The end of wide angle primes?

normhead · 08-18-2013, 03:06 PM

Originally posted by cali92rs

Indoors, where a wide angle is required because you can't back up too far, and you want to keep your ISO low. Think museums, restaurants, bars, parties etc

When was the last time I went to a party?... someone invite me to a party, any kind of party, i'll take a 2 year old's birthday party. I have to get out more.

Parallax · 08-18-2013, 03:17 PM

This lens has me salivating. I have a 31Ltd, but if this Sigma lives up to expectations the 31 may be retired completely.

stevebrot · 08-18-2013, 03:34 PM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

I dont think thats been confirmed.

The lens is on the market. There is no K-mount version. What they don't sell, I can't buy. I believe that is confirmation enough.

Edit: I have been informed (later on this thread), that Sigma indeed wears the white hat and will make the lens available in Pentax mount later this year. Pre-orders are accepted at B&H and other dealers.

Steve

stevebrot · 08-18-2013, 03:40 PM

Originally posted by VoiceOfReason

the whole "zoom with your feet" thing doesn't work at all where I generally shoot.

The not-too-popular-truth is that it never works. Perspective is a key element of composition and perspective is determined by the position of the camera relative to the subject. I am a huge fan of primes, but often times a zoom is the only way to get what you see.

Steve

normhead · 08-18-2013, 03:50 PM

Originally posted by cali92rs

Indoors, where a wide angle is required because you can't back up too far, and you want to keep your ISO low. Think museums, restaurants, bars, parties etc

Originally posted by stevebrot

The lens is on the market. There is no K-mount version. What they don't sell, I can't buy. I believe that is confirmation enough.

Steve

Well then, what is henry's asking me to put my money down on? If you say that again I'll post the B&H page...

stevebrot · 08-18-2013, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by psychdoc

I am not sure why you would need f1.8 at these focal lengths outside of environmental portraits?

It is only in the 18-24mm aspect of its range that it is particularly wide and even at 24mm (what you would use for street photography and clubs), I could see a benefit to having the wider aperture available, not so much for the low light benefit (high ISO is the better solution), but for subject isolation.

Steve

Sandy Hancock · 08-18-2013, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by psychdoc

So what will people be using the faster aspect advantage of this lens for?

You suffer from a lack of imagination.
"Environmental portraits" pay the bills for a lot of photographers, no matter how boring you might think it might get. Event photographers are going to be all over this lens.

Sandy Hancock · 08-18-2013, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

The lens is on the market. There is no K-mount version. What they don't sell, I can't buy. I believe that is confirmation enough.

Except that Sigma are on the record as saying it will be released (soon) in K-mount, and reputable retailers are already taking pre-orders.
I know the future is an abstract concept, but even I plan for it sometimes.

stevebrot · 08-18-2013, 04:42 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Except that Sigma are on the record as saying it will be released (soon) in K-mount, and reputable retailers are already taking pre-orders.
I know the future is an abstract concept, but even I plan for it sometimes.

I stand corrected. It can be pre-ordered at B&H for $799 with free shipping. I could try and blame Sigma for not making that clear on their Web site*, but the notice is there on the product page indicating future availability in both Pentax and Sony mount.

Steve

*Drilling for lenses in Pentax mount does not list the 18-35/2.8

Primes4ever · 08-18-2013, 06:05 PM

It is a nice technical achievement but I will not be selling my Limiteds. I like the small size and weight of my five Limiteds. They make carrying the camera around all day an easy task, are less conspicuous and great to work with. My K01 and one of the Limiteds weigh less and give me second camera redundancy for less weight. I might buy one if I was doing events requiring low light performance at wide angle a lot but find that my K5 and K01 have good high ISO performance making the smaller lenses more practical.

And last but not least, I like shooting with primes for the most part. In most circumstances, foot zooming is easy and I find I compose better with primes. I use zooms as well but seem to get tunnel vision, my best photos seem to be done with primes, especially the 15,21, and 31.

slip · 08-18-2013, 06:14 PM

Originally posted by Primes4ever

It is a nice technical achievement but I will not be selling my Limiteds. I like the small size and weight of my five Limiteds. They make carrying the camera around all day an easy task, are less conspicuous and great to work with. My K01 and one of the Limiteds weigh less and give me second camera redundancy for less weight. I might buy one if I was doing events requiring low light performance at wide angle a lot but find that my K5 and K01 have good high ISO performance making the smaller lenses more practical.

