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12-24 zoom or 14mm prime

RalphHardwick
Posted 23/01/2013 - 17:20 Link
I have a hole in my focal length (ooh er missus).

I used to have an Olympus 9-18mm on my previous camera and found this fantastic for interior and landscape shots. Due to the 2x crop factor this equates to 18-36mm FF equivalent.

I have been planning to go for the 12-24 DA zoom but then had a thought that a wide prime lens might be a better option as it could be a bit faster and may even give better IQ.

Ideally I wanted weather sealed but this doesn't seem to be an option at this focal length.

So can anyone here rate the DA 14mm prime and compare the IQ to the 12-24 zoom?

This site link doesn't score it as highly but I would be interested in any other views out there.

Of course any other options to consider in the 18mm FF area would also be welcome.

Any help would be apreciated
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CaptureLight Ltd
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"I carry a camera to capture memories and the occasional photograph worthy of sharing"
Edited by RalphHardwick: 23/01/2013 - 17:24
johnriley
Posted 23/01/2013 - 18:00 Link
The 12-24mm is an exceptional lens, with very low distortion as well, so I'd go for that. Much more versatile than a prime.
Best regards, John
elfer
Posted 23/01/2013 - 18:19 Link
Of the off-brand lenses, the Sigma 10-20 is well regarded. I sold mine in favour of a 15mm Ltd but that was due only to my preference for small, light primes. There's also a Sigma 8-16.

Both Sigmas are considerably less expensive than the Pentax 12-24 but, going on reviews alone, the 12-24 would seem to be the best option if price doesn't matter.
Edited by elfer: 23/01/2013 - 18:21
milamber
Posted 23/01/2013 - 18:25 Link
I don't think you will find many people, myself included, who have the Sigma 10-20mm and don't love it and it would certainly be worth adding to your shortlist. Much cheaper than the other options as well. If you are handy, there is a (possibly) faulty 12-24mm going cheap on Ebay at the moment.
Edited by milamber: 23/01/2013 - 18:27
ambient housewife
Posted 23/01/2013 - 18:28 Link
I would agree with John about the distortion on the 12--24, it is much better than the 10-20 sigma. My 12-24 fell in a river and whilst it is good, it is not £400 better than the 10-20. If it was within the same price range as it's twin Tokina, I would have another 12-24. Why the 14mm? Why not the DA 15mm? It is about the same price, smaller, sexier and my copy is pretty good, despite what the reviews say
woodworm
Posted 23/01/2013 - 18:29 Link
I doubt many people have both lenses but I have the 12-24 and am very, very happy with it, but for a lens costing £750~ I don't think the build quality is good enough. I mean it doesn't feel any better than the kit lens and it's not weather proof, etc.

I haven't had any issues with it though so can't complain too much (just a bit!)

edit - if I hadn't got my 12-24 for a bargain price I would have definately gone for one of the Sigma's.
Edited by woodworm: 23/01/2013 - 18:30
milamber
Posted 23/01/2013 - 18:43 Link
Personally I wouldn't get too hung up on the 'distortion' of the 10-20mm. I've only noticed it occasionally around 10-11mm, which the 12-24mm can't do anyway and it's easily fixable in pp. Sometimes it even adds to the shot!

You can get a good used copy for around £230 and if you decide you don't like it, won't lose out on re-sale.
RalphHardwick
Posted 23/01/2013 - 18:52 Link
I ruled out the 15mm because it was f4 which meant I gained nothing over the 12-24. The 14mm was F2.8 and so could have gained me something in lower light situations.

The 10-20mm sigma sounds a good option but uses a 82mm filter thread. I intend to carry/use a variable ND and a polariser for photo and video work. the 12-24 uses a 77 mm thread which means that the same filter will fit my 16-50. Saving some pennies and less to carry around.

Thanks for all the comments at least I can now feel comfortable that my initial thoughts were sound and the 12-24 is the way to go.

There are currently 2 ex-display lenses on ebay at £599 and £589 one from the Camera Centre Cardiff and one from the White Group. Both have good feedback scores does anyone have any experience of either?
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CaptureLight Ltd
flickr
"I carry a camera to capture memories and the occasional photograph worthy of sharing"
Pentaxonian
Posted 23/01/2013 - 19:17 Link
The older version of the sigma has 77mm filter and is non HSM
K5iis and a couple of lenses.
1stEverPentax
Posted 23/01/2013 - 19:29 Link
Something else you might consider Ralph is to hire the two lenses for a few days to be able to compare them side by side. SRS do both of them, haven't looked in detail at their T's and C's but their 'headline' price for three days hire is £50 for 12-24 and £35 for 14mm...you might get a deal for both!
milamber
Posted 23/01/2013 - 20:52 Link
Pentaxonian wrote:
The older version of the sigma has 77mm filter and is non HSM

The 'older' version is also reputed to be better, but I haven't tried the newer one so can't speak from experience.
simonkit
Posted 23/01/2013 - 21:02 Link
No brainer, 12-24mm over the 14mm every time...it's very sharp and obviously has a much greater zoom range

Simon
pentaxian450
Posted 24/01/2013 - 00:47 Link
I do have both, and I wouldn't part with any of them.

While I love the 12-24 for street photography, when it comes to studio work, the 14 gets the nod. A zoom lens is very handy for speedy operation, but when you really want to control everything, nothing comes close to a fixed focal length.

It really depends on what you intend to do with the lens.
Yves (another one of those crazy Canucks)
bjolester
Posted 24/01/2013 - 00:56 Link
The DA12-24mm is a fantastic zoom lens. It is sharp centre to border wide open (f4), and has wonderful colour rendition.

Best regards
Bjørn
Bjørn

PPG
Flickr
Jimd
Posted 24/01/2013 - 07:38 Link
RalphHardwick wrote:
I ruled out the 15mm because it was f4 which meant I gained nothing over the 12-24. The 14mm was F2.8 and so could have gained me something in lower light situations.

The 10-20mm sigma sounds a good option but uses a 82mm filter thread. I intend to carry/use a variable ND and a polariser for photo and video work. the 12-24 uses a 77 mm thread which means that the same filter will fit my 16-50. Saving some pennies and less to carry around.

Thanks for all the comments at least I can now feel comfortable that my initial thoughts were sound and the 12-24 is the way to go.

There are currently 2 ex-display lenses on ebay at £599 and £589 one from the Camera Centre Cardiff and one from the White Group. Both have good feedback scores does anyone have any experience of either?

Cardiff Camera Centre had the chance of selling me my K5. They were listed on Ebay as one the cheapest and as having 5 in stock. As they were local I phoned them up to be told they didn't actually have any, but were expecting them in at anytime within the next two weeks. So I asked them to le me know and I'd call in and pick one up. I also sent them an email reminder.

22 months and I'm still waiting for the call.

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