Sigma Art 30 vs K1

Bui · 08-22-2019, 05:06 AM

As ridiculous as it sounds, it's my question

in fact I have been eyeing for a K1 for quite a while (currently having a KP and K45ii), mostly out of curiosity and also to give some of my K and M lenses it's real "home". Never pull the trigger so far, since the cost is still high, and I'm not ready for full frame lenses yet (also cost issue).

Still, I can't entirely get rid of the K1 from my mind.

I have a Sigma Art 30mm 1.4, very nice and sharp lens. I purchased it mostly for indoor photos of my little daughter, and also as a standard versatile lens. Turn out I use it occasional for the 1st purpose, never take it out for any other things. Why? It's heavy and big, and stopping down for non-portrait non low-light photos it's not better than other lenses.

Since I have also the F50 1.7 and a Super Takumar 50 1.4, if I put them on a K1, I could expect a similar perspective as the Sigma on my KP, correct? Then, by selling the Sigma I can cover almost half of the K1 cost, yet still have options ready for indoor photos, yet still have a much higher potential tool for everything else (also the danger of future lenses needed but let's pretend there is nothing).

Does that even make sense thinking that way?

**BigMackCam** · 08-22-2019, 05:25 AM

Originally posted by Bui

Since I have also the F50 1.7 and a Super Takumar 50 1.4, if I put them on a K1, I could expect a similar perspective as the Sigma on my KP, correct?

Similar, yes. A 50mm lens on full frame will give just a very slightly narrower field of view than the 30mm on APS-C, but not enough to matter, IMHO...

grispie · 08-22-2019, 05:26 AM

Originally posted by Bui

I have a Sigma Art 30mm 1.4, very nice and sharp lens

just to make sure:
is it the Sigma Art 30 1.4 or 35 1.4 ? as your comments below don't match with the 30 1.4.. at least, not to me ;-)

Originally posted by Bui

Why? It's heavy and big

Originally posted by Bui

Then, by selling the Sigma I can cover almost half of the K1 cost

Benz3ne · 08-22-2019, 05:30 AM

Originally posted by Bui

Does that even make sense thinking that way?

Makes perfect sense to me. If you're set on getting a K-1, and you're absolutely not using the Sigma Art (i.e. you would have no sellers remorse) then you'd be better off selling and purchasing an item you'd actually use (in the K-1). That would be my take on it.

ChristianRock · 08-22-2019, 05:36 AM

The Sigma 30 1.4 is heavy and big... compared to the DA 35 2.4 (or the F 50 1.7 which I also have). It feels twice as heavy as my DA 16-45 for instance....

The Sigma 30 is what a 45mm lens would be on full frame in terms of FOV. So the 50 would be a little longer (the Pentax 50 1.7 lenses are said to be tested at 52mm actually).

However if you look at some examples on flickr, people have used the 30 1.4 Art in the K-1. You don't get the completely dark corners as with some other lenses (except at infinity I think, when they do get pretty dark), but you do get smudged corners with a lot of vignetting. I think that for some pictures it works as an effect, and on most, with a bit of cropping or by using square mode, you can get great results. Here's the search for K-1 and the Sigma 30mm Art: Search: sigma 30mm art k-1 | Flickr

grispie · 08-22-2019, 06:02 AM

Originally posted by Bui

Does that even make sense thinking that way?

if it is the 30mm art, then the size and weight argument don't make sense to me. keep in mind the K1 is also bigger and heavier than KP.
the giving K and M lenses a "home" does make sense to me, especially if you like those lenses and like MF.
I do wonder why you don't use the 30mm 1.4 as a standard versatile lens? (retorical question..) Looks perfect to me on apsc

beachboy2 · 08-22-2019, 06:44 AM

As "grispie" says. The 30mm F1.4 is not big. I have the near identical non Art version. Works fine on the K1 mark ii. Especially if you use 1x1 crop mode.
You probably are referring to the 35mm f1.4?????????

**BigMackCam** · 08-22-2019, 06:49 AM

I certainly consider the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Art to be bigger, bulkier and heavier than - for example - the FA50 f/1.4. It's not huge, but nor is it small and compact like a DA or DA Limited prime...

stevebrot · 08-22-2019, 08:10 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

I certainly consider the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Art to be bigger, bulkier and heavier than - for example - the FA50 f/1.4. It's not huge, but nor is it small and compact like a DA or DA Limited prime...

I consider it to be of similar bulk and 100gm heavier than the FA 31/1.8 Limited and large for a crop-format prime.

That aside, if one is not using a lens, there is no harm in selling it and @Bui said it is seldom used. OTOH, one might ask whether another camera will accomplish anything other than having another camera. Despite being in the lens section of the site, I read this as an advice on whether to buy a K-1 thread. Often on these "should I buy" threads, I suggest that a point of pain or frustration is usually a good indication of whether a purchase makes sense. Boredom and desire-to-acquire might be included, but provide little leverage with one's spouse.

