Re: Sigma 28/1.8 shots [was Looking for something wide and fast]
On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 2:51 AM, Bob W wrote: >> Here are a couple shots I took with my Sigma 28/1.8 (EX DG >> Macro version, current one). >> Taken with various aperture settings and ISO, including f/1.8 >> of course: >> >> This lens exists as 24 and 20mm as well. Some love those >> lenses some hate them, probably because of samples variation >> (heh.. Sigma !). >> >> http://picasaweb.google.com/pentaxlist/Sigma28mmF18# >> > > That shot of the woman's eyes is superb Agreed. The rest are nice and sharp, looks like you bought a keeper Dave > > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. > -- Documenting Life in Rural Ontario. www.caughtinmotion.com http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ York Region, Ontario, Canada -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Sigma 28/1.8 shots [was Looking for something wide and fast]
Cool stuff!!! My regards to your wife. Either you got excellent copy of that Sigma or you're really good photographer, or actually both. I might as well try to reproduce your mouse shot with our guinea pig. On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 9:42 AM, Thibouille wrote: > Here are a couple shots I took with my Sigma 28/1.8 (EX DG Macro > version, current one). > Taken with various aperture settings and ISO, including f/1.8 of course: > > This lens exists as 24 and 20mm as well. Some love those lenses some > hate them, probably because of samples variation (heh.. Sigma !). > > http://picasaweb.google.com/pentaxlist/Sigma28mmF18# > > -- > Thibault Massart aka Thibouille/Thibs > -- > Photo: K-7, Sigma 28/1.8 macro, FA50/1.4, DA40Ltd, K30/2.8, DA16-45, > DA50-135, DA50-200, 360FGZ ... > Laptop: Macbook 13" Unibody SnowLeo/Win7 > Programing: Delphi 2009 > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. > -- Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Sigma 28/1.8 shots [was Looking for something wide and fast]
Thank you. I'm sure she will be happy to learn about it ;) On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 8:56 AM, Bob W wrote: >> > >> > That shot of the woman's eyes is superb >> > >> >> Thank you :) LR does marvels sometimes... >> I love it as well but I'm very subjective since the eye is >> the one of my wife :D > > Your wife is very beautiful! > > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. > -- Thibault Massart aka Thibouille/Thibs -- Photo: K-7, Sigma 28/1.8 macro, FA50/1.4, DA40Ltd, K30/2.8, DA16-45, DA50-135, DA50-200, 360FGZ ... Laptop: Macbook 13" Unibody SnowLeo/Win7 Programing: Delphi 2009 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
RE: Sigma 28/1.8 shots [was Looking for something wide and fast]
> > > > That shot of the woman's eyes is superb > > > > Thank you :) LR does marvels sometimes... > I love it as well but I'm very subjective since the eye is > the one of my wife :D Your wife is very beautiful! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Sigma 28/1.8 shots [was Looking for something wide and fast]
> > That shot of the woman's eyes is superb > Thank you :) LR does marvels sometimes... I love it as well but I'm very subjective since the eye is the one of my wife :D -- Thibault Massart aka Thibouille/Thibs -- Photo: K-7, Sigma 28/1.8 macro, FA50/1.4, DA40Ltd, K30/2.8, DA16-45, DA50-135, DA50-200, 360FGZ ... Laptop: Macbook 13" Unibody SnowLeo/Win7 Programing: Delphi 2009 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
RE: Sigma 28/1.8 shots [was Looking for something wide and fast]
> Here are a couple shots I took with my Sigma 28/1.8 (EX DG > Macro version, current one). > Taken with various aperture settings and ISO, including f/1.8 > of course: > > This lens exists as 24 and 20mm as well. Some love those > lenses some hate them, probably because of samples variation > (heh.. Sigma !). > > http://picasaweb.google.com/pentaxlist/Sigma28mmF18# > That shot of the woman's eyes is superb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Sigma 28/1.8 shots [was Looking for something wide and fast]
Here are a couple shots I took with my Sigma 28/1.8 (EX DG Macro version, current one). Taken with various aperture settings and ISO, including f/1.8 of course: This lens exists as 24 and 20mm as well. Some love those lenses some hate them, probably because of samples variation (heh.. Sigma !). http://picasaweb.google.com/pentaxlist/Sigma28mmF18# -- Thibault Massart aka Thibouille/Thibs -- Photo: K-7, Sigma 28/1.8 macro, FA50/1.4, DA40Ltd, K30/2.8, DA16-45, DA50-135, DA50-200, 360FGZ ... Laptop: Macbook 13" Unibody SnowLeo/Win7 Programing: Delphi 2009 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
Larry Colen wrote: I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money from selling my racecar to buying glass. I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 How do folks feel about these various lenses? Hi Larry Only have two of these. The Zenitar is the best bang per buck. Not the highest quality lens, but lots of fun, on digital and film. The DA14 is a fine lens, and a darn bit lighter than the old K mount 15mm and the Tokina AF14/2.8 that I have at the back of my cupboard. Your low light and mobile requirements would probably make this lens a serious candidate. D -- der...@iinet.net.au http://members.iinet.net.au/~derbyc -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 12:56 PM, John Sessoms wrote: > From: David J Brooks >> >> On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 11:19 AM, John Sessoms >> wrote: >>> >>> > From: Adam Maas >> >> The 16-45's got QSF as its sole advantage. >>> >>> > >>> > Why would a zoom lens need the Quebec Special Forces? >> >> That's becasue, wait for it...: No one expects the Quebec >> Special Forces. >> >> Dave > > I thought that was supposed to be > > "*NO ONE* expects the Quebec Special Forces!" mY cAPS lOCK iS bROKEN dAVE > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and > follow the directions. > -- Documenting Life in Rural Ontario. www.caughtinmotion.com http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ York Region, Ontario, Canada -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
