Extreme wide angle choices

Stoosh · 02-28-2008, 06:06 PM

Is it worth the wait for the Tamron 10-24? or should I just go for the Pentax 12-24?

Is there any news on release dates or prices for the tamron?

What other options do I have

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-28-2008, 06:08 PM

the sigma 10-20 is also a fine lens. Sigma also make a full frame 12-24 if you are into film, which will give you a really extreme wide angle compared to 10mm on an ASP-C sensor

TomInJax · 02-28-2008, 06:13 PM

I just bought the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 and I am very happy with it. There are good and bad with each lens. Check out the tests on each lens.

I chose the 10-20mm because the sharpness is nearly the same as the Pentax 12-24 at the same mm, without the horrible CA. Photozone.de rates the Pentax 12-24 higher than the Sigma 10-20, but I wanted the extra 2 mm, which in this range that is about 20% more picture.

I highly recommend the Sigma for it's sharpness and the extra 2mm wide.

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-28-2008, 06:27 PM

Originally posted by TomInJax

I just bought the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 and I am very happy with it. There are good and bad with each lens. Check out the tests on each lens.

I chose the 10-20mm because the sharpness is nearly the same as the Pentax 12-24 at the same mm, without the horrible CA. Photozone.de rates the Pentax 12-24 higher than the Sigma 10-20, but I wanted the extra 2 mm, which in this range that is about 20% more picture.

I highly recommend the Sigma for it's sharpness and the extra 2mm wide.

Tom

Good point that I forgot to mention. Last year, since I bought my 10-20, 20% of all my shots were below 20mm and 12% were AT 10mm.

If you now gave me the 12-24 I would miss the 10mm width

SpecialK · 02-28-2008, 09:39 PM

There is also the obvious choice of the 10-17.

Gooshin · 02-28-2008, 09:46 PM

Originally posted by SpecialK

There is also the obvious choice of the 10-17.

the 10-17 is a fisheye and has extreme barrel distortion

the 10-20/12-24 are rectalinear and have linear distortions, the effects are drasticaly different and IMO should not even be compared.

SpecialK · 02-28-2008, 10:05 PM

Quote:

the 10-17 is a fisheye and has extreme barrel distortion

Of course, that's the nature of a fisheye. Not for everyone, though.

Quote:

the 10-20/12-24 are rectalinear and have linear distortions, the effects are drasticaly different and IMO should not even be compared.

Shouldn't be afraid to compare. There was no limitation in the original post, sorry, except extreme" was mentioned. The ultrawides have distortion too - lines lean in - which can be distracting.

Gooshin · 02-28-2008, 10:33 PM

Originally posted by SpecialK

Of course, that's the nature of a fisheye. Not for everyone, though.

Shouldn't be afraid to compare. There was no limitation in the original post, sorry, except extreme" was mentioned. The ultrawides have distortion too - lines lean in - which can be distracting.

the way you said "the obvious choice" makes it seem like the sigma/pentax have no business even existing.

SpecialK · 02-28-2008, 10:42 PM

I have the Pentax 12-24, and 2 Sigmas, as indicated. But don't worry about it :-)

Oh, and the Zenitar 16mm MF lens seems to be popular with some people. I think it's under $200.

little laker · 02-28-2008, 10:43 PM

If you truly want extreme wait until Sigma makes their 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye available in a Pentax mount

I don't believe that they've announced it yet, however I'm sure they have it on their mind.

lastdodobird · 02-28-2008, 10:59 PM

Originally posted by Stoosh

Is it worth the wait for the Tamron 10-24? or should I just go for the Pentax 12-24?

Is there any news on release dates or prices for the tamron?

What other options do I have

A month ago, I also had that same problem because I really wanted and needed an ultra-wide angle lens. I was choosing between these lenses:

Pentax-DA 14mm F2.8 - It's a big large though, but I hear the IQ is very good. A bit pricey, but manageable.

Pentax-DA 12-24mm F4 - Quite expensive, very bulky front section, but very good IQ. It's not a prime though and I lean towards primes over zooms most of the time.

Sigma 12-24 mm F4.5 - Around half the price of the Pentax version, but as far as I hear, it also shows in the quality of the images. It's also an f-stop slower.

Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited - Not really UWA for me, so it's not as wide as I want to go. But in terms of size and IQ, it's great. Add that to the fact that it's a Pentax prime and it's a limited (I LOVE my 40/2.8). A bit pricey, but manageable. Having said that, I'm still pretty sure it's not as wide as I want to go.

