Pat White <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Optically, the Sigma is very good. I'm pleased with mine. I'm sure the >Pentax is just as good, if not better. There are quite a few physical >differences, though. > >The Pentax lens is around an inch longer, a little heavier, and focuses 40cm >closer (140cm, as opposed to 180 cm for the Sigma). Sometimes you want your >lens to focus closer than 5ft 10in. However, the extra angle of view at >70mm is useful, too. > >Last, but not least, the Sigma is less than half the price of the Pentax, >here in Canada. That kind of clinched it for me.
That's really a big factor. I was about to buy the Sigma myself when I came upon a used Pentax for just a little more money. In that case, it was a no-brainer: I bought the Pentax and it converted me from a prime lens snob to a zoom believer. The closer focusing distance really made the decision easier for me and it turned out to be a good decision; I'm constantly finding myself using it at its minimum focusing distance. The optical quality of the FA* lens is just amazing. Don't believe the people who say the Power Zoom feature is responsible for the extra weight: The construction is magnificent - lotsa metal and glass! I think the Pentax probably is worth $1300 but I'm also sure the Sigma is worth its $700 street price. -- Mark Roberts Photography and writing www.robertstech.com