From: David J Brooks On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 11:19 AM, John Sessoms wrote: > From: Adam Maas >> >> The 16-45's got QSF as its sole advantage. > > Why would a zoom lens need the Quebec Special Forces? That's becasue, wait for it...: No one expects the Quebec Special Forces. Dave I thought that was supposed to be "*NO ONE* expects the Quebec Special Forces!" -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 11:19 AM, John Sessoms wrote: > From: Adam Maas >> >> The 16-45's got QSF as its sole advantage. > > Why would a zoom lens need the Quebec Special Forces? That's becasue, wait for it...: No one expects the Quebec Special Forces. Dave ;-D > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and > follow the directions. > -- Documenting Life in Rural Ontario. www.caughtinmotion.com http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ York Region, Ontario, Canada -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
From: Adam Maas The 16-45's got QSF as its sole advantage. Why would a zoom lens need the Quebec Special Forces? ;-D -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
Boris Liberman escribió: There is another Sigma lens, one which I would buy in an instant if I find a good sample - AF 24/2.8 Macro II. I had this one borrowed from a friend. Wonderful optic. Read somewhere that it was either co-developed or co-produced or co-something with Leica. As sharp as A 24/2.8, slightly more prone to flare, good bokeh and AF. Just as small and light (52 mm filter diameter). On digital it would make close to ideal street shooter's autofocus lens of angle of view of 36 mm with DOF of 24 mm lens. I have one of those and your words describe it very accurately. It is a gem of a lens, pity it doesn't have the improved anti reflection coatings of the EX series lenses. I had a Pentax FA* 24 mm. 2.0 which I liked a lot on film, less on the digital bodies and finally sold it. The FA* has many virtues: it is fast, well built, focuses fast and it is very contrasty. On the other hand, it shows red-green CA, easily correctable in post processing though. I also have a Sigma EX 28 mm. 1.8 which I like a lot, except for its weight and bulk. Carlos -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 09:39:07AM +0100, Thibouille wrote: > Larry, Sigma produces 20,24 and 28mm 'macro' Full frame lenses. All > are all f/1.8 and have an aperture ring :) > I can post some pictures if you want, taken with the 28/1.8. The nice > things about those is the very very close focussing distance (hence > 'macro') which combined with the f/1.8 renders some very interesting > DOF effects. Very interesting, as in paper thin? > I wouldn't call those sharpest lenses ever produced wide open tough. I see myself having two uses for the 20/1.8. The first is indoor dance photography. The lighting tends to be very challenging, i.e. ISO 3200, 1/6 - 1/20 second at f/1.8, with the subjects moving. I suspect that in those conditions a little softness in the lens may not be noticed. I've also been doing some landscape work, particularly nightscapes. Exposures tend to be ISO 400, f/1.8 and 10-30 seconds. My 18-250 simply isn't fast enough to get much good shots, especially at ISO 400 (cue snickering by Dave Savage). Would you guess that the lens would not be the significant weak link in those situations? How sharp is it at f/2.8 or 3.5? At 3.5 is it noticably worse than the 18-55 AL or the 18-250 at 20mm? At times like this, I envy the Canikon crowd, because one of them could probably find someone locally that had the lenses and try them out. -- The first step is learning to take great photos, the second step is learning to throw away ones that are merely good. Larry Colen l...@red4est.comhttp://www.red4est.com/lrc -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 11:10 AM, mike wilson wrote: > _IF_ you get a good one, the Zenitar is a good lens; for the price it is > outstanding. It has only two major problems - the quality control and the > poor lens cap design. I second that having witnessed your copy first hand ;-), sir Mike. -- Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
Larry Colen wrote: > I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and > preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are > my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money > from selling my racecar to buying glass. > > I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that > I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. > > Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. > > Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 > A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 > A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 > SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 > Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 > > How do folks feel about these various lenses? _IF_ you get a good one, the Zenitar is a good lens; for the price it is outstanding. It has only two major problems - the quality control and the poor lens cap design. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
