Pentax 28-105 or Tamron 28-75 or ...?

mpixel · Nov 16, 2004

Hi All,

I am having some difficulty choosing a new zoom lens and would like to get some input from the group.

I currently have the Sigma 18-50 f3.5-5.6 and 55-200 f4-5.6 lens combo, which I thought was a good way to find out which lenses I needed to go with the *ist D. I am new to Pentax so these are the only KAF lenses that I have.

I am finding that I have to change lenses quite often when photographing people or shooting still life (I don’t often do still life).

I have found that so far I rarely need to go lower than 28mm when photographing people in the studio but I sometimes go above 75mm. On average 10.5% of the images taken in the last month are outside the 28-75mm range with the majority of them being above 75mm. With still life I have never exceeded the 50-65mm range.

I have heard good things about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8; the wide aperture should be good for portraits but the only thing is that I wonder if a lens that is longer than 75mm would be more useful.

I am also considering the Pentax 28-105 f3.2-4.5 for its longer reach and the 24-90 f3.5-4.5 also for its longer reach. The other advantage of the 24-105 is that I think that it could also double as a small walking around lens (although one of the new super-zooms may be better).

Will the coating on the Pentax lenses produce more pleasing images than the coating on the Tamron?

Does anyone who owns or has owned one or more of these lenses have anything to say about them?

Does anyone know any other good quality lenses that cover a wider range?

Below are the lenses that I am currently considering does anyone have any comments on these choices?

Pentax

24-90 f3.5-4.5
28-105 f3.2-4.5

Sigma

18-125 f3.5-5.6
24-135 f2.8-4.5
28-105 f2.8-4

Tamron

28-75 f2.8
24-135 f3.5-5.6

I’m sorry about all the questions but any help that you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

mp

mpixel · Nov 16, 2004

Hi,

I also meant to ask if it really is just the Pentax lenses that give a 3D effect. I have heard it mentioned before but it was only actually apparent to me when I looked at these pictures by deanfu.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=11074618 .

Lastly is there any particular zoom lens that is know for producing very pleasing skin tones with the *ist D?

Thanks

mpixel said:
Hi All,

I am having some difficulty choosing a new zoom lens and would like
to get some input from the group.

I currently have the Sigma 18-50 f3.5-5.6 and 55-200 f4-5.6 lens
combo, which I thought was a good way to find out which lenses I
needed to go with the *ist D. I am new to Pentax so these are the
only KAF lenses that I have.

I am finding that I have to change lenses quite often when
photographing people or shooting still life (I don’t often do still
life).

I have found that so far I rarely need to go lower than 28mm when
photographing people in the studio but I sometimes go above 75mm.
On average 10.5% of the images taken in the last month are outside
the 28-75mm range with the majority of them being above 75mm. With
still life I have never exceeded the 50-65mm range.

I have heard good things about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8; the wide
aperture should be good for portraits but the only thing is that I
wonder if a lens that is longer than 75mm would be more useful.

I am also considering the Pentax 28-105 f3.2-4.5 for its longer
reach and the 24-90 f3.5-4.5 also for its longer reach. The other
advantage of the 24-105 is that I think that it could also double
as a small walking around lens (although one of the new super-zooms
may be better).

Will the coating on the Pentax lenses produce more pleasing images
than the coating on the Tamron?

Does anyone who owns or has owned one or more of these lenses have
anything to say about them?

Does anyone know any other good quality lenses that cover a wider
range?

Below are the lenses that I am currently considering does anyone
have any comments on these choices?

Pentax

24-90 f3.5-4.5
28-105 f3.2-4.5

Sigma

18-125 f3.5-5.6
24-135 f2.8-4.5
28-105 f2.8-4

Tamron

28-75 f2.8
24-135 f3.5-5.6

I’m sorry about all the questions but any help that you may be able
to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

mp

richardday · Nov 16, 2004

mpixel said:
I also meant to ask if it really is just the Pentax lenses that
give a 3D effect. I have heard it mentioned before but it was only
actually apparent to me when I looked at these pictures by deanfu.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=11074618 .

Lastly is there any particular zoom lens that is know for producing
very pleasing skin tones with the *ist D?

Thanks

mpixel said:

Hi All,

I am having some difficulty choosing a new zoom lens and would like
to get some input from the group.

I currently have the Sigma 18-50 f3.5-5.6 and 55-200 f4-5.6 lens
combo, which I thought was a good way to find out which lenses I
needed to go with the *ist D. I am new to Pentax so these are the
only KAF lenses that I have.

I am finding that I have to change lenses quite often when
photographing people or shooting still life (I don’t often do still
life).

I have found that so far I rarely need to go lower than 28mm when
photographing people in the studio but I sometimes go above 75mm.
On average 10.5% of the images taken in the last month are outside
the 28-75mm range with the majority of them being above 75mm. With
still life I have never exceeded the 50-65mm range.

I have heard good things about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8; the wide
aperture should be good for portraits but the only thing is that I
wonder if a lens that is longer than 75mm would be more useful.

I am also considering the Pentax 28-105 f3.2-4.5 for its longer
reach and the 24-90 f3.5-4.5 also for its longer reach. The other
advantage of the 24-105 is that I think that it could also double
as a small walking around lens (although one of the new super-zooms
may be better).

Will the coating on the Pentax lenses produce more pleasing images
than the coating on the Tamron?

Does anyone who owns or has owned one or more of these lenses have
anything to say about them?

Does anyone know any other good quality lenses that cover a wider
range?

Below are the lenses that I am currently considering does anyone
have any comments on these choices?

Pentax

24-90 f3.5-4.5
28-105 f3.2-4.5

Sigma

18-125 f3.5-5.6
24-135 f2.8-4.5
28-105 f2.8-4

Tamron

28-75 f2.8
24-135 f3.5-5.6

I’m sorry about all the questions but any help that you may be able
to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

mp

Click to expand...

