Pentax 10-17mm VS Sigma 10-20mm [need help ASAP!]

stuarrt · 05-08-2016, 10:22 AM

Hey guys! Just joined today, so sorry if this is in the wrong section.
Anyways, I need to pick a lens today if I want it to arrive before I go.
I've been stressing like mad trying to pick a decent wide angle lens.
I've narrowed it down to either the Sigma 10-20mm or the Pentax 10-17mm.
From the reviews I've read, both of their corners are soft and not very sharp.
I like the fact that the Pentax get's a less fish-eye effect as you zoom, but I'd really like that extra 2mm that the sigma has
So, please weigh in on this. If you have either lens please post some of the pictures you've taken with it, and share your experience.
If you also have any suggestions please feel free to comment. Don't really want to spend more than $450 CAD
I'd mainly be using the lens for landscapes.
Thanks!

Racer X 69 · 05-08-2016, 10:33 AM

What camera will you be mounting this to?

stuarrt · 05-08-2016, 10:41 AM

Pentax KS-1, and eventually down the road the K-3

Racer X 69 · 05-08-2016, 10:54 AM

Sigma offers two different 10~20 zooms. One has a constant f 3.5 aperture, the other is f4~f5.6.

The Pentax 10~17 is a decent lens, I have one. I also have a Sigma 4.5 f2,8 circular fisheye. Both are great lenses that can produce good photos. Each has their own character.

**pepperberry farm** · 05-08-2016, 10:55 AM

I can only speak about the DA 10-17mm - and the corners are not going to be sharp because it's a fish-eye lens... once you get past the 'distortion' issue (not an issue if you understand the lens' limitations), it is a wondrous lens.....

beautiful color-rendition, near-macro close focusing ability, quick-shift (if that means anything to you), well-built, and simply does amazing things...

here is my flickr album for the 10-17mm: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pepperberryfarm/albums/72157659032799212

mechmike10 · 05-08-2016, 11:00 AM

I have the 10-20mm f4-5.6 that I have used on a k-10, k-5 and now k-3. Most of the issues (in particular distortion) are around the very edges of the frame at 10mm. When I am using it at that focal length, I simply try to frame the photo so I have a little room to crop out the edges.

Davidparis · 05-08-2016, 11:00 AM

Originally posted by stuarrt

Hey guys! Just joined today, so sorry if this is in the wrong section.
Anyways, I need to pick a lens today if I want it to arrive before I go.
I've been stressing like mad trying to pick a decent wide angle lens.
I've narrowed it down to either the Sigma 10-20mm or the Pentax 10-17mm.
From the reviews I've read, both of their corners are soft and not very sharp.
I like the fact that the Pentax get's a less fish-eye effect as you zoom, but I'd really like that extra 2mm that the sigma has
So, please weigh in on this. If you have either lens please post some of the pictures you've taken with it, and share your experience.
If you also have any suggestions please feel free to comment. Don't really want to spend more than $450 CAD
I'd mainly be using the lens for landscapes.
Thanks!

Can't speak for the Sigma, but it appears to have good reviews. I do have the DA 10-17 however and am extremely happy with it. I believe it has the proverbial pixie dust as the images it produces are really excellent and out of the ordinary. Couple weeks ago while preparing for a trip to India, I had trouble deciding on which lenses to take. I decided to include the DA 10-17 and goodness gracious, it really produced some outstanding images. Great color rendition, perfectly sharp enough and composition effects are great with this lens.

A lot of our photos are almost "documentary-like" as we expect perfect rendering and wall to wall sharpness, sometimes at the expense of artistic creation. The DA 10-17 is certainly not perfect but it has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection.

Last edited by Davidparis; 05-08-2016 at 11:31 AM.

CarlJF · 05-08-2016, 11:07 AM - **1 Like**

For landscape, the Sigma 10-20 is certainly more useful than the 10-17. The 10-20 is rectlinear, the 10-17 is a fisheye... Quite different lenses that will give you completely different results. In the end, it's much more a question of if you want a rectilinear lens or a fisheye one than "which one is best"... Both have their use. You just don't want a fisheye if you need a rectlinear, and the other way around too. Only you can tell what you need depending on the effect you want to achieve.

**mgvh** · 05-08-2016, 11:17 AM

I did quite a comparing of the two HERE. Main things to note:

The DA 10-17 FE is quite a bit wider than the Sigma. Even after you defish and crop out the sides, the Sigma at 10mm = the DA at 12mm. (And my Sigma is particularly softer at the 10mm end, so if I want wide, the DA is preferable.)
The DA is quite a bit smaller which means I tend to carry it with me more often.
Both allow for close-up focus which makes for a nice effect.
The Sigma pairs well with the 18-55 or 18-135 to cover a full range.
Since the DA is quite a bit wider, it pairs better with something like the 16-85 to cover a full range.

**Fookus** · 05-08-2016, 11:49 AM

I agree with Pepperberry farm....

