Pentax FA 15-30mm or Sigma Art 18-35mm

**cdd29** · 06-15-2021, 07:53 AM

So I'm contemplating consolidating my lenses. I currently have a Sigma Art 35mm F/1.4, Sigma 15mm F/2.8 and Tokina 19-35mm F/3.5. I really don't use either Sigma much (bought the 35mm for night photography, the 15mm for Milky Way, the Tokina on a whim from my local camera store as I liked having something wider than my Tam 28-75mm.). I'm considering replacing all three with either a Pentax 15-30 F/2.8 or a Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 Art. I'm leaning towards the Sigma as it's cheaper and a faster lens but I shoot with a K-1 and the Sig is crop, so I doubt it will work for me (I don't want to shoot in crop mode if I don't have to.)

Yeah, I think I answered my own question but thought I would get options or other options I haven't found yet.

Last edited by cdd29; 06-15-2021 at 08:17 AM.

**AlwaysAl** · 06-15-2021, 08:50 AM

Although I love the Sigma 18-35 on my crop sensor cameras, just didn't seem to have the same magic when mounted on the K-1. Finally satisfied that need by investing in the 15-30. A word of caution, the 15-30 is considerably more bulky than the ART lens. That coupled with the weight of the K-1 takes a little getting used to.

**asahi67** · 06-15-2021, 09:18 AM - **1 Like**

I have the Pentax 15-30 on my K1 with battery grip. It is a big package but feels very balanced and a pleasure to use. The images it produces are stunning and I now rarely use my 31.

gatorguy · 06-15-2021, 09:23 AM

Originally posted by cdd29

I currently have a Sigma Art 35mm F/1.4, Sigma 15mm F/2.8 and Tokina 19-35mm F/3.5...
I'm considering replacing all three with either a Pentax 15-30 F/2.8 or a Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 Art. I'm leaning towards the Sigma as it's cheaper and a faster lens but I shoot with a K-1 and the Sig is crop, so I doubt it will work for me (I don't want to shoot in crop mode if I don't have to.)

The Sigma 35 Art is very FF-friendly and nice on my K3 III too. I'm trying to remember for sure but it seems the 18-35 is good from 24mm and up on my K1 but not so much going wider? I'd have to look again and confirm. Personally, I find little to no image difference between the 2 Sigma's so if you like the 35's rendering you'll like the 18-35 just as much.
Except it's really for APS-C.

I've never used the Pentax 15-30 so I won't offer any opinion on that one. By the way, another full-frame wide-angle option is the FA 20-35mm which I no longer own but should probably have kept for the K1 I thought I would never want to buy.

EDIT: I do have the Pentax 12-24 which works really well with the K1 if you can lose the 12-17 range (I think)

Last edited by gatorguy; 06-15-2021 at 09:28 AM.

**Pentax Syntax** · 06-15-2021, 09:29 AM - **1 Like**

15-30 on the K-1ii is awesome. It is a large lens but I think the weight is worth it.

gatorguy · 06-15-2021, 09:35 AM

Originally posted by Pentax Syntax

15-30 on the K-1ii is awesome. It is a large lens but I think the weight is worth it.

That is a lens I've had on my radar for a while, but after picking up both the Pentax DFA 70-200 and 85 in the past 90 days I've made my wife a firm promise no more expensive glass for a while. She has home improvements planned.
But we did not define "a while".

**jatrax** · 06-15-2021, 09:45 AM

15-30 on the K-1 is a real load but the weight is worth it. It produces amazing images. I've no regrets at all on buying it. I'm guessing over half my images so far this year have been with the 15-30.

I started out with the FA 20-35 on the K-1 and results were good, but not exciting. The DFA 15-30 was so much better I sold the FA 20-35. I miss the little 20-35 only because of the weight but the images from the 15-30 makes up for that.

The 15-30 also makes a good astro lens so it can do double duty. Which makes it easier to justify the cost.

**blackcloudbrew** · 06-15-2021, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by asahi67

I have the Pentax 15-30 on my K1 with battery grip. It is a big package but feels very balanced and a pleasure to use. The images it produces are stunning and I now rarely use my 31.

I agree with this post.

If I remember correctly, before I got my 15-30, I had my eye on the Sigma lens. Passed on it and have never looked back. For me as a landscape shooter, the DFA 15-30 is my go to lens.

**JensE** · 06-15-2021, 09:46 AM

It's a very different angle of view between those two, because at 18mm, you'd have to crop the Sigma image significantly. So the question is also one of ultra-wide to moderately wide (15mm-30mm), vs. moderately wide to wide-normal (18mm-35mm, partially cropped). Having just used the ultra-wide daily for a month, I wouldn't agree that it's a joy to use it. It is an effort, but it does produce excellent images and was especially surprised by its close focus abilities.

