FF upgrade for my FA-J 18-35mm

6BQ5 · 10-11-2015, 01:39 PM

I have a FA-J 18-35mm that I use on film and digital. What would be the next step up from this lens? There don't seem to be too many, if any, high quality UWA lenses for FF.

**jatrax** · 10-11-2015, 01:50 PM

20-35 f/4. ??
Or wait for the theoretical 15-30 .....

**TER-OR** · 10-11-2015, 01:53 PM

Wider or better?
Sigma's DG lenses are apparently full-frame. So the 8-16 is out, but the 12-24 is OK.
That or one of the 10-20 lenses would be among my first thoughts.

Adam · 10-11-2015, 01:54 PM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

I have a FA-J 18-35mm that I use on film and digital. What would be the next step up from this lens? There don't seem to be too many, if any, high quality UWA lenses for FF.

I'd wait for whatever is on the roadmap, yeah. Or, if you want something that's affordable see if you can find a used Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 DG.

Adam
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6BQ5 · 10-11-2015, 05:57 PM

18mm on film/FF is pretty wide so I don't think I need anything wider but I'll take it if IQ is good. The Sigma 12-24mm has always interested me but two things hold me back. First, the reviews and test data indicate that corners are soft at all apertures. Image samples from FF bodies in other mounts seem to support this. The FA-J fares a bit worse but the Sigma in the corners isn't $200+ better. Second, I would like to reach 35mm on the tele end so it overlaps with my FA 31mm just slightly.

I checked out the FA 20-35. Interesting lens! The corners on APS samples look a bit soft to me in some image samples I saw. Again, the FA-J isn't too far behind and I don't think the jump to the FA 20-35 is worth $300+ to me.

@Adam : what is on the lens roadmap? Is there something potentially coming our way in the distant future?

**boriscleto** · 10-11-2015, 06:54 PM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

@Adam : what is on the lens roadmap? Is there something potentially coming our way in the distant future?

The Tamron 15-30 is on the roadmap. But then you will have to ask yourself is this $1000 better?

pinholecam · 10-11-2015, 07:19 PM

New
====
Samyang 14/2.8
Sigma 12-24 - one of the widest on FF.

Used
=====
Tamron 17-35 - at least as good as the Canon 17-40L
M20/4 - if you are not too picky about corners and like small+portable
K28/3.5 - really good

Maybe
=====
FA20-35 - never tried it on FF, but seen it in the flesh. Small for a 20-35 zoom.

If you want widest and the performance that matches up against the newer UWA offerings of Canikony, then wait for the new Pentax UWA.
At the least, it will be a rebranded Tamron 15-30, which is no slouch.

Adam · 10-11-2015, 07:27 PM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

@Adam : what is on the lens roadmap? Is there something potentially coming our way in the distant future?

Something along the lines of 15-30mm for the FF. See the latest roadmap on our homepage:
Pentax Lens Roadmap Updated - September 2015 - Pentax Announcements | PentaxForums.com

filmamigo · 10-11-2015, 07:31 PM

I upgraded my 18-35 to a Sigma DG 15-30. It's one of the best lenses I've ever owned and produced three of my best ever photos -- two at 15mm, one at 30mm. It was great on film (PZ1p and MZ-S) and digital (K20D.)

I sold it because the unwieldy lens hood arrangement prevented any use of filters. I replaced it with the more pedestrian Tokina 19-35, which is nice and well behaved, but hasn't been a stunner like that Sigma.

**Lowell Goudge** · 10-12-2015, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by TER-OR

Wider or better?
Sigma's DG lenses are apparently full-frame. So the 8-16 is out, but the 12-24 is OK.
That or one of the 10-20 lenses would be among my first thoughts.

The sigma 10-20 are DC lenses not DG and are out. The 12-24 is massive

The 10-20 covers FF without noticeable vignetting from 13mm .

The FA-J 18-35 still seems to command a good price considering it was a kit lens, I see them used for about $150 compared to the DA18-55 at about $40

Mine came with the *istD but I never used it on the camera. When I wanted wide, I shot film, and used it on my PZ1

ChristianRock · 10-13-2015, 08:09 AM

Digitalis speaks highly of the Sigma 15-30. It could be a budget alternative to the Pentax 15-30. And there's one in the marketplace forums right now (not mine and I am not associated with the seller).

