That is why I have considered switching to Nikon or Canon, however in the end the problem isn't finding an appropriate 70 or 80- 200 f2.8, I have an 80-200 f2.8 that does just fine on the *istD at 800, 1600 and 3200. The problem that I have with 200 is the reach, I wish it went to 300 instead of 200, and my inability to focus or zoom more quickly. Rarely do I have problems due to "shaking" as far as I can detect, I usually shoot with a monopod and that seems to provide more than enough stability. My focusing problems come from not being quick enough when changing focal length. Now if there was a 70/80/100-300 f2.8 or even f2 at a reasonable price then I would more than likely switch but the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 is just a hair too expensive (plus the cost of a new body) for me to consider. Now, if money was no object I would do it in a heartbeat just for the fun of doing it because gadgets are fun but that still wouldn't solve the speed problem because it is f2.8 like what I already have.On 24/11/04, Larry Cook, discombobulated, unleashed:
No, I do not own shares in Sigma. And I really do not care about IS or VR, etc. I care about the availability of bodies and lenses that allow me to better do what I want to do.
That statement in itself should be reason enough to switch. That is why I did.
I think for what most people on this list want and do, switching is not
the answer. You're getting into sports shooting in a bigger way, the
solutions for this are limiting - as you are realising - with your status
quo. I appreciate the finance aspect, but a used 10D and a 70-200 with IS
and you will be very impressed with what you can do in a soccer match.
Hire or borrow and try it
Now as for the availability question, it is true that Pentax's availability is limited but except for the long, fast zooms what Pentax has is more than sufficient for me and what I do and the long, fast zooms are more expensive than I can afford anyway. Finally I just like the hell out the *istD. I think that it is a really good camera and I truly enjoy using it.
Finally my sports shooting is unfortunately on the downward slope because my son is a sophomore in high school (just finished his HS season) and I have at best just a couple of more years where I need something fast and long. In the spring his games are all club matches during the day and I have a 100-300 f4 that does just fine for those conditions.
Larry