Take a look at my previous threads as I have posted several comments regarding the FA 28-105 which I have as well as the Sigma pair you have.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1028&message=10604200

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=10784965

Some sample shots, All shot ISO 200 RAW converted with Photoshop CS RAW convereter.

FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 28mm 1/90 at f9.5 - ISO 200

FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 60mm 1/350 at f8 - ISO 200

And a link to a full size image.
FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 28mm 1/500 at f8 - ISO 200
http://www.multiroom.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/jpgfiles/IMGP3562.jpg

Hope these are useful to you. If you have any more specific questions, I will do my best to answer them.

Regards
--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK

Lance B · Nov 16, 2004

mpixel said:
Hi All,

I am having some difficulty choosing a new zoom lens and would like
to get some input from the group.

I currently have the Sigma 18-50 f3.5-5.6 and 55-200 f4-5.6 lens
combo, which I thought was a good way to find out which lenses I
needed to go with the *ist D. I am new to Pentax so these are the
only KAF lenses that I have.

I am finding that I have to change lenses quite often when
photographing people or shooting still life (I don’t often do still
life).

I have found that so far I rarely need to go lower than 28mm when
photographing people in the studio but I sometimes go above 75mm.
On average 10.5% of the images taken in the last month are outside
the 28-75mm range with the majority of them being above 75mm. With
still life I have never exceeded the 50-65mm range.

I have heard good things about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8; the wide
aperture should be good for portraits but the only thing is that I
wonder if a lens that is longer than 75mm would be more useful.

I have the Tamron 28-75 XR Di f2.8 and it is a lovely lens. Very sharp and quite useful in that range. I use it in concert with the Pentax DA 16-45.

mpixel said:
I am also considering the Pentax 28-105 f3.2-4.5 for its longer
reach and the 24-90 f3.5-4.5 also for its longer reach. The other
advantage of the 24-105 is that I think that it could also double
as a small walking around lens (although one of the new super-zooms
may be better).

Will the coating on the Pentax lenses produce more pleasing images
than the coating on the Tamron?

I can't quite put my finger on the difference between the Tamron and the Pentax lenses I have, but the Tamron images appear colder or more clinical whereas the Pentax images seem warmer and more inviting. It has nothing to do with a colour caste (that I can see) but with the look of the photo. Having said that, if you read some of the reports from other users on this forum and on the Nikon/Canon forums they talk of the Tamron having a very slight yellow caste. This maybe true, but it must be very slight and I haven't done back to back testing with the Tamron with a Pentax lens at the same focal lengths. If I had the option to go with a Pentax or Tanmron and everything else being equal, I would opt for the Pentax even if it were a little dearer. This is just my opinion.

mpixel said:
Does anyone who owns or has owned one or more of these lenses have
anything to say about them?

Does anyone know any other good quality lenses that cover a wider
range?

With a wider zoom range the image quality will suffer. Apparently, with DSLR's, the lens quality affects the images more than with 35mm film. If you want convenience go with a wider range zoom like the Tamron 28-300 XR Di. If you want good quality but still some flexibility go with a narrow range zoom like the DA 16-45 and the Tamron 28-75. If you want absolute quality primes are still your best answer.

mpixel said:
Below are the lenses that I am currently considering does anyone
have any comments on these choices?

Pentax

24-90 f3.5-4.5
28-105 f3.2-4.5

Sigma

18-125 f3.5-5.6
24-135 f2.8-4.5
28-105 f2.8-4

Tamron

28-75 f2.8
24-135 f3.5-5.6

I’m sorry about all the questions but any help that you may be able
to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Can't comment on the quality of any of the above zooms except for the Tamron 28-75 which is an excellent zoom for sharpness. Others on the forum I'm sure will have some of these zooms and be able to comment.

Lance

mpixel said:
Thanks

mp

--
Lance*istD

stellart · Nov 16, 2004

I can almost litteraly re-post here what I posted previously on the KM forum : Though I use such great and highly praised lenses as Minolta 100mm. 2.8 macro, Minolta 100 mm. 2.0, Minolta 80-200 mm. 2,8 G APO, Pentax FA* 24 mm., Pentax 50 mm. 2,8 macro, Pentax FA* 85 mm. 1,4, etc. etc. , I must say that when I got my first shots taken with the Tamron 28-75 mm. 2,8 Xi on my Dynax/Maxxum 7, I could hardly believe my eyes. I had never seen, and I do mean NEVER seen such amazing details, depth and high contrast from any other lenses I had used before (or since).

Recent tests in French magazine "Réponses Photo" showed that this lens is, if anything, even more impressive when used in the digital domain (on a D70 it won against even the most reputed Nikon lenses). Compared with the 28-105, there seems to be little doubt as to its much better optical performances (and it is probably more versatile as a portrait lens because of it possibilities wide open at 2,8).

mpixel said:
Hi All,

I am having some difficulty choosing a new zoom lens and would like
to get some input from the group.

I currently have the Sigma 18-50 f3.5-5.6 and 55-200 f4-5.6 lens
combo, which I thought was a good way to find out which lenses I
needed to go with the *ist D. I am new to Pentax so these are the
only KAF lenses that I have.

I am finding that I have to change lenses quite often when
photographing people or shooting still life (I don’t often do still
life).

I have found that so far I rarely need to go lower than 28mm when
photographing people in the studio but I sometimes go above 75mm.
On average 10.5% of the images taken in the last month are outside
the 28-75mm range with the majority of them being above 75mm. With
still life I have never exceeded the 50-65mm range.

I have heard good things about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8; the wide
aperture should be good for portraits but the only thing is that I
wonder if a lens that is longer than 75mm would be more useful.

