Is the DA 12-24mm worth $140 more than the Sigma 10-20mm?

deadwolfbones · 07-06-2009, 09:56 PM

Yes, yet another thread about these lenses, but I know we all love debating the relative worth of hunks of glass, so let's go!

I can get a Sigma 10-20mm for $400 w/ Bing.com cashback, or I can get a Pentax DA 12-24mm for $540 w/ Bing.com cashback.

Or... I can wait until someone lists a nice one on the marketplace and buy used, like I usually do, but I think the price difference will be the same or even greater in the Sigma's favor.

I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who've used both extensively, but anyone can chip in.

Kguru · 07-06-2009, 10:08 PM

Is this the Sigma f/3.5 or the older f/4.5-5.6?

I would throw in there the Tamron 10-24 f/3.5-4.5 as well; more mm and faster than the older Sigma. If also around $400 I'd prefer the Tamron (but last I checked it was $500!!).

deadwolfbones · 07-06-2009, 10:14 PM

It's the older 4.0-5.6 Sigma.

I've read up a good deal on the Tamron 10-24mm and the IQ comparisons are generally pretty weak against the Sigma and Pentax offerings. Have you used it yourself?

Kguru · 07-06-2009, 10:24 PM

Originally posted by deadwolfbones

I've read up a good deal on the Tamron 10-24mm and the IQ comparisons are generally pretty weak against the Sigma and Pentax offerings. Have you used it yourself?

Is it so?!!!

No I have not used it; I only thought it must have decent performance to survive in the Can/Nik markets & make into Pentax mount.
Thanks for the tips.

PS: In that case, for $140 diff I'd go with the Pentax, simply because I don't like anything f/5.6

pexi85 · 07-07-2009, 12:27 AM

I like for some reason more of Sigma. I sold mine pentax 12-24mm last week and bought sigma.
i really like that 2mm wider, and i have kit lenso so i dont need that longer reach.

Optically those both are great,
sigma has better flare resistant, more accurate fokus and better build quality
when
Pentax has better kontrast and slightly better colours

i think its hard choise, but i have made my own and i really love sigma. i payed from mine only 399 €, so it was really cheap.

after all, if i were you, i would choose lense, wich has better zoom range for you´re shootings

pexi85 · 07-07-2009, 12:28 AM

and bytheway, i have seen few reviews were tamron has not received good results... Sadly....

pxpaulx · 07-07-2009, 06:10 AM

Having had the sigma and now owning the pentax, I personally like the pentax. If I want wider I have the pentax 10-17 fisheye as well (angle of view fits perfectly w/the 12-24, and although skewed I enjoy the view). you should check out this forum post for a lengthy discussion:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/38480-whats-be...x-12-24-a.html

I find the extra reach of the 12-24 is also significant, and when you go beyond 12mm (down to 11 or 10) w/the sigma the distortion becomes strange to the eye (someone else called it 'disconcerting' in that thread, I tend to agree!)

Having just recently acquired the 12-24 and 50-135 da* i am (probably regretfully!) thinking about putting my 16-45 on the chopping block. It overlaps too much with the 12-24 (especially when I run exposure plot with my current photo collection), and I am thinking I want the 18-55 WR to compliment the 50-135 (don't see a need for the 16-50 - an f2.8 ultra-wide just doesn't make as much sense to me i guess).

back to the 10-20 vs 12-24 debate, it depends on your need i guess. for interiors it is helpful, but to give some perspective you can fit a full size door frame at 12mm from about 4 or 5 feet away; that is wide enough for me 95 percent of the time.

aleonx3 · 07-07-2009, 06:33 AM

I went through the same when I was choosing between the DA 12-24mm and the Sigma 10-20mm. On the wide-end, I find the 12mm to be sufficient (than 10mm)and on the long end I find the 24mm more useful than the 20mm especially when I use it as a walk around lens on a trip. I also think the constant aperture f4 has some advantage over the f4-5.6 aperture. The other point is the SMC coating provides a better color/tone. As for the difference of $140 more than the Sigma 10-20mm, I think it is worth it since I take it with me and use it on every trip.

GeneV · 07-07-2009, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by aleonx3

I went through the same when I was choosing between the DA 12-24mm and the Sigma 10-20mm. On the wide-end, I find the 12mm to be sufficient (than 10mm)and on the long end I find the 24mm more useful than the 20mm especially when I use it as a walk around lens on a trip. I also think the constant aperture f4 has some advantage over the f4-5.6 aperture. The other point is the SMC coating provides a better color/tone. As for the difference of $140 more than the Sigma 10-20mm, I think it is worth it since I take it with me and use it on every trip.

Do you travel to cities with narrow streets? I'm curious why the wide zoom is a preferable walkaround lens to one that dips a toe in the tele waters.

aleonx3 · 07-07-2009, 09:27 AM

Originally posted by GeneV

Do you travel to cities with narrow streets? I'm curious why the wide zoom is a preferable walkaround lens to one that dips a toe in the tele waters.