10 17 is TOP Notch....for splendid shots...very nice colours...close focus

Small Power! example...

reeftool · 05-08-2016, 12:02 PM

The DA 10-17 is a fisheye and the Sigma 10-20 is rectilinear so right off, there is a BIG difference in the look of the shots. The barrel distortion is never completely gone with the 10-17 although it's possible to work around it. There is software that is claimed to "defish" shots but IMO is mostly unsatisfactory. First off, decide whether you want the distorted, curved world of the 10-17 or a more "normal" looking wide angle view and choosing should be a fairly easy decision. For me, I love the look the DA 10-`17 gives my shots but I also own the DA15 for a less distorted view of the world. Both lenses never leave my bag.

stuarrt · 05-08-2016, 12:02 PM

Thanks for all of your replies!
I don't have a problem defshing images either, as I quite enjoy the editing part of photography as well.
At what focal length does the pentax stops being a fish eye? As long as it's okay from like 15-17 it'll be fine. That's all I want really. I just thought of the fish eye effect as an added bonus. Right now all I really have for a zoom lens is the 18-55mm kit (I tend to shoot at 18 more).
Is there anything like the 16-85mm but not as expensive?

stuarrt · 05-08-2016, 12:09 PM

Also, how does the pentax fair as just a walk around lens? So say if I were to take it while walking in the forest or city

**pepperberry farm** · 05-08-2016, 12:24 PM

Originally posted by stuarrt

Thanks for all of your replies!
I don't have a problem defshing images either, as I quite enjoy the editing part of photography as well.
At what focal length does the pentax stops being a fish eye? As long as it's okay from like 15-17 it'll be fine. That's all I want really. I just thought of the fish eye effect as an added bonus. Right now all I really have for a zoom lens is the 18-55mm kit (I tend to shoot at 18 more).

by 14-15mm the fishyness is lessened and completely gone by 15-17mm....

Originally posted by stuarrt

Also, how does the pentax fair as just a walk around lens? So say if I were to take it while walking in the forest or city

as much as I love my Dory (DA10-17mm), she's not a walkabout lens - that's more DA 18-135mm territory for me...

not enough reach for me to pull subjects out of the background as a walkabout lens...

stuarrt · 05-08-2016, 12:39 PM

I think I'm more leaning towards the pentax now. I think I could get some cool shots with it, and I still have my kit lens + 50mm 1.7, and a 55 F2 for walkabouts.
Maybe I should look at more of a wide angle zoom lens. So like 16-35 for example. Any recommendations?

05-08-2016, 10:22 AM	#1
stuarrt Junior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 25	Pentax 10-17mm VS Sigma 10-20mm [need help ASAP!] Hey guys! Just joined today, so sorry if this is in the wrong section. Anyways, I need to pick a lens today if I want it to arrive before I go. I've been stressing like mad trying to pick a decent wide angle lens. I've narrowed it down to either the Sigma 10-20mm or the Pentax 10-17mm. From the reviews I've read, both of their corners are soft and not very sharp. I like the fact that the Pentax get's a less fish-eye effect as you zoom, but I'd really like that extra 2mm that the sigma has So, please weigh in on this. If you have either lens please post some of the pictures you've taken with it, and share your experience. If you also have any suggestions please feel free to comment. Don't really want to spend more than $450 CAD I'd mainly be using the lens for landscapes. Thanks!

05-08-2016, 11:17 AM	#9
mgvh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,029	I did quite a comparing of the two HERE. Main things to note: The DA 10-17 FE is quite a bit wider than the Sigma. Even after you defish and crop out the sides, the Sigma at 10mm = the DA at 12mm. (And my Sigma is particularly softer at the 10mm end, so if I want wide, the DA is preferable.) The DA is quite a bit smaller which means I tend to carry it with me more often. Both allow for close-up focus which makes for a nice effect. The Sigma pairs well with the 18-55 or 18-135 to cover a full range. Since the DA is quite a bit wider, it pairs better with something like the 16-85 to cover a full range.

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05-08-2016, 10:33 AM	#2
Racer X 69 Moderator Man With A Camera Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet, in the Land Between Canada and Mexico Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,064	What camera will you be mounting this to?

05-08-2016, 10:41 AM	#3
stuarrt Junior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 25 Original Poster	Pentax KS-1, and eventually down the road the K-3

05-08-2016, 10:54 AM	#4
Racer X 69 Moderator Man With A Camera Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet, in the Land Between Canada and Mexico Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,064	Sigma offers two different 10~20 zooms. One has a constant f 3.5 aperture, the other is f4~f5.6. The Pentax 10~17 is a decent lens, I have one. I also have a Sigma 4.5 f2,8 circular fisheye. Both are great lenses that can produce good photos. Each has their own character.

