Hi Michael,
Of your potential candidates, I have (and love)
* Sigma 20mm/1.8. Very solid build quality. Really does work well on
film, but I mostly use it on digital. Sharp, and close focusing. I can
shoot directly into the stage lights without too much trouble. It's
fantastic to have a wide lens with this speed
* Zenitar 16 - a really fun lens on film, only a little less so on
digital. Mechanics a trifle rough but not overly so. Does render colour
somewhat oddly though (I can't place why). Annoying lens cap design.
Have you also considered the Sigma 12-24? Wonderfully sharp, and even on
film, it has minimal vignetting. Same solid build quality as the 20/1.8.
I'm playing with the Sigma 8mm EX at the moment. Now that is a fun lens.
Pity it slightly crops on digital - need to use film to get the full bubble.
D
Michael Hamilton wrote:
I've been looking to replace my DA 18-55 lately, especially since I
can get some amazing prices due to the high Canadian dollar right now
(or is it low US dollar? ;) )
I tend to prefer primes if I can, but i certainly won't limit my self
to that. I'm really looking to step up optically, but I also would
like a little wider if i can get it.
Can anyone comment on these lenses for optical and build quality?
Experience? I've found a few reviews, but they're not always helpful.
Front runners include:
Pentax 16-45mm ED AL - $409
Sigma 20mm 1.8 EX - $409 (can be used on Film also - big plus!)
Pentax 14mm ED IF - $599 (a bit more than I'd like to spend!)
Pentax 12-24mm ED AL - $599 (again, $$$)
Sigma 10-20mm - $479
I've also considered a fisheye. If I use a Full-frame fisheye on my
DS, would the crop treat it more like a regular wide-angle? ie, less
distortion outside of the center axis?
Zenitar fisheye (does this work for 35mm also?) - I'd prefer an A lens
over M, however... but it's cheap.
Pentax SCMP-DA 10-17mm - $399
Sigma 15mm 2.8 - $499
(my regular kit also includes the Pentax-A 28/2.8, Pentax-A 50/1.7,
and a Sigma 70-300 APO)
Any help is appreciated!
Michael Hamilton
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.michaelhamilton.ca
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