Whats considered the best value super wide angle lens ? Less than 17mm

photoleet · 01-28-2012, 07:24 PM

I don't have the money for Pentax 12-24, but I see Sigma and Tamron have cheaper models. Are there any legacy lenses or what are your suggestions for the best wide angle lenses ?

Verglace · 01-28-2012, 07:30 PM

I would say DA15mm LTD

Love it!

civiletti · 01-28-2012, 07:42 PM

Samyang 14mm also sold by Bower, Phoenix, Vivitar, etc.
I have and love the Sigma 8-16mm

jimr-pdx · 01-28-2012, 08:07 PM

The variants of the Samyang 14mm (and the 8mm fisheye) both are very good for the money, and both have the "A" aperture setting I believe. Both are manual focus, but with such depth of field it's seldom an issue. In the old days (film) something below 20mm was exotic and expensive, so while cool to own their prices aren't a match for newer lenses. Tamron Sigma and Pentax also have 14s. I had the Sigma f/2.8 but it didn't play right with a K-7, my copy always shot wide open. Unless a 12-24 falls in my lap I expect to get one of the Samyangs - I'd prefer a 15 limited but don't see that in my immediate financial future.

For zooms, the 'best value' might be a used DA 10-17 from someone here.. but you need to like the fisheye effect if you want to take it wide.

bobmaxja · 01-28-2012, 08:12 PM

This question come almost every week. I have the Tamrom 10-24? I took few hundred photo in Greece. This is a great lense

Adam · 01-28-2012, 08:32 PM - **3 Likes**

Because the question comes up so often, we're planning on doing a 10-24mm Tamron vs 12-24mm Sigma/Pentax comparison. Stay tuned for that!

VoiceOfReason · 01-28-2012, 08:59 PM

Any way to get the Sigma 10-20 in on that? I know it's not the same, but those are the 3 I am considering if I can get the cash together.

kaiserz · 01-28-2012, 09:29 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Because the question comes up so often, we're planning on doing a 10-24mm Tamron vs 12-24mm Sigma/Pentax comparison. Stay tuned for that!

I'll be looking forward to that.

northcoastgreg · 01-28-2012, 09:37 PM

The DA 15 is the best UWA lens wider than 17mm available for K-Mount. After that would be the DA 12-24 and the Sigma 8-16. The first version of the Sigma 10-20 and the Tamron 10-24 are solid, less expensive options.

photoleet · 01-28-2012, 10:41 PM

Originally posted by jimr-pdx

The variants of the Samyang 14mm (and the 8mm fisheye) both are very good for the money, and both have the "A" aperture setting I believe. Both are manual focus, but with such depth of field it's seldom an issue. In the old days (film) something below 20mm was exotic and expensive, so while cool to own their prices aren't a match for newer lenses. Tamron Sigma and Pentax also have 14s. I had the Sigma f/2.8 but it didn't play right with a K-7, my copy always shot wide open. Unless a 12-24 falls in my lap I expect to get one of the Samyangs - I'd prefer a 15 limited but don't see that in my immediate financial future.

For zooms, the 'best value' might be a used DA 10-17 from someone here.. but you need to like the fisheye effect if you want to take it wide.

I'm not a fan of the fish eye so 10-17 is a no go. I feel like I want to go wider than 14mm of Samyang.

Originally posted by bobmaxja

This question come almost every week. I have the Tamrom 10-24? I took few hundred photo in Greece. This is a great lense

Thank you, I'm just worried about softness on corners that I have read in the reviews.

Originally posted by Adam

Because the question comes up so often, we're planning on doing a 10-24mm Tamron vs 12-24mm Sigma/Pentax comparison. Stay tuned for that!

Originally posted by VoiceOfReason

Any way to get the Sigma 10-20 in on that? I know it's not the same, but those are the 3 I am considering if I can get the cash together.

Awesome to see the review, also please include the Sigma 10-20.

