Thanks everyone for your replies... I just sent this email to Bruce and thought I'd post it here as well to save retyping it:
"I have actually wanted the Tamron 28-75/2.8 for quite a while now. I even have an ad. out of a photo mag stuck up on my wall! lol. However, in recent weeks, I have heard others mentioning the other brands and have wondered how they compare - hence the reason for my post... ...The weight issue with the Tokina is not really to much of a concern to me as I love the fact that they are built so solidly. However, there are SO many versions of the Tokina, it is truly difficult to know which would be the best way to go. I have, since posting, found an interesting web page with direct comparisons between the Tokina and the Sigma and the Sigma is definitely out of the running! The Tamron is still "out there" in front though. And I own other Tamron lenses that I love, so this kind of helps me to feel confident about possibly purchasing it in the future." For those interested, the web page that I am referring to above is: http://www.tawbaware.com/sigma_tokina_test1.htm In regards to the Tokina - it is really hard to know what to do here - some have suggested to stay away from the 28-70 versions, and to go with the 28-80 which is apparently, optically fantastic. Others then mention that the 28-80 is incredibly heavy, but the newer version addresses this issue. Then others again say that the 28-70 f2.6-2.8 is a really great lens too! I am guessing that due to the fact that the 28-70/2.8 is rather prolific at keh.com that it is probably not the one to go with. I have seen the 28-70/2.6-2.8 on Ebay recently and fetching around the US$200 mark, in its original box etc. I am yet to come across the 28-80 ANYWHERE, except B&H where it is USD$549 *eek, that is like AUD$800*! Sooo, thus far, the Tamron APPEARS to be "winning" the race, which is kind of ironic really as it is the one that I have always wanted to buy anyways. At least, I guess that all of this isn't in vain if I do end up getting that one, as I will know that I have made the correct choice! tan. -----Original Message----- From: Shaun Canning [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, 16 May 2004 9:02 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: The best 28-70 f2.8 zoom? Hi Tan, I've got a Tokina 28-80 ATX-Pro f2.8, and I really like it. They are a heavy sucker though, because they are built like a tank. Most f2.8 constant lenses are bigger and heavier though. This lens flares a bit more than an SMC lens, but the results are still generally pleasing. AF is fast and accurate. They are reasonably cheap too...I think I paid about $600.00 AUD for mine 18 months ago. Cheers Shaun Dr. Shaun Canning Cultural Heritage Services 11 Lawrence Way Karratha, Western Australia, 6714 0414-967644 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.heritageservices.com.au -----Original Message----- From: TMP [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2004 7:25 PM To: Net [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: The best 28-70 f2.8 zoom? Woohoo! I'm back in business, so here is the first of the posts I've been trying to send all day... I notice a few people posting that they are looking for a constant aperture auto focus zoom available in a Pentax mount, that is around the 28-70mm (or 28-80, 28-75, 24-70, 24-90, 28-105 etc) mark. So, I was wondering - aside from the Pentax FA 28-70 f2.8, which lens is generally thought of as the "best" in or around this range? So, I am referring only to the "latest" AUTO FOCUS models available, as I know that there have been many variations over the years. Or if you have a particular favourite of a certain model that exceeds what is currently on the market, please feel free to name that one too. (eg, Tokina ATX Pro II etc). The Tokina 28-70 f2.8? The Sigma 24-70 f2.8 or ? The Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 macro? And, I just discovered that Sigma has two lenses available - they are 28-70 f2.8-4, and a 28-105 f2.8-4. They are only USD$119 and $199 respectively at B&H. Anyone have any experience with these? I particularly like the 28-105mm focal length (I have the Pentax 28-105mm FA Powerzoom, and I love it, but at f4-f5.6, it is just too slow), and the Sigma 28-105 f2.8-4 would certainly address the issue of speed that I have with the Pentax FA 28-105, but with these two Sigma lenses being so inexpensive, it makes me wonder why it is the case... Also, how many of the above have macro capabilities? And why is your particular choice your favourite? Bokeh? Sharpness? Flare (or lack of it)? Build quality? AF Speed? Price? Value for money? etc... Also, is f2.8 the fastest anyone has ever seen in a zoom lens of constant aperture? Is there any record of anything faster ever being produced? So, here is my "wish list" for such a lens - a sharp, nice bokeh'd AUTO FOCUS lens, focal length of 28-105mm, f2.8 constant aperture, less than usd$400. I'm not asking for much, am I?!? lol. Then, after this one peters out, I'll post another similar topic covering the f2.8, 80-200-ish zooms. I don't own any of the above lenses, so I can't really participate here, but I am leaning towards possibly purchasing the Tamron (when I can afford it!)... tan.
