Tamron or Sigma?

PizzaDon · 08-22-2018, 05:49 AM

I'm looking to purchase a wide angle zoom, perhaps as early January.
I have been doing some research on the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC Lens and Tamron SP AF 10-24mm f / 3.5-4.5 DI II Zoom Lens for my Pentax K3 and most likely will choose one or the other since both of there prices are within range of each other.
I was wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these two lenses and which one is most preferable or recommended.

Thanks in advance.

CarlJF · 08-22-2018, 06:13 AM - **1 Like**

I had a Sigma10-20 f4-5.6 and was underwhelmed by it. It gave unpredictable results and even at its best was "only good" and not even close to ever being very good or excellent, kind of kit lens IQ level. I got rid of it and got the DA 10-17 instead. Sure, it's a different kind of lens but definetely much better and versatile than the Sigma I had. I have no experience with the Tamron, so can't talk about it.

**aslyfox** · 08-22-2018, 06:17 AM - **1 Like**

you might want to consider investigating the option of renting lenses and doing your own trials

I have used LensRentals.com before with good results

LensRentals.com - Rent Lenses and Cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, Leica, and more

there is at least one other company that rents lenses

amodali · 08-22-2018, 06:35 AM - **1 Like**

don't forget to consider the DA 12-24 in your trial period

PizzaDon · 08-22-2018, 06:47 AM

Originally posted by CarlJF

I had a Sigma10-20 f4-5.6 and was underwhelmed by it. It gave unpredictable results and even at its best was "only good" and not even close to ever being very good or excellent, kind of kit lens IQ level. I got rid of it and got the DA 10-17 instead. Sure, it's a different kind of lens but definetely much better and versatile than the Sigma I had. I have no experience with the Tamron, so can't talk about it.

Thank you Carl, I'll check out the reviews of the Pentax 10-17, the price looks pretty good too.

---------- Post added 08-22-18 at 09:49 AM ----------

Originally posted by aslyfox

you might want to consider investigating the option of renting lenses and doing your own trials

I have used LensRentals.com before with good results

LensRentals.com - Rent Lenses and Cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, Leica, and more

there is at least one other company that rents lenses

I never even thought about renting it first, definitely something to consider.. thanks.

---------- Post added 08-22-18 at 09:51 AM ----------

Originally posted by amodali

don't forget to consider the DA 12-24 in your trial period

Thank you, I just saw the price on it and it's a bit out of budget for me, I may check it out come black friday and see if the price comes down.

amodali · 08-22-2018, 06:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Sapper

Thank you Carl, I'll check out the reviews of the Pentax 10-17, the price looks pretty good too.

---------- Post added 08-22-18 at 09:49 AM ----------

I never even thought about renting it first, definitely something to consider.. thanks.

---------- Post added 08-22-18 at 09:51 AM ----------

Thank you, I just saw the price on it and it's a bit out of budget for me, I may check it out come black friday and see if the price comes down.

I bought a Samsung D-xenon version of this fantastic zoom, same lens for half price...

**klh** · 08-22-2018, 06:56 AM - **1 Like**

I had the Tamron 10-24/3.5-4.5, but I was always disappointed in it over my DA15. I now have the Sigma 10-20/3.5 (which is more expensive than the f/4-5.6 you mention), and I find it much better (still not as good as the DA15).

Kozlok · 08-22-2018, 07:16 AM - **2 Likes**

There is a PF article comparing all the WA options. The Sigma 10-20 lenses are tested here. Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 vs F4.0-5.6 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

The Tamron, Pentax and Sigma 12-24 are here. DA 12-24mm vs Sigma and Tamron 10-24mm Comparison Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

The correct lens to get is the Sigma 8-16, at least for me.

steve_k · 08-22-2018, 07:26 AM - **1 Like**

Why not also consider the Sigma 8-16. I own it and it is awesome for real estate, architecture and landscape. The extra 2mm s a big difference.

