Sigma Starting to Produce Weather Sealed Lenses?

**Clinton** · 03-15-2011, 09:16 PM

Originally posted by Winder

So you have already tested the new glass?

No, my point was, if you have to stop down further to get the same quality, meh.

Originally posted by Winder

The Sigma 50mm is better than the 55mm Pentax in almost every way and it is $200.00 cheaper.

I find that the Pentax is better in almost every way than the Sigma, maybe your results differ.

Originally posted by Winder

and performance of 31mm at F/18 is not anything to get excited about.

Again, to To paraphrase farfisa from a 85/1.4 thread: If the Sigma 35/1.4 is as good as the FA31, I'll buy two and wear them on my nipples.

This isn't to say I don't love Sigma lenses. If they're superior and offer me options I don't have with Pentax, I'll jump all over them... well so to speak.

I <3 my 100-300/4, my 8-16, my 4.5mm, my 180mm macro, and my 50-500. They are awesome glass, and fill in voids I cant fill with Pentax at all or with the same quality.

I have high hopes; but Sigma still has some room to go. They can produce amazing glass, and do with their pro-sumer models, but their more consumer grade lenses tend to be just ok.

thibs · 03-15-2011, 11:42 PM

50-135 so-so until f/4? Rotfl.

Tonto · 03-16-2011, 03:52 AM

120-300 2.8 - That is one sweeeet lens!.....If I was a wildlife shooter I would be all over this one. Its not a bad price considering the length and speed but not a good price for me...

pop4 · 03-16-2011, 04:04 AM

Originally posted by Winder

As a long time Canon user I avoided Sigma like the plague.

One thing to note is that Sigma reverse-engineers the lens-camera protocols for each mount, and from what I know, there are still a few issues with Sigma's reverse engineering of the Canon EF/EF-S protocol, which is why Canon bodies and Sigma lenses don't always work well together in terms of AF issues (I browse over at POTN quite a bit). This is in addition to the possible QC issues from Sigma themselves, which I believe Sigma are working on to improve.

One of my Nikon shooting friends noticed when he was researching the Sigma 50/1.4 is that the very very vast majority of issues (AF calibration, AF not working, sporadic AF, etc) with the lens was from people shooting Canon; there weren't many complaints from those shooting Nikon or Pentax, besides the occasional AF calibration issue. He's been happy with his copy, as have I with mine in K-mount.

thibs · 03-16-2011, 06:28 AM

Originally posted by pop4

One thing to note is that Sigma reverse-engineers the lens-camera protocols for each mount, and from what I know, there are still a few issues with Sigma's reverse engineering of the Canon EF/EF-S protocol, which is why Canon bodies and Sigma lenses don't always work well together in terms of AF issues (I browse over at POTN quite a bit). This is in addition to the possible QC issues from Sigma themselves, which I believe Sigma are working on to improve.

Indeed, confirmed by my reseller who simply refuse to carry on Sigma lenses ever again.
Btw, why Pentax will never help significantly Sigma. Why would they help guys reverse engineering their mount instead of paying the license. That's be very stupid.

Winder · 03-16-2011, 07:21 AM

Originally posted by Clinton

No, my point was, if you have to stop down further to get the same quality, meh.

You seem to be automatically assuming that you will. The last couple of EX grade lenses Sigma has designed they have optimized for sharpness at wider apertures.

Originally posted by Clinton

I find that the Pentax is better in almost every way than the Sigma, maybe your results differ.

I tried 2 Pentax 55mm DA* lenses before going with the Sigma. I really wanted the WR and the smaller size, but sharpness and the HSM gave the advantage to Sigma. After F/4 there was no noticeable differences between them, but from F/1.4 to F/4.0 The Sigma was a better lens.

Originally posted by Clinton

Again, to To paraphrase farfisa from a 85/1.4 thread: If the Sigma 35/1.4 is as good as the FA31, I'll buy two and wear them on my nipples.

Again you seem to be assuming that the Sigma lens will not be as sharp. The Sigma might not be as sharp at F/5.6, but I would expect that at F/1.4-f/4 the Sigma will be sharper and have better bokeh. I know the AF will be faster and quieter.

Originally posted by Clinton

I have high hopes; but Sigma still has some room to go. They can produce amazing glass, and do with their pro-sumer models, but their more consumer grade lenses tend to be just ok.

There is no doubt Sigma has room to improve, so does Pentax. Actually every manufacturer has room to improve and they all have cheap consumer grade lenses.

Sigma is not thinking about Pentax when it makes lens decisions. Sigma is looking at the Canon "L" and Nikon pro-grade and thinking they can produce comparable glass for 30% less cost. Pentax users are going to benefit from more options.