Steve

johnha · 08-22-2019, 10:01 AM

It makes sense to me to sell a valuable lens you may not necessarily use enough of to get a camera that would allow you to better use the existing lenses you already have. Given all the reports I've read about focus inconsistency for the Sigma 30mm art, it sounds like your F50/1.7 is going to be considerably easier to nail focussing (even if the IQ isn't going to be quite as good). Although, IQ for 50mm lenses probably peaked sometime in the '70s-'80s - with the likely exception of the very latest offerings i.e. the DFA50/1.4?

MrB1 · 08-22-2019, 11:27 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Bui

I have a Sigma Art 30mm 1.4, very nice and sharp lens.........by selling the Sigma I can cover almost half of the K1 cost........

Unlikely, even if you sold the Sigma at its new price.

Philip

**richard0170** · 08-22-2019, 09:29 PM

A good used K1 goes for about £1k here in the UK. So it is very tempting for all manner of reasons. I would be inclined to save for a few months to get the bulk of the purchase price of a used K1and then buy one when you can afford it. It sounds like you have been thinking about the model for a while, you will probably not stop doing so until you have one! You can keep the Sigma in the meantime and if, once you acquire your K1, it remains under used you can sell it on then.
I have been in a similar emotional position, but in my case it was over whether to get a KP.

Paul the Sunman · 08-22-2019, 10:11 PM

If you're worried about heavy and big, perhaps the K1 is not for you.

Bui · 08-23-2019, 06:15 AM

Hello, thanks for a lot of comments. To clarify a bit on my perception of the Sigma A 30 (yes it's the 30 not the 35), other than indoor portrait, it's heavy for other uses e.g walk-around or travelling. I don't mind taking even heavier lenses, for example I usually bring the 50-135 and/or the 16-85 with me when travelling, but they offer much more versatility than the Sigma. So yeah, in fact when going out I would pick either a bulky zoom or 1-2 limited primes. The Sigma falls into a middle of nowhere. But make no mistake, for indoor photo it's wonderful.

So you did kind of validate my theory (Sigma 30 + KP vs F 50 + K1)

I might exaggerate the cost a bit since I never do a proper search (the K1 is still more a wishlist than a plan for now), but I think I did see an used K1 on ebay last month for 750 euros.

But, another day, another reason (to tell the wife) when one day I pull the trigger on the K1 ^^

zapp · 08-24-2019, 08:17 AM

Pentax cameras deserve Pentax lenses.
No Art35 worked for me on K1. D-FA 50 works very well. I you think the 30mm Sigma is big, think twice about going fullframe.

08-22-2019, 05:06 AM	#1
Bui Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 316	Sigma Art 30 vs K1 As ridiculous as it sounds, it's my question in fact I have been eyeing for a K1 for quite a while (currently having a KP and K45ii), mostly out of curiosity and also to give some of my K and M lenses it's real "home". Never pull the trigger so far, since the cost is still high, and I'm not ready for full frame lenses yet (also cost issue). Still, I can't entirely get rid of the K1 from my mind. I have a Sigma Art 30mm 1.4, very nice and sharp lens. I purchased it mostly for indoor photos of my little daughter, and also as a standard versatile lens. Turn out I use it occasional for the 1st purpose, never take it out for any other things. Why? It's heavy and big, and stopping down for non-portrait non low-light photos it's not better than other lenses. Since I have also the F50 1.7 and a Super Takumar 50 1.4, if I put them on a K1, I could expect a similar perspective as the Sigma on my KP, correct? Then, by selling the Sigma I can cover almost half of the K1 cost, yet still have options ready for indoor photos, yet still have a much higher potential tool for everything else (also the danger of future lenses needed but let's pretend there is nothing). Does that even make sense thinking that way?

08-22-2019, 08:10 AM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by BigMackCam I certainly consider the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Art to be bigger, bulkier and heavier than - for example - the FA50 f/1.4. It's not huge, but nor is it small and compact like a DA or DA Limited prime... I consider it to be of similar bulk and 100gm heavier than the FA 31/1.8 Limited and large for a crop-format prime. That aside, if one is not using a lens, there is no harm in selling it and @Bui said it is seldom used. OTOH, one might ask whether another camera will accomplish anything other than having another camera. Despite being in the lens section of the site, I read this as an advice on whether to buy a K-1 thread. Often on these "should I buy" threads, I suggest that a point of pain or frustration is usually a good indication of whether a purchase makes sense. Boredom and desire-to-acquire might be included, but provide little leverage with one's spouse. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 08-22-2019 at 08:17 AM. Reason: second thoughts

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08-22-2019, 05:25 AM	#2
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,674	Originally posted by Bui Since I have also the F50 1.7 and a Super Takumar 50 1.4, if I put them on a K1, I could expect a similar perspective as the Sigma on my KP, correct? Similar, yes. A 50mm lens on full frame will give just a very slightly narrower field of view than the 30mm on APS-C, but not enough to matter, IMHO...

