suspicion is that the 200mm at 2.8 on the sigma, is just a bit softer than than 135/2.8 on the DA*, meaning that you actually do not get much more data using the Sigma...

Are you planing on keeping the Sigma, or are you going to sell it off?

Originally posted by shutterpuppy

Psssst, I noticed in the EXIF data in those pics of your new toys were taken with a Canon Powershot. At least you haven't deserted trusty ole Pentax for your DSLR decision.

Barry

Ha, that camera is my moms actually. I love my Pentax gear, I plan to be shooting with it for a long time to come.

wachix · 10-22-2008, 02:27 PM

Thanx vroom for answer,

sorry for bothering after you have already made a designion. But what was most importaint reason choosing singma over tamron?

vroom_skies · 10-22-2008, 11:05 PM

Originally posted by wachix

Thanx vroom for answer,

Sorry for bothering after you have already made a decision. But what was the most important reason for choosing Sigma over Tamron?

Good question (I don't mind the questions at all, it's no bother).

Honestly the reasons are fairly trivial.
For me it came down to the HSM and appearance. I've never really been a fan of Tamron either and I can't really say I was fond of their design (granted I hardly have any experience with them, so that point is mute).

I have a question for anyone that would be willing to take a stab at it.
From what I've gathered image quality goes in this order:
1- DA* 50-135
2- Tamron 70-200
3- Simga 70-200

From my quick testing the Sigma is no slouch in this department, so I'm curious as to how much better the DA* & Tamron are claimed to be?
Such as a 5% or 10% increase, or is it something that 90% of all users will frankly never see, unless they pixel peep?

Thanks
Bob

dylansalt · 10-23-2008, 04:22 AM

I'm also considering the Sigma over the Pentax 50-135.

I have read tho on FF/BF issues and very soft at the 200mm end from 2 separate reports, whereas the Pentax is quickly gaining legend status.

The Sigma also does not have Weather Sealing and is significantly larger nor has the specialist lens coatings (oils,dust etc).

Anyone here with real world use of both these lenses for comparison?

Here in SA they are basically the same price.

wachix · 10-23-2008, 04:23 AM

Vroom,

I have same issues as you. Sigma seems to be fine, but all reviews and forums say that it has worst IQ (not bat at all, but in comparison with other same class glasses), especialy at 200.

What do your experiments show? Where are a lot of samples done by pros, and all seems to be almost perfect. But in reality that's not the case, because a lot depends on photographers skills. So if real person makes photos the result is much closer to the result I'will get.

Could you publish few photos on internet? It would be big help. Because, some times pros are discussing things mortals can't see and it is not important to them.

10-21-2008, 06:43 PM	#1
vroom_skies Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 185	I'm happy Woot woot: - Sigma 70-200 EX 2.8 Macro - Pentax D-BG2 grip (Plus two more batteries (four total) and a ND .6 filter) I'm happy lol Bob

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10-21-2008, 06:47 PM	#2
vievetrick Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Easthampton - Massachusetts - USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,183	It is a fun lens and I am sure you will like it.

10-21-2008, 06:51 PM	#3
vroom_skies Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 185 Original Poster	Yeah, so far so good. Except I'm going to have to build some more muscels lol. It was such a hard descision between this and the DA* 50-135, but in the end, with the equipment I have and future purchases no where in sight, this lens offered me the most out of the two.

10-21-2008, 06:57 PM	#4
jocko_nc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NC USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 251	I see your wallet in the background... I suppose it was a little thicker before?

10-21-2008, 07:15 PM	#5
vroom_skies Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 185 Original Poster	haha, just a bit yeah

10-21-2008, 10:03 PM	#6
nupentaxian Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 290	looks good, i'm hoping to get mine by friday for an event; if not then next i'll have it next wk for sure...

10-21-2008, 10:36 PM	#7
iamweasel Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 49	congratulations on your new toy!

10-22-2008, 04:17 AM	#8
wachix Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vilnius, Lithuania Posts: 7	I'm also looking for new lens and also have same budget ~1000$. so there are 3 options: Sigma 70-200 (it is sigma) Tamron 70-200 (no HSM and have to wait few monts) DA* 50-135 ( still far form 200) da 60-250 has f4 and price is bit too big for amateur. ( would probably buy it if it was f2.8) so what are your real impresions?

10-22-2008, 06:14 AM	#9
tcdk Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Posts: 279	Originally posted by wachix I'm also looking for new lens and also have same budget ~1000$. so there are 3 options: Sigma 70-200 (it is sigma) Tamron 70-200 (no HSM and have to wait few monts) DA* 50-135 ( still far form 200) da 60-250 has f4 and price is bit too big for amateur. ( would probably buy it if it was f2.8) so what are your real impresions? I've the Sigma and the DA* - I generally find my self using the DA. The 135 is long enough and for occasions where it's to short, the 200mm is properly not long enough anyway. I haven't done conclusive tests, but my suspicion is that the 200mm at 2.8 on the sigma, is just a bit softer than than 135/2.8 on the DA, meaning that you actually do not get much more data using the Sigma...

