Autofocus Zoom Lens for Pentax - Recommendations?

[deevee]

Hi All,

New to this forum, but I'm sure there's expertise out there to help me!

I use a Pentax ist*ds digital SLR that I've had for a couple of years now. I really like the camera, but up to now I've made do with an old manual Sun 80-210 zoom lens for events etc. (motorsports particularly).

I'd like to trade up for a decent autofocus zoom of similar or longer focal length that will be compatible with my camera. I'm not a pro photographer, so don't want to lug around big bags of kit, or one of those howitzer-barrelled jobbies that you see on the touchline - just something practical that will produce good results.

Any suggestions will be welcomed!

Cheers
Deevee

[monkeyhanger]

Sigma do the 100-300 F4 EX in a Pentax fit.

Cracking lens for motorsport but you're looking at £549 from Warehouse Express for the non DG model...

[deevee]

Thanks MH - Looks like it should be just the job!

Have you ever used this lens yourself?

[bobdabilda]

Sigma 70-300 DG APO, roughly £150.

I have some sample shots (from a Pentax K100D) if you want, and there's a thread on here with some shots from the same lens.

[monkeyhanger]

deevee said:

Thanks MH - Looks like it should be just the job!

Have you ever used this lens yourself?

I have its big brother, the 120-300 f2.8

The 100-300 is very well regarded, i don't think you'd be disappointed. Get a monopod to go with it and you'll get some fine results.

Edited by monkeyhanger on Tuesday 14th November 00:11

[deevee]

Many thanks for the info guys. I've been doing a bit of research on the interweb on the two lenses that have been suggested:

The Sigma 70-300 DG APO looks like a good lens (and it's certainly a good price) but I feel that it's a little too close in spec to my existing manual lens to warrant an upgrade.

The 100-300 F4 EX looks excellent - however to get this in the Pentax fit that I need, I would have to go with a down-graded configuration - i.e. no DG (so not optimised for Digital) and no HSM for the autofocus. I know this makes it cheaper than the bells-and-whistles version for Canon/Nikon etc. but I'm a bit worried about what I am losing. I have a digital SLR and will be using this lens at motorsport events (where a quick AF is critical). Is this still the right lens for me?

As always, any thoughts or suggestions would be welcomed!

[monkeyhanger]

Don't wory about the DG/non DG designation.

I have the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 DG EX and also the 120-300 f2.8 EX (non DG). Image quality is excellent on both. All "DG" means is that there's some fancy coating on the rear element of the lens. Frankly it's a marketing gimmick

I didn't realise the Pentax fit 100-300 F4 was non HSM though...might be wiser to look elsewhere unless you can try the lens first.

Edited by monkeyhanger on Tuesday 14th November 16:38