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02-13-2011, 02:03 AM   #31
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I have two sigma lenses and they are both pretty good. One needed calibrating but other than that ok.
I am hyped about the super zooms. Only because of the new design. If they redesign the 300 and 500mm primes. Wow.... with WS, OS. HSM and new optical design for Pentax... My god I would be tripping over myself trying to find the funds....
It's comming I think in the next few years.

02-13-2011, 10:23 AM - 1 Like   #32
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Coming from Canon I avoided Sigma for years. My 5D does not have AF micro adjust and Sigma was famous for focus inaccuracy.

I picked up a K-7 and a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 to play with and I am very impressed with the Sigma. It needed zero AF adjustment and is very sharp even at f/1.4. HSM is very fast and quiet. The Pentax AF is the weak link in the combination and as some people have pointed out the larger lenses like the Sigma 50mm pretty much block the AF assist light. AF assist is kind of annoying anyway.

The Sigma 150mm with weather sealing was shown a couple of months ago. This is an excellent lens and I am glad to see it coming to K-mount.

I know this is a Pentax forum and some people will have a hard time admitting that Sigma makes glass that is just as good as Pentax. Where the image quality is equal like the 55mm DA* and the 50mm F/1.4 the Sigma HSM is $150.00 cheaper. I would rate HSM as better the SDM when it comes to speed and dependability. Pentax has 4-6 lenses that are real gems and unique, but when it comes to zooms and some fast primes like the 50mm and the new 85mm I think Sigma has the edge.
02-13-2011, 10:53 AM   #33
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QuoteOriginally posted by Winder Quote
Pentax has 4-6 lenses that are real gems and unique, but when it comes to zooms and some fast primes like .....
Wich ones do you see as the gems?

I have the DA*55 and it's a lovely lens, but I bought it before price-increase of summer 2009. It is expensive now, but I can still recommend it. 689 euro for Pentax and 419 euro for Sigma.
02-13-2011, 12:31 PM   #34
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Off the top of my head I like the 31mm, 43mm, 70mm, 100mm macro. I know some people like the 77mm the most, but I will go with the 70mm DA for its size or the 85mm Sigma for the quality I am seeing from the Canon & Nikon version.

For zooms Sigma has really stepped it up with the new line of lenses. The new 17-50 OS HSM looks very, very good in the test reports. I have not used this lens. There are some other issues like color cast and flare control that people will point out. Not everything is about sharpness and resolution, but that is a pretty important aspect.

I do a significant amount of B&W so sharpness and contrast are major factors. A warm or cool color cast is easily fixed.

If I were to put the Canon 5D on the shelf and go 100% Pentax:
31mm Ltd.
50mm Sigma f/1.4
85mm Sigma f/1.4
100mm D-FA macro or 150mm OS HSM Sigma macro

17-50mm OS HSM Sigma
70-200 OS HSM Sigma

02-13-2011, 01:20 PM   #35
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QuoteOriginally posted by Winder Quote
Off the top of my head I like the 31mm, 43mm, 70mm, 100mm macro. I know some people like the 77mm the most, but I will go with the 70mm DA for its size or the 85mm Sigma for the quality I am seeing from the Canon & Nikon version.

For zooms Sigma has really stepped it up with the new line of lenses. The new 17-50 OS HSM looks very, very good in the test reports. I have not used this lens. There are some other issues like color cast and flare control that people will point out. Not everything is about sharpness and resolution, but that is a pretty important aspect.

I do a significant amount of B&W so sharpness and contrast are major factors. A warm or cool color cast is easily fixed.

If I were to put the Canon 5D on the shelf and go 100% Pentax:
31mm Ltd.
50mm Sigma f/1.4
85mm Sigma f/1.4
100mm D-FA macro or 150mm OS HSM Sigma macro

17-50mm OS HSM Sigma
70-200 OS HSM Sigma
wow I have non of those lenses

I try to get true life with DA(*)14mm, 21mm, 40mm, 55mm, 50-135mm, M35 and FA*85.

The 31mm is still on my list, but then again there is the lacking moneypit.
02-13-2011, 06:00 PM   #36
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QuoteOriginally posted by Winder Quote
Off the top of my head I like the 31mm, 43mm, 70mm, 100mm macro. I know some people like the 77mm the most, but I will go with the 70mm DA for its size or the 85mm Sigma for the quality I am seeing from the Canon & Nikon version.
Very refreshing to see someone recognise the leaps in quality Sigma took and -- without brand blindness -- see what is truly left as unique products in the Pentax line up.

