Big lens recommendation for Pentax

[malcb1]

I have a Samsung GX10 with standard lenses up to 200. I am thinking of investing in a big lens. At first I was certain I wanted the Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG but now I'm thinking of the Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF with a 1.4 TC.

Now all you Nikon and Canon users of these lenses have HSM motors but the Pentax fit lens doesn't. So really I'm addressing this to the Pentax and Sony users... which would you choose? And are they as good as the versions with HSM?

And as an aside Canon and Nikon users included, has anyone any experience of purchasing from Hong Kong and were you hit by tax?

This is my first post and I just wanted to say I wish I could get one shot in 1000 as crisp as the images I see here. Thanks

[John D]

Originally Posted by malcb1

I have a Samsung GX10 with standard lenses up to 200. I am thinking of investing in a big lens. At first I was certain I wanted the Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG but now I'm thinking of the Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF with a 1.4 TC.

Now all you Nikon and Canon users of these lenses have HSM motors but the Pentax fit lens doesn't. So really I'm addressing this to the Pentax and Sony users... which would you choose? And are they as good as the versions with HSM?

And as an aside Canon and Nikon users included, has anyone any experience of purchasing from Hong Kong and were you hit by tax?

This is my first post and I just wanted to say I wish I could get one shot in 1000 as crisp as the images I see here. Thanks

Hi, Since it is a Canon 40D that I use I cannot comment on the operation of the 100-300 f4 EX DG IF without HSM but I can certainly recommend it as an excellent lens. The lens is faster than most in the price range and as sharp if not sharper than the alternatives.
Most of the images I have submitted to 'the gallery' have been taken with the Sigma 100-300mm lens and the Sigma EX 1.4 tc.
Certainly worth serious consideration.
I must add that I don't have experience of purchasing from Hong Kong but others on WAB have and appear to had no real problems.
John D

[BillyPilgrim]

Originally Posted by malcb1

And as an aside Canon and Nikon users included, has anyone any experience of purchasing from Hong Kong and were you hit by tax?

You should expect to have to pay tax on anything of significant value if you buy from HK. Although some suppliers (digitalrev for eg.) offer to refund your VAT on certain items.

You should also consider what would happen if you need to return the item for refund or replacement. You can get hit by substantial postage costs and the whole process can take ages.

There are also warranty issues with Sigma and Nikon equipment. Sigma insist on proof of VAT payment.

Before buying from HK I'd always drop Kerso a line and ask him for a price. He does the importing and pays the taxes and you get the benefit of a UK address for returns etc. If you want his contact details I can pm them to you.

[ron1863]

I have not got either but will be getting the Bigma - good reviews and the extra reach do it for me.

Ron

[Hobjob]

What are you going to photograph?
If it is birds go for reach.

As a generalization, adding TCs degrades the quality a bit,
and slows up autofocus, or may make it impossible.

[malcb1]

Hi BillyPilgrim
Thanks for your reply. I was thinking of Digitalrev and I am concerned about guarantees. Digitalrev look like a professional outfit. Please can you PM Kerso's details. He's new to me. Many thanks

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by malcb1

Hi BillyPilgrim
Thanks for your reply. I was thinking of Digitalrev and I am concerned about guarantees. Digitalrev look like a professional outfit. Please can you PM Kerso's details. He's new to me. Many thanks

I've used Digital Rev on four occasions. They're fine until you have a problem, that's when the cracks begin to show.
I purchased a Sigma 120-300 from them. No problem with the refund of duties paid, that was done within 24 hours. My problem was with returning what was clearly a faulty lens. They insisted it wasn't faulty and that Sigma had tested it. Considering that they had had the lens back only for 24 hours when they made that statement, I must assume their office is set up within Sigma Headquarters.. This all meant I had to pay the return postage cost. I sent them copies of shots I'd taken but I never heard any more from them. At least they did refund me my original purchase price, and didn't subtract the refund paid for duties so it wasn't all bad.