I am also considering the Pentax 28-105 f3.2-4.5 for its longer
reach and the 24-90 f3.5-4.5 also for its longer reach. The other
advantage of the 24-105 is that I think that it could also double
as a small walking around lens (although one of the new super-zooms
may be better).

Will the coating on the Pentax lenses produce more pleasing images
than the coating on the Tamron?

Does anyone who owns or has owned one or more of these lenses have
anything to say about them?

Does anyone know any other good quality lenses that cover a wider
range?

Below are the lenses that I am currently considering does anyone
have any comments on these choices?

Pentax

24-90 f3.5-4.5
28-105 f3.2-4.5

Sigma

18-125 f3.5-5.6
24-135 f2.8-4.5
28-105 f2.8-4

Tamron

28-75 f2.8
24-135 f3.5-5.6

I’m sorry about all the questions but any help that you may be able
to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

mp

Paul Cruchten · Nov 17, 2004

richardday said:
Take a look at my previous threads as I have posted several
comments regarding the FA 28-105 which I have as well as the Sigma
pair you have.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1028&message=10604200

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=10784965

Some sample shots, All shot ISO 200 RAW converted with Photoshop CS
RAW convereter.

FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 28mm 1/90 at f9.5 - ISO 200

FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 60mm 1/350 at f8 - ISO 200

And a link to a full size image.
FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 28mm 1/500 at f8 - ISO 200
http://www.multiroom.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/jpgfiles/IMGP3562.jpg

Hope these are useful to you. If you have any more specific
questions, I will do my best to answer them.

Regards
--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK

--
These shots are not from Yorkshire, by chance?
Paul

'Already Eve had an Apple'
http://homepage.mac.com/pc3/istdpics/PhotoAlbum7.html
http://homepage.mac.com/pc3/Concerts/PhotoAlbum15.html
http://homepage.mac.com/pc3/PhotoAlbum9.html

richardday · Nov 18, 2004

Paul Cruchten said:
richardday said:

Take a look at my previous threads as I have posted several
comments regarding the FA 28-105 which I have as well as the Sigma
pair you have.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1028&message=10604200

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=10784965

Some sample shots, All shot ISO 200 RAW converted with Photoshop CS
RAW convereter.

FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 28mm 1/90 at f9.5 - ISO 200

FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 60mm 1/350 at f8 - ISO 200

And a link to a full size image.
FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 28mm 1/500 at f8 - ISO 200
http://www.multiroom.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/jpgfiles/IMGP3562.jpg

Hope these are useful to you. If you have any more specific
questions, I will do my best to answer them.

Regards
--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK

Click to expand...

--
These shots are not from Yorkshire, by chance?
Paul

'Already Eve had an Apple'
http://homepage.mac.com/pc3/istdpics/PhotoAlbum7.html
http://homepage.mac.com/pc3/Concerts/PhotoAlbum15.html
http://homepage.mac.com/pc3/PhotoAlbum9.html

Sorry no, they are:

1. The National Arboretum, Westonbirt, Gloucestershire
http://www.fowa.org.uk/

2. Dyrham Park near Chippenham Wiltshire http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&PROPERTYID=289

3. The Bristol Harbour Festival 2004
http://www.bristol-city.gov.uk/tourism/harbourfestival.html

Cheers
--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK

mpixel · Nov 18, 2004

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for you input.

I just wanted to let you know that I have ordered the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 from Warehouse Express; I'll give it a try for a few days and see how it goes.

I really wanted to buy a Pentax lens but the Tamron has a constant f2.8 and unbeatable reviews.

Maybe next time.

Thanks again.

mp

mpixel said:
Hi All,

I am having some difficulty choosing a new zoom lens and would like
to get some input from the group.

I currently have the Sigma 18-50 f3.5-5.6 and 55-200 f4-5.6 lens
combo, which I thought was a good way to find out which lenses I
needed to go with the *ist D. I am new to Pentax so these are the
only KAF lenses that I have.

I am finding that I have to change lenses quite often when
photographing people or shooting still life (I don’t often do still
life).

I have found that so far I rarely need to go lower than 28mm when
photographing people in the studio but I sometimes go above 75mm.
On average 10.5% of the images taken in the last month are outside
the 28-75mm range with the majority of them being above 75mm. With
still life I have never exceeded the 50-65mm range.

I have heard good things about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8; the wide
aperture should be good for portraits but the only thing is that I
wonder if a lens that is longer than 75mm would be more useful.

I am also considering the Pentax 28-105 f3.2-4.5 for its longer
reach and the 24-90 f3.5-4.5 also for its longer reach. The other
advantage of the 24-105 is that I think that it could also double
as a small walking around lens (although one of the new super-zooms
may be better).

Will the coating on the Pentax lenses produce more pleasing images
than the coating on the Tamron?

Does anyone who owns or has owned one or more of these lenses have
anything to say about them?

Does anyone know any other good quality lenses that cover a wider
range?

Below are the lenses that I am currently considering does anyone
have any comments on these choices?

Pentax

24-90 f3.5-4.5
28-105 f3.2-4.5

Sigma

18-125 f3.5-5.6
24-135 f2.8-4.5
28-105 f2.8-4

Tamron

28-75 f2.8
24-135 f3.5-5.6

I’m sorry about all the questions but any help that you may be able
to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

mp

Lance B · Nov 18, 2004

mpixel said:
Hello Everyone,

Thanks for you input.

I just wanted to let you know that I have ordered the Tamron 28-75
f2.8 from Warehouse Express; I'll give it a try for a few days and
see how it goes.

I doubt whether you'll be disappointed. The only real drawback is it isn't quite wide enough at the wide end. As I said I use it in conjuction with my 16-45 and it is a good combo used that way.

mpixel said:
I really wanted to buy a Pentax lens but the Tamron has a constant
f2.8 and unbeatable reviews.

