Looking for opiniong on a Sigma 28-105

Frogroast · 05-06-2008, 09:29 PM

Hi folks,

I'm looking for a lens in the wide/normal zoom range. Any opinions on a Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4 ASPHERICAL IF lens? I know it's discontinued, but there are a couple of stores that still have it for under $200.

Alternatives are appreciated!

fernley · 05-06-2008, 10:12 PM

Why not get a Pentax 28-105mm? This one is about the same price, small, light and, best of all, it's very sharp.

27997 Pentax SMCP-FA 28-105mm f/3.2-4.5 AL Standard Auto Focus Zoom Lens with Hood

heropsycho · 05-07-2008, 01:01 AM

I had one of these lenses. Not a bad lens all up. Nice colours, great IQ, very good build quality. Just too big and bulky for a walkabout lens imho.

Frogroast · 05-07-2008, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by fernley

Why not get a Pentax 28-105mm? This one is about the same price, small, light and, best of all, it's very sharp.

27997 Pentax SMCP-FA 28-105mm f/3.2-4.5 AL Standard Auto Focus Zoom Lens with Hood

I'm not looking for a small or light lens - I want as bright a lens as I can get in a wide-normal zoom range to take people shots in less than perfect lighting (think bars, parties, benefits and fundraisers).

heropsycho - this is definitely not a lightweight - at 14oz it's quite beastly, but nothing better to put on people's face

*hinman* · 05-07-2008, 08:11 PM

I have Pentax SMC 28-105 f/3.2-4.5, it is not as fast as your Sigma 28-105, but I find it quite handy if you use the lens for walk around purpose as it is small and lightweight. I have tried a Sigma 28-105 f/4.0-5.6, while I like the focal range, I much prefer the Pentax for color and sharpness. Also, I handle three different Sigm lenses and AF speed tend to be slower than Pentax.

Not a good portrait, but sample shot without flash

1/15 sec, f/4.5, 85mm, iso 400, -1 Ev, hand-held with K100D

Pentax SMC FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 Test Shots - Hin's Tech Corner

Since you are looking for portrait, I would recommend Tamron 28-75 f/2.8

1/60 sec, f/2.8, 63mm, iso 400, 0 Ev, Hand-held in K100D

Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 Di Macro Test Shots - Hin's Tech Corner

The lens is a very good zoom and pretty sharp wide open and I use it mostly for portrait purpose, it is heavy like your Sigma 28-105 but it is constant f/2.8 throughout, a bit pricier than your Sigma but worth considering. If you also consider prime around $200, I would recommend Pentax FA 50 f/1.4 which works really well for indoor at f/2.0 for me.

*hinman* · 05-07-2008, 09:38 PM

Some portraits taken in a nightclub type of restaurant. The inside is quite dark and I resorted to first use of my AF540 on most shots taken in the party

No flash, wide open in f/2.8, iso 400, 50mm, hand-held, no flash
a bit soft, my mistakes mostly

with flash

Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 Di Macro Test Shots - Hin's Tech Corner

*k100d* · 05-07-2008, 09:44 PM

here's a review of the 24-135, i would assume it would be similar
FM Reviews - 24-135mm f/2.8-4.5 Aspherical IF

switch79 · 05-08-2008, 12:56 AM

I had the Sigma 28-105 2.8-4. Didn't really rate it that much. It was a little to soft for me. sold it on fleabay for more than what I paid and bought an FA50. I guess I was lucky. anyways there are other better lenses in that range.

Frogroast · 05-08-2008, 07:45 PM

Thanks everyone for your input and pictures!

Originally Posted by switch79

I had the Sigma 28-105 2.8-4. Didn't really rate it that much. It was a little to soft for me. sold it on fleabay for more than what I paid and bought an FA50. I guess I was lucky. anyways there are other better lenses in that range.

Any suggestions on better lenses in this range?