Pentax 28mm: Am I Dreaming?

eurostar · 03-07-2010, 09:12 AM

The perfect normal lens for a certain format is the diagonal of the frame. For APS-C is around 29mm, for "FF" is 43mm.

But like on FF the much frequent normal lenght is 50mm, on APS-C, for most users, "normal" is 35mm.

GoremanX · 03-07-2010, 09:29 AM

Originally posted by lithos

f1.8 is fast?

Yes, it's very fast. Especially when that F1.8 is more usable than the F1.4 of the Sigma 30mm. You have to keep it in context of the quality of the glass.

But even disregarding that, F1.8 is very fast by any standards.

Erik · 03-07-2010, 12:23 PM

How big is the Sigma 28/1.8 Macro? Anyone have a picture of that lens mounted on a Pentax SLR so I can get an idea? It sounds like a very attractive lens in all ways except maybe size, so...

thibs · 03-07-2010, 01:35 PM

Originally posted by Erik

How big is the Sigma 28/1.8 Macro? Anyone have a picture of that lens mounted on a Pentax SLR so I can get an idea? It sounds like a very attractive lens in all ways except maybe size, so...

I can take a shot of mine on K-7 tomorrow if you want. The thing is huge on a K-7, big on a K10

It is VERY useful however.

Miserere · 03-07-2010, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by Erik

How big is the Sigma 28/1.8 Macro?

This is a photo of the Sigma 24mm f/1.8, which is practically indistinguishable from the 28mm, next to the 31 Ltd, FA 50mm f/1.4 and 77 Ltd (from left to right):

If you're interested, you can read more about it (and my other lenses) here.

...

aleonx3 · 03-07-2010, 04:21 PM

wow, talking about the size of the Sigma 28mm 1.8 - I would rather take a MF Cosinon-W 28mm f2 anytime of the day.

The Cosinon 28mm is even smaller than the FA 50 f1.4. In fact, I just use this one lens for the entire occasion (fund raising dinner for Haiti Relief) the other night - didn't use my FA 77mm ltd at all even though I brought that with me.

Back to the OP question, yes, I do dream about DA* 28mm f1.8 or DA* 24mm f1.8, however, for just a tiny fraction of the cost, I am good with my Cosinon for now.

danielchtong · 03-07-2010, 05:08 PM

Originally posted by Miserere

This is a photo of the Sigma 24mm f/1.8, which is practically indistinguishable from the 28mm, next to the 31 Ltd, FA 50mm f/1.4 and 77 Ltd (from left to right):

If you're interested, you can read more about it (and my other lenses) here.

...

I can wait to see how good the new 28mm F2 is. My FA28mm is even smaller than the FA50mm. (same 49mm filter but shorter). Its F2.8 wide open performance is sharp. But I can make use of a faster speed lens if it is not as bulky as the Sigma

Daniel

FlashCube · 03-07-2010, 07:49 PM

Miserere,

I don't know that comparing the size of Sigma lenses to Pentax lenses for the sake of illustrating how large a Pentax F2 lens would be proves much since Sigma lenses tend to be large. Plus, your 31mm f1.8 demonstrated that!

FlashCube · 03-07-2010, 07:54 PM

Originally posted by danielchtong

I can wait to see how good the new 28mm F2 is. My FA28mm is even smaller than the FA50mm. (same 49mm filter but shorter). Its F2.8 wide open performance is sharp. But I can make use of a faster speed lens if it is not as bulky as the Sigma

Daniel

The Pentax F 28mm f2.8 is a sweet little lens also and I think it may even be better than the FA version but that is perhaps nothing but personal preference. Sigma used to make a 24mm f2.8 AF and 28mm f2.8 AF version of the super wide and mini-wide lenses that can sometimes be found in KAF mount that are not extremely large compared to many of the current Sigma offerings at the WA and UW lenses though the latter ones are faster.

I think it would be killer if Pentax would release an updated version of the F 28mm f2.8 but figure that won't be likely due to the 31mm ltd. But what do I know, I still shoot with a K2, *istD and have a K20d on the shelf.

Miserere · 03-07-2010, 09:07 PM

Originally posted by FlashCube

Miserere,

I don't know that comparing the size of Sigma lenses to Pentax lenses for the sake of illustrating how large a Pentax F2 lens would be proves much since Sigma lenses tend to be large. Plus, your 31mm f1.8 demonstrated that!

Erik asked how big the Sigma 28mm was, and this is the pic I had handy. I'm sure Sigma cut costs by using the same barrels and other parts for the 20mm, 24mm and 28mm f/1.8 lenses, so a 28mm f/2 wouldn't need to be this large. The Pentax FA* 24mm f/2, however, is only slightly smaller than its Sigma counterpart.

I would hope that Pentax could produce a DA 28mm f/2 about the same size as the 31 Ltd.

...

thibs · 03-08-2010, 02:56 AM

The killer feature IMO of he Sigma 28/1.8 is the macro. It is no real macro since it doesn't go down to 1:2 or whatever but you can focus at 1 or 2 cm from the subject. Coupled with the f/1.8 bright aperture it makes VERY nice effects (if you have any use for that of course).