RioRico · 01-29-2012, 03:53 AM

I think we have three similar threads going at the moment. My story and I'm sticking to it: A year ago I could have bought either Sigma 10-20, the DA12-24, or the Tamron 10-24. I didn't consider the Sigma 8-16 nor any UWA primes. None of these are perfect, and copy variation can be important. I chose the Tamron because of 1) focal range, 2) warranty, 3) price, and 4) known Sigma QC issues. I am happy.

The Tamron 10-24 has a very useful range, good for very tight spaces at the wide end and 'scapes at the long end. It's pretty much replaced my Zenitar 16/2.8, although I still use the Zen for its speed and slight fishiness; I won't part with it. The Zen is a deal at US$200.

Those are IMHO the best UWA values: Zenitar 16/2.8 and Tamron 10-24. YMMV.

chickenandavocado · 01-29-2012, 04:18 AM

tamron 10-24 is probably the best value for money (from what i've seen; don't own it though).
personally i love and own the da 15 however.

reeftool · 01-29-2012, 06:53 AM

The DA 15. I never leave home without it.

Voytech · 01-29-2012, 07:15 AM

I can only speak of the Tamron 10-24 since I own it. It is a workhorse lens. Quality is great if you know what to avoid.

liukaitc · 01-29-2012, 08:13 AM

Originally posted by Adam

Because the question comes up so often, we're planning on doing a 10-24mm Tamron vs 12-24mm Sigma/Pentax comparison. Stay tuned for that!

great..but there many super wide zoom out there
tamron 10-24 sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 sigma 10-20 f3.5 sigma 8-16 f4.5-5.6 sigma 12-24 pentax 12-24.....
if I named right.....

01-28-2012, 07:24 PM	#1
photoleet Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: DMV Photos: Albums Posts: 431	Whats considered the best value super wide angle lens ? Less than 17mm I don't have the money for Pentax 12-24, but I see Sigma and Tamron have cheaper models. Are there any legacy lenses or what are your suggestions for the best wide angle lenses ?

01-28-2012, 08:32 PM - 3 Likes	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Because the question comes up so often, we're planning on doing a 10-24mm Tamron vs 12-24mm Sigma/Pentax comparison. Stay tuned for that! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Pentax SMC 24mm F3.5 24/3.5 Super Wide Angle Lens	frank	Sold Items	2	11-02-2009 08:10 PM
For Sale - Sold: Sigma 10-20mm Super Wide Angle Lens	TomInJax	Sold Items	5	08-06-2008 04:47 AM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax SMC DA 14mm F2.8 14/2.8 Super Wide Angle Lens	frank	Sold Items	8	02-12-2007 07:10 PM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax SMC A 20mm F2.8 20/2.8 Super Wide Angle Lens	frank	Sold Items	9	02-10-2007 07:35 AM

01-28-2012, 07:30 PM	#2
Verglace Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 468	I would say DA15mm LTD Love it!

01-28-2012, 07:42 PM	#3
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	Samyang 14mm also sold by Bower, Phoenix, Vivitar, etc. I have and love the Sigma 8-16mm

01-28-2012, 08:07 PM	#4
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	The variants of the Samyang 14mm (and the 8mm fisheye) both are very good for the money, and both have the "A" aperture setting I believe. Both are manual focus, but with such depth of field it's seldom an issue. In the old days (film) something below 20mm was exotic and expensive, so while cool to own their prices aren't a match for newer lenses. Tamron Sigma and Pentax also have 14s. I had the Sigma f/2.8 but it didn't play right with a K-7, my copy always shot wide open. Unless a 12-24 falls in my lap I expect to get one of the Samyangs - I'd prefer a 15 limited but don't see that in my immediate financial future. For zooms, the 'best value' might be a used DA 10-17 from someone here.. but you need to like the fisheye effect if you want to take it wide.

01-28-2012, 08:12 PM	#5
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	This question come almost every week. I have the Tamrom 10-24? I took few hundred photo in Greece. This is a great lense

01-28-2012, 08:59 PM	#7
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Any way to get the Sigma 10-20 in on that? I know it's not the same, but those are the 3 I am considering if I can get the cash together.