Maybe next time.

Thanks again.

mp

mpixel said:

Hi All,

I am having some difficulty choosing a new zoom lens and would like
to get some input from the group.

I currently have the Sigma 18-50 f3.5-5.6 and 55-200 f4-5.6 lens
combo, which I thought was a good way to find out which lenses I
needed to go with the *ist D. I am new to Pentax so these are the
only KAF lenses that I have.

I am finding that I have to change lenses quite often when
photographing people or shooting still life (I don’t often do still
life).

I have found that so far I rarely need to go lower than 28mm when
photographing people in the studio but I sometimes go above 75mm.
On average 10.5% of the images taken in the last month are outside
the 28-75mm range with the majority of them being above 75mm. With
still life I have never exceeded the 50-65mm range.

I have heard good things about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8; the wide
aperture should be good for portraits but the only thing is that I
wonder if a lens that is longer than 75mm would be more useful.

I am also considering the Pentax 28-105 f3.2-4.5 for its longer
reach and the 24-90 f3.5-4.5 also for its longer reach. The other
advantage of the 24-105 is that I think that it could also double
as a small walking around lens (although one of the new super-zooms
may be better).

Will the coating on the Pentax lenses produce more pleasing images
than the coating on the Tamron?

Does anyone who owns or has owned one or more of these lenses have
anything to say about them?

Does anyone know any other good quality lenses that cover a wider
range?

Below are the lenses that I am currently considering does anyone
have any comments on these choices?

Pentax

24-90 f3.5-4.5
28-105 f3.2-4.5

Sigma

18-125 f3.5-5.6
24-135 f2.8-4.5
28-105 f2.8-4

Tamron

28-75 f2.8
24-135 f3.5-5.6

I’m sorry about all the questions but any help that you may be able
to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

mp

Click to expand...

--
Lance*istD

mpixel · Nov 19, 2004

Lance B said:
mpixel said:

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for you input.

I just wanted to let you know that I have ordered the Tamron 28-75
f2.8 from Warehouse Express; I'll give it a try for a few days and
see how it goes.

Click to expand...

I doubt whether you'll be disappointed. The only real drawback is
it isn't quite wide enough at the wide end. As I said I use it in
conjuction with my 16-45 and it is a good combo used that way.

Hi Lance,

The lens has arrived and I have 7 days to decide if I like it or not. It seems very solid and I like the way the AF behaves with this lens.

My original fear was that it was not going to be long enough rather than wide enough but perhaps I was wrong. I'll find out over the next few days.

BTW I love the lens cap design.

Now I need is a split focussing screen.

Lance B said:
Lance B said:

I really wanted to buy a Pentax lens but the Tamron has a constant
f2.8 and unbeatable reviews.

Maybe next time.

Thanks again.

mp

mpixel said:

Hi All,

I am having some difficulty choosing a new zoom lens and would like
to get some input from the group.

I currently have the Sigma 18-50 f3.5-5.6 and 55-200 f4-5.6 lens
combo, which I thought was a good way to find out which lenses I
needed to go with the *ist D. I am new to Pentax so these are the
only KAF lenses that I have.

I am finding that I have to change lenses quite often when
photographing people or shooting still life (I don’t often do still
life).

I have found that so far I rarely need to go lower than 28mm when
photographing people in the studio but I sometimes go above 75mm.
On average 10.5% of the images taken in the last month are outside
the 28-75mm range with the majority of them being above 75mm. With
still life I have never exceeded the 50-65mm range.

I have heard good things about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8; the wide
aperture should be good for portraits but the only thing is that I
wonder if a lens that is longer than 75mm would be more useful.

I am also considering the Pentax 28-105 f3.2-4.5 for its longer
reach and the 24-90 f3.5-4.5 also for its longer reach. The other
advantage of the 24-105 is that I think that it could also double
as a small walking around lens (although one of the new super-zooms
may be better).

Will the coating on the Pentax lenses produce more pleasing images
than the coating on the Tamron?

Does anyone who owns or has owned one or more of these lenses have
anything to say about them?

Does anyone know any other good quality lenses that cover a wider
range?

Below are the lenses that I am currently considering does anyone
have any comments on these choices?

Pentax

24-90 f3.5-4.5
28-105 f3.2-4.5

Sigma

18-125 f3.5-5.6
24-135 f2.8-4.5
28-105 f2.8-4

Tamron

28-75 f2.8
24-135 f3.5-5.6

I’m sorry about all the questions but any help that you may be able
to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

mp

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Lance*istD

mpixel · Nov 27, 2004

Well that’s just my luck I guess!

The Tamron has a focussing problem; I noticed it as soon as I started using the lens.

I tested it at 28mm, 50mm and 75mm with apertures ranging from f2.8-f5.6 and the camera was set to use 1/3 exposure steps.

The Tamron misfocussed at 28mm and 75mm. I had no problem focussing manually but as soon as I changed to AF it would misfocus, even when I left it at the correct focus setting.

I was also surprised to notice that at 75mm when I had focussed manually, at f2.8 the image was sharp but as the aperture changed from f2.8 through to f5.6 the image got worse and worse. No such problems on manual at 28mm or 50mm.

Back it goes.

Notes
Tripod: yes
Mirror lock up: yes
AF Mode: Single AF Spot
AF Point: Centre Spot
Subject: Barcodes on a box
Lighting: OK (the slowest shutter speed was 1/60 sec at f5.6)

mpixel said:
Thanks for you input.

I just wanted to let you know that I have ordered the Tamron 28-75
f2.8 from Warehouse Express; I'll give it a try for a few days and
see how it goes.

I really wanted to buy a Pentax lens but the Tamron has a constant
f2.8 and unbeatable reviews.