Hi! On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 10:02 AM, Larry Colen wrote: > This sounds very interesting. It seems to be a lens that some people > love, others loathe. There also seems to be a 24/1.8. Larry, Sigma produces 28/1.8, 24/1.8 and 20/1.8 lenses. Due to significant sample variation, the reviews range from very contained all the way to ecstatic. Personally, I decided for now to not buy 20/1.8 or 24/1.8 though it does look tempting. The reasons being that I am not exactly happy with the way Sigma lenses render color. Also where I live, it will be virtually impossible to arrange proper cherry picking. And these lenses are rather big in size and heavy in weight. Thus, my decision to go look for FA* 24/2 which is argued to be better optically and smaller physically. There is another Sigma lens, one which I would buy in an instant if I find a good sample - AF 24/2.8 Macro II. I had this one borrowed from a friend. Wonderful optic. Read somewhere that it was either co-developed or co-produced or co-something with Leica. As sharp as A 24/2.8, slightly more prone to flare, good bokeh and AF. Just as small and light (52 mm filter diameter). On digital it would make close to ideal street shooter's autofocus lens of angle of view of 36 mm with DOF of 24 mm lens. -- Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
2009/11/24 Larry Colen : > > Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 > How do folks feel about these various lenses? The 16-50 is nice if you have money to burn. The 18-55 WR is also OK, weather sealed and el mucho cheapo. Have no experience with any of the others as I am still struggling what to sell and what to get next... Cheers Ecke -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
Larry, Sigma produces 20,24 and 28mm 'macro' Full frame lenses. All are all f/1.8 and have an aperture ring :) I can post some pictures if you want, taken with the 28/1.8. The nice things about those is the very very close focussing distance (hence 'macro') which combined with the f/1.8 renders some very interesting DOF effects. I wouldn't call those sharpest lenses ever produced wide open tough. On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 8:40 AM, Larry Colen wrote: > On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 11:05:33PM -0600, Thomas Cakalic wrote: >> Not arguing or being argumentative, but if one already has two zooms >> that start at 18mm, then buying additional zooms that have a wide >> limit of 1 or 2 mm more is not getting him much, maybe a little speed, > > In theory, the 16-50 is a lot sharper than my 18-250, which is sharper > than my 18-55. It's also about 2/3 stop faster (3.5 vs 2.8). > >> depending on the lens. However, if the intent in purchasing is to use >> it mainly as a wide angle, then a fast prime makes more sense in my >> book, but then I'm not spending the money. > > I do like "fast primes", and that's what I mostly shoot with. However > until Boris mentioned the Sigma 20/1.8 I didn't know of much that was > wider than 30 and faster than 2.8. > > >From what I hear, the 16-50 is as sharp as a prime, and apart from the > sigma mentioned above, as fast as anything shorter than 30mm. The > weather sealing is also a big plus. > >> >> I hear "plenty fast" and things like that. How fast a lens is and >> whether it's speed is satisfactory is dependent largely on shooting >> conditions, is it not? I'd want the fastest lens >> available/affordable, because just when you think your lense is fast >> enough, it's not. > > If f/3.5 were fast enough at 18, I could get by with the 18-250, > despite it's lack of sharpness, which isn't really that bad for a lot > of work. But, I keep wanting something faster than it, especially for > night photography. > > > -- > The first step is learning to take great photos, > the second step is learning to throw away ones that are merely good. > Larry Colen l...@red4est.com http://www.red4est.com/lrc > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. > -- Thibault Massart aka Thibouille/Thibs -- Photo: K-7, Sigma 28/1.8 macro, FA50/1.4, DA40Ltd, K30/2.8, DA16-45, DA50-135, DA50-200, 360FGZ ... Laptop: Macbook 13" Unibody SnowLeo/Win7 Programing: Delphi 2009 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 07:55:33AM +0200, Boris Liberman wrote: > Larry, the fastest widest lens you can buy for K mount is Sigma > 20/1.8. This sounds very interesting. It seems to be a lens that some people love, others loathe. There also seems to be a 24/1.8. > I am thinking that anything else starts at f/2.8. I am > thinking that likes of DA 21 and DA 15 might be good options for you > though they are not as fast. Or you can try DA 14. I hadn't realized that there was a DA 14/2.8 until I started poking around today. I thought that they were 4.0, but looking at my shots from the pdml gathering I guess that it was a 15mm. > If you want a single lens solution then Sigma 17-70 is an option. > Thanks to Jaume I had a chance of using it and mechanically it is ok. > Given the darkness outdoors I cannot say too much about its optical > performance though it seemed ok. It may not be as fast as I like at the long end, but I'm mostly looking for speed at the wide end, as I have primes for 30 on up. Can anyone tell me how fast it is at 30mm? > > There is also Tamron 17-35/2.8-4.0 that rivals similar Sigma lens that > is an option too. Both Sigma and Tamron are full frame lenses which > may prove useful later on or if you shoot film. Yet another option is > Tamron 17-50/2.8 which I often recommend due to its price/performance > ratio. Those all seem interesting. It seems that the wealth of possibilities may spare my pocketbook just through the mechanism of indecision. Last year at Dickens Fair (which starts again next weekend), I was thinking about the lens I needed for it, and pretty much came up with 16-50 f/2.8, without knowing that the lens already existed. -- The first step is learning to take great photos, the second step is learning to throw away ones that are merely good. Larry Colen l...@red4est.comhttp://www.red4est.com/lrc -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