01-28-2012, 09:29 PM	#8
kaiserz Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NoVa The "burg" Photos: Gallery Posts: 899	Originally posted by Adam Because the question comes up so often, we're planning on doing a 10-24mm Tamron vs 12-24mm Sigma/Pentax comparison. Stay tuned for that! I'll be looking forward to that.

01-28-2012, 09:37 PM	#9
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,174	The DA 15 is the best UWA lens wider than 17mm available for K-Mount. After that would be the DA 12-24 and the Sigma 8-16. The first version of the Sigma 10-20 and the Tamron 10-24 are solid, less expensive options.

01-28-2012, 10:41 PM	#10
photoleet Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: DMV Photos: Albums Posts: 431 Original Poster	Originally posted by jimr-pdx The variants of the Samyang 14mm (and the 8mm fisheye) both are very good for the money, and both have the "A" aperture setting I believe. Both are manual focus, but with such depth of field it's seldom an issue. In the old days (film) something below 20mm was exotic and expensive, so while cool to own their prices aren't a match for newer lenses. Tamron Sigma and Pentax also have 14s. I had the Sigma f/2.8 but it didn't play right with a K-7, my copy always shot wide open. Unless a 12-24 falls in my lap I expect to get one of the Samyangs - I'd prefer a 15 limited but don't see that in my immediate financial future. For zooms, the 'best value' might be a used DA 10-17 from someone here.. but you need to like the fisheye effect if you want to take it wide. I'm not a fan of the fish eye so 10-17 is a no go. I feel like I want to go wider than 14mm of Samyang. Originally posted by bobmaxja This question come almost every week. I have the Tamrom 10-24? I took few hundred photo in Greece. This is a great lense Thank you, I'm just worried about softness on corners that I have read in the reviews. Originally posted by Adam Because the question comes up so often, we're planning on doing a 10-24mm Tamron vs 12-24mm Sigma/Pentax comparison. Stay tuned for that! Originally posted by VoiceOfReason Any way to get the Sigma 10-20 in on that? I know it's not the same, but those are the 3 I am considering if I can get the cash together. Awesome to see the review, also please include the Sigma 10-20.

01-29-2012, 03:53 AM	#11
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	I think we have three similar threads going at the moment. My story and I'm sticking to it: A year ago I could have bought either Sigma 10-20, the DA12-24, or the Tamron 10-24. I didn't consider the Sigma 8-16 nor any UWA primes. None of these are perfect, and copy variation can be important. I chose the Tamron because of 1) focal range, 2) warranty, 3) price, and 4) known Sigma QC issues. I am happy. The Tamron 10-24 has a very useful range, good for very tight spaces at the wide end and 'scapes at the long end. It's pretty much replaced my Zenitar 16/2.8, although I still use the Zen for its speed and slight fishiness; I won't part with it. The Zen is a deal at US$200. Those are IMHO the best UWA values: Zenitar 16/2.8 and Tamron 10-24. YMMV.

01-29-2012, 04:18 AM	#12
chickenandavocado Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 327	tamron 10-24 is probably the best value for money (from what i've seen; don't own it though). personally i love and own the da 15 however.

01-29-2012, 06:53 AM	#13
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,555	The DA 15. I never leave home without it.

01-29-2012, 07:15 AM	#14
Voytech Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NY/NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 952	I can only speak of the Tamron 10-24 since I own it. It is a workhorse lens. Quality is great if you know what to avoid.

01-29-2012, 08:13 AM	#15
liukaitc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Photos: Albums Posts: 1,008	Originally posted by Adam Because the question comes up so often, we're planning on doing a 10-24mm Tamron vs 12-24mm Sigma/Pentax comparison. Stay tuned for that! great..but there many super wide zoom out there tamron 10-24 sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 sigma 10-20 f3.5 sigma 8-16 f4.5-5.6 sigma 12-24 pentax 12-24..... if I named right.....