**pearsaab** · 08-22-2018, 08:17 AM - **1 Like**

I agree with KLH. I have the sigma 10-20 3.5 and the pentax da15....the 15 is amazing but sigma is nice too

If you would like to test the Sigma 10-20 send me an IM

Roadboat24 · 08-22-2018, 08:38 AM - **1 Like**

I have the Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 I am quite happy with my results. I've never used the Tamron. These are a 10mm

**sergysergy** · 08-22-2018, 08:58 AM - **1 Like**

I have had both and they are very capable lenses. The sigma 3.5 is a bit better than both.

DeadJohn · 08-22-2018, 09:03 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by klh

I had the Tamron 10-24/3.5-4.5, but I was always disappointed in it over my DA15.

The DA 15 Limited has a legendary status because of its amazing flare resistance and starbursts. Zoom lenses have to make compromises in those areas.

The Tamron 10-24 is not a bad lens. It's just not as good as the DA 15 when you can shoot at 15mm. If you need 10mm or 24mm the 10-24 is much better than the DA 15

**TER-OR** · 08-22-2018, 09:51 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Kozlok

The correct lens to get is the Sigma 8-16, at least for me.

I rented the 8-16 lens, and it's special. My wife still shares images taken with that, so I think I could probably justify its purchase eventually. Not this year, I blew my budget already!

The 10-17 is different, but very good, the easiest fisheye for Pentax, I think. At 17mm it's not super-fishy, so should be in contention.

My go-to wide angle is the DA21mm, which really isn't UWA so don't let that sway you.

**boriscleto** · 08-22-2018, 10:00 AM - **1 Like**

SIGMA 10-20mm CLUB - PentaxForums.com

I don't do a lot of UWA, but when I do I use the Sigma 10-20/3.5...

08-22-2018, 05:49 AM	#1
PizzaDon Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: central Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 363	Tamron or Sigma? I'm looking to purchase a wide angle zoom, perhaps as early January. I have been doing some research on the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC Lens and Tamron SP AF 10-24mm f / 3.5-4.5 DI II Zoom Lens for my Pentax K3 and most likely will choose one or the other since both of there prices are within range of each other. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these two lenses and which one is most preferable or recommended. Thanks in advance.

08-22-2018, 08:17 AM - 1 Like	#10
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900	I agree with KLH. I have the sigma 10-20 3.5 and the pentax da15....the 15 is amazing but sigma is nice too If you would like to test the Sigma 10-20 send me an IM Last edited by pearsaab; 08-22-2018 at 08:34 AM.

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08-22-2018, 06:13 AM - 1 Like	#2
CarlJF Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Quebec City Posts: 1,185	I had a Sigma10-20 f4-5.6 and was underwhelmed by it. It gave unpredictable results and even at its best was "only good" and not even close to ever being very good or excellent, kind of kit lens IQ level. I got rid of it and got the DA 10-17 instead. Sure, it's a different kind of lens but definetely much better and versatile than the Sigma I had. I have no experience with the Tamron, so can't talk about it.

08-22-2018, 06:17 AM - 1 Like	#3
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	you might want to consider investigating the option of renting lenses and doing your own trials I have used LensRentals.com before with good results LensRentals.com - Rent Lenses and Cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, Leica, and more there is at least one other company that rents lenses

08-22-2018, 06:35 AM - 1 Like	#4
amodali Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Rome Photos: Gallery Posts: 99	don't forget to consider the DA 12-24 in your trial period

