Aftermarket lenses

[Fish36990]

Hey KM group,
What aftermarket lenses has anyone tried with their 5D/7D? I want to get something that goes up to 300mm for my 5D. Currently, I have the lense kit that comes with the camera (18mm-70mm).

I read on the lense area that the Sigma is actually a pretty good lense but I wanted to ask everyone what they're using and what they think of their lenses.

Thanks for the input (In Advance),

Josh

[Coaldust]

I bought a used KM 100 - 300 Apo and think it's a brilliant lens I also have a KM* 24 - 105mm and a Sigma ( Bigma ) 50 - 500mm Apo but haven't had the chance to use it in decent light yet so the jury is still out on that one.

The shot of the Great Tit in this thread* http://www.photocamel.com/index.php/topic,2917.0.html
was taken with the 100 - 300mm Apo.

[Fish36990]

Very nice shot!

How far away were you...if you happen to remember.

The KM lenses are so expensive....honestly, I'm really new to photography and I bought more camera than I need.

I go back and forth on which lense to buy because I ususally over-do my purchases (example...I had to buy a book just to learn how to use the 5D and what all the acronyms meant) but I reall enjoy taking pictures.

I'm trying to learn how to be efficient with my camera as well as fumble around in Photoshop but I'm really having a blast doing it. I'm really looking forward to when I'm able to photograph as well as most of the people on this site.

On one hand, I would really like a high-end KM lenses because I know it will always perform perfectly...on the other hand, I'm not taking good enough shots to be able to tell the difference.

Should I just suck it up and buy the KM or do you think I should play with an aftermarket for awhile?

Thanks for your reply,

Josh

[Fish36990]

OK guys...

I bought a Quantraray 70-300mm lense a little while ago. I went and read some reviews and it seems to be rated pretty high by non-professional users. Apparently, it's a Sigma lense sold only for Wolf camera. I've played with it a little around the house and it seems to do well so far but I haven't really tried to push it's limits yet.

I also bought a tripod so I can actually take some non-blurry pictures with it. I'll report back with some pics when I actually take some worth posting.

Thanks for all the input from everyone,

Josh

[edawn]

Hey, congrats on your new lens purchase! I'm looking forward to hearing what you think.

I'm in the market to improve my lens collection, so I hope we continue to get some info shared on this thread. I would be interested in hearing about what lenses people are using with their 5D/7D as well.

What lenses are definite keepers for you KM shooters out there?

Elaine

[fotogeorge]

I only use aftermarket lenses with my film Maxxums, 800si, 7, &9.
I am disappointed by aftermarket lenses.* They are expensive paperweights.* They are handy to have in inclement weather.* The quality of the build, performance, and image are poor compared to Minolta lenses.* I have a Tamron AF* 19-35 mm lens; AF is slow, suffers from flare, cheap build,* & soft images.* I would prefer to own a KM AF 20 mm 2.8, but it is hard to find and too expensive.* I have a Tokina AF 3.5-5.6 24-200 mm lens; it's heavy built like a tank, noisy motor runs at times but doesn't focus well, not sharp, flares badly, slow AF hunts too much, & 3.5 is not consistent in all zooms.* I prefer my KM AF 100-300 APO and KM 75-300; both are very sharp and accurate AF.* *Stay away from Ritz's Quantary lenses.* I have an old Quantary AF 28-105 mm IF, which is the same as the Sigma II model.* It was a cheap bargain , before I owned the 7D. I can't say anything good about it.* I had a Quantary AF 100-300 mm lens, which is also rebagged by Sigma.* It only focused consistently with the 800si.* It froze up on the M7 & M9.* *I traded it($50 value) to a used camera dealer for used monopod head.* Aftermarket lenses have low resale value compared to branded lenses.* *I have been burned too many times by after-market lenses.* Lens problems in cheap lenses are more noticeable with digital sensors than on film.* With my 7D, I only use my KM brand (non-kit) lenses.* My favorite with the 7D is the KM 28-75 F/2.8 lens.* Kit lenses are also a waste of money.* I won't buy the replacement for the 7D, with a plastic-miracle kit lens.* * *

[edawn]

I've been doing some lens research for the last few days and there does seem to be some "aftermarket" lenses that cut the mustard. Specifically the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro sounds like a gem and the Tamron version of the KM 28-75 f/2.8 AF-D (which I just ordered!) has also received great reviews. I've also read good things about the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 APO HSM. Of course, these are not "cheap" either! I'm finding that you really get what you pay for in this photography world!

The KM 28-75 f/2.8 AF-D that I just ordered will be my first "high quality" lens! I'm very excited to begin shooting with higher quality glass. I also picked up Bryan Peterson's book "Understanding Exposure" today, so I'm set to learn and practice.

Elaine

[scoundrel1728]

I'm looking for some reviews of lenses to fit the 5D myself, since I have already figured out that the kit lens just won't serve my purpose very well. Where can I find some professional reviews of K-M lenses?

