Sigma 50f1.4 vs Pentax 40f2.8

timd · 2011-02-24T11:18:26+0000

I have realised that my lens line up leaves a hole in the middle. On a K200D, with 18-55 kit lens and DA 55-300. I have realised the kit lens' weakness is that it is soft at 55mm, close up and the 55-300, well it has no close up! I am looking for a good 'natural' lens to allow me to take portraits as well as close ups of flowers (not strictly macro, but the 45cm is ok). I am attracted to the Sigma 50mm f1.4 HSM because of the stunning good reviews, although it appears that quality control is an issue with many front / back focus issues (or is it users not familiar with the small DOF? ). It is a substantial lens, but no bigger than the Sigma 70-300 that I used to have. The Pentax pancake 40f2.8 is also stunning, but with screwdriver drive and f2.8 not f1.4...um..will I notice? I cannot find any direct comparison between these. Is the quality control of the Sigma so bad? Please help. Advise on other lenses in this range is welcome (please no second hand ones - in South Africa there is no real Pentax presence) Thanks Tim

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gartmore gartmore

6724 posts
20 years
Glasgow,
Scotland

Posted 28/02/2011 - 14:04 Link

Have you read the instruction book for the 18-55 in relation to the brown markings on the focus scale?

I've never found mine soft.

Ken
“We must avoid however, snapping away, shooting quickly and without thought, overloading ourselves with unnecessary images that clutter our memory and diminish the clarity of the whole.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson -

Edited by gartmore: 28/02/2011 - 14:05