Sigma 24mm f/2.8 AF Super Wide II

24thNomad · 04-06-2018, 11:07 AM

So I saw this lens go up for sale in Excellent condition and at a reasonable price and I decided to purchase it. I needed a wide angle prime as it was one of the key types of lens missing from my kit. I was doing a little research prior to buying it and apparently it's rare lens. Is that true? Also, if you currently own it or have used it in the past, what were your experiences like? There are some reviews here but not a great deal and I wanted to hear from people in real time (or as close to that as a forum gets you). I saw several times when researching, "BUY THIS IF YOU SEE IT", so I did. I suppose I'm just looking for additional testimonies so I can feel good about the purchase. I am excited to test it out either way; I am a fan of my Sigma glass. Any experiences, insights or advice you have to share regarding this lens, would be greatly appreciated.

Also it's worth noting that this would be paired up with a K-3 II.

HarisF1 · 04-06-2018, 11:59 AM - **1 Like**

I've had a few copies of the MF version of this lens and they've always been superb. The AF version I owned was horrible though. Not very sharp, poor contrast etc. It could have been a problem with the copy I owned since the optics should be the same between AF and MF versions.

24thNomad · 04-06-2018, 12:04 PM

Originally posted by HarisF1

I've had a few copies of the MF version of this lens and they've always been superb. The AF version I owned was horrible though. Not very sharp, poor contrast etc. It could have been a problem with the copy I owned since the optics should be the same between AF and MF versions.

Thanks for your testimony! My experience with these earlier Sigmas is that their quality control is all over the place. So I wouldn't be surprised if you just happened to get a bad copy. I was ensured by the seller that it was used with several K mount camera and works well. I'm hoping I got a quality copy here. Some of the photos I've seen from this lens are great so I am excited.

stevebrot · 04-06-2018, 12:11 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by 24thNomad

I was doing a little research prior to buying it and apparently it's rare lens. Is that true?

No, it is not particularly rare in that eBay usually has a couple listed in K-mount. Both the AF and manual focus versions have a number of reviews and the manual focus version has several very loyal fans on this site. Let us all know how you like it

Originally posted by 24thNomad

My experience with these earlier Sigmas is that their quality control is all over the place.

It has only been in recent years that Sigma attained its current reputation. In the past, the brand was regarded as a small step above house brand and in fact, many house brand lenses were identical to Sigma product.

Steve

vonBaloney · 04-06-2018, 01:46 PM

Don't think it is rare, but a good copy of the lens should be quite sharp. They do tend to have some lateral CA, quite correctable. Some have complained about decentering -- check your corners. I think optically they are all the same, but the older ones have a rubberized surface that tends to wear off over time, along with the printing on them. This is common to many older Sigmas. (If it is jet black rather than slightly gray, those wear better.) I have the manual focus version, I use it all the time.

**pres589** · 04-06-2018, 02:04 PM

Yeah, the "Zen coating" that was on nearly all of the AF copies (but I don't think 100%, which is odd to me) will usually break down and turn into a gummy mess.

I think Sigma started their upward rise in quality, both build and imaging, in the generation the Super-Wide II AF came out. Sigma EX's were mostly all great from what I can tell, or at least, they weren't noisy/gummy/etc.

I believe the AF version of the Super-Wide II is the best optically due to a coatings update but don't quote me on that, it's repeated Internet lore, grain of salt etc. I have long though Pentax should have offered a lens like the Super-Wide II AF but they didn't. And probably never will.

vonBaloney · 04-06-2018, 02:09 PM

Originally posted by pres589

Yeah, the "Zen coating" that was on nearly all of the AF copies (but I don't think 100%, which is odd to me) will usually break down and turn into a gummy mess.

I think Sigma started their upward rise in quality, both build and imaging, in the generation the Super-Wide II AF came out. Sigma EX's were mostly all great from what I can tell, or at least, they weren't noisy/gummy/etc.

I believe the AF version of the Super-Wide II is the best optically due to a coatings update but don't quote me on that, it's repeated Internet lore, grain of salt etc. I have long though Pentax should have offered a lens like the Super-Wide II AF but they didn't. And probably never will.

