Minolta 28mm f2.8 vs Sigma 24mm f2.8 (Minolta AF)

Hi there, I am new to wide angle photography. I have a Tamron 28-

200zoom which is not very good, however I can buy a prime sigma 24mm

f2.8 for the same price as a minolta 28mm f2.8. Both of them are

used in mint condition. I know that the price of a Minolta 24mm f2.8

is quite high (compared to what I'd have to pay for this Sigma).

Which one would you recommend to get me started in wideangle

landscapes? I already tried some with teh Tamron zoom, and I

personally feel attracted to the 24mm, but probably the quality of

the minolta glass is better but unless I hear comments that this

sigma lens is a bad one, I will buy it. THanks for your help.

Maybe you should decide first whether you want a 28mm or 24mm, because there's a big difference in terms of angle of view.

I was debating this recently, and got some feedback on here that the 28 mm is a bit of a dog (if you search on the word "bowser" you'll find the thread) with a lot of distortion. I ultimately decided to go with a 24mm Minolta used from KEH; the cost was under what the new 28 would have been, and the feedback on the 24 seemed good.

 

Other good advice I got, however, included the idea that the 28 was really a very good size, giving you a wide/normal angle without giving you too much of the "wide" feeling. So it was a tough decision. I expect to get the 28 someday; for me, this was just prioritizing which lenses when.

I had a thread awhile ago where i was asking about a cheaper 24mm alternative to the minolta's 24mm. The sigma was warmly suggested:)

 

It took me a few months to find it in minolta af mount, at a good price, but i finally did. I really like it, so far, i used it for maybe 30 frames... It's very wide, but there's not much barrel distortion. It also seemed sharp enough for my needs. The only "problem"(not really a problem for me): it's the noisiest AF lens I ever heard (i have the noisy tokina 17mm at-x too...this produces a much worse rattle-sound.)

 

Dunno how much are you considering for it; i was lucky enough to get it for 50 euro.<div></div>

I had a 24mm Sigma which was AF assisted. I swapped it out for a 2Omm EX when I upgraded to a Maxxum 9 (the old 24 wouldn't work with the Maxxum series).

 

The Sigma EX fixed lenses are excellent. The two wide angles I have had were both outstanding lenses. Minolta's pro glass (G) is fantastic (and very expensive) but their consumer range varies, and I've had a couple of Minolta consumer lenses which were poor. If it's a choice between a Minolta consumer and a Sigma pro, I'd go for the Sigma.

 

If you can get a second hand fixed Sigma (Ex) then it will serve you well. Look at the reviews here

 

http://www.photographyreview.com/35mm,Primes/Sigma,24mm,f-1.8,EX,DG,Aspherical,Macro/PRD_85162_3111crx.aspx

I would get a 24 or 20mm lens for wide angle photography. The pro (Sigma EX Tokina Pro, Minolta G) 28-70 zooms will give you very good qualty at the wide angle lens and a 2.8 appature. If archiatecture and big sky landscape you will want the benefits of a 24mm or wider lens. Also if you move to a digital SLR, you're wider lens will be more useful.

I picked up used sigma 24mm "superwide II" f/2.8 as it was cheaper than the minolta. I was unsure if I would like the wider view compared to 28mm but I'm glad I purchased it. The lens is solidly built and a little noisy while focusing but it is a great addition to my small lens collection.

If you can afford the Minolta Lens it's is certainly the better product. But I'm afraid M.H. is right, you really need to decide

what you want first. ...;)...J

I have Maxxum5 and Maxxum 2xi, I wonder if a 24mm F2.8 SIGMA SUPER WIDE II MACRO (52)(FOCUS AID & PROGRAM/NOT AUTO FOCUS) lens should work properly on Maxxum 5 and Maxxum 2xi on autofocus mode and manual focus mode.

Thanks for your helps .

it does on my maxxum/dynax 5. However, i dunno what you mean by that "FOCUS AID & PROGRAM/NOT AUTO FOCUS" parantheses.

I just bought the new minolta 24mm I RS Circular. Haven't received it yet but does anyone have any experience with this lens? I got it for a really good price so I couldn't resist buying it.

 

I have the minolta 28mm and 20mm and find them both excellent. Alot of people seem to be unhappy with the minolta 28mm but mine seems to be exceptionally sharp and contrasty. I find it on par with my minolta G lens in terms of sharpness. It's quality surprises me almost every time I use it.

Thanks for the information . I contactect the KEH.com dealer and I am infomed that the 24mm F2.8 SIGMA SUPER WIDE II MACRO (52)(FOCUS AID & PROGRAM/NOT AUTO FOCUS) lens ( as listed in KEH catalog ) will not work with M5 and M2xi in autofocus mode , but the lens will work in manual focus mode . I think there are 2 versions of 24mm , 2.8f , one is fully AF and will work properly with Maxxum series, the other is older version (focus aid , program ) .