Maybe next time.

Thanks again.

mp

mpixel said:

Hi All,

I am having some difficulty choosing a new zoom lens and would like
to get some input from the group.

I currently have the Sigma 18-50 f3.5-5.6 and 55-200 f4-5.6 lens
combo, which I thought was a good way to find out which lenses I
needed to go with the *ist D. I am new to Pentax so these are the
only KAF lenses that I have.

I am finding that I have to change lenses quite often when
photographing people or shooting still life (I don’t often do still
life).

I have found that so far I rarely need to go lower than 28mm when
photographing people in the studio but I sometimes go above 75mm.
On average 10.5% of the images taken in the last month are outside
the 28-75mm range with the majority of them being above 75mm. With
still life I have never exceeded the 50-65mm range.

I have heard good things about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8; the wide
aperture should be good for portraits but the only thing is that I
wonder if a lens that is longer than 75mm would be more useful.

I am also considering the Pentax 28-105 f3.2-4.5 for its longer
reach and the 24-90 f3.5-4.5 also for its longer reach. The other
advantage of the 24-105 is that I think that it could also double
as a small walking around lens (although one of the new super-zooms
may be better).

Will the coating on the Pentax lenses produce more pleasing images
than the coating on the Tamron?

Does anyone who owns or has owned one or more of these lenses have
anything to say about them?

Does anyone know any other good quality lenses that cover a wider
range?

Below are the lenses that I am currently considering does anyone
have any comments on these choices?

Pentax

24-90 f3.5-4.5
28-105 f3.2-4.5

Sigma

18-125 f3.5-5.6
24-135 f2.8-4.5
28-105 f2.8-4

Tamron

28-75 f2.8
24-135 f3.5-5.6

I’m sorry about all the questions but any help that you may be able
to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

mp

Click to expand...

mpixel · Nov 28, 2004

Hi Richard,

The Tamron is going back because it has focussing problems. I also found that it was a little short at the 75mm end.

I had really wanted a Pentax lens but I bought the Tamron because of the constant f2.8 and great reviews. Now I'm not sure where to turn.

Could you please comment on the sharpness of the Pentax 28-105 f3.2-f4.5? Is it sharp at 28, 50, 70 and 105 at minimum aperture? Is there distortion?

Is there softness? Even Phil points out that this lens is not one of their best: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxistd/page15.asp (Lens Notes).

The main reason for buying this lens would be studio use (mainly people) but because it is also about the same size as my Sigma 18-50 I think that it would also make a great travel lens.

Do you get the 3D effect with this lens? What about colour saturation and contrast?

How does this lens compare with the Sigma 18-50 & 55-200 lens kit? Also how does it compare to the Pentax 28-90 f3.5-5.6 (you listed this as previous kit).

Anything you could tell me would be very helpful.

Thanks

richardday said:
mpixel said:

I also meant to ask if it really is just the Pentax lenses that
give a 3D effect. I have heard it mentioned before but it was only
actually apparent to me when I looked at these pictures by deanfu.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=11074618 .

Lastly is there any particular zoom lens that is know for producing
very pleasing skin tones with the *ist D?

Thanks

mpixel said:

Hi All,

I am having some difficulty choosing a new zoom lens and would like
to get some input from the group.

I currently have the Sigma 18-50 f3.5-5.6 and 55-200 f4-5.6 lens
combo, which I thought was a good way to find out which lenses I
needed to go with the *ist D. I am new to Pentax so these are the
only KAF lenses that I have.

I am finding that I have to change lenses quite often when
photographing people or shooting still life (I don’t often do still
life).

I have found that so far I rarely need to go lower than 28mm when
photographing people in the studio but I sometimes go above 75mm.
On average 10.5% of the images taken in the last month are outside
the 28-75mm range with the majority of them being above 75mm. With
still life I have never exceeded the 50-65mm range.

I have heard good things about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8; the wide
aperture should be good for portraits but the only thing is that I
wonder if a lens that is longer than 75mm would be more useful.

I am also considering the Pentax 28-105 f3.2-4.5 for its longer
reach and the 24-90 f3.5-4.5 also for its longer reach. The other
advantage of the 24-105 is that I think that it could also double
as a small walking around lens (although one of the new super-zooms
may be better).

Will the coating on the Pentax lenses produce more pleasing images
than the coating on the Tamron?

Does anyone who owns or has owned one or more of these lenses have
anything to say about them?

Does anyone know any other good quality lenses that cover a wider
range?

Below are the lenses that I am currently considering does anyone
have any comments on these choices?

Pentax

24-90 f3.5-4.5
28-105 f3.2-4.5

Sigma

18-125 f3.5-5.6
24-135 f2.8-4.5
28-105 f2.8-4

Tamron

28-75 f2.8
24-135 f3.5-5.6

I’m sorry about all the questions but any help that you may be able
to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

mp

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Take a look at my previous threads as I have posted several
comments regarding the FA 28-105 which I have as well as the Sigma
pair you have.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1028&message=10604200

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=10784965

Some sample shots, All shot ISO 200 RAW converted with Photoshop CS
RAW convereter.

FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 28mm 1/90 at f9.5 - ISO 200

FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 60mm 1/350 at f8 - ISO 200

And a link to a full size image.
FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 at 28mm 1/500 at f8 - ISO 200
http://www.multiroom.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/jpgfiles/IMGP3562.jpg

Hope these are useful to you. If you have any more specific
questions, I will do my best to answer them.

Regards
--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK

richardday · Nov 28, 2004

mpixel said:
Hi Richard,

The Tamron is going back because it has focussing problems. I also
found that it was a little short at the 75mm end.

I had really wanted a Pentax lens but I bought the Tamron because
of the constant f2.8 and great reviews. Now I'm not sure where to
turn.

