Dan Zalesnik , Nov 20, 2009; 11:32 a.m.
I am revising my prior post. What I am really looking for is a fast lens with some zoom capabilities. Something I can use indoors without having to worry too much about the lighting. I have a fast lens that I use indoors now but it's a prime lens. What can you recommend?
Thx Again Dan
Douglas Stemke 
, Nov 20, 2009; 11:59 a.m.
Andrew Gilchrist 
, Nov 20, 2009; 02:27 p.m.
Fast telephoto zoom essentially means f/2.8 constant. You're basically looking at:
- Pentax DA* 50-135/2.8
- Sigma 50-150/2.8
- Sigma 70-200/2.8
- Tamron 70-200/2.8
If you don't need quite that much reach, you can use the long end of a fast designed-for-film standard zoom like
- Sigma 24-60/2.8 EX
- Sigma 24-70/2.8 EX
- Tamron 28-75/2.8
There are some older, discontinued lenses as well in both categories:
- Pentax FA* 28-70/2.8
- Pentax FA* 80-200/2.8
- Tokina 80-200/2.8 AT-X
- Tokina 28-70/2.8 AT-X
- Older versions of Sigma & Tamron...
These are all generally high-quality optics as well. It's really up to you though to know whether one more stop of speed will make enough of a difference for you--your existing Sigma 70-300 zoom is probably f/4 or f/4.5 through most of the overlapping range. If one more stop of light isn't enough, then you'll need to use flash. Also consider the reduced depth-of-field shooting at f/2.8--can be desireable, but makes critical focusing that much more important.
Also, for indoor use, consider the minimum focus distance as well.
Laurentiu Cristofor 
, Nov 21, 2009; 03:45 a.m.
I mentioned this in the older thread as well: have you considered the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8? I don't think you need longer reach indoors.
Btw, what is the prime lens you have and why do you need something else?
Roger R. , Nov 21, 2009; 10:53 a.m.
Dan if by indoors you mean living rooms and smaller spaces and a you want a zoom then an f/2.8 standard zoom would be the better choice. Including the Tamron 17-50, Pentax DA* 16-50, or Sigma 18-50. All good choices. The Sigma has better close focusing, the Tamron lighter and less expensive and the Pentax wider with silent SDM focus. Basically do the have the wide end covered with sufficient speed for your needs?
If by indoor you mean high school basketball or larger spaces then Andrew more than coved the popular choices. If you dont have $350 to $1000 to spend on a lens there are older manual options.
Also keep in mind your new k20d has a 14.6 mp sensor, depending on your output needs you can use a wider lens crop in by 50% and still be able to print a very nice 8x10.
Richard Harris , Nov 21, 2009; 02:10 p.m.
If I'm shooting indoor a lot 2.8 is rarely really fast enough (assuming you're not using flash). I'd go with something like a fast 85mm prime myself. Good luck.
Peter Engel , Nov 23, 2009; 10:50 a.m.
The Sigma 18-50 F2.8 EX DC Macro is worth a look.
Dan Zalesnik , Nov 28, 2009; 10:01 a.m.
My price range is up to $500.
Dan Zalesnik , Nov 28, 2009; 10:04 a.m.
Thx everyone for your assistance.