**Digitalis** · 10-13-2015, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by ChristianRock

Digitalis speaks highly of the Sigma 15-30

Speak of the Devil.....

The Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG can be tricky to find - It uses rear gel filters which are rather novel to use with B&W film, I don't recall any Pentax lens that used them.

Beware many copies of the Sigma 15-30mm have centering issues, I got an optical technician to align my copy. 15-30mm covers an extremely useful focal length range on APS-C and on full frame. Optically at 30mm it can't compete with the FA31, the corners never get truly sharp even at f/11 - Sigma can't make a 30mm lens worth a damn. On pentax K5IIs I compared it to my sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 and at @ 15mm the 15-30mm was basically identical in terms of image quality, which is rather remarkable considering there is a 10 year difference between the optical designs.

Pentax K5IIs - Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG ISO80 f/11 1/30th @ 15mm

PentaxK5IIs - Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG ISO 80 2s f/11 @ 15mm

Also I should mention it is particularly vulnerable to flare, the built in hood doesn't seem to help much on APS-C. Also the 3.4% distortion @ 15mm on full frame is noticeable even on APS-C, in post processing it can be easily corrected.

shaolen · 10-13-2015, 10:12 AM

I just got 18-35mm. Waiting for FF to come out hehe

6BQ5 · 10-20-2015, 12:02 PM

I just bumped into a couple Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8 lenses on the 'net. Prices seem reasonable. What's the general consensus on them? Being f/2.8 must be a plus over the FA-J.

The Sigma 15-30mm is definitely not easy to find!

**Digitalis** · 10-20-2015, 06:09 PM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

I just bumped into a couple Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8 lenses on the 'net. Prices seem reasonable. What's the general consensus on them?

The only good thing about that lens is that it is cheap, optical quality was a lower priority over cost with that lens. It is said to have good centre sharpness, however things fall apart towards the corners. A common complaint is the plastic construction In contrast The 15-30mm is built like a tank, the reason for this is that it was intended to compete with the Canon 17-40L.

10-11-2015, 01:39 PM	#1
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	FF upgrade for my FA-J 18-35mm I have a FA-J 18-35mm that I use on film and digital. What would be the next step up from this lens? There don't seem to be too many, if any, high quality UWA lenses for FF.

10-11-2015, 07:27 PM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by 6BQ5 @Adam : what is on the lens roadmap? Is there something potentially coming our way in the distant future? Something along the lines of 15-30mm for the FF. See the latest roadmap on our homepage: Pentax Lens Roadmap Updated - September 2015 - Pentax Announcements \| PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

10-13-2015, 09:53 AM	#12
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by ChristianRock Digitalis speaks highly of the Sigma 15-30 Speak of the Devil..... The Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG can be tricky to find - It uses rear gel filters which are rather novel to use with B&W film, I don't recall any Pentax lens that used them. Beware many copies of the Sigma 15-30mm have centering issues, I got an optical technician to align my copy. 15-30mm covers an extremely useful focal length range on APS-C and on full frame. Optically at 30mm it can't compete with the FA31, the corners never get truly sharp even at f/11 - Sigma can't make a 30mm lens worth a damn. On pentax K5IIs I compared it to my sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 and at @ 15mm the 15-30mm was basically identical in terms of image quality, which is rather remarkable considering there is a 10 year difference between the optical designs. Pentax K5IIs - Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG ISO80 f/11 1/30th @ 15mm PentaxK5IIs - Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG ISO 80 2s f/11 @ 15mm Also I should mention it is particularly vulnerable to flare, the built in hood doesn't seem to help much on APS-C. Also the 3.4% distortion @ 15mm on full frame is noticeable even on APS-C, in post processing it can be easily corrected. Last edited by Digitalis; 10-13-2015 at 10:19 AM.

10-20-2015, 06:09 PM	#15
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by 6BQ5 I just bumped into a couple Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8 lenses on the 'net. Prices seem reasonable. What's the general consensus on them? The only good thing about that lens is that it is cheap, optical quality was a lower priority over cost with that lens. It is said to have good centre sharpness, however things fall apart towards the corners. A common complaint is the plastic construction In contrast The 15-30mm is built like a tank, the reason for this is that it was intended to compete with the Canon 17-40L. Last edited by Digitalis; 10-20-2015 at 06:16 PM.

