70-200mm

tammons · 07-20-2012, 01:58 PM

What is the sharpest 70-200mm CA free AF lens for the money ??

Thanks

LeDave · 07-20-2012, 01:59 PM

Tamron 70-200 f2.8 is probably the best bang for the buck as it is sharp sharp sharp! however the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 HSM II is a lot more expensive but comes with silent HSM focusing motor.

JinDesu · 07-20-2012, 02:01 PM

The Tamron 70-200 is CA free up to maybe 175mm. From 175mm to 200mm, it's got quite a bit of abberration when shooting at F2.8. But otherwise, is stellar, and outperforms the Sigma.

**Ash** · 07-20-2012, 02:02 PM

This question is not about the K30. Please be weary of the forum you post your threads on. This one has been moved accordingly.
The Tamorn 70-200 is my favoured option - very good value for money and good where it needs to be (IQ and AF reliability).
The Sigma HSM variety isn't bad, but not as sharp wide open, though it is faster at focusing. It isn't compatible with most teleconverters, however.

tammons · 07-20-2012, 02:02 PM

If its good by F4 or so thats fine with me.

mikeSF · 07-20-2012, 02:10 PM

another vote for Tamron

well discussed...click "search"

JinDesu · 07-20-2012, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by tammons

If its good by F4 or so thats fine with me.

At F4, nothing is beating that Tamron. Not even a Canon 70-200 F2.8 USM Version 2.

Docrwm · 07-20-2012, 02:24 PM

Just went through this process myself and, finally, got my Tamron 70-200/2.8 today

I was persistant because the first two that were sent were used by the UPS boys for multiple games of tackle football before they dumped each at my office. The 3rd copy came via next day and is in perfect shape. But, I was so set on it that I kept trying until the got one to me in good shape. Now to put it through its paces this weekend!

All the detailed reviews indicate that its the sharpest, period. The only slam against it is that its AF is slower than the Sigma or the out-of-production Pentax models. But it is hundreds less than the Sigma and the Sigma has its problems in its design too.

Good luck with your decision.

GvilleRick · 07-20-2012, 03:00 PM

I would also vote for the Tamron. I've had mine for several months now and it is one of my most used lenses. Works great for sports and for indoor shooting (clubs, drama, etc.) Bought mine used after seeing some of the photos the previous owner had taken. Come to think of it, Tamron lenses spend a good bit of time on my K5. I own three and all get plenty of use. The 70-200 is a great fast zoom. I also have a Tamron 18-200 which, although reviews aren't that great, I've been very happy with and often use it when I want to go out with just the camera and leave the bag at home. I have been using it more than my Pentax 18-135 lately. I also recently bought a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro and love it more every time I shoot with it. Very sharp and nice for macro use or general use.

beholder3 · 07-20-2012, 03:05 PM

[deleted]

Sol Invictus · 07-20-2012, 06:54 PM

I've played with both the Tamron and two versions of the Sigma (the old 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF and the newest 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM).

When mentioning that the Tamron is a sharper lens, I think a lot of the commenters here are comparing it to the old Sigma. The newer one, in additional to having a useless OS system (for Pentax users at least), also has different optical properties. It beats the Tamron across the frame and combined with a silent, accurate and quick AF, is probably the best 70-200mm lens a Pentax user can get. The reviews on the internet seem to back up my claim. I was blown away by how quickly and accurately the Sigma focused, even in low light on my aging K20D. The Tamron would hunt for seconds longer which can mean the difference between getting the shot and missing it.

Now the Tamron is half the price of the Sigma, so if price is a concern I would go with the Tamron as the Sigma isn't anywhere near twice as good. But we are talking about lenses here where the law of diminishing returns really applies. Another advantage of the Tamron is the pseudo macro feature which is completely missing from the new Sigma.

Now if money was no concern at all, I would get a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 USM L IS II. Talk about pixie dust!

JinDesu · 07-20-2012, 07:01 PM

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens Image Quality

Given sample shots - the new Sigma only beats the Tamron at 135mm, the Tamron's weakest focal length, and the Tamron compares practically as well as the Canon 70-200 version 2.

