Originally posted by kent Well, step by step i am quitting Pentax and selling the last gear and the buying Canon tools. Today I tried 18-35mm Sigma with my old Canon and I was impressed with sharpness, contrast, premium build quality. Focus wise it is quite fast lens, although focusing is hit or miss sometimes (might be my fault because I had no time to test it properly). Otherwise it is a stunning lens and I cannot imagine buying 20-40 lens even if I stayed with Pentax... Sigma is a real winner here, and my hands are quite strong to hold few grams more. Speed has its cost.
Some people wander in the Pentax door for the wrong reasons, it's good you're finding your way out.
Originally posted by Clavius I think Pentax should have cancelled the HD DA 20-40mm project as soon as they heard of the Sigma 18-35mm, just to save face.
I am having difficulty just finding room for my Sigma 8-16 and 70 macro. To the point that I've ordered an A-50 2.8 to replace the 70 macro in my bag. YOu can only carry so much weight. So while I appreciate the nice IQ these lenses provide, I pretty much ignore commentary from folks who don't carry their gear. With all due respect, it's a different mind set.
I wouldn't go to a hiker forum and start talking about the features of a coleman two burner camp stove and 20 gallon propane tank. But that's what these comments are about.
You're writing off a lens you haven't seen. The simple fact is, you don't appear to be Pentax users for the right reasons. Portability, and compact size and rugged construction are the three features that really stand out in the brand. Thinks outdoors, Pentax does. I had to buy two heavy lenses to understand the advantage. I'll save my weight in the future, for long lenses where it;s necessary. Turning a wide angle lens into a tank, is not the way I think Pentax should go. Especially since Sigma is so god at it.
It becomes an argument between people who appreciate what Pentax is and does, and those who would be more suited to other brands.
I don't need the lens. But I'm not going to judge it before anyone has even seen it or tested it. Saying people have tested the 18-35, is just saying it went into production first. In the grand scheme of lens design and production, first doesn't mean best. Only best means best.