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Hi everyone,

For the last couple of months I've been researching a good telephoto zoom lens for my K-5.
On my K100D, I had been using a Sigma 18-200mm lens which was producing some fairly reasonable pics.
With the new K-5, I initially had problems with supply of the 50-200mm WR lens I had ordered. I crossed the Pacific in one direction to the USA for a months holiday, I think the lens left there the day I left Australia, leaving me no option but to take the above mentioned Sigma lens. Got some good photos I was reasonably happy with. The only letdown was the lack of zoom length for the whales we saw in Alaska and some other wildlife. Since returning home, the lens arrived and I still think its not close enough. Driving home recently, I spotted a wedge tail eagle and got some long range pics, using a fence post as a tripod!

I have been looking at Pentax telephoto zoom, around 500mm, as well as the DA 55-300mm F 4-5.8 ED. is the difference between the 300 and 500 really significant? In terms of weight, convenience when travelling, etc...
Sigma make a much larger range of lenses and my previous experience with my 18-200mm Sigma is tempting me towards Sigma once again. I suppose my dilemma stems from loyalty to Pentax lens, however the Sigma range is fairly extensive/comprehensive. What are other people using, especially for bird photography?..... I will just say that this is my first real post, I've only posted in the introductions a couple of days ago as well as being my first Forum ever....P.S. I'm confused about the difference between the telephoto zoom lens that have macro capability... Not quite getting that.....can anyone shed light on that?..........Many thanks for taking the time to read this rather long post.....

Hi,

Welcome aboard! The same situation as I was in - not that long ago, when I had my K-5 - buying both the Sigma 120-400 (very sharp in the 120 end, quite average in the long end) and the Sigma 150-500 (OK up to 400, or so, not as sparkling at the wide end). It is a lot of weight involved, and while the OIS in the lenses is excellent, it adds weight. And cost. Big packages, not that easy to bring along, just in case, like when traveling on the road to work. The complete package now costing about as much as one of those Sigmas!

So I eventually settled for a Nikon V1, FT1 adapter, and the AFS-S 70-300 VR (utterly sharp in the center, which is the area the V1 uses; all due to the V1's small CX sensor), which equals a 190-540 zoom on your K-5, in a very easily handled package.

I sold my K-5 - a mistake - to finance a D600. If I ever buy another APS-C camera, like the K-5, I'll never again invest in such big, and heavy, lenses.

Still got a K-x and DA55-300, a nice lens, very light, and fairly sharp. I have a few very old lenses left, including a Pentax 400/5.6, which has a lot chroma problems, but was fairly cheap. The new Pentax 540, on the other hand, costs a lot, to put it lightly!

Recently I had a dilemma about to replace my 300/f4. I tried 55-300 from friend and it is good; I would say best for the buck. if you have budget then go for DA 300/f4 and you will not repent about quality. I bought it and using it for few months and it is a lovely piece of glass.

Some photos from 55-300 lens -- SMC P DA L 55-300/f4-5.8 ED - a set on Flickr
Some photos from DA 300/f4 lens -- SMC P DA 300mm/f4 ED IF SDM - a set on Flickr

regards
Sudhakar

As Sudhakar so eminently shows with his examples, fixed lenses usually are better than zooms, even more so when it comes to long telephoto lenses. But be aware that modern lenses usually have better anti-reflex coatings than older lenses, making the older slightly softer! But fixed long lenses are usually very expensive, and long zooms not that expensive. That's the beauty of using a V1 as your long zoom camera, as none of the bits are expensive, and the results are still stunning!

See mr_tord_s_eriksson's photosets on Flickr and then click on 'More V1'