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12-23-2013, 10:08 PM   #1
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Can The Sigma 18-35 replace the 15/21 duo?

replace the HD 15/21 duo?

12-23-2013, 10:48 PM   #2
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Not the 15mm, as the Sigma only goes down to 18mm. Also, it's a zoom and the others are primes. Those are the most obvious answers.
12-23-2013, 11:00 PM   #3
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I agree, it's no substitute for the 15mm. Plus, if size is anywhere on your list of priorities, it's no substitute for either.

That said, I've been using the 18-35 for about a month now (on Sigma's own SD1 Merrill), and it beats the pants off of everything I've ever used in that range. Even at f/1.8, it's perfect in the center, and acceptable in the corners. The only reason I stop it down is to increase the DOF.

The first thing I did with it was take it to a car show. It was so nice to have a lens that fast, especially in the car interiors. This one's at 18mm and f/1.8. Click on it twice to pixel-peep.

12-24-2013, 04:15 AM   #4
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It really depends on what you are doing with it. For in door photography, the 18-35 will be better , because both the 15 and 21 are slow-ish lenses. For landscapes, I can't imagine it having the flare resistance of the DA 15 (also it isn't as wide), which is why I shoot with the 15 over my DA *16-50. Having a really wide aperture just doesn't make a big difference to me when I am shooting landscapes (and that's what I usually use my 15 for).

12-24-2013, 05:06 AM   #5
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Apples and oranges, Im afraid. Huge differences between them.
Prime vs, zoom
f3.5/4 vs. f1.8
compact vs. big and heavy
15mm is also significantly wider than 18mm

And these differences mean they have different uses and different rendering. Though, I doubt any of these lenses will truly disappoint you. The reviews of the Sigma seem stellar. The weakest of the lenses you listed is probably the DA 21mm ltd. But on the other hand, it is so compact you can always have it with you, unlike the Sigma 18-35mm

So, as usually in photography, the answer is.. get all of them!
12-24-2013, 08:33 AM   #6
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The 15 is wider and that extra 3mm makes a big difference at wide focal lengths. If 18 is wide enough then it might be. I'm considering the Sigma as a lens to cover the 24-28mm range which I end up using a lot with the kit zoom. I have manual lenses but as I'm getting older I have to rely on AF a lot more. The Limiteds are small. You can carry them in a pocket. The Sigma gives you f1.8 but is large and heavy. Not mentioned here is the 35mm range. The DA35Ltd. is a real macro. You could buy used copies of the 21 and 35 for around the same price as the Sigma.

You can keep going on and on here. They're all good glass and the decision isn't easy. There is certainly a place for a sharp, fast zoom in everybody's bag but most of us don't have the finances for both. In a few years, there will be used Sigma 18-35's.
12-24-2013, 08:35 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by tabl10s Quote
replace the HD 15/21 duo?
Did U mean 21, 35mm duo ?

12-24-2013, 09:30 AM   #8
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Heresy! Blasfamous! That being said...... that sure is one sweet looking picture on the inside of that car scratchpaddy Is the FA 31 in doubt as well?
12-24-2013, 02:28 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by Driline Quote
Heresy! Blasfamous! That being said...... that sure is one sweet looking picture on the inside of that car scratchpaddy Is the FA 31 in doubt as well?
You must not have an FA31 if you are asking that question. Not a chance.
12-24-2013, 02:51 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Primes4ever Quote
You must not have an FA31 if you are asking that question. Not a chance.
I do not. Please help me out here.
12-24-2013, 03:30 PM   #11
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The Tamron AF 17-35mm 2.8-4 is a competitive alternative also. It's replaced my DA 16-45.
12-24-2013, 08:04 PM   #12
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My plan is to use the 18-35 as my indoor, low light machine, and the 15/21 will be for outside, sunsets, and strong backlight. The biggest weakness of the Sigma is flare, the greatest strength of the DA's is flare. The greatest weakness of the DAs is they are slo, and the greatest strength of the Sigma is that it is fast. Seems they are complimentary rather than in competition for your affection!
12-29-2013, 06:10 PM   #13
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I was just thinking about a lens like this. I shoot mostly cars but do like to take photos of the occasional landscape and building. I walk around with a 28/ 2.8 but as usual, found myself wanting either something closer to 20 and sometimes something closer to 40. All of this without losing the 2.8 speed of my 28, as a lot of shooting is done in early morning light where being able run a decent shutter speed is important. The 15/ 4, from what I have seen is good but I am afraid that it will not be fast enough.
12-29-2013, 08:49 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by derelict Quote
All of this without losing the 2.8 speed of my 28, as a lot of shooting is done in early morning light where being able run a decent shutter speed is important. The 15/ 4, from what I have seen is good but I am afraid that it will not be fast enough.
No problem, it's effectively as fast as your 28/2.8.

To avoid shake (without SR), you need at least 1/30 sec with the 28mm.
But with the 15mm, you can go down to 1/15 sec for the same amount of blur.
(I've handheld it at 1/2 sec with SR.)

Pentax knew what they were doing when they designed the DA Limiteds.
Moving from 15mm to 70mm, they progressively increased the speed:
15/4, 21/3.2, 35-40/2.8, 70/2.4.
12-29-2013, 11:47 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by scratchpaddy Quote
I agree, it's no substitute for the 15mm. Plus, if size is anywhere on your list of priorities, it's no substitute for either.

That said, I've been using the 18-35 for about a month now (on Sigma's own SD1 Merrill), and it beats the pants off of everything I've ever used in that range. Even at f/1.8, it's perfect in the center, and acceptable in the corners. The only reason I stop it down is to increase the DOF.

The first thing I did with it was take it to a car show. It was so nice to have a lens that fast, especially in the car interiors. This one's at 18mm and f/1.8. Click on it twice to pixel-peep.
It's a bit unfair...
The sigma 18-35 + SD1M could beat the IQ of 645D...
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