Could you please comment on the sharpness of the Pentax 28-105
f3.2-f4.5? Is it sharp at 28, 50, 70 and 105 at minimum aperture?

It is reasonable wide open, sharp at 1 stop down and very sharp at 2 stops down. There appears to be very little difference at any focal length. When I compared it with the Tamron, it appeared a little softer at the same f stop but better compared wide open, but as it isn't a constant aperture lens these comparisons are kind of difficult!

mpixel said:
Is there distortion?

Slight at 28mm, usually not noticable in most shots, but virtually gone by 35mm.

mpixel said:
Is there softness? Even Phil points out that this lens is not one
of their best:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxistd/page15.asp (Lens Notes).

Compared to the 16-45 ED, yes it is, until you are stopped down 2 stops, then it is marginal.

mpixel said:
The main reason for buying this lens would be studio use (mainly
people) but because it is also about the same size as my Sigma
18-50 I think that it would also make a great travel lens.

This is why I use it so much! Don't use my Sigma 18-50 at all, if I wan't wide I use my Tokina 20-35 which is much better.

mpixel said:
Do you get the 3D effect with this lens? What about colour
saturation and contrast?

I think so. The colour is really good Pentax quality. It isn't like a good Pentax prime, but that is unrealistic! Also flare is really low. Bokeh is good for a zoom.

mpixel said:
How does this lens compare with the Sigma 18-50 & 55-200 lens kit?

Blows the 18-50 away - I hardly ever use mine now. The 55-200 is better but is a 7/10 compared with the FA 28-105.

mpixel said:
Also how does it compare to the Pentax 28-90 f3.5-5.6 (you listed
this as previous kit).

It is better than that lens, the remarkable thing about the 28-90 was its very low (virtually none) vignetting, the 28-105 is almost as good in this repect (90 - 95%). Overall it is probably better than the little and well respected FA 28-70 f4. It is better made than either of those lenses and also (IMHO) the FA 24-90, which felt sloppy, although it performed well especially at 24mm with very low distortion.

mpixel said:
Anything you could tell me would be very helpful.

The only thing I can say is that in various tests The Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG, Sigma 28-70 f2.8 EX DG and the Tokina ATX Pro 28-70 f2.8 come out ahead of the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, but they are all big and heavy lenses, even compared with the Tamron.

I really do think, that even considering it's slight limitations (i.e. not constant f2.8) the FA 28-105 3.2/4.5 is an excellent and useful lens. I wouldn't swap mine for anything else around at these focal lengths except for a combination of primes - FA 35/2.0, FA 50/1.4, FA*85/1.4 and FA 135/2.8 or a trio of black limiteds (31/43/77) + the 135/2.8.

Actually, I wouldn't swap - I would keep my 28-105 as a convenient walkabout, it's so small and neat.

mpixel said:
Thanks

Hope this helps.
--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK

richardday · Nov 28, 2004

mpixel said:
Is there softness? Even Phil points out that this lens is not one
of their best:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxistd/page15.asp (Lens Notes).

Forgot to comment on the reported softness by Phil.

I suspect that this lens was faulty and had an alignment issue, as he stated it was soft at the RH edges, I don't have any problems like this.

Okay, we would all like a zoom with true prime quality, who wouldn't!

If I had any issues like this it would go back to Pentax under warranty!

Regards
--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK

mpixel · Nov 28, 2004

Hi Richard,

I hadn't realised that the other 28-70 lenses had come out ahead of the Tamron; if I had I would have bought one of those instead.

Also I wasn't aware that you had tried the 24-90 or I would have asked about that in comparison to the 28-105 as well

It seems that you’re very happy with the quality of the 28-105 even in comparison to the Sigma 55-200; I think I will order one on Monday.

Would I be correct in thinking that when this lens focuses the front element does not rotate? Is that what the IF in the name means? Does it extend when it focuses?

Thanks for all your help.

mp

richardday said:
mpixel said:

Hi Richard,

The Tamron is going back because it has focussing problems. I also
found that it was a little short at the 75mm end.

I had really wanted a Pentax lens but I bought the Tamron because
of the constant f2.8 and great reviews. Now I'm not sure where to
turn.

Could you please comment on the sharpness of the Pentax 28-105
f3.2-f4.5? Is it sharp at 28, 50, 70 and 105 at minimum aperture?

Click to expand...

It is reasonable wide open, sharp at 1 stop down and very sharp at
2 stops down. There appears to be very little difference at any
focal length. When I compared it with the Tamron, it appeared a
little softer at the same f stop but better compared wide open, but
as it isn't a constant aperture lens these comparisons are kind of
difficult!

richardday said:

Is there distortion?

Click to expand...

Slight at 28mm, usually not noticable in most shots, but virtually
gone by 35mm.

richardday said:

Is there softness? Even Phil points out that this lens is not one
of their best:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxistd/page15.asp (Lens Notes).

Click to expand...

Compared to the 16-45 ED, yes it is, until you are stopped down 2
stops, then it is marginal.

richardday said:

The main reason for buying this lens would be studio use (mainly
people) but because it is also about the same size as my Sigma
18-50 I think that it would also make a great travel lens.

Click to expand...

This is why I use it so much! Don't use my Sigma 18-50 at all, if I
wan't wide I use my Tokina 20-35 which is much better.

richardday said:

Do you get the 3D effect with this lens? What about colour
saturation and contrast?

Click to expand...

I think so. The colour is really good Pentax quality. It isn't like
a good Pentax prime, but that is unrealistic! Also flare is really
low. Bokeh is good for a zoom.

richardday said:

How does this lens compare with the Sigma 18-50 & 55-200 lens kit?

Click to expand...

