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08-29-2018, 08:46 AM   #1
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Alternative to Sigma 28mm f/1.8?

So I recently bought a new Sigma 28mm f/1.8, but it was returned not too long after. Issues for me were the large liquid marks under the front element from the factory and how "dinky" it felt compared to my Sigma 12-24mm. What alternative would you possibly suggest near this focal length? For the body, I am using a K30. I would appreciate wider apertures, as I am mostly using it as a walkaround when at airshows/car shows or when with my friends with dimmer lighting. I have thought of the FA31, but my wallet wants nothing to do with that at this time.

08-29-2018, 09:03 AM   #2
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FA-28?

it's a shame you didn't care for the Sigma 28;. my copy is amazing...
08-29-2018, 09:10 AM   #3
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If you don't mind manual focus maybe the Samyang 24mm f1.4 lens.
Otherwise you could try to find a used F or FA 28mm 2.8 lens
08-29-2018, 09:11 AM   #4
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I have that Sigma, and I have the DA21mm pancake. I use the DA21mm more frequently, but the 28mm for very low light and close focus work.

08-29-2018, 09:39 AM - 1 Like   #5
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Not as wide, but if built quality is important, the FA31 limited might be a(n not so cheap) option.
08-29-2018, 09:54 AM   #6
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Another great MF choice is the A 28mm f/2. Just my ¢¢.
08-29-2018, 10:21 AM   #7
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There's also the DA 35mm Limited. It's not as fast but it is a great lens. I also have a 28mm f1.8 and it's my go to lens. I keep it on my camera all the time.

08-29-2018, 10:42 AM - 1 Like   #8
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How is the Sigma 28/1.8 'dinky'? It looks a fairly sizable lens to me. Did you mean
'insubstantial' or 'flimsy'? Or are you really put off by its physical dimensions?
08-29-2018, 10:48 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by pepperberry farm Quote
FA-28?

it's a shame you didn't care for the Sigma 28;. my copy is amazing...
I don't mean to paint the lens in a bad way, the photos I took did seem to look good. Just the QA from Sigma and how plastic-y it felt wasn't to my liking.

---------- Post added 08-29-18 at 12:52 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by tvdtvdtvd Quote
How is the Sigma 28/1.8 'dinky'? It looks a fairly sizable lens to me. Did you mean
'insubstantial' or 'flimsy'? Or are you really put off by its physical dimensions?
Sorry for not being clear before. I meant I did not like how the plastic felt in my hands. Also a bit of rattling from within (not sure if that's normal?). I may be expecting a bit much for paying under $500, but I'm used to having Takumars and a few other misc metal lenses. My Sigma 12-24 felt "better" in build to me.
08-29-2018, 11:06 AM - 2 Likes   #10
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For an APS-C camera (K-30)? The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Art, of course
08-29-2018, 01:39 PM   #11
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I upgraded from the Sigma 1.8 quite a while ago to the FA31, though now I'm using the 28 since the FA is getting serviced. I don't think the Sigma seems particularly cheap-feeling, but to each their own. It's definitely made of plastic, but I think it is a reasonably solid plastic.
08-30-2018, 09:39 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by ChristianRock Quote
For an APS-C camera (K-30)? The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Art, of course
Admittingly, I have not extensively researched this option. I'm just in a bit of fear of not having one with optimal focus, which I see brought up every now and then (unless I read about the other Sigma 30s?).

QuoteOriginally posted by leekil Quote
I upgraded from the Sigma 1.8 quite a while ago to the FA31, though now I'm using the 28 since the FA is getting serviced. I don't think the Sigma seems particularly cheap-feeling, but to each their own. It's definitely made of plastic, but I think it is a reasonably solid plastic.
If you don't mind my asking, what's it being serviced for?

I have found an older Sigma 28/1.8 with the older style exterior finishing. It's priced just right for me to reconsider it again, so I hope to have an answer regarding it soon.

I have a few local shops that I recall having the suggested FA28. I will try that over the weekend when I can.
08-30-2018, 09:44 AM   #13
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I understand what you mean about the plastic feel of the lens. It's not one I would go on hikes with. I've never had issues with its IQ, though, and my copy seems great.

I did rent a 35mm macro a long time ago, it's nice too.

I would very much enjoy trying the FA28 for a weekend myself.
08-30-2018, 10:10 AM - 1 Like   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by NomNamNom Quote
Admittingly, I have not extensively researched this option. I'm just in a bit of fear of not having one with optimal focus, which I see brought up every now and then (unless I read about the other Sigma 30s?).
I think it works well with newer cameras and center-focus. It's when you use it with multiple focus points that it gets a bit lost, reportedly.

With my old K10D I have to use it as a manual focus lens, it always gives me trouble with that camera. But the good news is that manual focusing is great with the lens!

I think the quality of the images is worth the occasional missed focus that I get, which is so obvious on the nice and contrasty viewfinder image, that I just get it to retry focus and it's usually fine. I don't think I hardly ever miss any shots with mine.
08-30-2018, 01:00 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by NomNamNom Quote
Originally posted by leekil*
I upgraded from the Sigma 1.8 quite a while ago to the FA31, though now I'm using the 28 since the FA is getting serviced. I don't think the Sigma seems particularly cheap-feeling, but to each their own. It's definitely made of plastic, but I think it is a reasonably solid plastic.
If you don't mind my asking, what's it being serviced for?
It's being serviced because I dropped it and my camera. I'm not sure if there was really anything wrong with the FA31, I subsequently used it on a different camera and it seemed fine, but I thought I would send it with the camera in case it had a problem. It was not clearly explained to me that it does, but they are cleaning and lubricating/calibrating (?) it and getting it fully back to factory specs. (I question whether or not it is necessary or worth it, but it isn't that much and it is possibly my most-used lens.)
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