08-22-2019, 05:26 AM	#3
grispie Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 1,199	Originally posted by Bui I have a Sigma Art 30mm 1.4, very nice and sharp lens just to make sure: is it the Sigma Art 30 1.4 or 35 1.4 ? as your comments below don't match with the 30 1.4.. at least, not to me ;-) Originally posted by Bui Why? It's heavy and big Originally posted by Bui Then, by selling the Sigma I can cover almost half of the K1 cost

08-22-2019, 05:30 AM	#4
Benz3ne Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Cymru Posts: 2,356	Originally posted by Bui Does that even make sense thinking that way? Makes perfect sense to me. If you're set on getting a K-1, and you're absolutely not using the Sigma Art (i.e. you would have no sellers remorse) then you'd be better off selling and purchasing an item you'd actually use (in the K-1). That would be my take on it.

08-22-2019, 05:36 AM	#5
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	The Sigma 30 1.4 is heavy and big... compared to the DA 35 2.4 (or the F 50 1.7 which I also have). It feels twice as heavy as my DA 16-45 for instance.... The Sigma 30 is what a 45mm lens would be on full frame in terms of FOV. So the 50 would be a little longer (the Pentax 50 1.7 lenses are said to be tested at 52mm actually). However if you look at some examples on flickr, people have used the 30 1.4 Art in the K-1. You don't get the completely dark corners as with some other lenses (except at infinity I think, when they do get pretty dark), but you do get smudged corners with a lot of vignetting. I think that for some pictures it works as an effect, and on most, with a bit of cropping or by using square mode, you can get great results. Here's the search for K-1 and the Sigma 30mm Art: Search: sigma 30mm art k-1 \| Flickr

08-22-2019, 06:02 AM	#6
grispie Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 1,199	Originally posted by Bui Does that even make sense thinking that way? if it is the 30mm art, then the size and weight argument don't make sense to me. keep in mind the K1 is also bigger and heavier than KP. the giving K and M lenses a "home" does make sense to me, especially if you like those lenses and like MF. I do wonder why you don't use the 30mm 1.4 as a standard versatile lens? (retorical question..) Looks perfect to me on apsc

08-22-2019, 06:44 AM	#7
beachboy2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 222	As "grispie" says. The 30mm F1.4 is not big. I have the near identical non Art version. Works fine on the K1 mark ii. Especially if you use 1x1 crop mode. You probably are referring to the 35mm f1.4?????????

08-22-2019, 06:49 AM	#8
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,674	I certainly consider the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Art to be bigger, bulkier and heavier than - for example - the FA50 f/1.4. It's not huge, but nor is it small and compact like a DA or DA Limited prime...

08-22-2019, 10:01 AM	#10
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	It makes sense to me to sell a valuable lens you may not necessarily use enough of to get a camera that would allow you to better use the existing lenses you already have. Given all the reports I've read about focus inconsistency for the Sigma 30mm art, it sounds like your F50/1.7 is going to be considerably easier to nail focussing (even if the IQ isn't going to be quite as good). Although, IQ for 50mm lenses probably peaked sometime in the '70s-'80s - with the likely exception of the very latest offerings i.e. the DFA50/1.4?

08-22-2019, 11:27 AM - 1 Like	#11
MrB1 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 845	Originally posted by Bui I have a Sigma Art 30mm 1.4, very nice and sharp lens.........by selling the Sigma I can cover almost half of the K1 cost........ Unlikely, even if you sold the Sigma at its new price. Philip

08-22-2019, 09:29 PM	#12
richard0170 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,032	A good used K1 goes for about £1k here in the UK. So it is very tempting for all manner of reasons. I would be inclined to save for a few months to get the bulk of the purchase price of a used K1and then buy one when you can afford it. It sounds like you have been thinking about the model for a while, you will probably not stop doing so until you have one! You can keep the Sigma in the meantime and if, once you acquire your K1, it remains under used you can sell it on then. I have been in a similar emotional position, but in my case it was over whether to get a KP.

08-22-2019, 10:11 PM	#13
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	If you're worried about heavy and big, perhaps the K1 is not for you.

08-23-2019, 06:15 AM	#14
Bui Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 316 Original Poster	Hello, thanks for a lot of comments. To clarify a bit on my perception of the Sigma A 30 (yes it's the 30 not the 35), other than indoor portrait, it's heavy for other uses e.g walk-around or travelling. I don't mind taking even heavier lenses, for example I usually bring the 50-135 and/or the 16-85 with me when travelling, but they offer much more versatility than the Sigma. So yeah, in fact when going out I would pick either a bulky zoom or 1-2 limited primes. The Sigma falls into a middle of nowhere. But make no mistake, for indoor photo it's wonderful. So you did kind of validate my theory (Sigma 30 + KP vs F 50 + K1) I might exaggerate the cost a bit since I never do a proper search (the K1 is still more a wishlist than a plan for now), but I think I did see an used K1 on ebay last month for 750 euros. But, another day, another reason (to tell the wife) when one day I pull the trigger on the K1 ^^

08-24-2019, 08:17 AM	#15
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,385	Pentax cameras deserve Pentax lenses. No Art35 worked for me on K1. D-FA 50 works very well. I you think the 30mm Sigma is big, think twice about going fullframe.