wolf_weber

Most likely (depending on which model Sigma we're talking about, exactly) an ex. cond. (or better) Canon L IS lens will be somewhat sharper. With the added benefit of the IS feature. Oddly, I find the recent 100-400mm L IS II to be superior at 300mm. Albeit at a price. We all get what we pay for. And not "always what we want"...

..."Offer not to last..." That was a few days ago. But "the beat goes on". Now, at B&H (others..?) the KP DSLR body goes for $987.25, silver or black. Includes Free DA 50mm f/1.8 Lens. Value: $105.26. Unfortunately, silence from the Pentax lens dept.

Who knows at what price the KP will settle down the road. Comp. is ferocious. Absence of newer exciting long focal zooms from Tamron & Sigma for PX aren't helping either..! Anyhow, in case it was missed here; ADO as well as B&H, (and maybe others) are throwing in a 50mm DA 1.8 lens to the purchase. With the KP body (black) down to +/- 1050,-. Offer not to last... By the way: some months ago Ricoh had vaguely (no specifics given) "announced" the addition of another zoom lens. Since then: Nada. Anyone here know anything more..?

<p>Ever smaller, thus more cramped, is not for me. If they prefer to make bodies for the hands of Asians, that is their prerogative.<br> After the K-3 II, without a built-in flash, I will need to have a 2nd look at the K-70.<br> If only Sigma/Tamron would adapt one of their <em>super zoom</em> lenses to fit the K mount.<br> Dream on...</p>

<p>Indeed, Kenneth... I missed that. And I miss my Elan 7e, the last film camera I used<br> some 15 years ago... Analog labs had become so bad that I finally jumped on the digital train. <br />Wonder, what kind o'results the few remaining film developers deliver now..? <br />To go back to Mark with his question, the Tamron would be my choice. <br />If only the labs could live up to <strong>Q</strong> or similar. I'm afraid not.</p>

<p>Odd, I just had an experience of great expectations gone sour with the latest of the <strong>70-300's</strong>,<br> the <strong>IS II USM</strong>... A beautiful lens, performing <em>under par</em> from about 250mm. For similar reasons, <br />over the years, I returned 2 of the previous <strong>IS USM</strong> as well as a few <strong>L IS USM.</strong> <br />A good <strong>100-400mm L IS</strong> (especially the <strong>L</strong> <strong>IS II</strong>) beats them all at around 300mm.<br> A less expensive choice would be my favorite <em>workhorse</em>, the<strong> EF 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM</strong>..! <br />The lens isn't only quite sharp at all focal lengths but rather compact & light with a convenient semi-macro capability. <br />So much for my 2 cts.</p>

<p>Not at all, James... And U can even stack them to achieve <em><strong>super macro</strong></em>. Kenko makes a quality set. Just don't forget <br />to bring plenty of light (<em>to stack</em>)... For more on <strong>macro extenders</strong> I suggest:<br /> http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-25mm-Extension-Tube-II-Review.aspx</p>

<p>No Jeff, for the few times I've used the gizmo, mostly combined with an EF 25 II, no issues... For semi-macro <br />I now prefer the 55-250mm IS STM, in combination with the EF 25. An amazingly inexpensive (here in the USA) light weight workhorse.<br> Today I called the <strong><em>CA techies</em></strong> again who assured me that by everything I had submitted, they were +/- 95% sure, my version of the 50mm lens <br />is <strong>not a fake</strong>.<br> Cheers..!</p>

<p>Finally a step towards light at the end of... Etc. Thank U <strong>Ed</strong>..!<br> <em>..."</em><em>The company name is shown in either printed or molded letters"</em>... Wish they'd stipulated: <em >"in barely visible </em><em>printed letters."</em> <br />Also, <strong>Made in Malaysia</strong> is not the co's name. After more phone discussions with a CA rep, I forwarded images relative to my query. <br />No reply yet. Will keep everyone posted.</p>

<p>Oops,<br> I should've added that, yes indeed, the lens was purchased new from a reliable <strong>authorized dealer.</strong><br> Now, as Dick mentioned, a good counterfeit can be hard to tell from an <em>authentic</em>. Way things go...<strong><br /></strong></p>