**cdd29** · 06-15-2021, 09:56 AM

I am having a hard time justifying the cost of the 15-30 (haven't found any used yet). It won't be my primary lens, though neither is my 150-450 and I still bought that. I figure I can sell the lenses this would replace and recoup about half of my money. Didn't think of the weight though I did notice the 15-30 is big, but I'm also used to lugging around my 645z and its heavy glass.

One thing I can't tell is if it will accept filters. That might be an issue. No doubt it has a better IQ than my Tokina, but I often use ND filters with it.

zapp · 06-15-2021, 10:55 AM

Interesting mix of lenses, you may also consider Pentax DA* 11-18. Covers FF from 15 and has smaller footprint than 15-30. If you ever go APSC again, it will be perfect.
I would not buy any Sigma lens for Pentax. Aperture is not everything. Availability of spare parts, dedicated firmware and a line of f matching lenses/coatings… is more important in the long run.

**AlwaysAl** · 06-15-2021, 12:28 PM

Originally posted by cdd29

One thing I can't tell is if it will accept filters

I have the Cokin "P" series filter set up and there is no provision to use these with the 15-30. Initially thought this might be an issue but as I gain PhotoShop skills, not so much of a deal breaker.

77me · 06-15-2021, 12:41 PM

I find the 15-30 big in bag, but nicely balanced in hand attached to my k-1. I will use it as a walk-around lens if I will be mainly in tight spaces. If I want to carry a smallish bag, I carry it with my 77 and/or 55. I often use it with the Fotodiox WonderPana filters. I prefer the WonderPana lens cap because it almost fits in my pants pocket.

**jatrax** · 06-15-2021, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by cdd29

One thing I can't tell is if it will accept filters. That might be an issue. No doubt it has a better IQ than my Tokina, but I often use ND filters with it.

No filter threads. There is a filter mount available but it is $$$. Lack of filters has not been an issue for me so far.

Grimmus · 06-15-2021, 02:57 PM

There's a DFA21 limited on the way..........patience of the Buddha required......

Keep the sig 35, sell the other 2 and the world will be your oyster!

06-15-2021, 07:53 AM	#1
cdd29 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 796	Pentax FA 15-30mm or Sigma Art 18-35mm So I'm contemplating consolidating my lenses. I currently have a Sigma Art 35mm F/1.4, Sigma 15mm F/2.8 and Tokina 19-35mm F/3.5. I really don't use either Sigma much (bought the 35mm for night photography, the 15mm for Milky Way, the Tokina on a whim from my local camera store as I liked having something wider than my Tam 28-75mm.). I'm considering replacing all three with either a Pentax 15-30 F/2.8 or a Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 Art. I'm leaning towards the Sigma as it's cheaper and a faster lens but I shoot with a K-1 and the Sig is crop, so I doubt it will work for me (I don't want to shoot in crop mode if I don't have to.) Yeah, I think I answered my own question but thought I would get options or other options I haven't found yet. Last edited by cdd29; 06-15-2021 at 08:17 AM.

06-15-2021, 09:18 AM - 1 Like	#3
asahi67 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Rainforest of Canada Vancouver Island and the sagebrush of southern Okanagan, BC Posts: 106	Pentax 15-30 I have the Pentax 15-30 on my K1 with battery grip. It is a big package but feels very balanced and a pleasure to use. The images it produces are stunning and I now rarely use my 31.

06-15-2021, 09:56 AM	#10
cdd29 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 796 Original Poster	I am having a hard time justifying the cost of the 15-30 (haven't found any used yet). It won't be my primary lens, though neither is my 150-450 and I still bought that. I figure I can sell the lenses this would replace and recoup about half of my money. Didn't think of the weight though I did notice the 15-30 is big, but I'm also used to lugging around my 645z and its heavy glass. One thing I can't tell is if it will accept filters. That might be an issue. No doubt it has a better IQ than my Tokina, but I often use ND filters with it. Last edited by cdd29; 06-15-2021 at 10:49 AM.

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06-15-2021, 08:50 AM	#2
AlwaysAl Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: West GTA, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 494	Although I love the Sigma 18-35 on my crop sensor cameras, just didn't seem to have the same magic when mounted on the K-1. Finally satisfied that need by investing in the 15-30. A word of caution, the 15-30 is considerably more bulky than the ART lens. That coupled with the weight of the K-1 takes a little getting used to.

