Loved reading this
my comments on a few lenses that I used
Originally posted by nomadkng Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 - Yes it's 5.6 but this is a landscape lens and if you are shooting below f8 you are doing something wrong.
Somehow I was disappointed by this lens. I used two versions of this lens, Pentax and Nikon mount, and the experience has been same - there was something missing, not as sharp at infinity especially when shooting distant objects with a lots of details like trees/leaves. Shown it to Sigma center and they said everything is fine. Later I moved to Sony and I compared it with Sigma 19mm (on NEX) or even lowly rated Sony 16mm, both outperformed it by good margin.
Originally posted by nomadkng Tamron 17-50 f2.8 - I have owned the sigma 17-70, sigma 17-50, sigma 20-40, pentax fa20-35, da15, da40, fa35 all in this focal length. The Tamron wins for flare control + sharpness + diffraction control + versatility + price. This is really where my zoom bias comes into play. Honorable Mention goes to the Sigma 18-35, but it's an $800 lens and I'm not sure one can get 2-3x as much quality out of it.
+1, loved this lens.
Originally posted by nomadkng Sigma 50-150 f2.8 - I know it's not fair to include a discontinued lens, but I have owned the DA*50-135 and this lens blows it away in focusing and reliability. IQ is equal. Sorry Pentax but until you put a DC motor in the 50-135, it's not even a contest. Instead of the 50-135 I'd even recommend the next lens on this list.
I always wanted this but couldn't get hold of it. Eventually got 50-135, as you said, SDM is definitely a fear but loved it otherwise.
Originally posted by nomadkng Tamron 70-200 f2.8 - Only lens in this range available for Pentax shooters since Sigma is discontinued, and I much preferred Sigma, but the Tamron is not bad. It's not in my bag, but would be if I needed it. It beats out the 60-250 because of the extra stop and I just don't trust SDM.
This is another great lens, unfortunately mine never seen much usage due to the weight. Any reason why you prefer Sigma over it?