08-22-2018, 06:47 AM	#5
PizzaDon Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: central Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 363 Original Poster	Originally posted by CarlJF I had a Sigma10-20 f4-5.6 and was underwhelmed by it. It gave unpredictable results and even at its best was "only good" and not even close to ever being very good or excellent, kind of kit lens IQ level. I got rid of it and got the DA 10-17 instead. Sure, it's a different kind of lens but definetely much better and versatile than the Sigma I had. I have no experience with the Tamron, so can't talk about it. Thank you Carl, I'll check out the reviews of the Pentax 10-17, the price looks pretty good too. ---------- Post added 08-22-18 at 09:49 AM ---------- Originally posted by aslyfox you might want to consider investigating the option of renting lenses and doing your own trials I have used LensRentals.com before with good results LensRentals.com - Rent Lenses and Cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, Leica, and more there is at least one other company that rents lenses I never even thought about renting it first, definitely something to consider.. thanks. ---------- Post added 08-22-18 at 09:51 AM ---------- Originally posted by amodali don't forget to consider the DA 12-24 in your trial period Thank you, I just saw the price on it and it's a bit out of budget for me, I may check it out come black friday and see if the price comes down.

08-22-2018, 06:56 AM - 1 Like	#6
amodali Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Rome Photos: Gallery Posts: 99	Originally posted by Sapper Thank you Carl, I'll check out the reviews of the Pentax 10-17, the price looks pretty good too. ---------- Post added 08-22-18 at 09:49 AM ---------- I never even thought about renting it first, definitely something to consider.. thanks. ---------- Post added 08-22-18 at 09:51 AM ---------- Thank you, I just saw the price on it and it's a bit out of budget for me, I may check it out come black friday and see if the price comes down. I bought a Samsung D-xenon version of this fantastic zoom, same lens for half price...

08-22-2018, 06:56 AM - 1 Like	#7
klh Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, USA Posts: 827	I had the Tamron 10-24/3.5-4.5, but I was always disappointed in it over my DA15. I now have the Sigma 10-20/3.5 (which is more expensive than the f/4-5.6 you mention), and I find it much better (still not as good as the DA15).

08-22-2018, 07:16 AM - 2 Likes	#8
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	There is a PF article comparing all the WA options. The Sigma 10-20 lenses are tested here. Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 vs F4.0-5.6 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews The Tamron, Pentax and Sigma 12-24 are here. DA 12-24mm vs Sigma and Tamron 10-24mm Comparison Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews The correct lens to get is the Sigma 8-16, at least for me.

08-22-2018, 07:26 AM - 1 Like	#9
steve_k Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Shelton, CT Photos: Albums Posts: 708	Why not also consider the Sigma 8-16. I own it and it is awesome for real estate, architecture and landscape. The extra 2mm s a big difference.

08-22-2018, 08:38 AM - 1 Like	#11
Roadboat24 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 486	I have the Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 I am quite happy with my results. I've never used the Tamron. These are a 10mm

08-22-2018, 08:58 AM - 1 Like	#12
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,170	I have had both and they are very capable lenses. The sigma 3.5 is a bit better than both.

08-22-2018, 09:03 AM - 1 Like	#13
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	Originally posted by klh I had the Tamron 10-24/3.5-4.5, but I was always disappointed in it over my DA15. The DA 15 Limited has a legendary status because of its amazing flare resistance and starbursts. Zoom lenses have to make compromises in those areas. The Tamron 10-24 is not a bad lens. It's just not as good as the DA 15 when you can shoot at 15mm. If you need 10mm or 24mm the 10-24 is much better than the DA 15

08-22-2018, 09:51 AM - 1 Like	#14
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Originally posted by Kozlok The correct lens to get is the Sigma 8-16, at least for me. I rented the 8-16 lens, and it's special. My wife still shares images taken with that, so I think I could probably justify its purchase eventually. Not this year, I blew my budget already! The 10-17 is different, but very good, the easiest fisheye for Pentax, I think. At 17mm it's not super-fishy, so should be in contention. My go-to wide angle is the DA21mm, which really isn't UWA so don't let that sway you.

08-22-2018, 10:00 AM - 1 Like	#15
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	SIGMA 10-20mm CLUB - PentaxForums.com I don't do a lot of UWA, but when I do I use the Sigma 10-20/3.5...