Sol Invictus · 07-20-2012, 07:07 PM

Originally posted by JinDesu

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens Image Quality

Given sample shots - the new Sigma only beats the Tamron at 135mm, the Tamron's weakest focal length, and the Tamron compares practically as well as the Canon 70-200 version 2.

That's not the newest Sigma. This is:

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Pentax 589109 B&H

I blame Sigma for for its asinine naming procedure. Naming a lens MK I, II, II would be too simple apparently.

JinDesu · 07-20-2012, 07:12 PM

Originally posted by Sol Invictus

That's not the newest Sigma. This is:

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Pentax 589109 B&H

I blame Sigma for for its asinine naming procedure. Naming a lens MK I, II, II would be too simple apparently.

Oh in that case, I take it back. Yeah - I was always under the impression that the HSM II was the latest. They are killing me here, since now there is something like 6 different Sigma 70-200s...

And AF is a bit true - my Tammy likes to buzzzzzzzz-into place. Although on a k-30, maybe it'll perform exceptionally well.

joe.penn · 07-20-2012, 08:00 PM

I own the Sigma 70-200 FLD OS and have had the Tamron, the tammy is good but just not in the same league as the Sigma FLD. The only plus the Tammy offers against the Sigma FLD is price, something like $5~600 cheaper, for the extra money you get incredible image quality plus:

- Quick Shift Focus (Huge, Huge, Really Huge Plus)
- Electronic AF/MF switching right from the lens with no need to switch the body (Also huge if you are an old MF shooter like me as this allows for CIF to be used)
- HSM silent focusing (Also extremely fast focusing)
- Some of the best CA control from any lens manufacturer (Due to the FLD coatings)

For TC's, any TC with power connections for HSM/SDM/USM will work with the Sigma.

So, the bottom line:

Originally posted by tammons

What is the sharpest 70-200mm CA free AF lens for the money ??

For the money, maybe the Tamron fits the bill a little better for you if you can do without the extra features.

07-20-2012, 01:58 PM	#1
tammons Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 39	70-200mm What is the sharpest 70-200mm CA free AF lens for the money ?? Thanks

07-20-2012, 03:05 PM	#10
beholder3 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 3,112	[deleted] Last edited by beholder3; 08-11-2013 at 07:22 AM. Reason: [deleted]

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07-20-2012, 01:59 PM	#2
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	Tamron 70-200 f2.8 is probably the best bang for the buck as it is sharp sharp sharp! however the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 HSM II is a lot more expensive but comes with silent HSM focusing motor.

07-20-2012, 02:01 PM	#3
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	The Tamron 70-200 is CA free up to maybe 175mm. From 175mm to 200mm, it's got quite a bit of abberration when shooting at F2.8. But otherwise, is stellar, and outperforms the Sigma.

07-20-2012, 02:02 PM	#4
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	This question is not about the K30. Please be weary of the forum you post your threads on. This one has been moved accordingly. The Tamorn 70-200 is my favoured option - very good value for money and good where it needs to be (IQ and AF reliability). The Sigma HSM variety isn't bad, but not as sharp wide open, though it is faster at focusing. It isn't compatible with most teleconverters, however.

07-20-2012, 02:10 PM	#6
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	another vote for Tamron well discussed...click "search"

07-20-2012, 02:17 PM	#7
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by tammons If its good by F4 or so thats fine with me. At F4, nothing is beating that Tamron. Not even a Canon 70-200 F2.8 USM Version 2.

07-20-2012, 02:24 PM	#8
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Just went through this process myself and, finally, got my Tamron 70-200/2.8 today I was persistant because the first two that were sent were used by the UPS boys for multiple games of tackle football before they dumped each at my office. The 3rd copy came via next day and is in perfect shape. But, I was so set on it that I kept trying until the got one to me in good shape. Now to put it through its paces this weekend! All the detailed reviews indicate that its the sharpest, period. The only slam against it is that its AF is slower than the Sigma or the out-of-production Pentax models. But it is hundreds less than the Sigma and the Sigma has its problems in its design too. Good luck with your decision.