I have had the manual version in both the new and old (gummy) outer coating. The gummy one I asked Sigma about (any way to get a replacement dof ring that I can read?) and they said no but they took it as trade-in to get a substantial discount on a brand new 70mm macro. Then I found another better copy of the super wide II.

**dadipentak** · 04-06-2018, 02:22 PM

I'm a fan of that lens.

**boriscleto** · 04-06-2018, 02:52 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

It has only been in recent years that Sigma attained its current reputation. In the past, the brand was regarded as a small step above house brand and in fact, many house brand lenses were identical to Sigma product.

Steve

And for many years they had the nickname "Stigma"...

**pasorro** · 04-07-2018, 03:37 PM

Hello
Mine is far better than FA*24, it is sharper in the córners . Smaller and lighter than the FA*. I sold the FA* and keep the Sigma. Good luck.

cyberjunkie · 04-10-2018, 04:10 PM

Originally posted by pasorro

Mine is far better than FA*24, it is sharper in the córners . Smaller and lighter than the FA*. I sold the FA* and keep the Sigma.

I'm not surprised at all.
While I find the FA* beautiful and desirable, I'd never spend the small fortune it takes to own one.
If I have to be totally sincere, 24mm was not the most fortunate focal in Pentax catalogue.
I own the A version of the 2.8/24mm, optically identical to the last K version, and I can't say it's among the best. Above decent? Yes. Very good? No.
I'd be very interested in the first K version, with f/3.5 max aperture, but it would cost almost as much as a second-hand Samyang... so I pulled the trigger for the latter, and now I'm eagerly waiting for it. My wife is flying back from the US in this very moment, with a nice boxed Samyang in her suitcase!

Back to the Sigma Super Wide, MF or AF (the optical layout is the same).
The build is not on par with Pentax offerings of the same vintage, but the IQ is great, especially considering the price, and also taking into account how difficult it was at the time to design a 24mm with such IQ.
The test I posted on another thread gives a good idea of the performance.
Maybe some of you missed it, cause the thread was about infinity adjustment.
This is the URL:
Infinity Adjustment - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com

The credit goes to whoever posted it on the Web. I saved the pdf in my HD and forgot where it came from. Sorry.
The test was done by a german magazine at the start of 1986. Almost all the 24mm's available at the time were included.
The measurements show how the Sigma beats all the others, second best being the Leica R.

The values are these (in German):
Bewertung der Bildmitte bei ouf 5,6abgeblendetem Objektiv.
Bewertung der Bildmitte bei voli aufgeblendetem Objektiv.
Bewertung des Bildrandes bei ouf 5,6 abgeblendetem Objektiv.
Bewertung des Bildrandes bei voli aufgeblendetem Objektiv.
Gesomtbewerfung des ouf 5,6 abgeblendeten Objektivs.
Gesomtbewertung des voli aufgeblendeten Objektivs.

More or less the translation is:
Evaluation of the center of the picture at f/5.6.
Evaluation of the center of the image wide open.
Evaluation of the image border at f/5,6.
Evaluation of the image border wide open.
Overall rating at f/5.6.
Overall rating wide open.

Many vintage lenses aficionados (like me

) are always looking for the magic. An inexpensive objective that unexpectedly rivals more modern/expensive lenses.
It doesn't happen very often, but the Sigma Super Wide II is a pleasant surprise that shows how price and performance are not always related.

zapp · 04-16-2018, 09:38 AM

I started out with the MF Version on Contax many years ago. Nice little lens. Later I had the AF Version for Nikon - slow, noisy AF, bad feel. I would only get the MF Version these days.

StephenHampshire · 04-16-2018, 10:06 AM

I wanted to travel light last week, so packed my Sigma mini-wide 24mm f2.8 AF - a small, but not attractive lens. My MF version has been nicked by my son.
Not a bad lens, but suffers a bit from flare.