Blows the 18-50 away - I hardly ever use mine now. The 55-200 is
better but is a 7/10 compared with the FA 28-105.

richardday said:

Also how does it compare to the Pentax 28-90 f3.5-5.6 (you listed
this as previous kit).

Click to expand...

It is better than that lens, the remarkable thing about the 28-90
was its very low (virtually none) vignetting, the 28-105 is almost
as good in this repect (90 - 95%). Overall it is probably better
than the little and well respected FA 28-70 f4. It is better made
than either of those lenses and also (IMHO) the FA 24-90, which
felt sloppy, although it performed well especially at 24mm with
very low distortion.

richardday said:

Anything you could tell me would be very helpful.

Click to expand...

The only thing I can say is that in various tests The Sigma 24-70
f2.8 EX DG, Sigma 28-70 f2.8 EX DG and the Tokina ATX Pro 28-70
f2.8 come out ahead of the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, but they are all big
and heavy lenses, even compared with the Tamron.

I really do think, that even considering it's slight limitations
(i.e. not constant f2.8) the FA 28-105 3.2/4.5 is an excellent and
useful lens. I wouldn't swap mine for anything else around at these
focal lengths except for a combination of primes - FA 35/2.0, FA
50/1.4, FA*85/1.4 and FA 135/2.8 or a trio of black limiteds
(31/43/77) + the 135/2.8.

Actually, I wouldn't swap - I would keep my 28-105 as a convenient
walkabout, it's so small and neat.

richardday said:

Thanks

Click to expand...

Hope this helps.
--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK

Jim Parsons · Nov 28, 2004

richardday said:
The only thing I can say is that in various tests The Sigma 24-70
f2.8 EX DG, Sigma 28-70 f2.8 EX DG and the Tokina ATX Pro 28-70
f2.8 come out ahead of the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, but they are all big
and heavy lenses, even compared with the Tamron.

Richard, can you cite reference sites for this data? The only one I've found that lists them all is here- http://www.photozone.de/2Equipment/easytxt.htm#Zstf and it lists the Tamron above the Sigmas and the Tokina.

Thanks!
--
Jim Parsons

richardday · Nov 28, 2004

mpixel said:
Hi Richard,

I hadn't realised that the other 28-70 lenses had come out ahead of
the Tamron; if I had I would have bought one of those instead.

Yes, but by only a small margin, nothing that significant from what I could see. I only considered the Tamron rather than the others due to it's smaller size and handling.

mpixel said:
Also I wasn't aware that you had tried the 24-90 or I would have
asked about that in comparison to the 28-105 as well

Yes I did, it was a bit better optically, but it's construction and larger size and much larger price put me off.

mpixel said:
It seems that you’re very happy with the quality of the 28-105 even
in comparison to the Sigma 55-200; I think I will order one on
Monday.

Lowest prices (in UK) seem to be:

http://www.cameraking.co.uk/displayProduct1.asp?ProductIDs=2444&ManufacturerID=4&PriceRangeID=&Ty_Typeproduct=2&TypeId=149

http://www.cameraworld.co.uk/displayProduct1.asp?ProductIDs=142&ManufacturerID=44&PriceRangeID=&Ty_Typeproduct=2&TypeId=38

In the USA they don't seem to do the black version and I suspect that with shipping and VAT it may work out to a similar cost according to my calcs anyway.

mpixel said:
Would I be correct in thinking that when this lens focuses the
front element does not rotate? Is that what the IF in the name
means? Does it extend when it focuses?

You are correct, yes, IF means internal focus, it also comes with that neat Pentax petal hood with a removeable lower section that enables you to use a polariser with the hood on, really neat and useful. It does extend by 38mm when zoomed out, but not when it focusses.

If you do buy a UV or Skylight filter for it I recommend getting Pentax ones, or a Hoya or B+W multicoated, in my opinion the Pentax is better and also cheaper (Pentax coatings again). The best way is to join Pentax User club and get a 10% discount. Peter Bargh, who runs it, is most helpful, I've been able to order obscure Pentax items via the club as well.

http://www.pentaxuser.co.uk/

Unfortunately Pentax don't make a polariser so I bought a Hoya which works okay.

mpixel said:
Thanks for all your help.

mp

I hope you will be happy with the results.

Regards
--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK

richardday · Nov 28, 2004

Jim Parsons said:
richardday said:

The only thing I can say is that in various tests The Sigma 24-70
f2.8 EX DG, Sigma 28-70 f2.8 EX DG and the Tokina ATX Pro 28-70
f2.8 come out ahead of the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, but they are all big
and heavy lenses, even compared with the Tamron.

Click to expand...

Richard, can you cite reference sites for this data? The only one
I've found that lists them all is here-
http://www.photozone.de/2Equipment/easytxt.htm#Zstf and it lists
the Tamron above the Sigmas and the Tokina.

Thanks!
--
Jim Parsons

Hi Jim

Not a web source I'm afraid. It was a test in Practical Photograpy in June 2004.

As I said the results were all pretty close. The lenses tested were:

Sigma 24-135 2.8/4.5 ASP IF
Canon 24-85 3.5/4.5 USM
Sigma 24-70 2.8 EX DG
Minolta 24-105 3.5/4.5 ED
Tokina 28-70 2.8 PRO SV
Tamron 28-752.8 XR Di
Nikon 24-85 3.5/4.5 AFS G
Tamron 24-135 3.5/5.6 ASP IF

Optically the top lenses were the Sigma 24-70 2.8 EX DG,Tokina and Nikon with 5 stars, the 2 Tamrons and the Canon had 4 stars, the Sigma 24-135 had 3 stars and the Minolta 2.

For handling, the top was the Tamron 28-75 with 5 stars, the Sigma 24-70 2.8, Canon and Nikon had 4, the Sigma 24-135, Tokina, Minolta and Tamron 24-135 had 3.