I am no expert, and expect other members will likely know better than me. I can see two advantages: the wide focal length provides wider DOF for scenes (especially with people in foreground) and another point is the wider FOV relative to distance so you can stay reasonably close to the subject to take the picture. For example, on a narrow walking trail (6 feet across), I would be able to take a picture of the subject with wide view of the background (presumably a scene or landmark). Also, because you are staying relative close to the subject, chances of someone walking by (cutting in) would be minimal.

deadwolfbones · 07-07-2009, 03:54 PM

Anyone besides pxpaulx used both of these lenses for a direct comparison?

Thanks!

ivoire · 07-07-2009, 04:03 PM

I've owned both and decided to keep the 12-24mm Pentax. I don't miss the 2mm difference on the short end (take 2 steps backward), but i would miss the better image quality of the Pentax. Keep in mind it was the older Sigma 10-20mm; i have no experience with the latest incarnation.

deadwolfbones · 07-07-2009, 06:39 PM

Ok, one more question, then...

If I get the 12-24mm, is the image quality at 21mm good enough to ditch the DA 21mm Ltd (assuming size is not a factor)?

deadwolfbones · 07-07-2009, 07:03 PM

Finally... the price I quoted for the 12-24mm is actually from a Hong Kong seller. When I wrote them to ask what the warranty situation was, this was their reply:

Quote:

Hello,
The item came from Hong Kong dealer directly. They do not provide international warranty on it. 12 months warranty is covered by Hong Kong agent. If it has any problem. You have to send it back to us. Then we will send it to the agent for repairing.

It seems unlikely that any lens manufactured by Pentax wouldn't have a region-specific warranty policy, but I guess I've heard of stranger things. Anyone bought a HK lens before and know what the real deal is?

Jewelltrail · 07-08-2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Deadwolfbones:Yes, yet another thread about these lenses, but I know we all love debating the relative worth of hunks of glass, so let's go!

I can get a Sigma 10-20mm for $400 w/ Bing.com cashback, or I can get a Pentax DA 12-24mm for $540 w/ Bing.com cashback.

I took over two months to research these 2 lenses. I really had a hard time pulling the trigger. However, nowhere could I find the Pentax for $540.

In the end, things like warranty, 10mm, and price tipped the scales to the Sigma. Also, I already have a Tamron 17-50 which negated the long-end advantage of the Pentax. I looked at countless shots on line of both lenses & was not convinced that either lens had a decisive advantage.

07-06-2009, 09:56 PM	#1
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Is the DA 12-24mm worth $140 more than the Sigma 10-20mm? Yes, yet another thread about these lenses, but I know we all love debating the relative worth of hunks of glass, so let's go! I can get a Sigma 10-20mm for $400 w/ Bing.com cashback, or I can get a Pentax DA 12-24mm for $540 w/ Bing.com cashback. Or... I can wait until someone lists a nice one on the marketplace and buy used, like I usually do, but I think the price difference will be the same or even greater in the Sigma's favor. I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who've used both extensively, but anyone can chip in.

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07-06-2009, 10:08 PM	#2
Kguru Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Perth - WestAust Posts: 602	Is this the Sigma f/3.5 or the older f/4.5-5.6? I would throw in there the Tamron 10-24 f/3.5-4.5 as well; more mm and faster than the older Sigma. If also around $400 I'd prefer the Tamron (but last I checked it was $500!!).

07-06-2009, 10:14 PM	#3
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450 Original Poster	It's the older 4.0-5.6 Sigma. I've read up a good deal on the Tamron 10-24mm and the IQ comparisons are generally pretty weak against the Sigma and Pentax offerings. Have you used it yourself?

07-06-2009, 10:24 PM	#4
Kguru Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Perth - WestAust Posts: 602	Originally posted by deadwolfbones I've read up a good deal on the Tamron 10-24mm and the IQ comparisons are generally pretty weak against the Sigma and Pentax offerings. Have you used it yourself? Is it so?!!! No I have not used it; I only thought it must have decent performance to survive in the Can/Nik markets & make into Pentax mount. Thanks for the tips. PS: In that case, for $140 diff I'd go with the Pentax, simply because I don't like anything f/5.6

07-07-2009, 12:27 AM	#5
pexi85 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Finland, Vantaa Photos: Gallery Posts: 95	I like for some reason more of Sigma. I sold mine pentax 12-24mm last week and bought sigma. i really like that 2mm wider, and i have kit lenso so i dont need that longer reach. Optically those both are great, sigma has better flare resistant, more accurate fokus and better build quality when Pentax has better kontrast and slightly better colours i think its hard choise, but i have made my own and i really love sigma. i payed from mine only 399 €, so it was really cheap. after all, if i were you, i would choose lense, wich has better zoom range for you´re shootings

07-07-2009, 12:28 AM	#6
pexi85 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Finland, Vantaa Photos: Gallery Posts: 95	and bytheway, i have seen few reviews were tamron has not received good results... Sadly....