Pentax also announced the 15mm ltd on their roadmap so that made my mouth water and i wondered if i should wait for it.

I actually posted all this on this thread over at dpreview.

It was all really funny because right now, I already made my choice and my purchase, and that's the Sigma 10-20mm f4-f5.6 lens.

Some people brought that lens to my attention over at that dpreview thread and I really found that a lot of people love the 10-20. I researched on it and canvassed prices. Eventually, it appeared as the most promising of all my choices so I went ahead and bought it. I don't regret the choice one bit and I use the lens almost always at 10mm.

The news of the Tamron 10-24 did make me hesitate a bit; but I realized that that lens might be around a year from being released, and if I really wanted it once it came out, I could just sell my Sigma 10-20 and buy the Tamron 10-24... but I'll just cross the bridge when I get there,

Basically, my opinion is that you should seriously consider the Sigma 10-20 and the fact that most users of this lens use it at 10mm almost always.

ricardobeat · 02-28-2008, 11:04 PM

Originally posted by little laker

If you truly want extreme wait until Sigma makes their 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye available in a Pentax mount

I don't believe that they've announced it yet, however I'm sure they have it on their mind.

I'm not sure but I believe you can't make a lens with a FL shorter than 8mm, unless it has a huuuuuuge front element that extends beyond the body's height and width!

little laker · 02-28-2008, 11:05 PM

I know that it isn't on a Pentax mount, however I think that some people might like the effect of the Sigma 4.5mm lens.

found in the Sigma section at dpreview here

I haven't confirmed it, but I believe that's how much the lens really vignette's

hinman · 02-28-2008, 11:13 PM

Can some owner of Sigma 10-20 confirm if the Sigma works with both digital as well as film cameras? And how about the focusing ring on the Sigma, is it wide enough that it also works well for manual focus in film cameras?

Thanks,
Hin

Kresica · 02-28-2008, 11:15 PM

Hm, you could call this vignetting, but circular fisheye has angle of view of 180°, and it makes circular image (it sees everything in front of it), so, the image is circular. Black corners are simply part of sensor that is not being used.

02-28-2008, 06:06 PM	#1
Stoosh Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 44	Extreme wide angle choices Is it worth the wait for the Tamron 10-24? or should I just go for the Pentax 12-24? Is there any news on release dates or prices for the tamron? What other options do I have

02-28-2008, 11:13 PM	#14
hinman Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Fremont, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,473	question on Sigma 10-20 Can some owner of Sigma 10-20 confirm if the Sigma works with both digital as well as film cameras? And how about the focusing ring on the Sigma, is it wide enough that it also works well for manual focus in film cameras? Thanks, Hin

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02-28-2008, 06:08 PM	#2
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	the sigma 10-20 is also a fine lens. Sigma also make a full frame 12-24 if you are into film, which will give you a really extreme wide angle compared to 10mm on an ASP-C sensor

02-28-2008, 06:13 PM	#3
TomInJax Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jacksonville, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 531	I just bought the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 and I am very happy with it. There are good and bad with each lens. Check out the tests on each lens. I chose the 10-20mm because the sharpness is nearly the same as the Pentax 12-24 at the same mm, without the horrible CA. Photozone.de rates the Pentax 12-24 higher than the Sigma 10-20, but I wanted the extra 2 mm, which in this range that is about 20% more picture. I highly recommend the Sigma for it's sharpness and the extra 2mm wide.

02-28-2008, 06:27 PM	#4
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by TomInJax I just bought the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 and I am very happy with it. There are good and bad with each lens. Check out the tests on each lens. I chose the 10-20mm because the sharpness is nearly the same as the Pentax 12-24 at the same mm, without the horrible CA. Photozone.de rates the Pentax 12-24 higher than the Sigma 10-20, but I wanted the extra 2 mm, which in this range that is about 20% more picture. I highly recommend the Sigma for it's sharpness and the extra 2mm wide. Tom Good point that I forgot to mention. Last year, since I bought my 10-20, 20% of all my shots were below 20mm and 12% were AT 10mm. If you now gave me the 12-24 I would miss the 10mm width

02-28-2008, 09:39 PM	#5
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	There is also the obvious choice of the 10-17.

