ted_wilush Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 <p>I'm getting into purchasing a 70-200mm/2.8 for my K5. My primary concerns are cost and sharpness; but not necessarily wide open. Realistically, stopped down to f4-5.6 will be the norm anyway.<br>Basically I've narrowed it down to two that I'm most interested in. The first is the Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro, and the second is the Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX DG APO. The Sigma is the original one, not either of the two most recent models, no HSM. <br><br />What I'm really interested in and have been searching for, is a comparison or at least an in depth review of the old Sigma. Can anyone relate as to how these two lenses compare?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DWScott Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 <p>I can't compare the two lenses, but I did have the Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX DG APO. I used it on my K5.<br> My impressions were:</p> <ul> <li>Reasonably sharp across the frame at 2.8, with no vignetting.</li> <li>Very sharp by 4.0</li> <li>Nice colour rendition -- I think Sigma coatings match Pentax's quite well</li> <li>Focussing was fast for the amount of glass in the lens. Much faster than I had experienced with Nikon screwdriver-focussing of a 70-200 2.8.</li> <li>Fit and finish of the lens were excellent.</li> <li>The lens was smaller than many 70-200 2.8s but it was still a big lens.</li> </ul> <p>I eventually sold the lens, as I found it more convenient to use a couple of smaller prime lenses to cover that range. But for many kinds of work, the flexibility of 70-200 is needed, and the Sigma won't disappoint.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stemked Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 <p>Ted,</p> <p>Check Pentax forums. The old Sigma is reviewed there under Legacy lenses and I suspect the Tamron is there under new lenses.</p> <p>http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/<br> Reading between the lines it looks like Tamron is the better macro option, Sigma has the better autofocus and a non-statistical slightly-sharper review.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted_wilush Posted April 19, 2013 Author Share Posted April 19, 2013 <p>Any input guys: Sigma 70-200mm/2.8 APO EX with moderate internal dust and a small scratch on the front element: 475.00. Too high considering issues?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stemked Posted April 20, 2013 Share Posted April 20, 2013 <p>Look before you leap. If you can return it then go ahead. Make sure you try the lens in a situation where you can check for glare.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DWScott Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 <p>You will never see internal dust or front element scratches in your photos. 475 sounds like a good deal. I paid 700, if I recall correctly.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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