Beware of suppliers like One-stop.They guarantee you don't have to pay any duty, they do this by making false statements on the goods purchased. I ordered some cheap goods from them and they were marked as "items returned after repair" This is of course illegal, and certainly Sigma would NOT service those goods in this country, as you have no proof of duties paid. You'd have to return them to the supplier, with the associated costs in time and money.
I've had my lens repaired by Sigma UK which was bought from Digital Rev without any problems.

[geordie graham]

I have a Pentax K10D and the Bigma.Have never used a lens with HSM so don`t really no what difference it makes but don`t have much of a problem without.I was really excited when I first got the lens and then a little disappointed with the results.I have mobility problems and so instead of using handheld I bought a monopod.I know you can get some excellent photo`s using this setup because I have seen Glsammy`s stunning efforts.Unfortunately my reduced mobility has also given me stability problems and when I was at Bempton cliffs trying to get some Gannet shots at 500mm with a steady breeze and me wobbling like Noddy with the strings cut I decided to rethink the situation.I now have a Manfrotto 055 tripod and a Manfrotto 393 head and have also started to have max zoom at about 450mm and the pics have come out much better and after a quick run through Elements 5 I am very happy until I can afford a Sigma 500 f4.5.Most photographers on this site and many others have Canon or Nikon but I preferred the Pentax as it felt better in my hands and don`t forget the Pentax/Samsung GX10 have the shake reduction on the camera which means so will any lens you put on.Sorry its a bit long winded but hope its helpful.

Graham

[BruceP]

Originally Posted by geordie graham

Unfortunately my reduced mobility has also given me stability problems and when I was at Bempton cliffs trying to get some Gannet shots at 500mm with a steady breeze and me wobbling like Noddy with the strings cut I decided to rethink the situation.

Graham

Although the 500mm f4.5 is a good lens, it's not always my first choice for Bempton Cliffs. The Bigma (50-500) is often the better choice as it lets you pick up the birds in flight then zoom in. The birds often fly along the cliff edge, so you can often get good pictures with much shorter lenses. Two weeks ago I went down with only a 70-200 f2.8 and got some good pictures. This is an almost full frame shot of a gannet. I cropped a small amount of the right hand side to balance it better, but otherwise this is as taken.

[Ukwildlifeo]

I thought the new pentax fit sigma 50-500mm had hsm now?

[geordie graham]

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

I thought the new pentax fit sigma 50-500mm had hsm now?

The Bigma (50-500) has never had HSM in Pentax fit.The new 150-500 might have.

Graham

[geordie graham]

Originally Posted by BruceP

Although the 500mm f4.5 is a good lens, it's not always my first choice for Bempton Cliffs. The Bigma (50-500) is often the better choice as it lets you pick up the birds in flight then zoom in. The birds often fly along the cliff edge, so you can often get good pictures with much shorter lenses. Two weeks ago I went down with only a 70-200 f2.8 and got some good pictures. This is an almost full frame shot of a gannet. I cropped a small amount of the right hand side to balance it better, but otherwise this is as taken.

Great photo If I had had the tripod mine may have come out better (see below).Ive wondered wether a 300 f2,8 with a 1.4 TC may be better than a 500 f4.5 but then most of the time I need the extra length as I am unable to get as close to birds using fieldcraft. the other thing with the Bigma is it is not great in low light.




Graham

[malcb1]

Thanks everyone for your comments. Keep them coming.

I have a manfrotto monopod and quick release and it definately improves the images.

The Sigma site confirms that the Bigma doesn't have HSM in Pentax fit although I have seen it advertised occasionally. I suppose I have to believe Sigma.

The Sigma 500 and the 150-500 aren't available in a Pentax fit. The 500 is way above my budget anyway.

I'm swaying from Bigma to the 100-300 +1.4 TC as it is lighter 1583g v 1842 g and gives me 420mm at f5.6 but gives a good option at 300.

It is still a dilema and whilst I like my Samsung I feel the choice of lenses is restricted

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by geordie graham

The Bigma (50-500) has never had HSM in Pentax fit.The new 150-500 might have.

Graham

I only asked as some plaves have HSM and I read somewhere that a HSM version came out with the pentax fit 150-500m (perhaps its on it s way or only in the US). I see if I can find it again