Pentax 16/45 vs Sigma 17-70

Aneopa · 06-29-2007, 11:36 PM

Hi, I´m willing to replace my kit lens in August and i´m stuck between these lenses, the Pentax DA 16-45, and the Sigma 17-70.

I think the range of Sigma is great, and I saw here in the forum some wonderful photos taken with this lens.

According to some reviews (measurebations

I know...) the Pentax has more resolution than the Sigma...

Finally, I´m looking for opinions, specially from whom have the opportunity to use both.

Thx

matix · 06-30-2007, 02:47 AM

Originally posted by Aneopa

Hi, I´m willing to replace my kit lens in August and i´m stuck between these lenses, the Pentax DA 16-45, and the Sigma 17-70.

I think the range of Sigma is great, and I saw here in the forum some wonderful photos taken with this lens.

According to some reviews (measurebations

I know...) the Pentax has more resolution than the Sigma...

Finally, I´m looking for opinions, specially from whom have the opportunity to use both.

Thx

Hi Aneopa, like a lot of things, personal opinions count a lot when comparing similar products. I looked carefully at both of these lenses and tried the two at the same time, and liked the results from the Sigma better. I like the clarity and contrast, and colours.

There are a lot of shots taken with my K10D and the Sigma 17-70 on this sitem from a weeks holiday in Cairns, Qld Australia. A few of the shots, the really wide angle ones were taken with the Sigma EX 10-20 F4-5.6, but the majority were with the 17-70 which now rarely leaves my camera.

Hope this helps...

Phil

Day 1 - Cairns Qld

Aneopa · 06-30-2007, 07:40 AM

Thank you Matix, this certainly was helpful.

BTW looks like you had a good time in a beautiful place...

matix · 06-30-2007, 03:24 PM

No problem, glad to help... yes, sometimes we forget to visit our own country, and we are so lucky to be able to travel. Cairns is only 1,800km north of Brisbane where I live.

I strongly recommend the Sigma lenses, I have no hang ups on brand, just results. I now have all Sigma except for a Pentax 50mm AF 1.7.

Sigma Lenses include the 17-70, 10-20 EX, 50mm Macro EX, Bigma 50-500 EX and the 18-200 DG. Both kit lenses were Pentax, 18-55 and 55-200 and were sold in favour of the Sigma's, no regrets at all.

Phil

aabram · 07-01-2007, 02:01 AM

Originally posted by Aneopa

Hi, I´m willing to replace my kit lens in August and i´m stuck between these lenses, the Pentax DA 16-45, and the Sigma 17-70.

I was once in the same boat as you, deciding between those two. But in terms of length these two are really different beasts. If you feel that kit lens is too short at times, then 16-45 will be even shorter. I went for 17-70 for two reasons: for its great and useful range and f2.8 at the wide end, compared to f4.0 (although constant throughout) for Pentax. Shooting indoors f2.8 does come handy.

Also, as I mentioned in other thread - try to think what ranges or what lenses will you get next. If you're planning to get 12-24 at some point, you may want to avoid too much overlapping with ranges.

My Sigma 17-70 samples can be found here. There are no people or party shots though, these I tend to keep private ;-)

Aneopa · 07-01-2007, 10:07 AM

Thank you so much for your thoughts and samples, aabraham.

You have a impressive knowledge of photographic composition, specially about the use of geometrics forms. Congrats!

SHIFT · 07-01-2007, 12:23 PM

I was set on the Sigma 17-70mm but when I was paying for it, I noticed a large spec of dust inside of it. After that I could not justify the price for the lens even though its probably a perfect lens. AF was quicker and quieter than the 18-55mm I bought after. Now I'm waiting for the Tamron to make the 17-50mm F/2.8 for Pentax.

Here's another review: Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC (Pentax K) - Photozone Review / Test Report

Aneopa · 07-01-2007, 12:55 PM

Thanks Shift,

Do you have any news about the Tamrom 17-50 be released for Pentax mount?

After that negative answer from Tamron I gave up of this lens... Perhaps if Pentax manage to continue the high sales of Dsrls they change their minds. Until there the battle is between 17-70 and the DA 16-45.

Looks like the Sigma will be a winner, until now nobody seems to think the 16-45 as a much better lens than the 17-70.

aabram · 07-01-2007, 10:38 PM

Originally posted by Aneopa

You have a impressive knowledge of photographic composition, specially about the use of geometrics forms. Congrats!

