Which lens for my k200d?

[Leighn53]

G'day one and all,
My wife gave me a k200d for Xmas 2008. It came with a Sigma 18-50 F3.5-5.6 DC lens. This I have found to be fairly good but when we went to NZ, it just didn't do it for those close up shots we all like to take. It also looses a bit when tacking shots of my grandson playing tee-ball.
In March the wife and I are off on a 14 day cruise to the south Pacific islands and Fiji. What I'm looking for is a reasonable priced lens, prob a telephoto zoom. Have looked around and have come up with few options and this is where I need your expertise and advise.
I've looked on the net at:-
1. SIGMA 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC TELE ZOOM LENS (used)
2. SIGMA 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG TELEZOOM LENS (used)
3. Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro Lens (new)
4. TAMRON AF 70-300 F4-5.6 Di LD Macro Lens (new) &
5. PHOENIX compact 500mm Zoom Lens (new).
Hence my quondry. Which way should I go, new or used? Sigma, Tamron or Phoenix?
I really need your help and await your replies of guidance.
Cheers.
Leigh

[MikeM]

I've got a Tamron 70-300. I think the Sigma is pretty comparable. Some may say one is a bit sharper or the other has less chromatic aberration. You can check photodo and other reviews if you like.

I've found the "macro" (not true macro) feature to be quite useful on this lens. It does great double duty as a telephoto zoom and a close up lens. It'll do nicely for portraits as well at the short end. If you're looking for something with better autofocus capability for catching fast action than I think these lenses are NOT what you want. The AF on my Tamron 70-300 is much worse than my Pentax 18-55. For that application you may want something like the FA 50mm f/1.4 or one the pricier newer 50/55mm lenses (Sigma and Pentax both have offerings). Or if money isn't a big deal then grab a 50-135 f/2.8.

Used is fine if you trust the seller and are sure the lens is in good working condition. Pentaxforums.com has a marketplace section where you can find some good used gear.

If you want an easy, all-in-one lens you can try the 18-200 lenses but I don't have any experience with those.

[Leighn53]

G'Day Mike,
Thanks for your reply. Unless I buy used, then the Pentax lenses are out of my price range.So, therefore I will look further into your suggestion of the 18-20 lenses. Prices here in Oz are pretty hefty.
Cheers,
Leigh

[kyteflyer]

Originally Posted by Leighn53

G'Day Mike,
Thanks for your reply. Unless I buy used, then the Pentax lenses are out of my price range.So, therefore I will look further into your suggestion of the 18-20 lenses. Prices here in Oz are pretty hefty.
Cheers,
Leigh

I bought a Tamron 70-300 and I find it excellent, its underpriced and underrated for what it does. I imagine the Sigma variant might be the same. I also bought a Tamron 18-250 as an all in one walkabout (got sick of lens changes) but now wish I had spent the money on a good prime, or at least a zoom with a constant aperture... but money is the key.

You might want to check out DWI Cameras for pentax lenses because they are MUCH cheaper. These a "grey" imports but you can get a warranty that will cover you locally, stock comes from Hong Kong. They have a good reputation on whirlpool.net.au photography forum. I'm probably going to get the f/1.4 50 from there.

Another source which is excellent is B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders who are in NYC and when the dollar is doing well... can be huge savings. I haven't bought from them, but lots have and say they are prompt, courteous and reliable.

locally of course there's always digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au and thats where I bought both my Tamron lenses.

HTH

[Leighn53]

Thanks kyteflyer. I will check out those sites you mentioned.
Cheers,
Leigh