I agree. I love my 31/1.8 LTD which is not really wide but definitely fast and pretty sharp even wide open. The 20/1.8 would have some definite appeal for night photography, if also very sharp. On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 1:40 AM, Larry Colen wrote: > On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 11:05:33PM -0600, Thomas Cakalic wrote: >> Not arguing or being argumentative, but if one already has two zooms >> that start at 18mm, then buying additional zooms that have a wide >> limit of 1 or 2 mm more is not getting him much, maybe a little speed, > > In theory, the 16-50 is a lot sharper than my 18-250, which is sharper > than my 18-55. It's also about 2/3 stop faster (3.5 vs 2.8). > >> depending on the lens. However, if the intent in purchasing is to use >> it mainly as a wide angle, then a fast prime makes more sense in my >> book, but then I'm not spending the money. > > I do like "fast primes", and that's what I mostly shoot with. However > until Boris mentioned the Sigma 20/1.8 I didn't know of much that was > wider than 30 and faster than 2.8. > > >From what I hear, the 16-50 is as sharp as a prime, and apart from the > sigma mentioned above, as fast as anything shorter than 30mm. The > weather sealing is also a big plus. > >> >> I hear "plenty fast" and things like that. How fast a lens is and >> whether it's speed is satisfactory is dependent largely on shooting >> conditions, is it not? I'd want the fastest lens >> available/affordable, because just when you think your lense is fast >> enough, it's not. > > If f/3.5 were fast enough at 18, I could get by with the 18-250, > despite it's lack of sharpness, which isn't really that bad for a lot > of work. But, I keep wanting something faster than it, especially for > night photography. > > > -- > The first step is learning to take great photos, > the second step is learning to throw away ones that are merely good. > Larry Colen l...@red4est.com http://www.red4est.com/lrc > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 11:05:33PM -0600, Thomas Cakalic wrote: > Not arguing or being argumentative, but if one already has two zooms > that start at 18mm, then buying additional zooms that have a wide > limit of 1 or 2 mm more is not getting him much, maybe a little speed, In theory, the 16-50 is a lot sharper than my 18-250, which is sharper than my 18-55. It's also about 2/3 stop faster (3.5 vs 2.8). > depending on the lens. However, if the intent in purchasing is to use > it mainly as a wide angle, then a fast prime makes more sense in my > book, but then I'm not spending the money. I do like "fast primes", and that's what I mostly shoot with. However until Boris mentioned the Sigma 20/1.8 I didn't know of much that was wider than 30 and faster than 2.8. >From what I hear, the 16-50 is as sharp as a prime, and apart from the sigma mentioned above, as fast as anything shorter than 30mm. The weather sealing is also a big plus. > > I hear "plenty fast" and things like that. How fast a lens is and > whether it's speed is satisfactory is dependent largely on shooting > conditions, is it not? I'd want the fastest lens > available/affordable, because just when you think your lense is fast > enough, it's not. If f/3.5 were fast enough at 18, I could get by with the 18-250, despite it's lack of sharpness, which isn't really that bad for a lot of work. But, I keep wanting something faster than it, especially for night photography. -- The first step is learning to take great photos, the second step is learning to throw away ones that are merely good. Larry Colen l...@red4est.comhttp://www.red4est.com/lrc -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
- Original Message - From: "paul stenquist" To: "Pentax-Discuss Mail List" Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 9:25 PM Subject: Re: Looking for something wide and fast On Nov 23, 2009, at 10:17 PM, Mark Roberts wrote: Larry Colen wrote: I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money from selling my racecar to buying glass. I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 How about the Pentax 16-45? Slower than the 16-50 but smaller and cheaper. Good point. That's an excellent lens as well. I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between that lens and the 16-50 at f 5.6 or so. I sold mine and bought the 16-50 because I need the speed for weddings and other indoor events, but in every other way, the performance was comparable. Paul I agree. The 16-45 is one fantastic lens for the money. I'm so glad I bought it. Cheers, Christine -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 4:18 PM, Larry Colen wrote: > I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and > preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are > my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money > from selling my racecar to buying glass. The 21mm Limited is reasonably wide and very sharp but, at f3.2, not that fast and will run you about $500. The best thing is that it's remarkably small & light, a wonderful walking-around lens. It's my first choice for a relatively unencumbered wander both in the great outdoors and in cities. http://www.tbray.org/ongoing/When/200x/2009/09/25/Capoeira-21mm http://www.tbray.org/ongoing/When/200x/2009/10/07/21mm.pdf (warning, big) -Tim -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