HawaiianOnline · 03-17-2011, 05:22 PM

I wonder if Sigma will make weathersealed TCs to match? It would make sense to come up with those eventually.

Smeggypants · 03-18-2011, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by lithos

Quality? Sigma?

Well I have 3 Sigma lenses ... 30mm/1.4, 17-70mm and 135-400mm. And they are damn fine lenses!!

Smeggypants · 03-18-2011, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by Clinton

I find that the Pentax is better in almost every way than the Sigma, maybe your results differ.

My results do differ. I love my pentax lenses, but my sigma lenses are just as good.

**Clinton** · 03-18-2011, 08:25 PM

Originally posted by Smeggypants

My results do differ. I love my pentax lenses, but my sigma lenses are just as good.

This is in specific reference to the DA* 55 vs the Sigma 50.

I've been really unimpressed with the out of focus highlights on the Sigma, and the Pentax doesn't have the same issue. YRMV.

Philippos · 03-20-2011, 01:21 AM

Originally posted by Philippos

It is not a matter of demand. As I mentioned somewhere else, Pentax will provide technology and make the SD-1 bodies for Sigma (a customised K7/K5), and Sigma will make it's entire line available for the PK-mount.

Originally posted by thibs

It won't happen.

Wanna Bet ???

lol101 · 03-20-2011, 02:47 AM

Originally posted by Philippos

Wanna Bet ???

The SD1 body doesn't even remotely look like a "customized K7" as can be seen on all the previews around the web... are you sur you want to bet on Pentax producing it?

Sigma SD1 : premières impressions

http://www.clubic.com/photo/photokina/actualite-367970-sigma-sd1-reflex-rena...foveon-x3.html

**Clinton** · 03-20-2011, 07:02 AM

Originally posted by Philippos

Wanna Bet ???

I'm willing to bet a Slurpee on that this exchange isn't happening.

thibs · 03-20-2011, 01:59 PM

Originally posted by Philippos

Wanna Bet ???

Yep

Rin · 03-22-2011, 08:37 AM

Originally posted by Clinton

This is in specific reference to the DA* 55 vs the Sigma 50.

I've been really unimpressed with the out of focus highlights on the Sigma, and the Pentax doesn't have the same issue. YRMV.

Normally sigma has some decent lens and some bad ones, but the Sigma 50mm is really one of the best 50mm's in this pricerange this day in my opinion. i wish there was a weather sealed version of this lens.

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03-15-2011, 09:16 PM	#61
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,910	Originally posted by Winder So you have already tested the new glass? No, my point was, if you have to stop down further to get the same quality, meh. Originally posted by Winder The Sigma 50mm is better than the 55mm Pentax in almost every way and it is $200.00 cheaper. I find that the Pentax is better in almost every way than the Sigma, maybe your results differ. Originally posted by Winder and performance of 31mm at F/18 is not anything to get excited about. Again, to To paraphrase farfisa from a 85/1.4 thread: If the Sigma 35/1.4 is as good as the FA31, I'll buy two and wear them on my nipples. This isn't to say I don't love Sigma lenses. If they're superior and offer me options I don't have with Pentax, I'll jump all over them... well so to speak. I <3 my 100-300/4, my 8-16, my 4.5mm, my 180mm macro, and my 50-500. They are awesome glass, and fill in voids I cant fill with Pentax at all or with the same quality. I have high hopes; but Sigma still has some room to go. They can produce amazing glass, and do with their pro-sumer models, but their more consumer grade lenses tend to be just ok.

03-15-2011, 11:42 PM	#62
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	50-135 so-so until f/4? Rotfl.

03-16-2011, 03:52 AM	#63
Tonto Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wellington Posts: 969	120-300 2.8 - That is one sweeeet lens!.....If I was a wildlife shooter I would be all over this one. Its not a bad price considering the length and speed but not a good price for me...

03-16-2011, 04:04 AM	#64
pop4 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: YMML Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,879	Originally posted by Winder As a long time Canon user I avoided Sigma like the plague. One thing to note is that Sigma reverse-engineers the lens-camera protocols for each mount, and from what I know, there are still a few issues with Sigma's reverse engineering of the Canon EF/EF-S protocol, which is why Canon bodies and Sigma lenses don't always work well together in terms of AF issues (I browse over at POTN quite a bit). This is in addition to the possible QC issues from Sigma themselves, which I believe Sigma are working on to improve. One of my Nikon shooting friends noticed when he was researching the Sigma 50/1.4 is that the very very vast majority of issues (AF calibration, AF not working, sporadic AF, etc) with the lens was from people shooting Canon; there weren't many complaints from those shooting Nikon or Pentax, besides the occasional AF calibration issue. He's been happy with his copy, as have I with mine in K-mount.

