Pentax 35mm FA f/2 or the Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Greetings, I am torn between choosing the Pentax Wide Angle smc P-FA 35mm f/2.0 AL

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or the Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM SLR Lens <img align=middle

src="http://www.17photo.com/images/big/300xxx.bmp">

 

 

I currently enjoy using my Pentax K10d with 3 lenses. the Pentax 16-45 DA lens,

the Pentax 50mm 1.4 and the sigma 28 - 300 lens.. I really enjoy the shots I

have taken with the 16 - 45 and the 50mm. I use the 28- 300 lens for birding

and my daughters soccer events. Those shots are only so so. Do any of you have

experience with the Sigma 30 or the Pentax 35? The Pentax 31mm is a bit out of

my price range.

I'm not sure how a fast normal prime lens is going to improve your birding and soccer

event photography. I would say that for either the DA*50-135/2.8 would be a much better

choice.

 

But that aside, the Pentax FA35/2 AL is a superb performer: sharp everywhere, wide open

to stopped down, modestly sized and not too heavy.

 

I don't trust Sigma lenses and don't buy them myself. The 30/1.4 is very fast, also large

and heavy. It is lauded by those who own it (and get a good one ...) for its speed and

versatility used in low light work, but most say that it has some imaging performance

problems when used wide open.

 

Godfrey

Read my thread further down "Lens Opinions".

 

It's discussed as with a few other lenses I was considering.

 

Bought my 35mm f/2.0 from B&H, delivered to relatives in VA and then visiting family brought it back to Toronto for me.

 

All I can say is I don't regret getting it!

I've nothing against Sigma lenses (I count several amongst my favourite lenses) however in this case, unless you need the extra stop, I'd recommend getting the Pentax. The Sigma is an interesting lens and good value for it's focal length and speed however it's corner & edge performance is pretty poor wide open and not great even stopped down.

Thanks Godfrey, Andrew, and Stephen!

 

That was easy! I will go with the Pentax 35mm and save my pennies for the Pentax 77 limited...someday. These are a couple of shots taken with the 50mm and the 16-45.

 

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not even a question.

 

The Pentax is one of the best primes avail, the sigma might be good, the Pentax will be better.

Depends on your need for the extra width of the Sigma, and its extra speed, and willing to handle the extra weight. I don't know of any available f/1.4 lenses that are altogether sharp wide open. That doesn't come with the territory. That does not mean unusable wide open. The Pentax FA 35mm f/2 is a sharp lens, even wide open. It is a great lens in that focal length. I generally favor using mine even more on film bodies. As to quality control, the Pentax FA 35 had some sample problems too with centering, according to photozone tests. I have the Sigma 24mm f/1.8 as well, and I have been quite happy with its performance. I find it a versatile focal length for both film and digital.

 

The 77mm f/1.8 Limited is a very exceptional lens in many ways, including shooting sharp wide open. I'm sure you will delight in owning that marvelous lens!

I don't have the Sigma, so I can't comment on it, but I have the Pentax and I can say it is outstanding, and worth every penny.

If it help, the Sigma will arround for a while, the 35 FA f2 will soon go away, a bargain that won't last long.

Can I also add that the 35/2 is also wonderful for handling flare?<div></div>

Wow Thanks All!! Pulled the trigger and ordered the lens from b&h!

I had the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 for about two weeks in an EOS mount. It is a very, very capable lens and I found it to be reasonably sharp wide open and exceptional when stopped down just a bit. I decided that for now my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and my old Zeiss M42 35mm would cover my 30mm needs, so I returned it and put the money toward a longer fast lens(Sigma 50-150 f/2.8).

 

I see many complaints about focus issues and sharpness on the Sigma 30mm which allude to Sigma quality control. I've owned several Sigma's and never had a quality problem with any of them. I think many of those cases are from people that don't quite grasp how very, very shallow depth of field is at f/1.4. There is little margin for focus errors. With this lens at f/1.4 you can have someone's eye in focus and their nose and ears out of focus. It's a high quality unique lens and a bit heavy.

 

I have not used the Pentax, but were I choosing between the two and considering the extra stop or so Pentax SR buys and the raves that lens gets, I'd get the Pentax too, if you don't like it you won't lose much by ebaying it.

 

/Roger

The other advantage of course is that when this 'digital' fad passes you'll still be able to use the 35mm f2 on pentax film bodies, what with its nice large image circle...

LOL ... that's rich. ;-)

 

Godfrey

I also have no issues with Sigma, my favourite zoom lens is a Sigma 24-135mm f2.8-4.5 BUT, the FA 35mm f2 is the sharpest lens I have ever owned, even wide open. I am comparing this to an old M 50mm f1.7 and a new FA 50mm f1.4, neither can match the 35 for sharpness wide open. This is a great lens ( a purchase I really am thankful for ).

 

Ira