10-22-2008, 07:29 AM	#10
shutterpuppy Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 319	Psssst, I noticed in the EXIF data in those pics of your new toys were taken with a Canon Powershot. At least you haven't deserted trusty ole Pentax for your DSLR decision. Barry

10-22-2008, 09:34 AM	#11
vroom_skies Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 185 Original Poster	Originally posted by nupentaxian looks good, i'm hoping to get mine by friday for an event; if not then next i'll have it next wk for sure... I wish you the best. Were leaving on vacation on Sat, so I'm glad all the gear got in here already. Originally posted by iamweasel congratulations on your new toy! Thanks Originally posted by wachix I'm also looking for new lens and also have same budget ~1000$. so there are 3 options: Sigma 70-200 (it is sigma) Tamron 70-200 (no HSM and have to wait few months) DA* 50-135 ( still far form 200) da 60-250 has f4 and price is bit too big for amateur. ( would probably buy it if it was f2.8) so what are your real impresions? Well so far so good. The lens is built really nice, I haven't held a DA* yet, but I'm comparing this to 35 year old Taks, which are built like sheer tanks. The image quality looks quite nice so far, I haven't really done any test, but I'm pleased with what I've seen. I don't have any FF or BF issues either. The only thing is obviously the size and weight. It's two inches longer and double the weight of the 50-135. It's going to take me a good while to get used to it. You read it on paper, but when you see it in person it's quite a difference. I still think the Sigma was the right choice for me, but if you really don't need the marginal extra reach then your best off with the DA* 50-135, you'll loose some reach and the 'macro' ability, but you'll gain the Pentax name and image quality, plus you'll save some money as well. Hope that all helps. Originally posted by tcdk I've the Sigma and the DA* - I generally find my self using the DA. The 135 is long enough and for occasions where it's to short, the 200mm is properly not long enough anyway. I haven't done conclusive tests, but my suspicion is that the 200mm at 2.8 on the sigma, is just a bit softer than than 135/2.8 on the DA, meaning that you actually do not get much more data using the Sigma... Are you planing on keeping the Sigma, or are you going to sell it off? Originally posted by shutterpuppy Psssst, I noticed in the EXIF data in those pics of your new toys were taken with a Canon Powershot. At least you haven't deserted trusty ole Pentax for your DSLR decision. Barry Ha, that camera is my moms actually. I love my Pentax gear, I plan to be shooting with it for a long time to come.

10-22-2008, 02:27 PM	#12
wachix Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vilnius, Lithuania Posts: 7	Thanx vroom for answer, sorry for bothering after you have already made a designion. But what was most importaint reason choosing singma over tamron?

10-22-2008, 11:05 PM	#13
vroom_skies Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 185 Original Poster	Originally posted by wachix Thanx vroom for answer, Sorry for bothering after you have already made a decision. But what was the most important reason for choosing Sigma over Tamron? Good question (I don't mind the questions at all, it's no bother). Honestly the reasons are fairly trivial. For me it came down to the HSM and appearance. I've never really been a fan of Tamron either and I can't really say I was fond of their design (granted I hardly have any experience with them, so that point is mute). I have a question for anyone that would be willing to take a stab at it. From what I've gathered image quality goes in this order: 1- DA* 50-135 2- Tamron 70-200 3- Simga 70-200 From my quick testing the Sigma is no slouch in this department, so I'm curious as to how much better the DA* & Tamron are claimed to be? Such as a 5% or 10% increase, or is it something that 90% of all users will frankly never see, unless they pixel peep? Thanks Bob

10-23-2008, 04:22 AM	#14
dylansalt Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Durban, South Africa Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,052	I'm also considering the Sigma over the Pentax 50-135. I have read tho on FF/BF issues and very soft at the 200mm end from 2 separate reports, whereas the Pentax is quickly gaining legend status. The Sigma also does not have Weather Sealing and is significantly larger nor has the specialist lens coatings (oils,dust etc). Anyone here with real world use of both these lenses for comparison? Here in SA they are basically the same price.

10-23-2008, 04:23 AM	#15
wachix Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vilnius, Lithuania Posts: 7	Vroom, I have same issues as you. Sigma seems to be fine, but all reviews and forums say that it has worst IQ (not bat at all, but in comparison with other same class glasses), especialy at 200. What do your experiments show? Where are a lot of samples done by pros, and all seems to be almost perfect. But in reality that's not the case, because a lot depends on photographers skills. So if real person makes photos the result is much closer to the result I'will get. Could you publish few photos on internet? It would be big help. Because, some times pros are discussing things mortals can't see and it is not important to them.