Thanks. I wouldn't call my knowledge extensive but I'm trying

As for the lens question again - 16-45 is fine lens, no doubt about it. If price difference is not a problem, get it. Common consensus is that you can't go wrong with it. As far as user reports go, owners of either ones seem to be happy with their purchase so they're both safe bet.

However, I still urge you to consider the length, sigma is 25mm longer than Pentax. For me it is a huge difference. It may or may not be for you. If 45 is short for you and you know that you will not have money to buy another (longer) lens soon, you may want to go for Sigma. If, however, you know you'll be getting, say, 50-200 soon, you may stay with Pentax.

bjsmith · 07-02-2007, 02:36 PM

Just FYI, BuyDig.COM (Beach Camera) has the new, US version of the Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4.0 for $379 shipped:
Pentax smc P-DA J 16-45mm F4.0 ED/AL DSLR Lens / Pentax USA Warranty |BuyDig.com

With the $100 MIR offer (through 7/31), that brings it down to $279 shipped, a good $30 cheaper than any I've seen yet:
http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/scms_docs//picturep.dslr.rebate___050107.pdf

Aneopa · 07-09-2007, 05:30 PM

Originally posted by bjsmith

Just FYI, BuyDig.COM (Beach Camera) has the new, US version of the Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4.0 for $379 shipped:
Pentax smc P-DA J 16-45mm F4.0 ED/AL DSLR Lens / Pentax USA Warranty |BuyDig.com

With the $100 MIR offer (through 7/31), that brings it down to $279 shipped, a good $30 cheaper than any I've seen yet:
http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/scms_docs//picturep.dslr.rebate___050107.pdf

After a long consideration and a lot of temptation I have decided to buy the 16-45 for U$ 268,79 shipped (after rebate in Abes of Maine)... With the difference between the Pentax and Sigma is a short way to follow the advice of Aabrahan and buy a DA 50-200.

Thank you all for your thoughts, was a great help

Thxs

bjsmith · 07-09-2007, 11:23 PM

Originally posted by Aneopa

After a long consideration and a lot of temptation I have decided to buy the 16-45 for U$ 268,79 shipped (after rebate in Abes of Maine)... With the difference between the Pentax and Sigma is a short way to follow the advice of Aabrahan and buy a DA 50-200.
Thank you all for your thoughts, was a great help
Thxs

Wow! Just over $250 after rebate?
Hmmm, now that's getting very tempting!

bjsmith · 07-30-2007, 03:16 PM

BuyDig.COM (Beach Camera) had it for $359 shipped, minus the $100 rebate. I finally went for it "last second" (since the current rebate offer is up tomorrow, 7/31). Definitely love BuyDig.COM -- they shipped today (same day).

axl · 08-03-2007, 04:01 AM

Originally posted by Aneopa

...Perhaps if Pentax manage to continue the high sales of Dsrls they change their minds. Until there the battle is between 17-70 and the DA 16-45....

Isn't DA* 16-50 coming out now??
Maybe a contender here? It's not in stock yet, and it's bit pricy, but it's longer then 16-45 and should have better IQ

barendvl · 08-03-2007, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by axl

Isn't DA* 16-50 coming out now??
Maybe a contender here? It's not in stock yet, and it's bit pricy, but it's longer then 16-45 and should have better IQ

I expect the 16-50 to have a comparable IQ to the 16-45, with better performance in regards to the CA problems the 16-45 exhibits. You have to understand that the DA* bonus you get is the weather sealing and SDM. Don't get me wrong tho, the IQ (CA excluded) of the 16-45 is very, very good, at least in my own experience (I own the lens). Sample images on my blog (link below).

I cannot judge the 17-70 because I have not used it. The Sigma quality control combined with the not-constant diaphragm wide open would make me reconsider the lens tho (I don't know how the lens performs wide open, but the Pentax at least is very usable at F4, and tops already at F5.6 (!!! one stop). I do think that these lenses are not really in the same league (focal-length wise). They serve different needs. I got the 16-45 because I figured I used my kit lens on the wide-end alot and was NOT liking the results

Also, since I just got my flash, I can't say the F4 is a real problem. So if you learn how to flash in a proper way, you could go for either way. Basically, it's down to your needs, then decide which one you want to get.