06-15-2021, 09:23 AM	#4
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,104	Originally posted by cdd29 I currently have a Sigma Art 35mm F/1.4, Sigma 15mm F/2.8 and Tokina 19-35mm F/3.5... I'm considering replacing all three with either a Pentax 15-30 F/2.8 or a Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 Art. I'm leaning towards the Sigma as it's cheaper and a faster lens but I shoot with a K-1 and the Sig is crop, so I doubt it will work for me (I don't want to shoot in crop mode if I don't have to.) The Sigma 35 Art is very FF-friendly and nice on my K3 III too. I'm trying to remember for sure but it seems the 18-35 is good from 24mm and up on my K1 but not so much going wider? I'd have to look again and confirm. Personally, I find little to no image difference between the 2 Sigma's so if you like the 35's rendering you'll like the 18-35 just as much. Except it's really for APS-C. I've never used the Pentax 15-30 so I won't offer any opinion on that one. By the way, another full-frame wide-angle option is the FA 20-35mm which I no longer own but should probably have kept for the K1 I thought I would never want to buy. EDIT: I do have the Pentax 12-24 which works really well with the K1 if you can lose the 12-17 range (I think) Last edited by gatorguy; 06-15-2021 at 09:28 AM.

06-15-2021, 09:29 AM - 1 Like	#5
Pentax Syntax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 544	15-30 on the K-1ii is awesome. It is a large lens but I think the weight is worth it.

06-15-2021, 09:35 AM	#6
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,104	Originally posted by Pentax Syntax 15-30 on the K-1ii is awesome. It is a large lens but I think the weight is worth it. That is a lens I've had on my radar for a while, but after picking up both the Pentax DFA 70-200 and 85 in the past 90 days I've made my wife a firm promise no more expensive glass for a while. She has home improvements planned. But we did not define "a while".

06-15-2021, 09:45 AM	#7
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	15-30 on the K-1 is a real load but the weight is worth it. It produces amazing images. I've no regrets at all on buying it. I'm guessing over half my images so far this year have been with the 15-30. I started out with the FA 20-35 on the K-1 and results were good, but not exciting. The DFA 15-30 was so much better I sold the FA 20-35. I miss the little 20-35 only because of the weight but the images from the 15-30 makes up for that. The 15-30 also makes a good astro lens so it can do double duty. Which makes it easier to justify the cost.

06-15-2021, 09:46 AM	#8
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,397	Originally posted by asahi67 I have the Pentax 15-30 on my K1 with battery grip. It is a big package but feels very balanced and a pleasure to use. The images it produces are stunning and I now rarely use my 31. I agree with this post. If I remember correctly, before I got my 15-30, I had my eye on the Sigma lens. Passed on it and have never looked back. For me as a landscape shooter, the DFA 15-30 is my go to lens.

06-15-2021, 09:46 AM	#9
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,735	It's a very different angle of view between those two, because at 18mm, you'd have to crop the Sigma image significantly. So the question is also one of ultra-wide to moderately wide (15mm-30mm), vs. moderately wide to wide-normal (18mm-35mm, partially cropped). Having just used the ultra-wide daily for a month, I wouldn't agree that it's a joy to use it. It is an effort, but it does produce excellent images and was especially surprised by its close focus abilities.

06-15-2021, 10:55 AM	#11
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,153	Interesting mix of lenses, you may also consider Pentax DA* 11-18. Covers FF from 15 and has smaller footprint than 15-30. If you ever go APSC again, it will be perfect. I would not buy any Sigma lens for Pentax. Aperture is not everything. Availability of spare parts, dedicated firmware and a line of f matching lenses/coatings… is more important in the long run.

06-15-2021, 12:28 PM	#12
AlwaysAl Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: West GTA, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 494	Originally posted by cdd29 One thing I can't tell is if it will accept filters I have the Cokin "P" series filter set up and there is no provision to use these with the 15-30. Initially thought this might be an issue but as I gain PhotoShop skills, not so much of a deal breaker.

06-15-2021, 12:41 PM	#13
77me Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 141	I find the 15-30 big in bag, but nicely balanced in hand attached to my k-1. I will use it as a walk-around lens if I will be mainly in tight spaces. If I want to carry a smallish bag, I carry it with my 77 and/or 55. I often use it with the Fotodiox WonderPana filters. I prefer the WonderPana lens cap because it almost fits in my pants pocket.

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06-15-2021, 02:26 PM	#14
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by cdd29 One thing I can't tell is if it will accept filters. That might be an issue. No doubt it has a better IQ than my Tokina, but I often use ND filters with it. No filter threads. There is a filter mount available but it is $$$. Lack of filters has not been an issue for me so far.

06-15-2021, 02:57 PM	#15
Grimmus Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Newcastle (Aust.) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 253	There's a DFA21 limited on the way..........patience of the Buddha required...... Keep the sig 35, sell the other 2 and the world will be your oyster!