[scratchpaddy]

This lens has been getting a lot of attention lately, so I figured I'd start a Club to consolidate the discussion. True, it's not out for Pentax yet, but it will be in a few months. Hopefully sooner. Then we can get some pictures from a proper camera in here.

All my samples are with Sigma's own DSLR, the SD1 Merrill. It uses a weird sensor with a very different structure than any other sensor out there, and it's resolution falls somewhere between a K-3 and a D800. But enough about the camera; this is about the lens! Hopefully the forum has a few more multi-system users that have already gotten this lens.

All images can be clicked on for full-size.

Since this is an "Art" series lens, I figured this was a good one to start off the thread. 18mm, f/1.8



I've taken it to two car shows so far, and it's been invaluable for the variable and sometimes dim lighting. 28mm f/1.8



If it wasn't for the EXIF, I'd have a hard time believing that these are all wide-open, even though I took the darn pictures myself. 18mm f/1.8



Sigma's bokeh is often controversial. I don't think it's magical like some Pentax primes, but like all lenses, sometimes it works, other times not. I'll let you judge for yourself. 18mm f/1.8



Questions?

[Franc]

what's the flare like?

[narual]

Questions?

Could you deliver that Rolls Royce to my house, please? Someone keeps parking their Bentley outside my favorite local cafe and I want to show them up. lol

(I can't for the life of me think why anyone would be driving a Bentley in my neighborhood, which is only about 6 or 8 years past being "the bad part of town," and still has houses on the market that cost less than $20k)

[scratchpaddy]

what's the flare like?

Depends. I did a torture test, shooting into shadows with the sunset shining directly into the lens. If you push the lens this hard, it suffers. It's no DA 15.

35mm f/1.8





That said, there are very few lenses which can actually handle situations like this. Considering that this one has 19 elements, I think it does fine.

18mm f/5.6

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Last edited by scratchpaddy; 01-24-2014 at 12:58 PM.

[seventysixersfan]

wow that's some sharp pictures taken at the car show! thanks for sharing, can't wait to see what people think of it on a Pentax DSLR!

[LeRolls]

Some nice shots for sure! I'm actually more curious about your thoughts on the SD1 Merril as I have always been quite interested in foveon technology. I've seen some really great architectural shots done with this camera that are on 500px. How do you like the camera overall?

[scratchpaddy]

Could you deliver that Rolls Royce to my house, please? Someone keeps parking their Bentley outside my favorite local cafe and I want to show them up. lol

(I can't for the life of me think why anyone would be driving a Bentley in my neighborhood, which is only about 6 or 8 years past being "the bad part of town," and still has houses on the market that cost less than $20k)

Did'ja want an old one, or a new? I've got a couple.

18mm f/1.8


18mm f/2.8

[narual]

Did'ja want an old one, or a new?

Oh, old, definitely. That would look fantastic parked outside my house:


(15mm limited, NOT the sigma this thread is about)

[Kozlok]

I have a pretty simple plan. I'm going to buy the 18-35, and keep my DA Limiteds for when the sun is shining right at me.

[scratchpaddy]

Some nice shots for sure! I'm actually more curious about your thoughts on the SD1 Merril as I have always been quite interested in foveon technology. I've seen some really great architectural shots done with this camera that are on 500px. How do you like the camera overall?

I love it, especially the way it handles, and the rendering of the sensor. But, it's slow as heck, and it's missing quite a few features that any flagship camera should have, like live view, electronic level, a good screen, a top LCD, RAW files that can be used by Lightroom... anyway, I've got another thread for discussion of Foveon cameras in the non-Pentax section: The Foveon Club: Life Unfiltered

Oh, old, definitely. That would look fantastic parked outside my house:

Oh, I don't know. That boxy new Ghost might go well with your Element.

I have a pretty simple plan. I'm going to buy the 18-35, and keep my DA Limiteds for when the sun is shining right at me.

Sounds like a good plan. Those pancakes would also be good for when you need stealth mode. As quiet as the lens is, this is not stealth mode:



(the lens is sitting in front, not actually mounted. Sorry, it can't be done.)

[scratchpaddy]

I'll do some more samples, at more normal settings. As great as the lens is wide-open, the narrow DOF at f/1.8 is not the easiest to work with.

18mm f/2.8



26mm f/4. This is not the same Bentley.



How about some American muscle? 35mm f/3.5



32mm f/2.8



18mm f/2.8

[Mock]

I've had this lens on order in a K-mount since June 18, I'm hoping the calendar doesn't strike 1 year before I can mount one on a proper camera.
These night-time shots are sort of what I'd like to be doing with it, except I'd rather a K-5 sensor at higher ISO instead of a 70D.

All wide open unless noted otherwise...













Fine in the daytime too, these are from a T4i.




8-image panorama at f/5.6






A far less exotic car than the ones pictured above.



More in this set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurt-b/sets/72157635511368091/

[SyncGuy]

I like the fact that even at 18mm and wide open, there isn't much distortion at the corners; e.g. stuffs looks stretched..

[jiimaa]

Jesus, I don't think I've ever waited a lens like I'm waiting for the 18-35 1.8. What unreal images at 18mm f/1.8. Where was it again I can go ask Sigma to please consider dropping what ever it is they're doing instead of bringing this to K mount, and do this first, then shut up and take my money.

[nightfly]

I see that there is a review already. Tested with a K-5IIs. Is it available now?


Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM (Art) Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database