07-07-2009, 06:10 AM	#7
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Having had the sigma and now owning the pentax, I personally like the pentax. If I want wider I have the pentax 10-17 fisheye as well (angle of view fits perfectly w/the 12-24, and although skewed I enjoy the view). you should check out this forum post for a lengthy discussion: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/38480-whats-be...x-12-24-a.html I find the extra reach of the 12-24 is also significant, and when you go beyond 12mm (down to 11 or 10) w/the sigma the distortion becomes strange to the eye (someone else called it 'disconcerting' in that thread, I tend to agree!) Having just recently acquired the 12-24 and 50-135 da* i am (probably regretfully!) thinking about putting my 16-45 on the chopping block. It overlaps too much with the 12-24 (especially when I run exposure plot with my current photo collection), and I am thinking I want the 18-55 WR to compliment the 50-135 (don't see a need for the 16-50 - an f2.8 ultra-wide just doesn't make as much sense to me i guess). back to the 10-20 vs 12-24 debate, it depends on your need i guess. for interiors it is helpful, but to give some perspective you can fit a full size door frame at 12mm from about 4 or 5 feet away; that is wide enough for me 95 percent of the time.

07-07-2009, 06:33 AM	#8
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	I went through the same when I was choosing between the DA 12-24mm and the Sigma 10-20mm. On the wide-end, I find the 12mm to be sufficient (than 10mm)and on the long end I find the 24mm more useful than the 20mm especially when I use it as a walk around lens on a trip. I also think the constant aperture f4 has some advantage over the f4-5.6 aperture. The other point is the SMC coating provides a better color/tone. As for the difference of $140 more than the Sigma 10-20mm, I think it is worth it since I take it with me and use it on every trip.

07-07-2009, 08:02 AM	#9
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by aleonx3 I went through the same when I was choosing between the DA 12-24mm and the Sigma 10-20mm. On the wide-end, I find the 12mm to be sufficient (than 10mm)and on the long end I find the 24mm more useful than the 20mm especially when I use it as a walk around lens on a trip. I also think the constant aperture f4 has some advantage over the f4-5.6 aperture. The other point is the SMC coating provides a better color/tone. As for the difference of $140 more than the Sigma 10-20mm, I think it is worth it since I take it with me and use it on every trip. Do you travel to cities with narrow streets? I'm curious why the wide zoom is a preferable walkaround lens to one that dips a toe in the tele waters.

07-07-2009, 09:27 AM	#10
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by GeneV Do you travel to cities with narrow streets? I'm curious why the wide zoom is a preferable walkaround lens to one that dips a toe in the tele waters. I am no expert, and expect other members will likely know better than me. I can see two advantages: the wide focal length provides wider DOF for scenes (especially with people in foreground) and another point is the wider FOV relative to distance so you can stay reasonably close to the subject to take the picture. For example, on a narrow walking trail (6 feet across), I would be able to take a picture of the subject with wide view of the background (presumably a scene or landmark). Also, because you are staying relative close to the subject, chances of someone walking by (cutting in) would be minimal.

07-07-2009, 03:54 PM	#11
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450 Original Poster	Anyone besides pxpaulx used both of these lenses for a direct comparison? Thanks!

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07-07-2009, 04:03 PM	#12
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	I've owned both and decided to keep the 12-24mm Pentax. I don't miss the 2mm difference on the short end (take 2 steps backward), but i would miss the better image quality of the Pentax. Keep in mind it was the older Sigma 10-20mm; i have no experience with the latest incarnation.

07-07-2009, 06:39 PM	#13
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450 Original Poster	Ok, one more question, then... If I get the 12-24mm, is the image quality at 21mm good enough to ditch the DA 21mm Ltd (assuming size is not a factor)?

07-07-2009, 07:03 PM	#14
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450 Original Poster	Finally... the price I quoted for the 12-24mm is actually from a Hong Kong seller. When I wrote them to ask what the warranty situation was, this was their reply: Quote: Hello, The item came from Hong Kong dealer directly. They do not provide international warranty on it. 12 months warranty is covered by Hong Kong agent. If it has any problem. You have to send it back to us. Then we will send it to the agent for repairing. It seems unlikely that any lens manufactured by Pentax wouldn't have a region-specific warranty policy, but I guess I've heard of stranger things. Anyone bought a HK lens before and know what the real deal is?

07-08-2009, 10:21 AM	#15
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Quote: Deadwolfbones:Yes, yet another thread about these lenses, but I know we all love debating the relative worth of hunks of glass, so let's go! I can get a Sigma 10-20mm for $400 w/ Bing.com cashback, or I can get a Pentax DA 12-24mm for $540 w/ Bing.com cashback. I took over two months to research these 2 lenses. I really had a hard time pulling the trigger. However, nowhere could I find the Pentax for $540. In the end, things like warranty, 10mm, and price tipped the scales to the Sigma. Also, I already have a Tamron 17-50 which negated the long-end advantage of the Pentax. I looked at countless shots on line of both lenses & was not convinced that either lens had a decisive advantage.