A really nice new lens on your budget would be the Tamron 28-105/4-5.6 or the Tokina 28-105. Both are terrific values for the money. The Tamron is nice and light and a really decent performer.....generally around $150 or so new (I paid $158 for mine). The Tokina is heavier and a better build, and a bit closer to the $200 mark I think, but an excellent lens. Both of these are autofocus lens, ideal for the ZX-5n.
I've heard nothing but bad things about the Sigma 28-105/2.8-4...not real sharp, poor contrast, not a very highly rated lens. The Vivitar has been rated both as generally pretty good, or generally pretty lousy..depends on whose review you look at! The FA28-70/4 is outstanding! It is a bit slow but if you go with the new 800 speed films, you just might be alright. A really good lens in the 28-70/2.8 category is a used Tokina, but these are probably a bit over your budget...they seem to list and sell for around $235 or so in good condition. John ----- Original Message ----- From: "Debra Wilborn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, January 28, 2002 4:11 PM Subject: Vivitar Series 1 28-105, Sigma 35-85, vs. new Tokina 28-105 > I'm looking for a relatively fast zoom lens to start > on a Pentax ZX-5n. Budget is a consideration, around > $150 new or used. I was looking at used lenses and > saw two that looked interesting: the Vivitar series 1 > 28-105 f2.8-3.8 and Sigma 35-85 f2.8-4. > > Can someone tell me a little more about these lenses? > Are they autofocus, or at least auto-aperature? I've > read that the Vivitar is a varifocal design. Is this > true of the Sigma as well? Is varifocal a pain or an > improvement in image quality? > > Somewhere I read that the Vivitar has a minimum focus > distance of almost 5 feet. That's a little too far > out there. Does anyone know or can guess as to the > minimun focus of the Sigma? I can't find any specs on > it. > > As far as new lenses go, I was looking at the Sigma > 28-105 f2.8-4 and maybe the Tokina 28-70 f3.5-4.5 or > 28-105 in the same focal length. The Tokina isn't > very fast, but I've been wondering about it, too. > Some think very highly of Tokina lenses and I'd like > to know how they stack up against the others. > > I know someone will recommend the Pentax 28-70 f4; > however, I think it will be a bit too slow. I would > like to shoot in existing light in concert halls and > do some night photography around town. > > Thanks for the help, > Deb > Great stuff seeking new owners in Yahoo! Auctions! > http://auctions.yahoo.com > - > This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, > go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to > visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
