Samyang 14mm vs Tamron 17-50mm for northern lights?

catastrophe · 07-31-2012, 06:01 PM

Hi,

I'm currently debating whether to get a Tamron 17-50mm or Samyang 14mm, maybe also the Sigma 24mm f2.8 macro. I want something wide for aurora and also bright enough. My Pentax 15mm would be too slow and not sharp enough at f4, my Sigma 17-70mm is also soft at f2.8 so which of these lenses would be the best choice? Is 14mm even noticeably wider than 15mm? Currently Tamron looks like the best for both aurora and general purposes, but I heard there's QC issues with this lens with auto focus issues.

Any ideas?

Aaron

Eulogy · 07-31-2012, 06:46 PM

Well, the AF issue shouldn't be that big of a deal for what you're doing, and if it does break, it's under warranty.

Sagitta · 07-31-2012, 06:58 PM

AF should be a non-issue unless you plan to use the lens for other stuff as well. You'll be wanting to shoot manual for aurora since its basically 'focus to infinity/shut down AF to keep the lens locked down'.

Personally I'd go for the Samyang if I was intending to shoot aurora/long night scenes.

As a quick comparison, this was shot wide open using the 18-55 - had the lens been faster the image probably would have been better by far.

These were shot with a cheap 50mm f/1.7 Sears prime.

jimr-pdx · 07-31-2012, 07:10 PM

I'm looking forward to catching a few Perseids using my Sigma 15mm f/2.8 fisheye at the 25th annual Oregon Star Party. Not just on the K-5 either, since this lens is FF/film friendly: the ME body will definitely come along!

Just what you needed right? another lens to contemplate..

Last edited by jimr-pdx; 07-31-2012 at 08:17 PM.

07-31-2012, 06:01 PM	#1
catastrophe Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 232	Samyang 14mm vs Tamron 17-50mm for northern lights? Hi, I'm currently debating whether to get a Tamron 17-50mm or Samyang 14mm, maybe also the Sigma 24mm f2.8 macro. I want something wide for aurora and also bright enough. My Pentax 15mm would be too slow and not sharp enough at f4, my Sigma 17-70mm is also soft at f2.8 so which of these lenses would be the best choice? Is 14mm even noticeably wider than 15mm? Currently Tamron looks like the best for both aurora and general purposes, but I heard there's QC issues with this lens with auto focus issues. Any ideas? Aaron

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07-31-2012, 06:46 PM	#2
Eulogy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick Photos: Gallery Posts: 632	Well, the AF issue shouldn't be that big of a deal for what you're doing, and if it does break, it's under warranty.

07-31-2012, 06:58 PM	#3
Sagitta Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,081	AF should be a non-issue unless you plan to use the lens for other stuff as well. You'll be wanting to shoot manual for aurora since its basically 'focus to infinity/shut down AF to keep the lens locked down'. Personally I'd go for the Samyang if I was intending to shoot aurora/long night scenes. As a quick comparison, this was shot wide open using the 18-55 - had the lens been faster the image probably would have been better by far. These were shot with a cheap 50mm f/1.7 Sears prime.

07-31-2012, 07:10 PM	#4
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	I'm looking forward to catching a few Perseids using my Sigma 15mm f/2.8 fisheye at the 25th annual Oregon Star Party. Not just on the K-5 either, since this lens is FF/film friendly: the ME body will definitely come along! Just what you needed right? another lens to contemplate.. Last edited by jimr-pdx; 07-31-2012 at 08:17 PM.