[edawn]

Originally Posted by scoundrel1728

I'm looking for some reviews of lenses to fit the 5D myself, since I have already figured out that the kit lens just won't serve my purpose very well. Where can I find some professional reviews of K-M lenses?

I'm not sure about "professional" reviews, but I enjoyed reading reviews at these sites:
photographyreivew.com
dyxum.com
photozone.de
http://www.photo.net/equipment/minolta/lenses

Elaine

[Fish36990]

So far, I've really enjoyed using the new lense. I haven't tried to really set up any tough shots yet but it's been worth the money already just playing around.

I too read a TON of reviews about the lense I purchased as well as a bunch of others before buying. Right now, for what I'm doing, the lense I bought is perfect.

Granted, the lense may never win a resolution contest for me but I take my camera everywhere (including on the firetruck on fire calls) so I need a lense that isn't exspensive...that's my main requirement...because it will eventually get destroyed. If there is something I want a picture of...then I go after it and I don't worry about my gear taking a bump or two.

That's just my two cents and I'll post some pics soon.

Josh

[Fish36990]

Here's a photo of a Blue Herring with my Quantaray at 300mm (450mm eqv.)

Unedited and not the best pic but should give you an idea.

I really like the lense

Josh

[Clive]

has anyone got or had experience with the new Sigma 70-300 APO lens. Just ordered one to go with my new 5d. Just saw that the shop has a KM70-210 F4 for £69.00 I have heard good reviews on this lens and was thinking might have spent out on the APO too soon. Unfortunately I ordered the new lens before I saw the F4 one.
:-\

[edawn]

Originally Posted by Clive

has anyone got or had experience with the new Sigma 70-300 APO lens. Just ordered one to go with my new 5d. Just saw that the shop has a KM70-210 F4 for £69.00 I have heard good reviews on this lens and was thinking might have spent out on the APO too soon. Unfortunately I ordered the new lens before I saw the F4 one.
:-\

I don't have personal expeience with the Sigma APO lens. (I'm trying to sell my Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 DL Macro Super right now.) I think there are a couple different APO versions of this lens (one macro and one not?). Which one did you order?

I believe 69 pounds is about equal to $122 US dollars. If that 70-210 f/4 is in great shape, I think I'd go snatch it up! I waited over-night to order one I found on-line at a shop (for $119) and by morning it was gone, and it had been one of their new arrivals! I won one on e-bay a couple days ago, so mine will be here soon. I paid $182 for that lens, a 50mm f/1.7, and a Maxxum 7000 and a 2800 flash, with a camera case. I plan to sell the extras and come out with a nice price for the 70-210. (I already have a 50 f/1.7, but these are very popular and easy to sell.) I decided to go with the 70-210 lens after reading many terrific reviews for it. I've been watching them on e-bay, and there have been quite a few included in package deals as I got. The lens by itself has been selling for $112 - $175. (The $112 one even had a little fungus, according to the description!)

I'm not sure how the price compares to what you ordered, or how the reviews are for that lens, but if you haven't already, you could check out these sites to compare:
www.photozone.de (look under Reviews, then User Performance Surveys, Minolta AF Lenses)
www.dyxum.com
www.photographyreview.com

Maybe you could check out what your shop's return policies are and try out both lenses and return the one you don't want? Or, you could buy the 70-210 anyway and if you don't want it, I'm sure you could sell it on e-bay! Seems to be a very sought after item.

Good luck!

Elaine

[Fish36990]

Clive,
Don't take this as fact but from what I've read, Quantaray is made by Sigma (and pictures of the same models make it pretty apparent) for Wolf camera and a few of their affiliates. Quantarays are actually a little cheaper than the Sigmas but are supposed to be the same.

If this is true, the pic I posted above would be from the same lense with a KM 5D. Just food for thought.

Josh

[Clive]

Thanks to Elaine and Josh for answering.
Still waiting for the APO lens to turn up. Might just get that 70-210 F4 as well, as they seem to be a collectors item.
Cheers
Clive

[edawn]

Originally Posted by Clive

Thanks to Elaine and Josh for answering.
Still waiting for the APO lens to turn up. Might just get that 70-210 F4 as well, as they seem to be a collectors item.
Cheers
Clive

So...did you get your Sigma? What did you decide on the 70-210? Has anything changed for you in light of the news about KM pulling out of the camera department?

Elaine

[Fish36990]

I'm actually pretty bummed about KM selling their camera line/technology. I really like the way things are now....I guess I'm old fashion (for a young guy) and like things to stay where I'm comfortable.

Josh

[Clive]

Hi guys,
At last the 70-300 APO has arrived in the Camera shop... Will collect on Wednesday and fire off a few shots and let you all know how it performs
Cheers
Clive

[Clive]

picked up the 70-300 APO, what a great looking lens!! feels just the part. have not had chance to try it out yet, but will post results soon.
Clive

[edawn]

Originally Posted by Clive

picked up the 70-300 APO, what a great looking lens!! feels just the part. have not had chance to try it out yet, but will post results soon.
Clive

Great! Looking forward to hearing/seeing your viewpoint.

Elaine