|
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
05-28-2016, 10:21 AM
|
| |
When I purchased the Sigma 12-24 a year ago directly from the USA rep, he indicated that all the original K-mount 12-24 lenses were being liquidated as Refurbished although most of them were simply new unsold when Sigma switched over to the HSM II version a few years ago. The reason for marking brand-new product as Refurbished was in order to provide only a 90-day warranty (essentially enough time to determine the QC). Obviously, Sigma doesn't want to support warranty work on a lens that has been out of production for years. Indeed, I got a decentered copy, and Sigma simply swapped out for a good copy.
It isn't surprising that Sigma had difficultly selling these lenses for Pentax. Even though a good copy is a bit stronger than the Pentax 12-24 (as evidenced in the direct comparison in the in-depth review here), a lot of poor copies showed up in various tests. Ultimately, the Sigma isn't a great fit for crop sensor, especially when their UWA crop lenses are smaller, at least a bit faster, and less expensive.
In direct answer to the question, the HSM II is still in production in the more-popular mounts. I suppose the second version could end up with a K-mount production run, but the K-1 would have to go truly gang-busters for that to happen. The new version has considerably more distortion, but is a bit better in terms of overall sharpness and less field curvature. It is pretty apparent that Sigma QC has improved in recent years, as well. The original is a better lens for architectural use, and for those who highly prize rectilinear projection. Frankly, that isn't a priority for me, but the lens is impressive in that regard.
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
02-23-2016, 03:35 PM
|
| |
Other than polarizer and ND for water movement or flash balancing, what filter is essential?
Polarizer generally looks very poor on UWA because of the varying light angles resulting in odd light effects. Better results are generally available in post with no filter.
The other significant issue is that filters added to UWA lenses degrade image quality far more than on normal to tele because of the increased oblique angles of light travel through the glass. And then, you go with a Cokin - and well, that is a toy filter in the first place.
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
02-18-2016, 07:10 PM
|
| |
I had the Tokina 12-24 on the Canon 5D - and that just wasn't my cup of tea at all. Even at the non-vignette setting (18mm) it looked pretty bad.
Yes, and yes on the questions regarding the Samyang/Rokinon 12mm. Amazon shows both brandings available at a premium compared to other mounts. Samyang isn't stupid, and there was no reason to produce the lens in any quantity until the FF arrived. AFAIK, the 12mm stereographic is very similar in design to the 8mm for crop in terms of look, quality, projection adjusted for sensor size difference, of course.
---------- Post added 02-18-2016 at 08:16 PM ----------
My experience with the same lens in Canon (20D, 5D) was pretty good overall. It doesn't do well at f/2.8 at any focal length - especially in FF. However, it is fine already at f/4. As a daylight walk-around lens you'll really like it. For low light, you really need primes.
Keep in mind that the 5D was 12mp, so I'm not entirely sure the Tamron will hold up at 36mp. You might be happier all the way down to f/5.6.
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
02-18-2016, 04:04 PM
|
| |
Mother in law's cave is awaiting. It isn't as though I don't have fairly good FF lenses already (although all manual focus on the wide end). I'll take the wait-and-see attitude; future is not entirely clear until people start really using the camera. Despite complaining that Pentax made a mistake by taking on Canon and Nikon directly, I do think the particular aim was just right (D750/810 and 5Diii pricing for a camera w/ specs $800 higher).
Clackers, what was on the receiving end of that FF shot?
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
02-18-2016, 03:47 PM
|
| |
How close? So you're saying your mother in law lives in a cave next to the sea?
Seriously, really fine photo. I have the lens, but that's one that really needs FF to show its potential. (Stop it now, I'm not going there. No to FF. Help!)
|
|
Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
02-18-2016, 12:37 PM
|
| |
I don't think any of the crop-sensor UWA zooms (whether Sigma or Pentax) are realistic options in FF mode.
The Sigma 12-24 would be the widest rectilinear lens - zoom or prime. How you measure a fisheye comes into play. Probably the widest would be the Samyang/Rokinon 12mm, which is stereographic (somewhat less fishy).
|