04-06-2018, 11:07 AM	#1
24thNomad Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 66	Sigma 24mm f/2.8 AF Super Wide II So I saw this lens go up for sale in Excellent condition and at a reasonable price and I decided to purchase it. I needed a wide angle prime as it was one of the key types of lens missing from my kit. I was doing a little research prior to buying it and apparently it's rare lens. Is that true? Also, if you currently own it or have used it in the past, what were your experiences like? There are some reviews here but not a great deal and I wanted to hear from people in real time (or as close to that as a forum gets you). I saw several times when researching, "BUY THIS IF YOU SEE IT", so I did. I suppose I'm just looking for additional testimonies so I can feel good about the purchase. I am excited to test it out either way; I am a fan of my Sigma glass. Any experiences, insights or advice you have to share regarding this lens, would be greatly appreciated. Also it's worth noting that this would be paired up with a K-3 II.

04-06-2018, 02:52 PM - 1 Like	#9
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by stevebrot It has only been in recent years that Sigma attained its current reputation. In the past, the brand was regarded as a small step above house brand and in fact, many house brand lenses were identical to Sigma product. Steve And for many years they had the nickname "Stigma"... Last edited by boriscleto; 04-06-2018 at 04:09 PM.

04-10-2018, 04:10 PM	#11
cyberjunkie Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Chiang Mai, Bologna, Amsterdam Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,198	Originally posted by pasorro Mine is far better than FA24, it is sharper in the córners . Smaller and lighter than the FA. I sold the FA* and keep the Sigma. I'm not surprised at all. While I find the FA* beautiful and desirable, I'd never spend the small fortune it takes to own one. If I have to be totally sincere, 24mm was not the most fortunate focal in Pentax catalogue. I own the A version of the 2.8/24mm, optically identical to the last K version, and I can't say it's among the best. Above decent? Yes. Very good? No. I'd be very interested in the first K version, with f/3.5 max aperture, but it would cost almost as much as a second-hand Samyang... so I pulled the trigger for the latter, and now I'm eagerly waiting for it. My wife is flying back from the US in this very moment, with a nice boxed Samyang in her suitcase! Back to the Sigma Super Wide, MF or AF (the optical layout is the same). The build is not on par with Pentax offerings of the same vintage, but the IQ is great, especially considering the price, and also taking into account how difficult it was at the time to design a 24mm with such IQ. The test I posted on another thread gives a good idea of the performance. Maybe some of you missed it, cause the thread was about infinity adjustment. This is the URL: Infinity Adjustment - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com The credit goes to whoever posted it on the Web. I saved the pdf in my HD and forgot where it came from. Sorry. The test was done by a german magazine at the start of 1986. Almost all the 24mm's available at the time were included. The measurements show how the Sigma beats all the others, second best being the Leica R. The values are these (in German): Bewertung der Bildmitte bei ouf 5,6abgeblendetem Objektiv. Bewertung der Bildmitte bei voli aufgeblendetem Objektiv. Bewertung des Bildrandes bei ouf 5,6 abgeblendetem Objektiv. Bewertung des Bildrandes bei voli aufgeblendetem Objektiv. Gesomtbewerfung des ouf 5,6 abgeblendeten Objektivs. Gesomtbewertung des voli aufgeblendeten Objektivs. More or less the translation is: Evaluation of the center of the picture at f/5.6. Evaluation of the center of the image wide open. Evaluation of the image border at f/5,6. Evaluation of the image border wide open. Overall rating at f/5.6. Overall rating wide open. Many vintage lenses aficionados (like me ) are always looking for the magic. An inexpensive objective that unexpectedly rivals more modern/expensive lenses. It doesn't happen very often, but the Sigma Super Wide II is a pleasant surprise that shows how price and performance are not always related. Last edited by cyberjunkie; 04-10-2018 at 04:21 PM.

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04-06-2018, 11:59 AM - 1 Like	#2
HarisF1 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 543	I've had a few copies of the MF version of this lens and they've always been superb. The AF version I owned was horrible though. Not very sharp, poor contrast etc. It could have been a problem with the copy I owned since the optics should be the same between AF and MF versions.

