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Looking for advice on optimal use of overlapping zooms

Started May 14, 2013 | Questions thread
KentG Veteran Member • Posts: 4,825
Re: Looking for advice on optimal use of overlapping zooms

The key thing on overlapping zooms is which one is better in the overlap range. The only time you use the lens which is inferior in that range is when you don't have the time or opportunity to swap the lens out. And that is a reason to actually have overlap. Even without overlap, lets say you have a pair of Sigma 24-70 and 70-200, you still need to know which one is better at 70mm (in this case the 70-200 is better than the 24-70).

I am building a new Pentax lens kit, including the 12-24/4 and the 60-250/4. Right now my middle lens is the Sigma 24-60/2.8, which means no overlap, but the 24-60 is better at 24 than the 12-24 and the 60-250 is slightly better at 60 than the 24-60. Eventually my middle lens will be the Pentax 17-70/4 and then I will have overlap.

I am not a big fan of all-in-one zooms even though I have had several and I plan on adding the Sigma 18-250 OS to my Canon kit because it is probably the best one I have seen yet (to replace an excellent Sigma 18-125). Still I only use them when I can only carry the camera and a lens in a holster case, like on vacation.

Still the key is knowing the performance in the overlap areas.

Kent Gittings

 KentG's gear list:KentG's gear list
Pentax K-3 II Pentax K-1 Canon EOS 80D Pentax smc DA 16-45mm F4 ED AL Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM +7 more
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