05-08-2016, 10:55 AM	#5
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,625	I can only speak about the DA 10-17mm - and the corners are not going to be sharp because it's a fish-eye lens... once you get past the 'distortion' issue (not an issue if you understand the lens' limitations), it is a wondrous lens..... beautiful color-rendition, near-macro close focusing ability, quick-shift (if that means anything to you), well-built, and simply does amazing things... here is my flickr album for the 10-17mm: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pepperberryfarm/albums/72157659032799212

05-08-2016, 11:00 AM	#6
mechmike10 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mechanicsburg, PA Posts: 176	I have the 10-20mm f4-5.6 that I have used on a k-10, k-5 and now k-3. Most of the issues (in particular distortion) are around the very edges of the frame at 10mm. When I am using it at that focal length, I simply try to frame the photo so I have a little room to crop out the edges.

05-08-2016, 11:00 AM	#7
Davidparis Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 290	Originally posted by stuarrt Hey guys! Just joined today, so sorry if this is in the wrong section. Anyways, I need to pick a lens today if I want it to arrive before I go. I've been stressing like mad trying to pick a decent wide angle lens. I've narrowed it down to either the Sigma 10-20mm or the Pentax 10-17mm. From the reviews I've read, both of their corners are soft and not very sharp. I like the fact that the Pentax get's a less fish-eye effect as you zoom, but I'd really like that extra 2mm that the sigma has So, please weigh in on this. If you have either lens please post some of the pictures you've taken with it, and share your experience. If you also have any suggestions please feel free to comment. Don't really want to spend more than $450 CAD I'd mainly be using the lens for landscapes. Thanks! Can't speak for the Sigma, but it appears to have good reviews. I do have the DA 10-17 however and am extremely happy with it. I believe it has the proverbial pixie dust as the images it produces are really excellent and out of the ordinary. Couple weeks ago while preparing for a trip to India, I had trouble deciding on which lenses to take. I decided to include the DA 10-17 and goodness gracious, it really produced some outstanding images. Great color rendition, perfectly sharp enough and composition effects are great with this lens. A lot of our photos are almost "documentary-like" as we expect perfect rendering and wall to wall sharpness, sometimes at the expense of artistic creation. The DA 10-17 is certainly not perfect but it has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Last edited by Davidparis; 05-08-2016 at 11:31 AM.

05-08-2016, 11:07 AM - 1 Like	#8
CarlJF Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Quebec City Posts: 1,185	For landscape, the Sigma 10-20 is certainly more useful than the 10-17. The 10-20 is rectlinear, the 10-17 is a fisheye... Quite different lenses that will give you completely different results. In the end, it's much more a question of if you want a rectilinear lens or a fisheye one than "which one is best"... Both have their use. You just don't want a fisheye if you need a rectlinear, and the other way around too. Only you can tell what you need depending on the effect you want to achieve.

05-08-2016, 12:02 PM	#11
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,552	The DA 10-17 is a fisheye and the Sigma 10-20 is rectilinear so right off, there is a BIG difference in the look of the shots. The barrel distortion is never completely gone with the 10-17 although it's possible to work around it. There is software that is claimed to "defish" shots but IMO is mostly unsatisfactory. First off, decide whether you want the distorted, curved world of the 10-17 or a more "normal" looking wide angle view and choosing should be a fairly easy decision. For me, I love the look the DA 10-`17 gives my shots but I also own the DA15 for a less distorted view of the world. Both lenses never leave my bag.

05-08-2016, 12:02 PM	#12
stuarrt Junior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 25 Original Poster	Thanks for all of your replies! I don't have a problem defshing images either, as I quite enjoy the editing part of photography as well. At what focal length does the pentax stops being a fish eye? As long as it's okay from like 15-17 it'll be fine. That's all I want really. I just thought of the fish eye effect as an added bonus. Right now all I really have for a zoom lens is the 18-55mm kit (I tend to shoot at 18 more). Is there anything like the 16-85mm but not as expensive?

05-08-2016, 12:09 PM	#13
stuarrt Junior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 25 Original Poster	Also, how does the pentax fair as just a walk around lens? So say if I were to take it while walking in the forest or city

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05-08-2016, 12:24 PM	#14
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,625	Originally posted by stuarrt Thanks for all of your replies! I don't have a problem defshing images either, as I quite enjoy the editing part of photography as well. At what focal length does the pentax stops being a fish eye? As long as it's okay from like 15-17 it'll be fine. That's all I want really. I just thought of the fish eye effect as an added bonus. Right now all I really have for a zoom lens is the 18-55mm kit (I tend to shoot at 18 more). by 14-15mm the fishyness is lessened and completely gone by 15-17mm.... Originally posted by stuarrt Also, how does the pentax fair as just a walk around lens? So say if I were to take it while walking in the forest or city as much as I love my Dory (DA10-17mm), she's not a walkabout lens - that's more DA 18-135mm territory for me... not enough reach for me to pull subjects out of the background as a walkabout lens...

05-08-2016, 12:39 PM	#15
stuarrt Junior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 25 Original Poster	I think I'm more leaning towards the pentax now. I think I could get some cool shots with it, and I still have my kit lens + 50mm 1.7, and a 55 F2 for walkabouts. Maybe I should look at more of a wide angle zoom lens. So like 16-35 for example. Any recommendations?