I'd love to see a comparison between the FA 77/1.8 and the Sigma 85/1.4. I'm not sure which one I'd pick if I had the choice today. Probably the Sigma based on focal length but I'm not sure what amount of "pixie dust" I'd forgo. Maybe none?

The problem with the Pentax line up, IMHO, is that quite a number of true gems are no longer in production (A* 85/1.4, FA 85/1.4, A* 135/1.8, 200mm Macro, FA* 80-200mm, FA* 250-600). That leaves the FA Ltds as objects of desire.

If you are into weather-sealing and small size (pancakes) then Pentax still has a lot to offer, but optically only a few lenses in the current setup are worth lusting after, IMHO.

Regarding your list of lenses to have in a set: Some may add the 50-135 and/or the 60-250. I personally would be cautious about the SDM issues with the 50-135 so I don't worry too much what it is like optically. I've seen very nice shots from the 60-250, this one seems like one to be worthwhile having.
02-13-2011, 07:01 PM   #37
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I am still primarily a Canon 5D shooter and it is really hard for me to justify putting the 85L on the shelf. Right now the 24-70L, 85L, 135L are my "must have" glass.

It is very hard for me to really duplicate that with Pentax. I am staying away from SDM for the time being. Sigma 85mm gets me close to the 135L and the Sigma 50mm gets me close to the 85mm (75mm). The Canon 24-70L is pretty average for L glass or any pro grade glass. I would love to see a DA* 135mm from Pentax or even a Sigma 135mm f/1.8.

I will probably wait until summer to look at a K-5 and see if all the little issues have been worked out. I have been very impressed with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 and I am waiting for the Sigma 85mm to be released. I have used Canon, Contax, Olympus, & Pentax over the years and I have gotten to where I really don't care what the name is on the equipment as long as it works and works well.

02-14-2011, 12:13 AM   #38
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ClassA, I understand your lack of interest for sdm lenses but about 50-135,it is... A real gem, nothing else.
02-14-2011, 02:59 AM   #39
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QuoteOriginally posted by thibs Quote
ClassA, I understand your lack of interest for sdm lenses but about 50-135,it is... A real gem, nothing else.
Hmmh, you have rekindled my interest in this lens. I looked at some sample photos and yes, wow(!), it appears to be a really nice one.
02-14-2011, 03:30 AM   #40
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I didn't planned to buy that one but at 550 instead of 1100 euros under warranty I couldn't say no. And I'm VERY pleased by this decision.
02-14-2011, 04:12 AM   #41
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QuoteOriginally posted by thibs Quote
I didn't planned to buy that one but at 550 instead of 1100 euros under warranty I couldn't say no.
A once in a lifetime deal or do you have a secret to share with us?
02-14-2011, 06:58 AM   #42
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Unfortunately for you the secret is simple: watch eBay closely
dunno why, nobody bid but I. Stupid and unfortunate for the seller
excellent for me obviously

Belgium is a small market, so is eBay belgium.
Prices are often higher than eg Germany (lack of competition) but sometimes nobody bids

Got my sigma 28/1.8 at 175€ the same way.
02-14-2011, 10:15 AM   #43
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The gravest news in Sigma's announcement is the USD1,600 RRP tag on the 150mm macro.

Plus the fact that it will take several extra months for a K-mount one to emerge, and that won't ever see heavy discounting due to low volume demand...

Life is so cruel.

.R.
02-14-2011, 02:32 PM   #44
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QuoteOriginally posted by thibs Quote
Unfortunately for you the secret is simple: watch eBay closely
I see, thanks.

QuoteOriginally posted by Hypocorism Quote
The gravest news in Sigma's announcement is the USD1,600 RRP tag on the 150mm macro.
The street price will be well below that.

For example, the MSRP for the excellent Sigma 70/2.8 EX Macro is $670 but you can get it for $499.

QuoteOriginally posted by Hypocorism Quote
... won't ever see heavy discounting due to low volume demand...
Sigma prices don't differ for different mounts and between all mounts, they'll have a lot of demand. Your argument applies to Pentax lenses, but not to third party manufacturers.

Last edited by Class A; 02-14-2011 at 06:03 PM.
02-14-2011, 03:22 PM   #45
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QuoteOriginally posted by Hypocorism Quote
The gravest news in Sigma's announcement is the USD1,600 RRP tag on the 150mm macro.

Plus the fact that it will take several extra months for a K-mount one to emerge, and that won't ever see heavy discounting due to low volume demand...

Life is so cruel.

.R.
I read that the 120-300mm for Pentax is to be expected in may. Would be great.
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