Tamron 70-200mm or Pentax DA* 200mm, how to decide?

[Vulpix0r]

Okay, since I lack common sense most of the time, I decided to consult you guys here. Which lens would be my best choice? As a prime fan, I usually stick to the ones below 100mm. The only exception was the FA* 300mm that I owned, but didn't get as much use as I hoped.

The DA* 200mm is extremely tempting to me due to its weight and weather sealing, which means I can take it to very rough places. On the other hand, the Tamron 70-200mm provides flexibility from 70mm all the way to 200mm @ f2.8.

Most of the time I do portraiture and nature shoots, maybe once in a while I will do events. I currently own 3 lenses, the 16-50mm, 50-135mm and 50mm, so what is everyone's advice for me?

[Redsun]

70-200 looks just right for you
like you said,it provides flexibility
Its pretty useful for events IMHO

[billitone]

The way I see it, you don't need either lens as you have 50-135.

Perhaps, what you need is faster lens or lenses like 31 and 77 limited.

I could be wrong, though.

[fengwei]

I don't buy lenses base on needs but base on my like. If I were choosing between the DA*200 and Tamron 70-200, I'd go w/ the DA*200. I've had two 70/80-200/2.8 zoom lenses (FA*80-200 and Sigma 70-200/2.8), but I like the FA*200/2.8 better.

For tele zoom lens, I kinda like to use its tele end most time. Same goes to a wide zoom lens, I use its wide end mostly. That's why I prefer using prime lenses. Funny thing is, even I'm using a zoom lens, most time I forget to zoom it, only shoot at the set focal length

But if you like to shoot events, a zoom lens is definitely more convenient.

[NoMoney]

I would prefer Tamron 70-200mm, since it can cover a more flexible range.

[istDeS]

I will choose the DA*200mm over the Tamron 70-200. The 50-135mm should be able to cover your portraiture and the event needs. I find the Tamron 70-200 have some duplicated focal lengths with 50-135. When I use the zoom lens, I kinda also use its on the wide and tele end most time unless I’m shooting events.

[art2d2]

Like fengwei says, if you are doing a lot of events the Tamron would be a more practical choice. Especially when you are doing indoor sports / performance events, the 70-200 will be very useful.

For me I always like the flexibility of having a zoom, but if you are always shooting at the 200mm end, then the DA* would be a better choice. Personally, I like to see how these 2 lens perform first, then only decide. The DA* definately will be better in terms of image quality, now its more on the AF performance and the usability aspect of the lens. For example, I used the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 before on both C and N camps, I find the lens have a small zoom ring and its very stiff to turn even after several months of usage.

[creampuff]

I would choose the DA* 200mm hands down. You already have the DA*50-135mm which is a versatile range.

As good as the Tamron may be, no high end zoom I know can beat a dedicated prime lens, especially at maximum aperture. The 70-200mm range was a popular range for 35mm film but I feel it becomes a little long when you factor in the crop factor. Anyway I find there is a tendency to use the long end more for tele zooms. So I would choose a prime because it will be sharper, have better contrast and better distortion control and it has SMC coating.

[Vulpix0r]

Wow thanks for all the advice. I will have to admit as well the price is a factor because the Tamron is nearly 300 dollars cheaper, but in the long run it seems a Pentax purchase will benefit me.

[hjbyeo]

Originally Posted by creampuff I would choose the DA* 200mm hands down. You already have the DA*50-135mm which is a versatile range. As good as the Tamron may be, no high end zoom I know can beat a dedicated prime lens, especially at maximum aperture. The 70-200mm range was a popular range for 35mm film but I feel it becomes a little long when you factor in the crop factor. Anyway I find there is a tendency to use the long end more for tele zooms. So I would choose a prime because it will be sharper, have better contrast and better distortion control and it has SMC coating.

What about comparing that to DA*60-250mm? I know it's probably not the question posed initially, but I think it's possibly a question that everyone's thinking about????

[creampuff]

Originally Posted by hjbyeo What about comparing that to DA*60-250mm? I know it's probably not the question posed initially, but I think it's possibly a question that everyone's thinking about????

I have to admit the DA* 60-250mm f/4 does seem like a winner from specifications alone. Well the trade-off is one f-stop slower but a gain in focal length range. I can live with a constant f/4 in part because of Shake Reduction.

Because that front element isn't gonna be big and the overall weight isn't going to be hefty compared to a f/2.8 lens, it will be much easier to carry around. Can also avoid the Big filter size = expensive filter issue. But I guess until we know the optical performance and price point, we'll just have to wait and see.

[Vulpix0r]

I would love to have the 60-250mm, but god knows when it will be out. I have a trip in May coming up, and I don't wish to wait for a lens that might not come out until end of the year.