opinions on this lens?

[spikerS]

Looking to get the wife a zoom lens, and came across this one on ebay.



lens link

it states that it is a K mount, and I assume it will fit just fine with the K100D she has.

Is this any good for a telephoto lens or is this garbage? and as stated before, will this one fit her camera?

[Gibson]

If she loking for a zoom or a telephoto?

A zoom is something like a 55mm-200mm. A telephoto is something like the one you posted, with a fixed focal length.

Speaking of that lens in particular (I haven't used it), it will basically only be good for a very bright sunny day. F/5.6 is fairly high, but given the price you could buy it and just play around with it for awhile.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally posted by Gibson
A telephoto is something like the one you posted, with a fixed focal length.

Not necessarily, a zoom can be a telephoto at well. Generally, any focal length over 70mm is considered "telephoto."

[Gibson]

Oh.


Well, disregard that then.

[soupey]

will your wife like the fact that its fixed? it does remove some flexibility when using the lens, but at the same time im sure the quality of the pictures would come out great since it's designed purely for use at 400mm. Unless she has reason for only wanting one focal length, you might be better off looking for something that can zoom in and out from the 70-200/300 range.

she'll likely only be able to make use of it in pretty bright conditions since it is f5.6, just find out what she'd prefer i guess, a lens that works well across a range of focal lengths? or a potentially better quality lens that will restrict the conditions she can take pictures in...but will be cheaper.

[spikerS]

basically i am trying to find something that will take some pictures of things the 18-55 lens just can't reach.

i have no clue what the differance between a telephoto and zoom lens is. they sound the same to me.

[Gibson]

Well, nevermind the terminology cause I failed hard, what you need to find out is if she wants a lens with a variable focal length or a fixed one like the one you linked to.

If you just have the 18-55 and then buy the 400mm you'll have a huge gap, but the 400 will be a learning experience because it will help you learn how to frame subjects by using only your feet. Although to be honest, the best lens to do that with is a probably a 50mm.

[muse017]

Some of K-mount telephoto options

Telephoto zoom

Pentax DA18-250 - I believe it's one of those Tamron OEM, Great for travel and walk-around use
Pentax DA 50-200 - Tele-zoom Kit lens
Pentax DA 55-300 - Newer version of DA50-200
Pentax DA*50-135 Great Quality but expensive and for some not enough on tele side.
Sigma 55-200
Sigma 70-200 2.8 - I believe there are about 4~5 different version of it. Make sure Do NOT buy the latest model(HSM) cause AF won't work on her camera.
Tamron 70-200 2.8 - Great choice with less money than Sigma or FA*

Fixed Telephoto

DA*200/2.8
DA*300/4


Discountinued models

Pentax FA* 80-200 2.8- Top notch optic but bit pricey and rare.
FA or F * 300 F4
FA 70-210 4.5~5.6 - Great value, recommeded by many Pentax users.


I personally think Tamron 70-200/2.8 would be the best choice for her if she doesn't mind about the size and weight.
B&H is selling it for US699
If she wants to have light walk-around lens then I would recommend DA 55-300.

My opinion on Sigma 400mm/5.6 is unless she is going to shoot wildlife or soccer/football game, she doesn't really need 400mm.
It has good optic but you need to have a tripod or monopod to carry it around cause it is heavy.