The Sigma 24-70 2.8 EX DG was top overall. The Tamron 28-75 was recommended as the best handling.

The results from the test shots were close enough that I'm sure other testers could place them in a slightly different order.

As usual, in most recent magazines, Pentax lenses were not featured (lack of advertising revenue maybe?)

To my memory, Pentax lenses haven't been included in any test reviews for at least 18 months (pre D).

If anyone were new to photography in the last year or so, I suspect they wouldn't even know the brand existed as a SLR and SLR lens maker.

Regards

--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK

Jim Parsons · Nov 28, 2004

richardday said:
richardday said:

Richard, can you cite reference sites for this data? The only one
I've found that lists them all is here-
http://www.photozone.de/2Equipment/easytxt.htm#Zstf and it lists
the Tamron above the Sigmas and the Tokina.

Thanks!
--
Jim Parsons

Click to expand...

Hi Jim

Not a web source I'm afraid. It was a test in Practical Photograpy
in June 2004.

As I said the results were all pretty close. The lenses tested were:

Sigma 24-135 2.8/4.5 ASP IF
Canon 24-85 3.5/4.5 USM
Sigma 24-70 2.8 EX DG
Minolta 24-105 3.5/4.5 ED
Tokina 28-70 2.8 PRO SV
Tamron 28-752.8 XR Di
Nikon 24-85 3.5/4.5 AFS G
Tamron 24-135 3.5/5.6 ASP IF

Optically the top lenses were the Sigma 24-70 2.8 EX DG,Tokina and
Nikon with 5 stars, the 2 Tamrons and the Canon had 4 stars, the
Sigma 24-135 had 3 stars and the Minolta 2.

For handling, the top was the Tamron 28-75 with 5 stars, the Sigma
24-70 2.8, Canon and Nikon had 4, the Sigma 24-135, Tokina, Minolta
and Tamron 24-135 had 3.

The Sigma 24-70 2.8 EX DG was top overall. The Tamron 28-75 was
recommended as the best handling.

The results from the test shots were close enough that I'm sure
other testers could place them in a slightly different order.

No doubt. I've got the Tamron 28-75 & am happy with it. I didn't realize anyone had rated the Sigmas so well. Them all being rated that closely is good news. More good lenses is always good. 8^)

richardday said:
As usual, in most recent magazines, Pentax lenses were not featured
(lack of advertising revenue maybe?)

To my memory, Pentax lenses haven't been included in any test
reviews for at least 18 months (pre D).

If anyone were new to photography in the last year or so, I suspect
they wouldn't even know the brand existed as a SLR and SLR lens
maker.

Sadly, you may be right.
--
Jim Parsons

mpixel · Nov 29, 2004

richardday said:
mpixel said:

Hi Richard,

I hadn't realised that the other 28-70 lenses had come out ahead of
the Tamron; if I had I would have bought one of those instead.

Click to expand...

Yes, but by only a small margin, nothing that significant from what
I could see. I only considered the Tamron rather than the others
due to it's smaller size and handling.

Yes, I love the handling of the Tamron. It puts the Sigmas that I have to shame.

richardday said:
richardday said:

Also I wasn't aware that you had tried the 24-90 or I would have
asked about that in comparison to the 28-105 as well

Click to expand...

Yes I did, it was a bit better optically, but it's construction and
larger size and much larger price put me off.

richardday said:
richardday said:

It seems that you’re very happy with the quality of the 28-105 even
in comparison to the Sigma 55-200; I think I will order one on
Monday.

Click to expand...

Lowest prices (in UK) seem to be:

http://www.cameraking.co.uk/displayProduct1.asp?ProductIDs=2444&ManufacturerID=4&PriceRangeID=&Ty_Typeproduct=2&TypeId=149

http://www.cameraworld.co.uk/displayProduct1.asp?ProductIDs=142&ManufacturerID=44&PriceRangeID=&Ty_Typeproduct=2&TypeId=38

Thanks. I had seen the prices at Camera World but not Camera King. I almost went down to Camera World on Saturday and bought one.

richardday said:
In the USA they don't seem to do the black version and I suspect
that with shipping and VAT it may work out to a similar cost
according to my calcs anyway.

richardday said:

Would I be correct in thinking that when this lens focuses the
front element does not rotate? Is that what the IF in the name
means? Does it extend when it focuses?

Click to expand...

You are correct, yes, IF means internal focus, it also comes with
that neat Pentax petal hood with a removeable lower section that
enables you to use a polariser with the hood on, really neat and
useful. It does extend by 38mm when zoomed out, but not when it
focusses.

That sounds perfect.

richardday said:
If you do buy a UV or Skylight filter for it I recommend getting
Pentax ones, or a Hoya or B+W multicoated, in my opinion the Pentax
is better and also cheaper (Pentax coatings again). The best way is
to join Pentax User club and get a 10% discount. Peter Bargh, who
runs it, is most helpful, I've been able to order obscure Pentax
items via the club as well.

http://www.pentaxuser.co.uk/

I hadn't considered the Pentax filters or joining the User club but now I think it may be worthwhile.

richardday said:
Unfortunately Pentax don't make a polariser so I bought a Hoya
which works okay.

According to the Japanese web site they do.

http://www.pentax.co.jp/english/products/filmcamera/accessory/index35_filter.html

Perhaps they are only available in Japan.

I don't understand this company at all. Things like filters can be sold to users of all SLR cameras regardless of your market share; they are small relatively cheap (compared to a D/SLR system), easy to stock and can keep the companies name in peoples minds. Yet these things are like gold dust.

Richard, this has been really informative.

Thanks for all you help.

richardday said:
richardday said:

Thanks for all your help.

mp

Click to expand...

I hope you will be happy with the results.

Regards
--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK

Pentax 28-105 or Tamron 28-75 or ...?

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