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10-11-2015, 01:50 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	20-35 f/4. ?? Or wait for the theoretical 15-30 .....

10-11-2015, 01:53 PM	#3
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Wider or better? Sigma's DG lenses are apparently full-frame. So the 8-16 is out, but the 12-24 is OK. That or one of the 10-20 lenses would be among my first thoughts.

10-11-2015, 01:54 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by 6BQ5 I have a FA-J 18-35mm that I use on film and digital. What would be the next step up from this lens? There don't seem to be too many, if any, high quality UWA lenses for FF. I'd wait for whatever is on the roadmap, yeah. Or, if you want something that's affordable see if you can find a used Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 DG. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

10-11-2015, 05:57 PM	#5
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348 Original Poster	18mm on film/FF is pretty wide so I don't think I need anything wider but I'll take it if IQ is good. The Sigma 12-24mm has always interested me but two things hold me back. First, the reviews and test data indicate that corners are soft at all apertures. Image samples from FF bodies in other mounts seem to support this. The FA-J fares a bit worse but the Sigma in the corners isn't $200+ better. Second, I would like to reach 35mm on the tele end so it overlaps with my FA 31mm just slightly. I checked out the FA 20-35. Interesting lens! The corners on APS samples look a bit soft to me in some image samples I saw. Again, the FA-J isn't too far behind and I don't think the jump to the FA 20-35 is worth $300+ to me. @Adam : what is on the lens roadmap? Is there something potentially coming our way in the distant future?

10-11-2015, 06:54 PM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by 6BQ5 @Adam : what is on the lens roadmap? Is there something potentially coming our way in the distant future? The Tamron 15-30 is on the roadmap. But then you will have to ask yourself is this $1000 better?

10-11-2015, 07:19 PM	#7
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	New ==== Samyang 14/2.8 Sigma 12-24 - one of the widest on FF. Used ===== Tamron 17-35 - at least as good as the Canon 17-40L M20/4 - if you are not too picky about corners and like small+portable K28/3.5 - really good Maybe ===== FA20-35 - never tried it on FF, but seen it in the flesh. Small for a 20-35 zoom. If you want widest and the performance that matches up against the newer UWA offerings of Canikony, then wait for the new Pentax UWA. At the least, it will be a rebranded Tamron 15-30, which is no slouch.

10-11-2015, 07:31 PM	#9
filmamigo Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 797	I upgraded my 18-35 to a Sigma DG 15-30. It's one of the best lenses I've ever owned and produced three of my best ever photos -- two at 15mm, one at 30mm. It was great on film (PZ1p and MZ-S) and digital (K20D.) I sold it because the unwieldy lens hood arrangement prevented any use of filters. I replaced it with the more pedestrian Tokina 19-35, which is nice and well behaved, but hasn't been a stunner like that Sigma.

10-12-2015, 09:30 AM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	Originally posted by TER-OR Wider or better? Sigma's DG lenses are apparently full-frame. So the 8-16 is out, but the 12-24 is OK. That or one of the 10-20 lenses would be among my first thoughts. The sigma 10-20 are DC lenses not DG and are out. The 12-24 is massive The 10-20 covers FF without noticeable vignetting from 13mm . The FA-J 18-35 still seems to command a good price considering it was a kit lens, I see them used for about $150 compared to the DA18-55 at about $40 Mine came with the *istD but I never used it on the camera. When I wanted wide, I shot film, and used it on my PZ1

10-13-2015, 08:09 AM	#11
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Digitalis speaks highly of the Sigma 15-30. It could be a budget alternative to the Pentax 15-30. And there's one in the marketplace forums right now (not mine and I am not associated with the seller).

10-13-2015, 10:12 AM	#13
shaolen Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 1,047	I just got 18-35mm. Waiting for FF to come out hehe

10-20-2015, 12:02 PM	#14
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348 Original Poster	I just bumped into a couple Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8 lenses on the 'net. Prices seem reasonable. What's the general consensus on them? Being f/2.8 must be a plus over the FA-J. The Sigma 15-30mm is definitely not easy to find!