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11-17-2014, 02:40 AM   #1
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So I'm really interested in the Sigma 18-35 f1.8

But there's absolutely no way in hell I can ever afford this lens any time soon. I'm looking for something just like this but at half the price, but even less would be better.

I'm looking to use this lens for astrophotography and as a normal walk around lens for the streets.

The aperture doesn't need to be quite so low obviously, but something that isn't f4.5 would be great.

11-17-2014, 02:59 AM   #2
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That lens is very unique. I doubt you will even find any other zoom faster than f2.6. And there are very few affordable f2.8 zoom lenses.
The closest Pentax zooms I can think of are Pentax DA 12-24mm f4, DA 16-45mm f4 and FA 20-35mm f4. The latter two are discontinued, but can be found used. Third party, you have Sigma 10-20mm, Tamron 10-20mm.. or even the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8, if 17mm is wide enough.
And then there are Samyang primes, which are probably the best choice for astrophotography, but have no zoom, no AF. Then again, the Samyang 10mm has such a wide depth of field, you don't need to focus much if you use f8. Same thing for Samyang 14mm, but this one needs some focusing. For everyday photography I would recommend the Samyang 16mm f2.0, though, as its not as awkwardly wide.
11-17-2014, 03:18 AM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by Na Horuk Quote
That lens is very unique. I doubt you will even find any other zoom faster than f2.6. And there are very few affordable f2.8 zoom lenses.
The closest Pentax zooms I can think of are Pentax DA 12-24mm f4, DA 16-45mm f4 and FA 20-35mm f4. The latter two are discontinued, but can be found used. Third party, you have Sigma 10-20mm, Tamron 10-20mm.. or even the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8, if 17mm is wide enough.
And then there are Samyang primes, which are probably the best choice for astrophotography, but have no zoom, no AF. Then again, the Samyang 10mm has such a wide depth of field, you don't need to focus much if you use f8. Same thing for Samyang 14mm, but this one needs some focusing. For everyday photography I would recommend the Samyang 16mm f2.0, though, as its not as awkwardly wide.
But if I were to go for a prime at that price range, why wouldn't I go for something like this? (Genuinely curious)

Sigma 15mm F2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
11-17-2014, 03:27 AM   #4
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Its fisheye, which is a special kind of rendering (practically no straight lines). But sure, there are also the Samyang 8mm, Peleng 8mm, and Zenitar 16mm fisheye lenses. They have a fisheye rendering, but are affordable. I have no experience with the Sigma 15mm fisheye, but the reviews look good. Just take care that your own toes won't creep into the shot, as can happen with fisheyes.
I totally get your dilemma, but there is no easy answer that I know of. We will have to wait a couple more years for more manufacturers to make such fast zooms

11-17-2014, 05:20 AM   #5
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Go for a used Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. They can be had for 350 or less.
11-19-2014, 10:16 AM   #6
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Samyang/Rokinon 16mm f2. It's said to be excellent for astrography - coma is very well controlled even wide open.
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