[DDoram]

I picked up a copy at a local camera store last week and it is indeed a fine lens. While it is heavy and I wouldn't take it on a hiking trip, for low light shooting, it opens up new opportunities. Pentax take note that you are missing out on the market for fast lenses.

Dale

[MJSfoto1956]

But does it defeat the purpose of a small crop sensor camera when the lens weighs as much as the camera body?

which is why I continue to use a D800 for most of my shooting under 90mm.
I mean, there is very little out there that is better than a 24-70mm + D800.
And once you add the Sigma f/1.8 to your K-3 with grip, you are coming darn close to the total size/weight of the 24-70mm + D800 -- so what's the point?

However, once you get into long lenses, my opinion is that crop sensors are superior when you take into account size/weight/sharpness factors.
Having shot with Canon 100-400mm and Nikkor 80-400mm lenses, I found them both wanting (and ridiculously heavy and clumsy to operate).
I couldn't be more satisfied with my Pentax 60-250mm + K-3 -- Nikon and Canon can eat their hearts out.

YMMV

Michael

[gosman]

Interesting MJS- I am interested in the D810 that is coming out. But with my investment with Pentax products, I was putting off changing systems. But looks like you have given me an idea and excuse to buy the D810 sometime!

[dbh]

I checked this lens out last night after Dons brought one in for me from their Winnipeg store. Very nicely built. 7 yr Canadian warranty, too.
Ended up buying it. Got home to find a new f/w for the K3 was just out. Quickly updated that and snapped a few test shots with the new Sigma. Turned out to need an autofocus tweak (-6) but after that did a real nice job. Nothing worth posting here yet, but I think this lens will spend a lot of time on my K3.
And kudos to Dons Photo for overnighting one for me to check out - didn't even ask me for a deposit.

[gosman]

Did you use the lens docking station for your lens tweak? Or the old fashion in camera tweak?

[dbh]

Did you use the lens docking station for your lens tweak? Or the old fashion in camera tweak?

I used the K3 feature which allows a per-lens adjustment. None of my other lenses needed anything, so this is the first one in the K3's memory. I can confirm that it applies it only to this lens and not any of my other Sigma lenses (the 8-16 and the 50-500) which is a relief. I'm good to go.

[Stagnant]

Purchased my copy today. When mounted on K-3 it does not feel all that different from DA* 16-50 in terms of size and weight. I will post some of the shots later on.

[gosman]

Let me know when you are ready to sell your 16-50. I'd rather have that.

[mpreston]

I pre-ordered from B&H several months ago and received it Wednesday. I put it thru it's paces, then packaged it up and sent it back for a refund on Thursday.

I thought I'd like the limited focal range and the fast aperture, but the lens just didn't bowl me over. Image quality was OK, but nothing special. DoF at 1.8 is super narrow (i knew this coming in) and it was hard to get good focus wide open. It did sharpen up nicely by 2.8.

The lens, to me, just felt awkward on the end of my K5. It is like there is more weight at the very outer end of this lens, unlike the balance of my old 16-50. I knew the weight and size might be a issue before I bought it - but this lens just didn't work well for me.

To each is own I guess. I'm glad I was able to give this lens a good work out - but I think I can find a better way to spend 800 bucks.

[seventysixersfan]

Sent mine back... I pre-ordered from B&H several months ago and received it Wednesday. I put it thru it's paces, then packaged it up and sent it back for a refund on Thursday. I thought I'd like the limited focal range and the fast aperture, but the lens just didn't bowl me over. Image quality was OK, but nothing special. DoF at 1.8 is super narrow (i knew this coming in) and it was hard to get good focus wide open. It did sharpen up nicely by 2.8. The lens, to me, just felt awkward on the end of my K5. It is like there is more weight at the very outer end of this lens, unlike the balance of my old 16-50. I knew the weight and size might be a issue before I bought it - but this lens just didn't work well for me. To each is own I guess. I'm glad I was able to give this lens a good work out - but I think I can find a better way to spend 800 bucks.

thanks for your comments, this is very helpful.

[gosman]

The internet press has really blown this lens out of proportion. I always second guess the latest and greatest technology like the Nikon D800 when it came out and later developed issues. Sometimes in real life, it is indeed "too good to be true"! On the other hand the press hates the Pentax 16-50. But owners love it. So what will I do? Rent the 16-50 and decide for myself. I will also rent the Sigma 1.8 if anyone will ever rent it for Pentax mount.

[Stagnant]

35 mm F7.1
26 mm F2.8

Click for full-size images. Sharp across the frame. Excellent contrast. Quick focus. These are OOC JPG files.

[gosman]

Incredible Stagnet! Everyone notice the sharp helicopter flying over in first picture! I'll take back what I said. Keep the pictures coming.

[Stagnant]

Mooring bollard. 35 mm, F1.8 . The sun was roughly above me. Focused on the number 2 on the bollard.

Fascilities for the cruise passengers and a balloon. Old town in the background. 35 mm, F6.3. Shot in the direction of the sun. Considering the early hours and the time of year, the sun was quite high.

OOC JPG.

[MJSfoto1956]

+1 on rent before you buy. I have saved myself thousands by renting lenses and bodies that I "thought" would be perfect but upon use did not sit well with me. And in many cases these were highly-regarded items.

Michael