Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 versus the Pentax 55-300mm

geezer52 · 01-19-2010, 11:06 AM

This isn't the normal compare and contrast question. I have the Pentax lens and like the long reach. What I'm wondering is if the IQ of the Sigma (or Tamron equivalent) is so much better, that cropping an image taken at 200mm is better than a similar sized image taken at 300mm with the Pentax. That is cropping the images so the end result from each lens is the same physical size.

I realize there are a slew of other considerations but was specifically wondering about this.

Also are there any teleconverters known to work well with the 55-300?

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-19-2010, 11:11 AM

I have posted a lot of shots with my APO 70-200 F2.8 EX (non DG non macro) with a 2x TC.

I find it hard to beat

see samples below all of which I have posted previously.

you will enjoy the extra speed both with and with out the TC compareed to your present lens.

Note the Whooping crane is about 10% of the sensor area out of a K10D, the other 2 shots are the full frame

imtheguy · 01-19-2010, 11:39 AM

I have tried a couple of TCs with my DA55-300mm just for fun and the biggest problem is the IQ suffers too much. Even with a Tamron 1.4x that gives me sharp results with a DA*300, the zoom (as expected) can't keep up. The 2x TC was of course a joke but had to try.

**Ash** · 01-19-2010, 11:47 AM

There's no question that the 55-300 is no match for a fast telezoom like the 70-200 with a 1.5x TC for a 300mm equivalent. The extra stop garnered from the 70-200 + TC combo does more than just give shallower DoF - and the IQ is simply hard to beat, even for the 55-300 which is really a very good consumer lens in this department.

You can certainly forget using a TC with the 55-300 - it'll work but is quickly seen to be a fruitless venture when tried.

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-19-2010, 11:49 AM

Originally posted by imtheguy

I have tried a couple of TCs with my DA55-300mm just for fun and the biggest problem is the IQ suffers too much. Even with a Tamron 1.4x that gives me sharp results with a DA*300, the zoom (as expected) can't keep up. The 2x TC was of course a joke but had to try.

But you are not really comparing the same quality of lens, the DA 300F4 I would expect to be a top notch lens, like my Sigma 70-200F2.8. the DA 55-300 is really a consumer level lens.

This does not mean it is junk, obviously, but all the same, it is not intended to be used as seriously as the DA300F4.

Pentaxor · 01-19-2010, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by geezer52

This isn't the normal compare and contrast question. I have the Pentax lens and like the long reach. What I'm wondering is if the IQ of the Sigma (or Tamron equivalent) is so much better, that cropping an image taken at 200mm is better than a similar sized image taken at 300mm with the Pentax. That is cropping the images so the end result from each lens is the same physical size.

I realize there are a slew of other considerations but was specifically wondering about this.

Also are there any teleconverters known to work well with the 55-300?

hmmm.....as far as I know, you will lose some amount of resolution as you crop and blow up a 200 focal length image inorder to replicate a 300mm focal length image.

regarding the 55-300, as far as TC versus cropping is concerned, cropping renders the better images rather than using a TC.

Pentaxor · 01-19-2010, 01:08 PM

I suppose that the OP is better off buying a 300mm prime lens if that were the case. though a Tamron 70-200/2.8+TC or cropped I believe would be more of a cheaper, ideal, practical and useful investment. for 700 bucks total, he could have a fast lens with a great IQ and a nice perfectly matched Tammy 1.4 TC. I suppose that the Tamron results whether used with a TC or cropped would display a much more better or excellent overall image result inspite of losing a bit of resolution due to cropping or addition of a TC.

as far as the word of mouth goes, I would prefer getting the Tamron over the Sigma.

01-19-2010, 11:06 AM	#1
geezer52 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: High Desert, California Photos: Gallery Posts: 231	Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 versus the Pentax 55-300mm This isn't the normal compare and contrast question. I have the Pentax lens and like the long reach. What I'm wondering is if the IQ of the Sigma (or Tamron equivalent) is so much better, that cropping an image taken at 200mm is better than a similar sized image taken at 300mm with the Pentax. That is cropping the images so the end result from each lens is the same physical size. I realize there are a slew of other considerations but was specifically wondering about this. Also are there any teleconverters known to work well with the 55-300?

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01-19-2010, 11:11 AM	#2
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,887	I have posted a lot of shots with my APO 70-200 F2.8 EX (non DG non macro) with a 2x TC. I find it hard to beat see samples below all of which I have posted previously. you will enjoy the extra speed both with and with out the TC compareed to your present lens. Note the Whooping crane is about 10% of the sensor area out of a K10D, the other 2 shots are the full frame

01-19-2010, 11:39 AM	#3
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	I have tried a couple of TCs with my DA55-300mm just for fun and the biggest problem is the IQ suffers too much. Even with a Tamron 1.4x that gives me sharp results with a DA*300, the zoom (as expected) can't keep up. The 2x TC was of course a joke but had to try.

01-19-2010, 11:47 AM	#4
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	There's no question that the 55-300 is no match for a fast telezoom like the 70-200 with a 1.5x TC for a 300mm equivalent. The extra stop garnered from the 70-200 + TC combo does more than just give shallower DoF - and the IQ is simply hard to beat, even for the 55-300 which is really a very good consumer lens in this department. You can certainly forget using a TC with the 55-300 - it'll work but is quickly seen to be a fruitless venture when tried.

01-19-2010, 11:49 AM	#5
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,887	Originally posted by imtheguy I have tried a couple of TCs with my DA55-300mm just for fun and the biggest problem is the IQ suffers too much. Even with a Tamron 1.4x that gives me sharp results with a DA*300, the zoom (as expected) can't keep up. The 2x TC was of course a joke but had to try. But you are not really comparing the same quality of lens, the DA 300F4 I would expect to be a top notch lens, like my Sigma 70-200F2.8. the DA 55-300 is really a consumer level lens. This does not mean it is junk, obviously, but all the same, it is not intended to be used as seriously as the DA300F4.

01-19-2010, 12:56 PM	#6
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by geezer52 This isn't the normal compare and contrast question. I have the Pentax lens and like the long reach. What I'm wondering is if the IQ of the Sigma (or Tamron equivalent) is so much better, that cropping an image taken at 200mm is better than a similar sized image taken at 300mm with the Pentax. That is cropping the images so the end result from each lens is the same physical size. I realize there are a slew of other considerations but was specifically wondering about this. Also are there any teleconverters known to work well with the 55-300? hmmm.....as far as I know, you will lose some amount of resolution as you crop and blow up a 200 focal length image inorder to replicate a 300mm focal length image. regarding the 55-300, as far as TC versus cropping is concerned, cropping renders the better images rather than using a TC.

01-19-2010, 01:08 PM	#7
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	I suppose that the OP is better off buying a 300mm prime lens if that were the case. though a Tamron 70-200/2.8+TC or cropped I believe would be more of a cheaper, ideal, practical and useful investment. for 700 bucks total, he could have a fast lens with a great IQ and a nice perfectly matched Tammy 1.4 TC. I suppose that the Tamron results whether used with a TC or cropped would display a much more better or excellent overall image result inspite of losing a bit of resolution due to cropping or addition of a TC. as far as the word of mouth goes, I would prefer getting the Tamron over the Sigma.