07-20-2012, 03:00 PM	#9
GvilleRick Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,689	I would also vote for the Tamron. I've had mine for several months now and it is one of my most used lenses. Works great for sports and for indoor shooting (clubs, drama, etc.) Bought mine used after seeing some of the photos the previous owner had taken. Come to think of it, Tamron lenses spend a good bit of time on my K5. I own three and all get plenty of use. The 70-200 is a great fast zoom. I also have a Tamron 18-200 which, although reviews aren't that great, I've been very happy with and often use it when I want to go out with just the camera and leave the bag at home. I have been using it more than my Pentax 18-135 lately. I also recently bought a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro and love it more every time I shoot with it. Very sharp and nice for macro use or general use.

07-20-2012, 06:54 PM	#11
Sol Invictus Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Calgary, Alberta Photos: Gallery Posts: 392	I've played with both the Tamron and two versions of the Sigma (the old 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF and the newest 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM). When mentioning that the Tamron is a sharper lens, I think a lot of the commenters here are comparing it to the old Sigma. The newer one, in additional to having a useless OS system (for Pentax users at least), also has different optical properties. It beats the Tamron across the frame and combined with a silent, accurate and quick AF, is probably the best 70-200mm lens a Pentax user can get. The reviews on the internet seem to back up my claim. I was blown away by how quickly and accurately the Sigma focused, even in low light on my aging K20D. The Tamron would hunt for seconds longer which can mean the difference between getting the shot and missing it. Now the Tamron is half the price of the Sigma, so if price is a concern I would go with the Tamron as the Sigma isn't anywhere near twice as good. But we are talking about lenses here where the law of diminishing returns really applies. Another advantage of the Tamron is the pseudo macro feature which is completely missing from the new Sigma. Now if money was no concern at all, I would get a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 USM L IS II. Talk about pixie dust!

07-20-2012, 07:01 PM	#12
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens Image Quality Given sample shots - the new Sigma only beats the Tamron at 135mm, the Tamron's weakest focal length, and the Tamron compares practically as well as the Canon 70-200 version 2.

07-20-2012, 07:07 PM	#13
Sol Invictus Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Calgary, Alberta Photos: Gallery Posts: 392	Originally posted by JinDesu Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens Image Quality Given sample shots - the new Sigma only beats the Tamron at 135mm, the Tamron's weakest focal length, and the Tamron compares practically as well as the Canon 70-200 version 2. That's not the newest Sigma. This is: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Pentax 589109 B&H I blame Sigma for for its asinine naming procedure. Naming a lens MK I, II, II would be too simple apparently.

07-20-2012, 07:12 PM	#14
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by Sol Invictus That's not the newest Sigma. This is: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Pentax 589109 B&H I blame Sigma for for its asinine naming procedure. Naming a lens MK I, II, II would be too simple apparently. Oh in that case, I take it back. Yeah - I was always under the impression that the HSM II was the latest. They are killing me here, since now there is something like 6 different Sigma 70-200s... And AF is a bit true - my Tammy likes to buzzzzzzzz-into place. Although on a k-30, maybe it'll perform exceptionally well.

07-20-2012, 08:00 PM	#15
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	I own the Sigma 70-200 FLD OS and have had the Tamron, the tammy is good but just not in the same league as the Sigma FLD. The only plus the Tammy offers against the Sigma FLD is price, something like $5~600 cheaper, for the extra money you get incredible image quality plus: - Quick Shift Focus (Huge, Huge, Really Huge Plus) - Electronic AF/MF switching right from the lens with no need to switch the body (Also huge if you are an old MF shooter like me as this allows for CIF to be used) - HSM silent focusing (Also extremely fast focusing) - Some of the best CA control from any lens manufacturer (Due to the FLD coatings) For TC's, any TC with power connections for HSM/SDM/USM will work with the Sigma. So, the bottom line: Originally posted by tammons What is the sharpest 70-200mm CA free AF lens for the money ?? For the money, maybe the Tamron fits the bill a little better for you if you can do without the extra features.