Originally posted by stlind Hello everyone, i´ve got a question again.
I´m currently searching for a workhorse for my Kx, something i´ll carry with me all the time. I want this to be a prime, as i feel more comfortable with them and i find it easier/more interesting to work with.
So, right now i´ve narrowed it down to the Sigma 30mm/1.4 or the Pentax DA35mm/2.4, since these 2 are in my price range (roughly.). I´ve also considered the 24mm and 28mm Sigma-Primes, but for some reason i dont really find any constructive reviews on them (they are also harder to get where i live, especially used).
Also, for some reason, i think that since i mainly use manual focus, the Sigma 30mm will be better, because i read that the DA35/2.4 has a rather short manual focus... distance (sorry, i dont really know an appropriate english word).
So, what are your thoughts about my dilemma? Thanks a lot in advance!
I'm greatfull for Sigma because they offer some lenses that Pentax currently miss. Therefore I have the Sigma 20mm f1.8 (I wanted something fast that have an angle of view close to a 28mm on a full frame camera). If I could have got hold of the Sigma 180mm macro in K mount I would have that also. All creds to Sigma for filling these gaps. I'm aware that the Sigma 30mm f1.4 also fill the gap of a fast APS-C normal for Pentax for those considering the DA31ltd too expensive. So you see, I'm not a Pentax fanatic.
The 20mm f1.8 is a good lens, even very good. It is plastic built, but fairly good, though details like the shade and the "quick focus" don't keep Pentax standard. It is sharper corner-to-corner than I expected, but it is also the only autofocus lens I have that have stopped focusing below freezing. The biggest drawback is that it is heavy and bulky. There is no pocket that can take this lens. I expect this says a bit about the 30/1.4 as well.
If looking for a lens to be your everyday work-horse, consider this:
K-x weight 515g
Sigma 30/1.4 weight 430g
SMC Pentax-DA 35/2.4 124g
The Sigma is 3-4 times heavier than teh DA35, almost as heavy as as your camera body. Partly it is because it is a fast lens which means a "wider" design and more glass. But it is more than that. Pentax extremely rare SMC Pentax-M 35/1.4 was 420 g, and that was an all metal lens without autofocus mechanisms. So my impression is that Sigma (today) tend to build bulky. You might not want to carry that around everyday. I only use the 20/1.8 when I really need the speed.