Larry, the fastest widest lens you can buy for K mount is Sigma 20/1.8. I am thinking that anything else starts at f/2.8. I am thinking that likes of DA 21 and DA 15 might be good options for you though they are not as fast. Or you can try DA 14. Zenitar is a fish eye lens and therefore is different than everything else you mentioned. Zoom lenses are less interesting to me personally, though a quick encounter with DA* 16-50 proved interesting. I don't know if I could recommend it though - it did not inspire me as much as an encounter with FA* 28-70 that I had prior to that. If you want a single lens solution then Sigma 17-70 is an option. Thanks to Jaume I had a chance of using it and mechanically it is ok. Given the darkness outdoors I cannot say too much about its optical performance though it seemed ok. There is also Tamron 17-35/2.8-4.0 that rivals similar Sigma lens that is an option too. Both Sigma and Tamron are full frame lenses which may prove useful later on or if you shoot film. Yet another option is Tamron 17-50/2.8 which I often recommend due to its price/performance ratio. Finally, you can look up list archives (though it may take some time and doing) as probably a year ago (hard to remember exactly, really) I opened a similar discussion on the list. Also, don't forget DA 16-45 and DA 17-70. Also if you can find Tokina AT-X AF 17/3.5 - it could be an interesting lens as well. Ultimately I opted to stay with DA 21 which is wide enough for my purposes. Presently I am looking to buy FA* 24/2.0 and let Galia have DA 21 as I do want faster lens and I am willing to sacrifice a bit of an angle. On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 2:18 AM, Larry Colen wrote: > I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and > preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are > my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money > from selling my racecar to buying glass. > > I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that > I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. > > Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. > > Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 > A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 > A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 > SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 > Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 > > How do folks feel about these various lenses? > > -- > The first step is learning to take great photos, > the second step is learning to throw away ones that are merely good. > Larry Colen l...@red4est.com http://www.red4est.com/lrc > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. > -- Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
Not arguing or being argumentative, but if one already has two zooms that start at 18mm, then buying additional zooms that have a wide limit of 1 or 2 mm more is not getting him much, maybe a little speed, depending on the lens. However, if the intent in purchasing is to use it mainly as a wide angle, then a fast prime makes more sense in my book, but then I'm not spending the money. I hear "plenty fast" and things like that. How fast a lens is and whether it's speed is satisfactory is dependent largely on shooting conditions, is it not? I'd want the fastest lens available/affordable, because just when you think your lense is fast enough, it's not. Tom On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 9:40 PM, Adam Maas wrote: > On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 10:17 PM, Mark Roberts wrote: >> Larry Colen wrote: >> >>>I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and >>>preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are >>>my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money >>>from selling my racecar to buying glass. >>> >>>I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that >>>I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. >>> >>>Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. >>> >>>Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 >>>A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 >>>A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 >>>SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 >>>Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 >> >> How about the Pentax 16-45? Slower than the 16-50 but smaller and >> cheaper. >> > > Owned both that and the Sigma 17-70. The Sigma's as fast or faster, > better built, at least as good optically and locks at its most compact > at 17mm (rather than being fully extended as the 16-45 is at 16mm). > The 16-45's got QSF as its sole advantage. > > Note I did like the results from the 16-45. But I had zero regrets > when I purchased the 17-70 over the 16-45 after getting my K10D. > > -- > M. Adam Maas > http://www.mawz.ca > Explorations of the City Around Us. > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
