Sigma 18-35 f1.8

I notice that SRS is now showing the 18-35 as 'in stock'. I am very tempted by this lens. Has anyone here received one yet? What do you think of it so far?

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Regards, Philip

Fantastic lens, I have one on order in the states when I return, but have already used one on a Nikon D7100, it's a bit weighty and being only a 2x zoom a bit restrictive but it reminds me a lot of the Pentax F 35-70mm which to this day is still one of my all time favourite lenses.

I received mine yesterday and have only done a few test shots with it, but it's pretty cool being able to focus and take shots when it looks pretty dark.
I am doing a shoot on Saturday and will probably use it most of the time, I could see it becoming my standard lens and replacing my Tamron 17-50 MKI. On a K5 with a grip it feels reasonably balanced, but obviously much heavier than the Tamron.

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Tim

http://www.timpile.co.uk

Thanks a bunch - just when I was feeling fairly happy with what I have - you have to mention one I was not aware of - darn it

Carl

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No matter how many lenses I have owned - I have always needed just one more

Just taken a test shot of the fireplace from our sofa, 1/25 @ 1.8 1000 ISO, images is nice and sharp, and also the extreme corners are sharp as well, which is not something you often get wide open with large aperture lenses. I suspect that I am going to enjoy this lens, a lot

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Tim

http://www.timpile.co.uk

That's enough thanks Tim - don;t want to hear any more

Carl

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No matter how many lenses I have owned - I have always needed just one more

I thought about this lens and I'd love to have it but it weighs close to a kilo.

Oh and come on guys post a few samples please

There are one or two reports that I have read that people had difficulty in getting focus as all focal lengths and at infinity with this lens. Mainly Canon users were involved so the Pentax mount might not be affected in this way. There is an optional USB dock with software which enables the user to adjust individual focal lengths, but the review that I read of this, said that lens adjustment by this method was time consuming and not straighforward. All the reviews of this lens are very favourable and if it works as it should, it looks to be a winner despite its weight.

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Miles

Been waiting for this lens to appear.
Looking forward to seeing some shots.
And thoughts from owners regarding the focusing, which I am a bit worried about in view of my own experiences with the 85 1.4

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Plymouth Photographer

On paper and in practically all the online written and video reviews the Sigma 18-35 F1.8 Art series lens seems to be redefining the definition of 'Sharpness' & 'Quality'. However, as it's only relatively recently appeared in the Pentax mount version, there seems to be a lack of reviews or sample images available produced with a Pentax camera. Does anybody in the Forum want to offer a mini review with pictures.

Coupling this Lens to the front of a K3, could be one of the all time dream combinations!

I'd welcome your thoughts.

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It's not the strongest species that survive, nor is it the most intelligent. It is those most adaptable to change.

But Tim, isn't it a bit "short" at the long end for your kind of thing? I'd have thought OK for full length portraits but may introduce some distortion in head and shoulder pictures where 50mm or 70mm might be more flattering. It'll be interesting to see how you get on.

(I'd love one for landscapes, though...)

* Oh, just read mikedefieslife's post again. I'm not lugging that weight around the mountains of Wales and Spain no matter how good the image quality! Back to stopping down my kit lens.

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Best wishes,

Andrew

"These places mean something and it's the job of a photographer to figure-out what the hell it is."
Robert Adams
"The camera doesn't make a bit of difference.  All of them can record what you are seeing.  But, you have to SEE."
Ernst Hass
My website: http://www.ephotozine.com/user/bwlchmawr-199050 http://s927.photobucket.com/home/ADC3440/index
https://www.flickr.com/photos/78898196@N05

Being sharp wide open right out to the corners doesn't sound like a recipe for exquisite portraits (even if you could find a flattering angle this wide), but it might be a great wedding lens or evening events.
still waiting for our guys to report back....

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Plymouth Photographer

Does someone want to use this lens for portraits?

Surely they'd be better off with something in the 50mm - 70mm range on an APS-C sensor

The Sigma 35mm f1.4 has become a popular lens for wedding photographers. Used at 24mm I can see how the 18mm-35mm could be handy too.

I have a very large family and am often called on to take photographs at parties and receptions. I envisage the 18-35 being useful for such occasions when space is usually tight and available light limited. With a fast lens I only need a little fill in flash to balance the light nicely.I have a Sigma 24mm f1.8 but I find I could do with the extra flexibility and width of the zoom - folks often want group shots in limited spaces.

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Regards, Philip

Theres an interesting comparison on the US forum

I can't look past the FA 31mm

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/270250-pentax-fa31mm-f-1-8-limited-vs-sigma-18-35mm-f-1-8-a.html

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K-3ii