Originally posted by nystateofmind27 The Pentax D-FA because:
-great reviews
-small size
-quickshift focus
-aperture ring
-probably the best quality control
-better resale value
The above is probably the synopsis most people voting for Pentax would agree with. Let's have a look:
great reviews? Well, we just saw a review that was the opposite. I have owned both and the Tamron was sharper at large aperture openings, and without doubt so.
quickshift? True, the Tamron does not have that. And how many here use AF for macros?
aperture ring? Tamron has one.
probably the best quality control? Any fact where a "probably" is involved is of little value. If you get a dude, exchange it.
better resale value? I think so. But it cost some money to get the better resale value. Should I use a lens performing less good for years because I'll get a good resale value?
on the opposite:
Tamron has better build quality.
The construction makes for no need of a hood.
The Tamron reports the correct aperture value when coming really close
The Tamron is cheaper
I voted Tamron but I also think the Sigma lenses are very good. Thatis from reading reports. The Tamron and the Pentax I have owned and compared.
In practise I think all the lenses will be very close to eachother for macro use.
Good luck with those macros,