And last but not least, I like shooting with primes for the most part. In most circumstances, foot zooming is easy and I find I compose better with primes. I use zooms as well but seem to get tunnel vision, my best photos seem to be done with primes, especially the 15,21, and 31.

No one speaks of the extra weight of tugging 4 or 5 primes around instead of the one zoom

Thanks

Randy

normhead · 08-18-2013, 06:18 PM

Originally posted by slip

No one speaks of the extra weight of tugging 4 or 5 primes around instead of the one zoom

Thanks

Randy

Or the time and bother of lens changes. Maybe I work in different places than you guys, but just don't always have time to be switching lenses back and forth.

lytrytyr · 08-18-2013, 06:26 PM

Originally posted by slip

Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM fixed focal length quality in a zoom?

Thoughts?

Flare resistance is an especially important component of the IQ in a wide-angle prime,
and from that point of view, the answer appears to be "No".

azerak · 08-18-2013, 07:34 PM

While I think this is a very good lens, the weight is a problem for me as I found that when I'm on an event assignment, something as heavy as this would affect me especially when I have to use it for 2 to 3 hours non stop.

Primes4ever · 08-18-2013, 08:14 PM

Originally posted by slip

No one speaks of the extra weight of tugging 4 or 5 primes around instead of the one zoom

Thanks

Randy

I usually carry 2 or 3 small primes on hikes and street shooting. One of my Limiteds on the camera is very light and easy to carry around my neck for the whole day. The others fit in a small backpack easily and are also very light. My 15 ,21,40, and DFA 100 add up to the same weight approximately and cover a wider range. I sold my 16-50 since I found it nose heavy and this did not suit my shooting style and the 16-35 would be worse.

I would buy the new Sigma 18-35 if I was doing a lot of low light events in tight spaces, I just don't see it a desirable, carry all day around my neck first choice given my shooting preferences.

08-18-2013, 03:34 PM	#18
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Na Horuk I dont think thats been confirmed. The lens is on the market. There is no K-mount version. What they don't sell, I can't buy. I believe that is confirmation enough. Edit: I have been informed (later on this thread), that Sigma indeed wears the white hat and will make the lens available in Pentax mount later this year. Pre-orders are accepted at B&H and other dealers. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 08-18-2013 at 04:44 PM.

08-18-2013, 04:42 PM	#24
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Except that Sigma are on the record as saying it will be released (soon) in K-mount, and reputable retailers are already taking pre-orders. I know the future is an abstract concept, but even I plan for it sometimes. I stand corrected. It can be pre-ordered at B&H for $799 with free shipping. I could try and blame Sigma for not making that clear on their Web site, but the notice is there on the product page indicating future availability in both Pentax and Sony mount. Steve Drilling for lenses in Pentax mount does not list the 18-35/2.8 Last edited by stevebrot; 08-18-2013 at 05:07 PM.

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08-18-2013, 03:06 PM	#16
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by cali92rs Indoors, where a wide angle is required because you can't back up too far, and you want to keep your ISO low. Think museums, restaurants, bars, parties etc When was the last time I went to a party?... someone invite me to a party, any kind of party, i'll take a 2 year old's birthday party. I have to get out more.

08-18-2013, 03:17 PM	#17
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	This lens has me salivating. I have a 31Ltd, but if this Sigma lives up to expectations the 31 may be retired completely.

08-18-2013, 03:40 PM	#19
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by VoiceOfReason the whole "zoom with your feet" thing doesn't work at all where I generally shoot. The not-too-popular-truth is that it never works. Perspective is a key element of composition and perspective is determined by the position of the camera relative to the subject. I am a huge fan of primes, but often times a zoom is the only way to get what you see. Steve

08-18-2013, 03:50 PM	#20
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by cali92rs Indoors, where a wide angle is required because you can't back up too far, and you want to keep your ISO low. Think museums, restaurants, bars, parties etc Originally posted by stevebrot The lens is on the market. There is no K-mount version. What they don't sell, I can't buy. I believe that is confirmation enough. Steve Well then, what is henry's asking me to put my money down on? If you say that again I'll post the B&H page...