The 16~45 delivers consistently crisp images and is a pleasure to use. Jack --- On Mon, 11/23/09, paul stenquist wrote: > From: paul stenquist > Subject: Re: Looking for something wide and fast > To: "Pentax-Discuss Mail List" > Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 7:25 PM > > On Nov 23, 2009, at 10:17 PM, Mark Roberts wrote: > > > Larry Colen wrote: > > > >> I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is > wide, fast and > >> preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I > have wider than 31 are > >> my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting > some of the money > >> from selling my racecar to buying glass. > >> > >> I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and > I keep bumming that > >> I never went for the one on craigslist just before > I got laid off. > >> > >> Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. > >> > >> Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 > >> A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 > >> A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around > $590 > >> SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 > >> Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 > > > > How about the Pentax 16-45? Slower than the 16-50 but > smaller and > > cheaper. > > > Good point. That's an excellent lens as well. I'd be hard > pressed to tell the difference between that lens and the > 16-50 at f 5.6 or so. I sold mine and bought the 16-50 > because I need the speed for weddings and other indoor > events, but in every other way, the performance was > comparable. > Paul > > > > > > > > -- > > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > > PDML@pdml.net > > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link > directly above and follow the directions. > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link > directly above and follow the directions. > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 10:17 PM, Mark Roberts wrote: > Larry Colen wrote: > >>I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and >>preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are >>my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money >>from selling my racecar to buying glass. >> >>I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that >>I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. >> >>Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. >> >>Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 >>A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 >>A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 >>SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 >>Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 > > How about the Pentax 16-45? Slower than the 16-50 but smaller and > cheaper. > Owned both that and the Sigma 17-70. The Sigma's as fast or faster, better built, at least as good optically and locks at its most compact at 17mm (rather than being fully extended as the 16-45 is at 16mm). The 16-45's got QSF as its sole advantage. Note I did like the results from the 16-45. But I had zero regrets when I purchased the 17-70 over the 16-45 after getting my K10D. -- M. Adam Maas http://www.mawz.ca Explorations of the City Around Us. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 7:18 PM, Larry Colen wrote: > I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and > preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are > my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money > from selling my racecar to buying glass. > > I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that > I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. > > Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. > > Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 > A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 > A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 > SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 > Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 > > How do folks feel about these various lenses? > Here's a strong recommendation for teh Sigma 17-70. I had it for a while when I had my K10D. You give up QSF, but get a lens which is as fast or faster throughout its range than the DA 16-45 and is better built, is a very good performer optically, offers 1:2.3 magnification and has a zoom lock which locks it at 17mm I generally used it as a 17mm prime with reach when I needed it, mostly left it locked at 17mm. And I wish I still had it, it would have been nice on my DS. -- M. Adam Maas http://www.mawz.ca Explorations of the City Around Us. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
On Nov 23, 2009, at 10:17 PM, Mark Roberts wrote: > Larry Colen wrote: > >> I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and >> preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are >> my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money >> from selling my racecar to buying glass. >> >> I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that >> I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. >> >> Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. >> >> Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 >> A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 >> A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 >> SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 >> Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 > > How about the Pentax 16-45? Slower than the 16-50 but smaller and > cheaper. > Good point. That's an excellent lens as well. I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between that lens and the 16-50 at f 5.6 or so. I sold mine and bought the 16-50 because I need the speed for weddings and other indoor events, but in every other way, the performance was comparable. Paul > > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