03-16-2011, 06:28 AM	#65
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by pop4 One thing to note is that Sigma reverse-engineers the lens-camera protocols for each mount, and from what I know, there are still a few issues with Sigma's reverse engineering of the Canon EF/EF-S protocol, which is why Canon bodies and Sigma lenses don't always work well together in terms of AF issues (I browse over at POTN quite a bit). This is in addition to the possible QC issues from Sigma themselves, which I believe Sigma are working on to improve. Indeed, confirmed by my reseller who simply refuse to carry on Sigma lenses ever again. Btw, why Pentax will never help significantly Sigma. Why would they help guys reverse engineering their mount instead of paying the license. That's be very stupid.

03-16-2011, 07:21 AM	#66
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Originally posted by Clinton No, my point was, if you have to stop down further to get the same quality, meh. You seem to be automatically assuming that you will. The last couple of EX grade lenses Sigma has designed they have optimized for sharpness at wider apertures. Originally posted by Clinton I find that the Pentax is better in almost every way than the Sigma, maybe your results differ. I tried 2 Pentax 55mm DA* lenses before going with the Sigma. I really wanted the WR and the smaller size, but sharpness and the HSM gave the advantage to Sigma. After F/4 there was no noticeable differences between them, but from F/1.4 to F/4.0 The Sigma was a better lens. Originally posted by Clinton Again, to To paraphrase farfisa from a 85/1.4 thread: If the Sigma 35/1.4 is as good as the FA31, I'll buy two and wear them on my nipples. Again you seem to be assuming that the Sigma lens will not be as sharp. The Sigma might not be as sharp at F/5.6, but I would expect that at F/1.4-f/4 the Sigma will be sharper and have better bokeh. I know the AF will be faster and quieter. Originally posted by Clinton I have high hopes; but Sigma still has some room to go. They can produce amazing glass, and do with their pro-sumer models, but their more consumer grade lenses tend to be just ok. There is no doubt Sigma has room to improve, so does Pentax. Actually every manufacturer has room to improve and they all have cheap consumer grade lenses. Sigma is not thinking about Pentax when it makes lens decisions. Sigma is looking at the Canon "L" and Nikon pro-grade and thinking they can produce comparable glass for 30% less cost. Pentax users are going to benefit from more options.

03-17-2011, 05:22 PM	#67
HawaiianOnline Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hawaii Posts: 613	I wonder if Sigma will make weathersealed TCs to match? It would make sense to come up with those eventually.

03-18-2011, 06:34 PM	#68
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	Originally posted by lithos Quality? Sigma? Well I have 3 Sigma lenses ... 30mm/1.4, 17-70mm and 135-400mm. And they are damn fine lenses!!

03-18-2011, 06:38 PM	#69
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	Originally posted by Clinton I find that the Pentax is better in almost every way than the Sigma, maybe your results differ. My results do differ. I love my pentax lenses, but my sigma lenses are just as good.

03-18-2011, 08:25 PM	#70
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,910	Originally posted by Smeggypants My results do differ. I love my pentax lenses, but my sigma lenses are just as good. This is in specific reference to the DA* 55 vs the Sigma 50. I've been really unimpressed with the out of focus highlights on the Sigma, and the Pentax doesn't have the same issue. YRMV.

03-20-2011, 01:21 AM	#71
Philippos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Volos - Greece Posts: 178	Originally posted by Philippos It is not a matter of demand. As I mentioned somewhere else, Pentax will provide technology and make the SD-1 bodies for Sigma (a customised K7/K5), and Sigma will make it's entire line available for the PK-mount. Originally posted by thibs It won't happen. Wanna Bet ???

03-20-2011, 02:47 AM	#72
lol101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Garennes sur Eure France Photos: Gallery Posts: 899	Originally posted by Philippos Wanna Bet ??? The SD1 body doesn't even remotely look like a "customized K7" as can be seen on all the previews around the web... are you sur you want to bet on Pentax producing it? Sigma SD1 : premières impressions http://www.clubic.com/photo/photokina/actualite-367970-sigma-sd1-reflex-rena...foveon-x3.html

03-20-2011, 07:02 AM	#73
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,910	Originally posted by Philippos Wanna Bet ??? I'm willing to bet a Slurpee on that this exchange isn't happening.

03-20-2011, 01:59 PM	#74
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by Philippos Wanna Bet ??? Yep

03-22-2011, 08:37 AM	#75
Rin Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 87	Originally posted by Clinton This is in specific reference to the DA* 55 vs the Sigma 50. I've been really unimpressed with the out of focus highlights on the Sigma, and the Pentax doesn't have the same issue. YRMV. Normally sigma has some decent lens and some bad ones, but the Sigma 50mm is really one of the best 50mm's in this pricerange this day in my opinion. i wish there was a weather sealed version of this lens.