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03-03-2013, 07:43 PM   #1
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Sigma in 5 years..best going?

Sigma, in my opinion have really pulled up their sox as of the last while. Could be my imagination but I don't hear as many "bad copy" stories of just a few years back. My 70 -200mm f2.8 EX APO really does rings around my Pentax glass as far as autofocus. To boot it is very sharp even wide open.
I see them even surpassing even the big two in certain areas.
Anyone else agree?

All opinions of course welcome!

Thanks

Randy

03-03-2013, 07:53 PM   #2
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My Sigma 70~200 FLD OS for Pentax is super sharp wide open, blistering sharp at f/4. My Sigma 300 2.8 for Nikon is blistering sharp wide open and too sharp by f/4 - I am looking forward to getting my hands on the new Sigma Weather Sealed 120-300 2.8 as part of my Nikon kit...
03-03-2013, 08:10 PM   #3
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Recently bought the 30mm 1.4, back focused by a mile. Sent it in to Sigma for calibration, now it's great!
03-03-2013, 10:42 PM   #4
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I bought a Sigma 70-210 f3.5-4.5 APO (a rare beast, I believe) about 10 years ago. Very sharp and a solid build. I still use it. Recently bought a Sigma 18-200 f3.5-6.3 HSM DC II. It seems to be very sharp, even wide open. I did a rough comparison witht the Pentax 18-55 f3.5-5.6 AL II over the 18-55 range and I thought the Sigma was better lens, with the bonus that it also goes to 200 mm (see "Comparison" in my albums if anyone is interested). I think Sigma generally have a good product. All manufacturers have some QC issues at times.

03-03-2013, 10:50 PM   #5
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if the 50-150 was WR I would've gotten it instead (as per usefulness of the FL, and HSM speed).... no regrets with the Pentax 50-135 though
03-04-2013, 02:28 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by slip Quote
Sigma, in my opinion have really pulled up their sox as of the last while. Could be my imagination but I don't hear as many "bad copy" stories of just a few years back. My 70 -200mm f2.8 EX APO really does rings around my Pentax glass as far as autofocus. To boot it is very sharp even wide open.
I see them even surpassing even the big two in certain areas.
Anyone else agree?

All opinions of course welcome!

Thanks

Randy
Long Long last while, they are a great lens manufacturer, pity the Pentax mount sells in so low numbers that we don't get some of the other fine lenses available to the masses. 120-300 2.8 with a 1.4 or 2x TC would almost make me want to switch brands. Come on Sigma we want one.

regards
Kevin
03-04-2013, 02:38 AM   #7
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Sigma and Tamron are both fine companies. In some cases, WAY better than Pentax. IMO, the only thing Pentax offers in its line that are more compelling than Tamron or Sigma counterparts are WR on some lenses. If Sigma and/or Tamron sealed their lenses, Pentax would be blown out of the water for most of their line.

This makes me think there's almost an agreement for no-WR in the aftermarket.

Also, Tokina made some good stuff for Pentax. Wish some of it was still available.

I really wish Sigma made the new 35 1.4 WR, but it appears that I have to move to Nikon to get a fast 35 that's WR (on APS-c), but they also have FF 50s.


Last edited by snake; 03-04-2013 at 03:19 AM.
03-04-2013, 02:42 AM   #8
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I love my 20-40mm 2.8. Hardly ever leaves the camera.
03-04-2013, 04:05 AM   #9
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I've never had a bad Sigma Lens.
03-04-2013, 05:37 AM   #10
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I know there are them as likes to look down their noses at Sigma. I chalk that up to a bygone age &/or snobbery for the sake of snobbery. I've got a bunch of Sigs in my lens cupboard & love 'em. The Sigma warranty is way better (longer period) than Pentax and I've had very good experience with the service center in NY.
03-04-2013, 05:40 AM   #11
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Oh, by the way, I just bought a Tamron 17-50 and in addition to its low price and sharp output, Tamron also threw in a 5 year warranty. Simply register through the site and the standard 2 year EU warranty is now 5. Done.

Pentax can't work out the SDM issues, nor decentering problems on the 16-50, it's priced through the roof, and has a 1 year warranty in most of the world, though it's 2 in the EU (provided Pentax even honors the warranty WHEN the SDM fails).
03-04-2013, 09:58 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kozlok Quote
Recently bought the 30mm 1.4, back focused by a mile. Sent it in to Sigma for calibration, now it's great!
I have the same problem with my 30mm 1.4. I checked AF and added a +7 adjustment for close focusing, but it looks like infinity focus is off now because of the adjustment. It is not a big deal because I would normally use MF for landscape shots anyway, but I thought about sending it to Sigma for calibration.
Can you tell me how much that cost to send in yours for calibration? Did you send your camera with the lens?

Mike
03-04-2013, 10:05 AM   #13
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Back to the original topic, I'm pleased with my Sigmas so far and the better warranties on the EXs are the icing on the cake. I love my 70 and 105 macros and my newly acquired 30 1.4 looks promising so far. Hopefully, my refurb 50-150 will be shipped out today! I would love to have that 500mm, but the wifey would kill me! Lol.

Mike
03-04-2013, 10:07 AM   #14
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I always liked Sigma for their glass ... even more than Pentax glass (most of the cases, but not all obviously).
03-04-2013, 10:14 AM   #15
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Are there any pentax-branded lenses that are Sigma designed and/or made?
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