08-18-2013, 03:53 PM	#21
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by psychdoc I am not sure why you would need f1.8 at these focal lengths outside of environmental portraits? It is only in the 18-24mm aspect of its range that it is particularly wide and even at 24mm (what you would use for street photography and clubs), I could see a benefit to having the wider aperture available, not so much for the low light benefit (high ISO is the better solution), but for subject isolation. Steve

08-18-2013, 04:09 PM	#22
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Originally posted by psychdoc So what will people be using the faster aspect advantage of this lens for? You suffer from a lack of imagination. "Environmental portraits" pay the bills for a lot of photographers, no matter how boring you might think it might get. Event photographers are going to be all over this lens.

08-18-2013, 04:13 PM	#23
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Originally posted by stevebrot The lens is on the market. There is no K-mount version. What they don't sell, I can't buy. I believe that is confirmation enough. Except that Sigma are on the record as saying it will be released (soon) in K-mount, and reputable retailers are already taking pre-orders. I know the future is an abstract concept, but even I plan for it sometimes.

08-18-2013, 06:05 PM	#25
Primes4ever Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Posts: 179	It is a nice technical achievement but I will not be selling my Limiteds. I like the small size and weight of my five Limiteds. They make carrying the camera around all day an easy task, are less conspicuous and great to work with. My K01 and one of the Limiteds weigh less and give me second camera redundancy for less weight. I might buy one if I was doing events requiring low light performance at wide angle a lot but find that my K5 and K01 have good high ISO performance making the smaller lenses more practical. And last but not least, I like shooting with primes for the most part. In most circumstances, foot zooming is easy and I find I compose better with primes. I use zooms as well but seem to get tunnel vision, my best photos seem to be done with primes, especially the 15,21, and 31.

08-18-2013, 06:14 PM	#26
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535 Original Poster	Originally posted by Primes4ever It is a nice technical achievement but I will not be selling my Limiteds. I like the small size and weight of my five Limiteds. They make carrying the camera around all day an easy task, are less conspicuous and great to work with. My K01 and one of the Limiteds weigh less and give me second camera redundancy for less weight. I might buy one if I was doing events requiring low light performance at wide angle a lot but find that my K5 and K01 have good high ISO performance making the smaller lenses more practical. And last but not least, I like shooting with primes for the most part. In most circumstances, foot zooming is easy and I find I compose better with primes. I use zooms as well but seem to get tunnel vision, my best photos seem to be done with primes, especially the 15,21, and 31. No one speaks of the extra weight of tugging 4 or 5 primes around instead of the one zoom Thanks Randy

08-18-2013, 06:18 PM	#27
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by slip No one speaks of the extra weight of tugging 4 or 5 primes around instead of the one zoom Thanks Randy Or the time and bother of lens changes. Maybe I work in different places than you guys, but just don't always have time to be switching lenses back and forth.

08-18-2013, 06:26 PM	#28
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by slip Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM fixed focal length quality in a zoom? Thoughts? Flare resistance is an especially important component of the IQ in a wide-angle prime, and from that point of view, the answer appears to be "No".

08-18-2013, 07:34 PM	#29
azerak Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 207	While I think this is a very good lens, the weight is a problem for me as I found that when I'm on an event assignment, something as heavy as this would affect me especially when I have to use it for 2 to 3 hours non stop.

08-18-2013, 08:14 PM	#30
Primes4ever Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Posts: 179	Originally posted by slip No one speaks of the extra weight of tugging 4 or 5 primes around instead of the one zoom Thanks Randy I usually carry 2 or 3 small primes on hikes and street shooting. One of my Limiteds on the camera is very light and easy to carry around my neck for the whole day. The others fit in a small backpack easily and are also very light. My 15 ,21,40, and DFA 100 add up to the same weight approximately and cover a wider range. I sold my 16-50 since I found it nose heavy and this did not suit my shooting style and the 16-35 would be worse. I would buy the new Sigma 18-35 if I was doing a lot of low light events in tight spaces, I just don't see it a desirable, carry all day around my neck first choice given my shooting preferences.