[ManhattanProject]

I'm looking for a wide-angle lens for my K-7. I'm leaning toward the DA 12-24 because most of the comparison reviews say it's clearly the better lens, but I'm wondering how big the differences really are on a day-to-day real-world use level. The Tamron does go slightly wider, which could be nice.

Basically, just looking for some input from people who have either lens or have compared both and can give me their views.

Thanks guys,
MP

[Marc Sabatella]

Any reason you aren't considering the Sigma? If you've searched for the manyprevious discussions, that's the one tha usually gets recommended if you're looking for wider than the 12-24 (and cheaper too) - or the new 8-16 if you're looking to go even wider.

[ManhattanProject]

Any reason you aren't considering the Sigma? If you've searched for the manyprevious discussions, that's the one tha usually gets recommended if you're looking for wider than the 12-24 (and cheaper too) - or the new 8-16 if you're looking to go even wider.

I had looked at the Sigma 10-20, but I was under the impression that the Tamron was considered almost universally the better lens. The Sigma is definitely not out of the question.


What is this new 8-16 you speak of? It sounds enticing

[Biro]

Any reason you aren't considering the Sigma? If you've searched for the manyprevious discussions, that's the one tha usually gets recommended if you're looking for wider than the 12-24 (and cheaper too) - or the new 8-16 if you're looking to go even wider.

Another vote to consider Sigma. The company offers three ultra wide-angle zooms for Pentax: the 10-20mm f/4-5.6, the newer 10-20mm f/3.5 HSM and the brand-new 8-16mm. Both 10-20mm zooms are less money than the Pentax 12-24mm f/4. And, unless you really think you need the f/3.5 constant aperture (and in that focal range, you may not), the smart money is on the 10-20mm f/4-5.6. This lens seems to be the most-popular UWA third-party lens among Pentaxians:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/84539-sigma-10-20mm-club.html

Now, if money is no object, the Pentax 12-24 tests the best of all these lenses. The Sigmas tend to fall behind that and the Tamron 10-24 generally finishes last. But that's in the lab. In the real world, all of these lenses have numerous fans who enjoy them.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/103557-tamron-10-24-mm-club.html

And here are the specs on the Sigma 8-16:

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/8-16mm-f45-56-dc-hsm-sigma

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Last edited by Biro; 07-03-2010 at 11:41 AM.

[Pentaxor]

the Tamron doesn't have pleasing colors. from the samples I had seen, they had been atleast average. find them muddy or dull (so-so) and lacks some character.

the Pentax is great and has been one of my favorite UW zooms.

but since you don't own an UW lens yet, I would recommend the Sigma 8-16. I would certainly get it if only I could afford having both UW zooms.

[Marc Sabatella]

I had looked at the Sigma 10-20, but I was under the impression that the Tamron was considered almost universally the better lens.

Curious; it seems virtually all discussions I've seen come to the opposite conclusion. The old Sigma 10-20, anyhow; the new 10-20 may or may not be as good.

What is this new 8-16 you speak of? It sounds enticing

Announced months ago, released on other platforms some time ago, just started shipping for Pentax last week or so. Some samples posted over on dpr. People who have tested it seem very impressed.

[forensicscientist]

I've used both Sigma 10-20 and ended up purchasing the Tamron 10-24. I use it for really wide landscapes, and after comparing them, found the Tamron to give me more "saturated" colors. Naturally, your mileage may differ I've never tried the 12-24 so no help there.....

good luck

[ManhattanProject]

Thanks for the responses. I'm pretty much sold on the 8-16, looks like a great lens and I love how wide it goes.

[lesmore49]

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