Erik · 03-08-2010, 04:56 AM

Originally posted by thibs

The killer feature IMO of he Sigma 28/1.8 is the macro. It is no real macro since it doesn't go down to 1:2 or whatever but you can focus at 1 or 2 cm from the subject. Coupled with the f/1.8 bright aperture it makes VERY nice effects (if you have any use for that of course).

That's what I was thinking. I love to be able to close focus with bright apertures, and 1-2 cm sounds killer. It's relatively affordable, too. Probably going to save up for this as my next lens!

Also, Miserere, thanks a lot, that picture does help. It's going to be big, but not unmanagably so, on my K100Ds.

We're getting a little bit off topic, but does anyone have examples of close focus/macro pictures taken with aforementioned Sigma?

thibs · 03-08-2010, 06:50 AM

Yep, will post his evening (European time). Hope I won't forget.

Erik · 03-08-2010, 07:28 AM

Originally posted by thibs

Yep, will post his evening (European time). Hope I won't forget.

Cool, if you wanna post some I'm looking forward to that.

I found a bunch on flickr and must say this looks like a beautiful and extremely useful lens. The bokeh is sweet and you can get much thinner DoF than I had expected out of a 28mm.

on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Sea-Buckthorn on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
morning glory on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
the flower on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Loving this. Very smooth.

arpaagent · 03-08-2010, 07:51 AM

Originally posted by Miserere

Erik asked how big the Sigma 28mm was, and this is the pic I had handy. I'm sure Sigma cut costs by using the same barrels and other parts for the 20mm, 24mm and 28mm f/1.8 lenses, so a 28mm f/2 wouldn't need to be this large. The Pentax FA* 24mm f/2, however, is only slightly smaller than its Sigma counterpart.

I would hope that Pentax could produce a DA 28mm f/2 about the same size as the 31 Ltd.

...

I know Pentax could do this, and even better. Have you seen the size of their M and A 28mm F2 lenses? Hardly any bigger or heavier than F or FA 28/2.8. I know that if they want AF, they would have to cram it in there, but they did a real good job of doing that with the Limiteds without making the lenses giant.

If only the FA 31/1.8 Ltd didn't exist, it seems like a DA 28/1.9 Ltd would be a perfect lens, to mirror what the FA 43/1.9 Ltd did for FF. And priced about like the 43mm used to be...that would be nice.

03-08-2010, 04:56 AM	#27
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755	Originally posted by thibs The killer feature IMO of he Sigma 28/1.8 is the macro. It is no real macro since it doesn't go down to 1:2 or whatever but you can focus at 1 or 2 cm from the subject. Coupled with the f/1.8 bright aperture it makes VERY nice effects (if you have any use for that of course). That's what I was thinking. I love to be able to close focus with bright apertures, and 1-2 cm sounds killer. It's relatively affordable, too. Probably going to save up for this as my next lens! Also, Miserere, thanks a lot, that picture does help. It's going to be big, but not unmanagably so, on my K100Ds. We're getting a little bit off topic, but does anyone have examples of close focus/macro pictures taken with aforementioned Sigma? Last edited by Erik; 03-08-2010 at 05:01 AM.

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03-07-2010, 09:12 AM	#16
eurostar Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Albareto, Italy Photos: Gallery Posts: 819	The perfect normal lens for a certain format is the diagonal of the frame. For APS-C is around 29mm, for "FF" is 43mm. But like on FF the much frequent normal lenght is 50mm, on APS-C, for most users, "normal" is 35mm.

03-07-2010, 09:29 AM	#17
GoremanX Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Georgia, VT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,657	Originally posted by lithos f1.8 is fast? Yes, it's very fast. Especially when that F1.8 is more usable than the F1.4 of the Sigma 30mm. You have to keep it in context of the quality of the glass. But even disregarding that, F1.8 is very fast by any standards.

03-07-2010, 12:23 PM	#18
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755	How big is the Sigma 28/1.8 Macro? Anyone have a picture of that lens mounted on a Pentax SLR so I can get an idea? It sounds like a very attractive lens in all ways except maybe size, so...

03-07-2010, 01:35 PM	#19
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by Erik How big is the Sigma 28/1.8 Macro? Anyone have a picture of that lens mounted on a Pentax SLR so I can get an idea? It sounds like a very attractive lens in all ways except maybe size, so... I can take a shot of mine on K-7 tomorrow if you want. The thing is huge on a K-7, big on a K10 It is VERY useful however.

03-07-2010, 03:36 PM	#20
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Originally posted by Erik How big is the Sigma 28/1.8 Macro? This is a photo of the Sigma 24mm f/1.8, which is practically indistinguishable from the 28mm, next to the 31 Ltd, FA 50mm f/1.4 and 77 Ltd (from left to right): If you're interested, you can read more about it (and my other lenses) here. ...