06-29-2007, 11:36 PM	#1
Aneopa Guest	Pentax 16/45 vs Sigma 17-70 Hi, I´m willing to replace my kit lens in August and i´m stuck between these lenses, the Pentax DA 16-45, and the Sigma 17-70. I think the range of Sigma is great, and I saw here in the forum some wonderful photos taken with this lens. According to some reviews (measurebations I know...) the Pentax has more resolution than the Sigma... Finally, I´m looking for opinions, specially from whom have the opportunity to use both. Thx

06-30-2007, 02:47 AM	#2
matix Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 239	Pentax DA 16-45 vs Sigma 17-70 Originally posted by Aneopa Hi, I´m willing to replace my kit lens in August and i´m stuck between these lenses, the Pentax DA 16-45, and the Sigma 17-70. I think the range of Sigma is great, and I saw here in the forum some wonderful photos taken with this lens. According to some reviews (measurebations I know...) the Pentax has more resolution than the Sigma... Finally, I´m looking for opinions, specially from whom have the opportunity to use both. Thx Hi Aneopa, like a lot of things, personal opinions count a lot when comparing similar products. I looked carefully at both of these lenses and tried the two at the same time, and liked the results from the Sigma better. I like the clarity and contrast, and colours. There are a lot of shots taken with my K10D and the Sigma 17-70 on this sitem from a weeks holiday in Cairns, Qld Australia. A few of the shots, the really wide angle ones were taken with the Sigma EX 10-20 F4-5.6, but the majority were with the 17-70 which now rarely leaves my camera. Hope this helps... Phil Day 1 - Cairns Qld

07-02-2007, 02:36 PM	#10
bjsmith Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD (USA) ; Orlando, FL (USA) Posts: 287	BuyDig.COM has DA 16-45mm f/4.0 for $379 - $100 MIR Just FYI, BuyDig.COM (Beach Camera) has the new, US version of the Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4.0 for $379 shipped: Pentax smc P-DA J 16-45mm F4.0 ED/AL DSLR Lens / Pentax USA Warranty \|BuyDig.com With the $100 MIR offer (through 7/31), that brings it down to $279 shipped, a good $30 cheaper than any I've seen yet: http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/scms_docs//picturep.dslr.rebate___050107.pdf

07-30-2007, 03:16 PM	#13
bjsmith Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD (USA) ; Orlando, FL (USA) Posts: 287	I just picked up for $359 shipped (- $100 rebate) BuyDig.COM (Beach Camera) had it for $359 shipped, minus the $100 rebate. I finally went for it "last second" (since the current rebate offer is up tomorrow, 7/31). Definitely love BuyDig.COM -- they shipped today (same day).

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06-30-2007, 07:40 AM	#3
Aneopa Guest	Thank you Matix, this certainly was helpful. BTW looks like you had a good time in a beautiful place...

06-30-2007, 03:24 PM	#4
matix Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 239	No problem, glad to help... yes, sometimes we forget to visit our own country, and we are so lucky to be able to travel. Cairns is only 1,800km north of Brisbane where I live. I strongly recommend the Sigma lenses, I have no hang ups on brand, just results. I now have all Sigma except for a Pentax 50mm AF 1.7. Sigma Lenses include the 17-70, 10-20 EX, 50mm Macro EX, Bigma 50-500 EX and the 18-200 DG. Both kit lenses were Pentax, 18-55 and 55-200 and were sold in favour of the Sigma's, no regrets at all. Phil

07-01-2007, 02:01 AM	#5
aabram Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Estonia Posts: 261	Originally posted by Aneopa Hi, I´m willing to replace my kit lens in August and i´m stuck between these lenses, the Pentax DA 16-45, and the Sigma 17-70. I was once in the same boat as you, deciding between those two. But in terms of length these two are really different beasts. If you feel that kit lens is too short at times, then 16-45 will be even shorter. I went for 17-70 for two reasons: for its great and useful range and f2.8 at the wide end, compared to f4.0 (although constant throughout) for Pentax. Shooting indoors f2.8 does come handy. Also, as I mentioned in other thread - try to think what ranges or what lenses will you get next. If you're planning to get 12-24 at some point, you may want to avoid too much overlapping with ranges. My Sigma 17-70 samples can be found here. There are no people or party shots though, these I tend to keep private ;-)

07-01-2007, 10:07 AM	#6
Aneopa Guest	Thank you so much for your thoughts and samples, aabraham. You have a impressive knowledge of photographic composition, specially about the use of geometrics forms. Congrats!