Larry Colen wrote: >I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and >preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are >my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money >from selling my racecar to buying glass. > >I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that >I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. > >Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. > >Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 >A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 >A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 >SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 >Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 How about the Pentax 16-45? Slower than the 16-50 but smaller and cheaper. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
I love my DA* 16-50. It's plenty fast and very sharp and contrasty throughout the range. But I also like the DA 12-24. Not as fast at f4 wide open, but very good performance, and that extra chunk of angle of view comes in handy now and then. I frequently use it to shoot automobile and home interiors. Paul On Nov 23, 2009, at 7:18 PM, Larry Colen wrote: > I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and > preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are > my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money > from selling my racecar to buying glass. > > I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that > I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. > > Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. > > Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 > A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 > A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 > SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 > Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 > > How do folks feel about these various lenses? > > -- > The first step is learning to take great photos, > the second step is learning to throw away ones that are merely good. > Larry Colen l...@red4est.comhttp://www.red4est.com/lrc > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
I have the Zenitar and the DA 14/2.8. I prefer primes in general, but especially at the focal lengths that would be considered the wide and narrow ranges of a given zoom. The Zenitar is worth it's money, but tends to be easily susceptible to flare/reduced contrast in the center of the image circle. I much prefer the DA 14 for it's flare resistance, large lens hood, and of course AF. Tom On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 6:18 PM, Larry Colen wrote: > I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and > preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are > my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money > from selling my racecar to buying glass. > > I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that > I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. > > Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. > > Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 > A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 > A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 > SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 > Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 > > How do folks feel about these various lenses? > > -- > The first step is learning to take great photos, > the second step is learning to throw away ones that are merely good. > Larry Colen l...@red4est.com http://www.red4est.com/lrc > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
I was thinking of a middle linebacker. Maybe Brian Urlacher or Lawrence Taylor. Paul On Nov 23, 2009, at 8:04 PM, Anthony Farr wrote: > Just reading the title of this thread made me think of a Lamborghini > Murcielago. > > Or Bette Midler ;-) > > regards, Anthony > >"Of what use is lens and light >to those who lack in mind and sight" > (Anon) > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Looking for something wide and fast
Just reading the title of this thread made me think of a Lamborghini Murcielago. Or Bette Midler ;-) regards, Anthony "Of what use is lens and light to those who lack in mind and sight" (Anon) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Looking for something wide and fast
I keep finding myself "needing" a lens that is wide, fast and preferably reasonably sharp. Pretty much all I have wider than 31 are my 18-55 and my 18-250. I'm thinking of diverting some of the money from selling my racecar to buying glass. I think that the ideal lens would be a 16-50, and I keep bumming that I never went for the one on craigslist just before I got laid off. Poking around on ebay, I've found a few options. Pentax 16-50 seems to go for $750-800 A Zenitar K MC 2.8 16mm for $180 A couple of Pentax SMC DA 14mm f2.8 ED for around $590 SIGMA 17-35mm f2.8-4 DG EX $300 Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC $370 How do folks feel about these various lenses? -- The first step is learning to take great photos, the second step is learning to throw away ones that are merely good. Larry Colen l...@red4est.comhttp://www.red4est.com/lrc -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