<p>But Robin,<br> Over the phone I gave them the lens number, correctly engraved on the seating rim.<br> I also informed them of purchase time & place and that it came with a <strong>USA warranty</strong><br> card, still in its place in the original box. Shouldn' that be enough..?</p>

<p>So far no reaction here from anyone. Hm..?<br />To the point: My "plastik fantastik' compares to neither of the versions shown in some MEDIA... It does not<br />have<em> "CANON INC MADE IN MALAYSIA"</em> molded or engraved on the bottom rim of the lens. The very text is<br />just printed, albeit rather poorly, and barely visible to the eye, almost like some secret marking. <br />Whether it's an authentic version or another 'fake' I've been trying to find out from <strong>Canon USA</strong>. So far no<br />clarification from them. They even asked for some images. In other words, they want me to to their work.<br />Does anyone have the <strong><em>INFO</em></strong> they (so far) haven't been able to provide..?</p>

<p>Well Marie H, the <strong>review</strong> from DPR is in, sooner perhaps than expected... A <em>mixed bag</em> of sorts, with no more than a '79' rating. <br> Eager to get one as I may have been, I will pass for the time being. Just not what I had hoped for. Especially not with that <em>under par</em> kit lens.<br> Too bad.</p>

<p>At least (not last) they were <strong><em>on time</em></strong>... I am definitively in line for one. However, after an inconclusive chat with <em>sales</em> at <strong>B&H</strong>, I've put things on hold. <br />My question: ...<em>"The new Pentax K-70 has <strong>"White Balance Modes"</strong> like most dslr's. Does it work at ISO 100 or whichever, please..?"... </em><br /> CS agent at B&H: ...<em>"I called Pentax direct. They could not give me a definitive answer on your question. The camera is so new they do not have that information yet."</em>...<br /> That was more than a week ago. Any update from anyone, please..?<br /> Recently I returned an EOS 80D because for all the dough they can't give us an ISO 50 <strong><em>low</em></strong>, nor the 100 for "White Balance"... In that mode it switches to 200. The ISO range on the K-70 is ISO 100-204800 which is an awful lot at the upper limit. Since then I've done some checking, only more expensive DSLRs, like the Leica SL offer the choice (of ISO 50). For someone who works in bright light a lot, ISO 200 seems awfully high. Remember analog..? ASA 25 was the standard on the lower end. But that was then...<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>

<p>Justin, when I mentioned Sigma & Tamron (not to forget Tokina + Kenko) I had in mind mainly longer focal macro lenses (from <strong>135</strong> to <strong>180mm</strong>), plus the badly missing <strong>dg macro extension tubes</strong>. For Canon we not only have the choice of various macro lenses longer than 100mm, but most of their zooms from 70 to 400mm. Many of them allow you to get closer in the field from a discreet distance, especially with the, say <strong>EF25</strong>. It's compact and light, easily fits into a photo vest. Works great too when coupled to the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8... <br />By the way, I do not subscribe to the argument that one can't achieve very good macro shots, hand held with longer than 100mm lenses. Frequently I employ a 300mm L IS f/4 with the EF25 for excellent results. How else would I photograph small creatures doing what they're doing, or pin head size butterfly eggs in difficult environments without disturbing the groove..? Pentax has some catching up to do here.</p>

<p>True, the Pentax brand doesn't seem too popular these days. That probably results from too narrow a choice of lenses rather than cameras. As I said, if only Sigma & Tamron could/would come on board (please). Meanwhile, because of the wide array of available quality lenses, I still do about 80% of my work with Canon equipment. Yet, from the many DSLR's that have gone through my hands in the last dozen or so years I still prefer the K-20D. Simply a great working tool, at least for me and my needs. Sometimes, except for the mega pixel count, I even regret to have given it up for the K-5... To me, the K-70 looks more than good enough to replace either.</p>