07-01-2007, 12:23 PM	#7
SHIFT Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 30	I was set on the Sigma 17-70mm but when I was paying for it, I noticed a large spec of dust inside of it. After that I could not justify the price for the lens even though its probably a perfect lens. AF was quicker and quieter than the 18-55mm I bought after. Now I'm waiting for the Tamron to make the 17-50mm F/2.8 for Pentax. Here's another review: Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC (Pentax K) - Photozone Review / Test Report

07-01-2007, 12:55 PM	#8
Aneopa Guest	Thanks Shift, Do you have any news about the Tamrom 17-50 be released for Pentax mount? After that negative answer from Tamron I gave up of this lens... Perhaps if Pentax manage to continue the high sales of Dsrls they change their minds. Until there the battle is between 17-70 and the DA 16-45. Looks like the Sigma will be a winner, until now nobody seems to think the 16-45 as a much better lens than the 17-70.

07-01-2007, 10:38 PM	#9
aabram Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Estonia Posts: 261	Originally posted by Aneopa You have a impressive knowledge of photographic composition, specially about the use of geometrics forms. Congrats! Thanks. I wouldn't call my knowledge extensive but I'm trying As for the lens question again - 16-45 is fine lens, no doubt about it. If price difference is not a problem, get it. Common consensus is that you can't go wrong with it. As far as user reports go, owners of either ones seem to be happy with their purchase so they're both safe bet. However, I still urge you to consider the length, sigma is 25mm longer than Pentax. For me it is a huge difference. It may or may not be for you. If 45 is short for you and you know that you will not have money to buy another (longer) lens soon, you may want to go for Sigma. If, however, you know you'll be getting, say, 50-200 soon, you may stay with Pentax.

07-09-2007, 05:30 PM	#11
Aneopa Guest	Originally posted by bjsmith Just FYI, BuyDig.COM (Beach Camera) has the new, US version of the Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4.0 for $379 shipped: Pentax smc P-DA J 16-45mm F4.0 ED/AL DSLR Lens / Pentax USA Warranty \|BuyDig.com With the $100 MIR offer (through 7/31), that brings it down to $279 shipped, a good $30 cheaper than any I've seen yet: http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/scms_docs//picturep.dslr.rebate___050107.pdf After a long consideration and a lot of temptation I have decided to buy the 16-45 for U$ 268,79 shipped (after rebate in Abes of Maine)... With the difference between the Pentax and Sigma is a short way to follow the advice of Aabrahan and buy a DA 50-200. Thank you all for your thoughts, was a great help Thxs

07-09-2007, 11:23 PM	#12
bjsmith Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD (USA) ; Orlando, FL (USA) Posts: 287	Originally posted by Aneopa After a long consideration and a lot of temptation I have decided to buy the 16-45 for U$ 268,79 shipped (after rebate in Abes of Maine)... With the difference between the Pentax and Sigma is a short way to follow the advice of Aabrahan and buy a DA 50-200. Thank you all for your thoughts, was a great help Thxs Wow! Just over $250 after rebate? Hmmm, now that's getting very tempting!

08-03-2007, 04:01 AM	#14
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Originally posted by Aneopa ...Perhaps if Pentax manage to continue the high sales of Dsrls they change their minds. Until there the battle is between 17-70 and the DA 16-45.... Isn't DA* 16-50 coming out now?? Maybe a contender here? It's not in stock yet, and it's bit pricy, but it's longer then 16-45 and should have better IQ

08-03-2007, 04:24 PM	#15
barendvl Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Netherlands, Eindhoven Posts: 133	Originally posted by axl Isn't DA* 16-50 coming out now?? Maybe a contender here? It's not in stock yet, and it's bit pricy, but it's longer then 16-45 and should have better IQ I expect the 16-50 to have a comparable IQ to the 16-45, with better performance in regards to the CA problems the 16-45 exhibits. You have to understand that the DA* bonus you get is the weather sealing and SDM. Don't get me wrong tho, the IQ (CA excluded) of the 16-45 is very, very good, at least in my own experience (I own the lens). Sample images on my blog (link below). I cannot judge the 17-70 because I have not used it. The Sigma quality control combined with the not-constant diaphragm wide open would make me reconsider the lens tho (I don't know how the lens performs wide open, but the Pentax at least is very usable at F4, and tops already at F5.6 (!!! one stop). I do think that these lenses are not really in the same league (focal-length wise). They serve different needs. I got the 16-45 because I figured I used my kit lens on the wide-end alot and was NOT liking the results Also, since I just got my flash, I can't say the F4 is a real problem. So if you learn how to flash in a proper way, you could go for either way. Basically, it's down to your needs, then decide which one you want to get.