I also don't agree that the 12-24 is as 'bad' as the mag makes it out to be. Certainly the Photozone tests don't give it full marks (mainly because of its CA and PF), but otherwise it's a definite keeper of a lens. It's easy to point out all those reviews putting the 12-24 down for its shortcomings, but the good reviews (and results, even on this forum) far outweigh the bad.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the 12-24 - it's a winner IMO, and certainly a wide-angle contender with the rest of them.
Originally posted by amicah22 They did not really explain in the test why it was the worst optically and also stated that they tested all lenses on a 12mp body. So - either they used an adapter or were sloppy in their discription of the test. (The Pentax crop looked better than several of the others) I actually picked up that mag for the first time a couple days ago and was not impressed. They stated that the Fuji f200fd had better IQ and detail than the lx3 and had a big Fuji f200fd add on the back cover. I do have the sigma 10-20 and love it but from what I have seen the Pentax is much more consistent corner to corner.
Originally posted by K-9 The May issue of Digital Photo tested 12 current wide angle zooms and the Sigma was rated the best (the older F stop one, not the just coming out 3.5) and the Pentax ranked the worst and actually was dead last. It showed pics with some bad fringing and softness at f4, and this internet review also shows CA is a little too high for my liking on the Pentax:
Pentax DA 12-24mm f/4 AL ED [IF] - Review / Test Report
There's also someone with a review on BandH about the horrible CA/purple fringing of this lens.
Pentax | SMCP-DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL Autofocus Lens | 21577 | B&H
I would definitely go with the Sigma, and even the current one as it will be cheaper than the new f3.5. Both should be cheaper than the Pentax, and from what I've seen, better IQ.