02-28-2008, 09:46 PM	#6
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	Originally posted by SpecialK There is also the obvious choice of the 10-17. the 10-17 is a fisheye and has extreme barrel distortion the 10-20/12-24 are rectalinear and have linear distortions, the effects are drasticaly different and IMO should not even be compared.

02-28-2008, 10:05 PM	#7
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Quote: the 10-17 is a fisheye and has extreme barrel distortion Of course, that's the nature of a fisheye. Not for everyone, though. Quote: the 10-20/12-24 are rectalinear and have linear distortions, the effects are drasticaly different and IMO should not even be compared. Shouldn't be afraid to compare. There was no limitation in the original post, sorry, except extreme" was mentioned. The ultrawides have distortion too - lines lean in - which can be distracting.

02-28-2008, 10:33 PM	#8
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	Originally posted by SpecialK Of course, that's the nature of a fisheye. Not for everyone, though. Shouldn't be afraid to compare. There was no limitation in the original post, sorry, except extreme" was mentioned. The ultrawides have distortion too - lines lean in - which can be distracting. the way you said "the obvious choice" makes it seem like the sigma/pentax have no business even existing.

02-28-2008, 10:42 PM	#9
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	I have the Pentax 12-24, and 2 Sigmas, as indicated. But don't worry about it :-) Oh, and the Zenitar 16mm MF lens seems to be popular with some people. I think it's under $200.

02-28-2008, 10:43 PM	#10
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	If you truly want extreme wait until Sigma makes their 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye available in a Pentax mount I don't believe that they've announced it yet, however I'm sure they have it on their mind.

02-28-2008, 10:59 PM	#11
lastdodobird Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 128	Originally posted by Stoosh Is it worth the wait for the Tamron 10-24? or should I just go for the Pentax 12-24? Is there any news on release dates or prices for the tamron? What other options do I have A month ago, I also had that same problem because I really wanted and needed an ultra-wide angle lens. I was choosing between these lenses: Pentax-DA 14mm F2.8 - It's a big large though, but I hear the IQ is very good. A bit pricey, but manageable. Pentax-DA 12-24mm F4 - Quite expensive, very bulky front section, but very good IQ. It's not a prime though and I lean towards primes over zooms most of the time. Sigma 12-24 mm F4.5 - Around half the price of the Pentax version, but as far as I hear, it also shows in the quality of the images. It's also an f-stop slower. Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited - Not really UWA for me, so it's not as wide as I want to go. But in terms of size and IQ, it's great. Add that to the fact that it's a Pentax prime and it's a limited (I LOVE my 40/2.8). A bit pricey, but manageable. Having said that, I'm still pretty sure it's not as wide as I want to go. Pentax also announced the 15mm ltd on their roadmap so that made my mouth water and i wondered if i should wait for it. I actually posted all this on this thread over at dpreview. It was all really funny because right now, I already made my choice and my purchase, and that's the Sigma 10-20mm f4-f5.6 lens. Some people brought that lens to my attention over at that dpreview thread and I really found that a lot of people love the 10-20. I researched on it and canvassed prices. Eventually, it appeared as the most promising of all my choices so I went ahead and bought it. I don't regret the choice one bit and *I use the lens almost always at 10mm*. The news of the Tamron 10-24 did make me hesitate a bit; but I realized that that lens might be around a year from being released, and if I really wanted it once it came out, I could just sell my Sigma 10-20 and buy the Tamron 10-24... but I'll just cross the bridge when I get there, Basically, my opinion is that you should seriously consider the Sigma 10-20 and the fact that most users of this lens use it at 10mm almost always.

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02-28-2008, 11:04 PM	#12
ricardobeat Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Brazil Posts: 376	Originally posted by little laker If you truly want extreme wait until Sigma makes their 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye available in a Pentax mount I don't believe that they've announced it yet, however I'm sure they have it on their mind. I'm not sure but I believe you can't make a lens with a FL shorter than 8mm, unless it has a huuuuuuge front element that extends beyond the body's height and width!

02-28-2008, 11:05 PM	#13
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	I know that it isn't on a Pentax mount, however I think that some people might like the effect of the Sigma 4.5mm lens. found in the Sigma section at dpreview here I haven't confirmed it, but I believe that's how much the lens really vignette's

02-28-2008, 11:15 PM	#15
Kresica Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Photos: Gallery Posts: 105	Hm, you could call this vignetting, but circular fisheye has angle of view of 180°, and it makes circular image (it sees everything in front of it), so, the image is circular. Black corners are simply part of sensor that is not being used.