04-06-2018, 12:04 PM	#3
24thNomad Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 66 Original Poster	Originally posted by HarisF1 I've had a few copies of the MF version of this lens and they've always been superb. The AF version I owned was horrible though. Not very sharp, poor contrast etc. It could have been a problem with the copy I owned since the optics should be the same between AF and MF versions. Thanks for your testimony! My experience with these earlier Sigmas is that their quality control is all over the place. So I wouldn't be surprised if you just happened to get a bad copy. I was ensured by the seller that it was used with several K mount camera and works well. I'm hoping I got a quality copy here. Some of the photos I've seen from this lens are great so I am excited.

04-06-2018, 12:11 PM - 1 Like	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by 24thNomad I was doing a little research prior to buying it and apparently it's rare lens. Is that true? No, it is not particularly rare in that eBay usually has a couple listed in K-mount. Both the AF and manual focus versions have a number of reviews and the manual focus version has several very loyal fans on this site. Let us all know how you like it Originally posted by 24thNomad My experience with these earlier Sigmas is that their quality control is all over the place. It has only been in recent years that Sigma attained its current reputation. In the past, the brand was regarded as a small step above house brand and in fact, many house brand lenses were identical to Sigma product. Steve

04-06-2018, 01:46 PM	#5
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Don't think it is rare, but a good copy of the lens should be quite sharp. They do tend to have some lateral CA, quite correctable. Some have complained about decentering -- check your corners. I think optically they are all the same, but the older ones have a rubberized surface that tends to wear off over time, along with the printing on them. This is common to many older Sigmas. (If it is jet black rather than slightly gray, those wear better.) I have the manual focus version, I use it all the time.

04-06-2018, 02:04 PM	#6
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	Yeah, the "Zen coating" that was on nearly all of the AF copies (but I don't think 100%, which is odd to me) will usually break down and turn into a gummy mess. I think Sigma started their upward rise in quality, both build and imaging, in the generation the Super-Wide II AF came out. Sigma EX's were mostly all great from what I can tell, or at least, they weren't noisy/gummy/etc. I believe the AF version of the Super-Wide II is the best optically due to a coatings update but don't quote me on that, it's repeated Internet lore, grain of salt etc. I have long though Pentax should have offered a lens like the Super-Wide II AF but they didn't. And probably never will.

04-06-2018, 02:09 PM	#7
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Originally posted by pres589 Yeah, the "Zen coating" that was on nearly all of the AF copies (but I don't think 100%, which is odd to me) will usually break down and turn into a gummy mess. I think Sigma started their upward rise in quality, both build and imaging, in the generation the Super-Wide II AF came out. Sigma EX's were mostly all great from what I can tell, or at least, they weren't noisy/gummy/etc. I believe the AF version of the Super-Wide II is the best optically due to a coatings update but don't quote me on that, it's repeated Internet lore, grain of salt etc. I have long though Pentax should have offered a lens like the Super-Wide II AF but they didn't. And probably never will. I have had the manual version in both the new and old (gummy) outer coating. The gummy one I asked Sigma about (any way to get a replacement dof ring that I can read?) and they said no but they took it as trade-in to get a substantial discount on a brand new 70mm macro. Then I found another better copy of the super wide II.

04-06-2018, 02:22 PM	#8
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	I'm a fan of that lens.

04-07-2018, 03:37 PM	#10
pasorro Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 132	Hello Mine is far better than FA24, it is sharper in the córners . Smaller and lighter than the FA. I sold the FA* and keep the Sigma. Good luck.

04-16-2018, 09:38 AM	#12
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,385	I started out with the MF Version on Contax many years ago. Nice little lens. Later I had the AF Version for Nikon - slow, noisy AF, bad feel. I would only get the MF Version these days.

04-16-2018, 10:06 AM	#13
StephenHampshire Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Winchester Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,523	I wanted to travel light last week, so packed my Sigma mini-wide 24mm f2.8 AF - a small, but not attractive lens. My MF version has been nicked by my son. Not a bad lens, but suffers a bit from flare.