adphoto [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: "i love using depth of field and a very bright viewfinder so my choices are: vivitar 28mm 1.9 series 1 ** vivitar 28mm 2.0 ** sigma 28mm 1.8 pentax 28mm 2.0 **** pentax 30mm 2.8 pentax 31mm 1.9 limted pentax 24mm 2.0 **** sigma 24mm 1.8 vivitar/kiron 24mm 2.0 anyone had any experiences with any of these lenses and can comment on flare, optical quailty especially centre sharpness wide open and stopped down to f4 especially the asterik ones ta
Vivitar Series One 28/1.9--a great choice, but give up hope; you'll never find one. Vivitar 28/2.0: Essentially the same as the Kiron 28/2, which didn't impress me--great sharpness and close focus (12 inches, 0.3 m), but mediocre contrast and saturation. Actually, the Vivitar Close Focus came out later and may have improved on the Kiron. There were four 28/2s: Two in 49mm filter threads, two in 55mm. In each filter size, one version could close focus, the other could not. If you get the Vivitar, go for the 55mm whose distance scale includes 0.3m. Sigma 24/1.8: For years, this was the choice for those who couldn't afford a Pentax. But all Pentax 24s are outstanding and affordable; the f/3.5, f/2.8s, and f/2. Since you've bought some pretty pricy lenses (Tamron 400/4 et al.), you should be able to afford the real thing. Sigma 28/1.8: I used to own the original, manual-focus version (58mm threads) but sold it before taking a single shot! I had four f/2-class 28s at the time. It earned mixed reviews. It's very hard to find, in manual or autofocus. would look closely at its successor, the 28/1.8 autofocus only version (77mm filter). Sigma introduced a 20/1.8, 24/1.8, and 28/1.8 around 2000, and from what I've read the 28 outperforms the others in sharpness and evenness of illumination from wide open to about f/4. It's also bargain-priced below $200. Pentax 30/2.8: My first choice if you don't need sharpness till f/4. Get it, and you can probably do without a 35. Pentax 31/1.9 Limited: Owners rave about this lens with an almost religious fervor. Many will tell you it's their favorite lens. It exemplifies the 3D effect and outstanding build that makes the Limiteds so prized. It's just so expensive...especially when used as a normal lens (48mm equivalent). Kiron/Vivitar 24/2: Some have written that it's lacking in contrast till f/8 or so. It rated midpack in a 1990 comparison of third-party 24s. My first choice: Any Pentax 24; since you like a bright view, then the 24/2 FA. My second choice: Pentax SMC 28/2K (hard to find, but they show up now and then for $250 to $350) [EMAIL PROTECTED]
