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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-17-2013, 07:23 PM
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Thanks normhead, I just ordered the Sigma 18-250macro so I'm gonna try it out and see how I like it next weekend at the dog show.
I figured I could spent countless hours over the next couple weeks researching the lenses and going back and forth, or I could just order the darn thing and get some other things done...like look for some things to sell on ebay to help finance my new toys...or actually use my camera!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-17-2013, 03:52 PM
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Thanks for all the input!
I'm still deciding what to do. In an ideal world I would have a handful of bodies and array of lenses with an assistant to lug them all around for me and hand me what I want at a moment's notice ;)
But since I have to live in the real world on a budget, that's not gonna happen.
The range of the 18-250 is really appealing for dog shows -- I usually use the 50-200mm, but it's frustrating to miss shots because I'm too close. A few issues with shooting at dog shows: subjects are sometimes very close and sometimes 50 feet away and moving around so there's not really time for changing lenses w/o missing good shots. The other issue being that I am typically moving around a lot to get pics. There often aren't good places to set things down which means I have to carry/hold everything so packing light is essential.
The downside of the 55-300 is that I would run into the same issue I have w/ the 50-200 of not being able to back up enough to get close shots. And it's not a good environment for changing lenses (dust, hair flying all around, hairspray, dog slobber, etc). I think it would be a nice lens for other situations (wildlife/bird/nature stuff) though...
So now I'm debating between just seeing how the 18-135 works at the next dog show (next weekend) and see if it will get me close enough with cropping after if needed. Or, ordering the sigma 18-250 macro now so I can try it out and compare, return it if I don't like it. A new DA55-300 or Sigma 18-250 Macro are about the same price. I did actually go look at a used DA55-300 at the local camera shop last week. I tried it on my camera but didn't actually take any pics and was disappointed at their grading of the lens (was supposedly "near mint", but I would put it a grade or 2 lower based on it's wear and large dust specks in front, but then I'm no expert and can't say if the dust affected image quality). And usually the people there know their stuff, but the guy helping me that day didn't really seem to know much about pentax at all. Originally, I was going to take some shots with their lens, take some of the same shots with both my 18-135 and my 50-200 then go home to see how they all compared on the computer, but after my disappointment in the grading of the lens and his lack of knowledge, I just left. Maybe I'll go back a different day when someone else is there and test it out better.
Part of me wants to just order the new sigma AND get a pentax 55-300 (new or used) - but I'm trying to exercise some element of self control. After all, I just got the K-5II kit 3 weeks ago and just bought a used AF540 flash last week (just arrived today).
Must remind myself that this is a hobby and doesn't pay the bills!!
Thanks again! Will keep you updated and look forward to learning as much as I can on here :)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-16-2013, 11:57 AM
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Hi, I am new to the forum, but have been reading on here for the last few weeks.
I recently got the K-5II with 18-135mmWR kit. I still have my k200d (18-55 & 50-200 kit lenses). The 18-135 seems to work well, but I am looking for something with a wide range and more reach for shooting at dog shows. I have usually used my 50-200 on the k200d at the shows, but it is a problem if I'm shooting anything close as there is often not room to back up far enough. It's not really an environment where I want to be changing lenses (think dusty, hair flying around, etc - most are either outdoors or in buildings like hockey arenas) and often need to travel light so don't want to lug multiple cameras, etc.
I have been looking at the new Sigma 18-250 Macro (as I do like to take a lot of macro shots in general) or finding a used Pentax 18-250. Wondering if anyone has compared these and what the pros/cons are of each? There are threads about the older sigma or the pentax 18-250 vs 18-135, etc, but haven't found much info on the newer sigma.
Thanks!!
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