Sigma 24-70 versus other wide angle lenses...

mjwooten · 11-30-2011, 04:51 AM

Good Morning all,

For a couple of years, I have had a Sigma 24-70 F2.8 as an all purpose lens. I cannot fault this for any reason regarding it's quality or performance. However, I find myself, more times than not, needing just a BIT more on the wide angle end for group shots, etc. I have read the reviews on the Sigma 17-70, Pentax 16-45, etc. Though I cannot recall using my Sigma at the wide open F2.8, wasn't sure if their was any "sacrifice" with going with the Pentax DA 16-45 versus the Sigma or even Tamron 17-50....

Just thought I would collect any first hand experiences or thoughts. Most of my shots are either outdoor scenics or large group shots at weddings, etc...and would like the wider angle but not sacrifice the quality that I have come to expect from the 24-70 or have to swap lenses during a shoot as I keep a 70-200 on my other K20 body...

Feedback is always appreciated.

Have a great day!

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-30-2011, 06:36 AM

have you considered other options like a sigma 10-20 or pentax 12-24, to fill out the bottom end?

I looked at the 24-70 what seems like a long time ago, and opted for the smaller and much lighter tamron 28-75 F2.8.

I use a sigma 10-20 and if I want a lens in the gap (20-28mm) I use the FA-J 18-35 that came with my *istD.

I am rethinking a little the line up and looking at both 17-70 and 18-135 options, but at this point I have not done any changes.

iti is a hard call to make. You will give up on some speed, with most of the options unless you go for something in the 16050F2.8 range, but speed may not be needed for group shots any way

RioRico · 11-30-2011, 06:58 AM

You know the options. My only first-hand experience with zooms in that vicinity are the Tamron 10-24 and DA18-250, both of which I like but neither of which is likely to suit you. I've no hands-on with it but just looking at numbers, the Sigma 17-70 may be your best bet.

**MJL** · 11-30-2011, 09:22 AM

Since you have experience with fast Sigma zooms, I would suggest their 10-20/3.5. It has great coverage at 10mm and minimal distortion. It is relatively fast at f/3.5 as well. Below is sample of a tight & dark situation where this lens shine.

Last edited by MJL; 11-21-2012 at 11:07 AM.

mjwooten · 11-30-2011, 03:47 PM

Thanks for the replies...wow! MJL...great wide angle shot, wouldn't have thought of that, but it definitely did a remarkable job in this situation!

11-30-2011, 04:51 AM	#1
mjwooten New Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 7	Sigma 24-70 versus other wide angle lenses... Good Morning all, For a couple of years, I have had a Sigma 24-70 F2.8 as an all purpose lens. I cannot fault this for any reason regarding it's quality or performance. However, I find myself, more times than not, needing just a BIT more on the wide angle end for group shots, etc. I have read the reviews on the Sigma 17-70, Pentax 16-45, etc. Though I cannot recall using my Sigma at the wide open F2.8, wasn't sure if their was any "sacrifice" with going with the Pentax DA 16-45 versus the Sigma or even Tamron 17-50.... Just thought I would collect any first hand experiences or thoughts. Most of my shots are either outdoor scenics or large group shots at weddings, etc...and would like the wider angle but not sacrifice the quality that I have come to expect from the 24-70 or have to swap lenses during a shoot as I keep a 70-200 on my other K20 body... Feedback is always appreciated. Have a great day!

11-30-2011, 09:22 AM	#4
MJL Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: The Canadian WetCoast Photos: Albums Posts: 384	Sigma 10-20/3.5 Since you have experience with fast Sigma zooms, I would suggest their 10-20/3.5. It has great coverage at 10mm and minimal distortion. It is relatively fast at f/3.5 as well. Below is sample of a tight & dark situation where this lens shine. Last edited by MJL; 11-21-2012 at 11:07 AM.

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11-30-2011, 06:36 AM	#2
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	have you considered other options like a sigma 10-20 or pentax 12-24, to fill out the bottom end? I looked at the 24-70 what seems like a long time ago, and opted for the smaller and much lighter tamron 28-75 F2.8. I use a sigma 10-20 and if I want a lens in the gap (20-28mm) I use the FA-J 18-35 that came with my *istD. I am rethinking a little the line up and looking at both 17-70 and 18-135 options, but at this point I have not done any changes. iti is a hard call to make. You will give up on some speed, with most of the options unless you go for something in the 16050F2.8 range, but speed may not be needed for group shots any way

11-30-2011, 06:58 AM	#3
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	You know the options. My only first-hand experience with zooms in that vicinity are the Tamron 10-24 and DA18-250, both of which I like but neither of which is likely to suit you. I've no hands-on with it but just looking at numbers, the Sigma 17-70 may be your best bet.

11-30-2011, 03:47 PM	#5
mjwooten New Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 7 Original Poster	Thanks for the replies...wow! MJL...great wide angle shot, wouldn't have thought of that, but it definitely did a remarkable job in this situation!