03-07-2010, 04:21 PM	#21
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	wow, talking about the size of the Sigma 28mm 1.8 - I would rather take a MF Cosinon-W 28mm f2 anytime of the day. The Cosinon 28mm is even smaller than the FA 50 f1.4. In fact, I just use this one lens for the entire occasion (fund raising dinner for Haiti Relief) the other night - didn't use my FA 77mm ltd at all even though I brought that with me. Back to the OP question, yes, I do dream about DA* 28mm f1.8 or DA* 24mm f1.8, however, for just a tiny fraction of the cost, I am good with my Cosinon for now.

03-07-2010, 05:08 PM	#22
danielchtong Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 885	Originally posted by Miserere This is a photo of the Sigma 24mm f/1.8, which is practically indistinguishable from the 28mm, next to the 31 Ltd, FA 50mm f/1.4 and 77 Ltd (from left to right): If you're interested, you can read more about it (and my other lenses) here. ... I can wait to see how good the new 28mm F2 is. My FA28mm is even smaller than the FA50mm. (same 49mm filter but shorter). Its F2.8 wide open performance is sharp. But I can make use of a faster speed lens if it is not as bulky as the Sigma Daniel

03-07-2010, 07:49 PM	#23
FlashCube Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: In Transition Posts: 173	Miserere, I don't know that comparing the size of Sigma lenses to Pentax lenses for the sake of illustrating how large a Pentax F2 lens would be proves much since Sigma lenses tend to be large. Plus, your 31mm f1.8 demonstrated that!

03-07-2010, 07:54 PM	#24
FlashCube Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: In Transition Posts: 173	Originally posted by danielchtong I can wait to see how good the new 28mm F2 is. My FA28mm is even smaller than the FA50mm. (same 49mm filter but shorter). Its F2.8 wide open performance is sharp. But I can make use of a faster speed lens if it is not as bulky as the Sigma Daniel The Pentax F 28mm f2.8 is a sweet little lens also and I think it may even be better than the FA version but that is perhaps nothing but personal preference. Sigma used to make a 24mm f2.8 AF and 28mm f2.8 AF version of the super wide and mini-wide lenses that can sometimes be found in KAF mount that are not extremely large compared to many of the current Sigma offerings at the WA and UW lenses though the latter ones are faster. I think it would be killer if Pentax would release an updated version of the F 28mm f2.8 but figure that won't be likely due to the 31mm ltd. But what do I know, I still shoot with a K2, *istD and have a K20d on the shelf.

03-07-2010, 09:07 PM	#25
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Originally posted by FlashCube Miserere, I don't know that comparing the size of Sigma lenses to Pentax lenses for the sake of illustrating how large a Pentax F2 lens would be proves much since Sigma lenses tend to be large. Plus, your 31mm f1.8 demonstrated that! Erik asked how big the Sigma 28mm was, and this is the pic I had handy. I'm sure Sigma cut costs by using the same barrels and other parts for the 20mm, 24mm and 28mm f/1.8 lenses, so a 28mm f/2 wouldn't need to be this large. The Pentax FA* 24mm f/2, however, is only slightly smaller than its Sigma counterpart. I would hope that Pentax could produce a DA 28mm f/2 about the same size as the 31 Ltd. ...

03-08-2010, 02:56 AM	#26
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	The killer feature IMO of he Sigma 28/1.8 is the macro. It is no real macro since it doesn't go down to 1:2 or whatever but you can focus at 1 or 2 cm from the subject. Coupled with the f/1.8 bright aperture it makes VERY nice effects (if you have any use for that of course).

03-08-2010, 06:50 AM	#28
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Yep, will post his evening (European time). Hope I won't forget.

03-08-2010, 07:28 AM	#29
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755	Originally posted by thibs Yep, will post his evening (European time). Hope I won't forget. Cool, if you wanna post some I'm looking forward to that. I found a bunch on flickr and must say this looks like a beautiful and extremely useful lens. The bokeh is sweet and you can get much thinner DoF than I had expected out of a 28mm. on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Sea-Buckthorn on Flickr - Photo Sharing! morning glory on Flickr - Photo Sharing! the flower on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Loving this. Very smooth.

03-08-2010, 07:51 AM	#30
arpaagent Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 803	Originally posted by Miserere Erik asked how big the Sigma 28mm was, and this is the pic I had handy. I'm sure Sigma cut costs by using the same barrels and other parts for the 20mm, 24mm and 28mm f/1.8 lenses, so a 28mm f/2 wouldn't need to be this large. The Pentax FA* 24mm f/2, however, is only slightly smaller than its Sigma counterpart. I would hope that Pentax could produce a DA 28mm f/2 about the same size as the 31 Ltd. ... I know Pentax could do this, and even better. Have you seen the size of their M and A 28mm F2 lenses? Hardly any bigger or heavier than F or FA 28/2.8. I know that if they want AF, they would have to cram it in there, but they did a real good job of doing that with the Limiteds without making the lenses giant. If only the FA 31/1.8 Ltd didn't exist, it seems like a DA 28/1.9 Ltd would be a perfect lens, to mirror what the FA 43/1.9 Ltd did for FF. And priced about like the 43mm used to be...that would be nice.