<p>Either no one is aware of it yet or nobody cares..? No, it's not April and what I learned today needs to be discussed. Or so I think... <br />Ricoh just unveiled the <strong>Pentax K-70</strong>, an advanced entry-level DSLR with an AA-filterless 24MP APS-C sensor and a body that's designed to stand up to the elements. They claim it to be <em>dust proof, freeze proof</em> and <em>weather resistant</em> with Hybrid AF in live view. In-body shake reduction image stabilization, of course. Also Pixel Shift Resolution and AA filter simulation. An 11-point AF system offering nine centrally located cross-type sensors, and burst shooting at 6 fps.<br />The PRIME MII image processor allows for 14-bit readout and a maximum ISO from 100 to 102,400. (..?) On the back panel, the <strong>K-70</strong> provides a 3" vari-angle LCD, certainly better than the fixed monitor of the K-50. Looks like for the announced list price of $ 650,- we'll get quite a tool. <br />I'll be in. If only Sigma & Tamron could join.</p>

<p>If you don't mind taking a certain loss on your current Sigma lens, I'd say <em>"<strong>Yes</strong>, go for the Pentax." </em><br> Photozone recently gave the newer, wider zoom lens a <em>thumb up</em> "<strong>highly recommended</strong>". Because of<br> the quick & easy ISO adjust, f/2.8 vs f/4 are of little consequence anymore. Though size, weight and price<br> are matters to consider...</p>

<p>Pretty thourough review, indeed... Thank You.<br> 2 reasons will make me stick to the comparative lens from Canon;<br> Weight (for handheld photography) and <strong><em>close focus</em></strong>.<br> The latter an extremely useful feature on most EF L zooms.</p>

<p>Looks like Ricoh is giving in to market pressures, at least temporarily. ADO has had (and still has)<br /> a few nice packages of Pentax DSLRs, and now B&H is running a <em>straight up sale</em> on practically<br /> the whole array of Pentax lenses, no <em>mail-ins</em> required...<br /> If anyone is aware of any serious and reliable test review regarding the new PENTAX D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 DC AW Zoom, please let us know.<br /> The lens is shown to be <strong><em>in stock</em></strong>, now priced below the latest model Canon EF 100-400mm IS II...<br /> Temptation, temptation.</p>

<p>Wouldn't U know ..."Ricoh Imaging today released the info. that a design change has been required <em>"in order to achieve the extremely high quality of the star lens."</em>... The Co. apologizes to customers who are waiting for the new 70-200mm. <br />Availability date now <strong>Autumn 2015.</strong> Let's hope they'll find a way to make it lighter as well, without compromising quality.<br /> Time will tell.</p>

<p>Indeed, rather unusual considering that modern lens design tends towards lighter, yet better (..?). It would make the new lens even heavier than Canon's latest 100-400mm IS II zoom. Both are weather sealed. But if the lens performs better by, say, at least 20% than does the (rather light, in my opinion) Tamron, I might still go for it. Of course it will take some time, up to 6 months perhaps, for <em>competent</em> test results to help make an educated decision.<br /> Time will tell.</p>

<p>Sleeping Ricoh waking up some... After the <em>pro (or so)</em> full frame camera announcement, comes the Pentax WR K-S2 DSLR, with a 20MP APS-C sensor and articulated LCD. Nothing really overwhelming except perhaps, for the incorporated Wi-Fi with NFC.<br> Also announced was the world's shortest zoom lens (when in its stored position), the HD Pentax-DA 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR <em>RE (..?)</em>, to be sold as a kit with the K-S2. A less exciting AF201FG external flash was introduced as well.</p>

<p>So, finally, just before my <em>giving up</em>, the cats ore out of the bag... Though infos re. the full frame DSLR are rather skimpy, with a planned release not before the end of the year. Both lenses are of interest however. Especially (for me) the 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6. It giving us some 50mm more at the long and, being about a pound more heavy than my current <em>top of list,</em> the Canon EF 100-400mm IS L II. And, yes, Harry <em>"Hope one of those lenses is a 70-200 !"</em>... It is, a 2.8 (what else..?) Specs look enticing, availability just around the corner; March 2015.</p>