SIGMA 8 16 What Do Pentax Users Think?

I have heard good reviews about this lens.But what does the Pentax community think of this extremely wide lens and the image quality on a Pentax K5 for example?

I thought for quite a while about getting one, but in the end decided against. It can be used impressively, but like all ultra wide angles, it can too easily be misused. After a bit, once the novelty has worn off, acres of sky and foreground become tedious. And, counter-intuitively, given what it can pack in, it's not really the best lens for landscape shooting. I did borrow one for a week and had fun, but not too many regrets about handing it back. In its own terms, it's a very reasonable lens. I think you can believe the reviews.

The using filters like ND or polarising filters can be useful on a wide angle lens. But you can not use any filters with that one.

I am fortunate to have a Pentax 12 24 which is a lovely sharp lens, but I do like exaggerated perspectives,trees,rocks etc.
I do realise that a filter cannot be used on the Sigma 8 16 but its the extra reach that is tempting especially for a rectilinear lens.
Its the quality angle for me, but its not be end all if I do not get one, that's why I take more note of people on the Pentax site who use and try out different glass on their Pentax cameras

For several weeks I contemplated the purchase of a Sigma 10-20 but was also drawn to the Sigma 8-16. After reading umpteen reviews and feedback from other users, I went for the 8-16 and at the price SRS currently have it on offer at it's a steal. I love it and have had no regrets whatsoever about buying it and my feelings about it seem to mirror those of other owners. I visit lots of churches where it comes into it's own and opens awesome opportunities. However, it is very much a horses for courses lens that represents a substantial investment and therefore not something I would recommend just for occasional wide shot.
If wide is your thing then you can't currently get wider I believe than the 8-16. If you haven't done so already, take a look at the Sigma 8-16 lens club over at 'Pentaxforums.com' link I'm sure here you will find some inspiration. My other recommendation would be to go along to a camera shop that sells these (such as SRS if you live close) and try one on your camera, or better still, hire one for a week for first hand experience.

Just my thoughts! Good luck.....

I really love this lens. It is awesome in terms of sharpness and image quality. It produces beautifully vibrant colours so it should appeal to Pentaxian sensibilities on that score too. There is no such thing as a distortion free ulta-wide zoom of course but even in this area it excels for that type of lens.

On the other hand I do find it difficult to compose really good shots with this lens. With such a wide angle composition becomes more challenging. You definitely can't take a good photograph of just any old subject the way you can with lenses of a more 'normal' range of focal lengths. As a result my 'hit rate' with this lens is decidedly lower than with my other lenses. When I do get a great shot with it though, it is well worth it because a fantastic shot with this lens is often one which simply could not have been taken with any other.

Can someone please explain why filters cannot be used, the big square ones for instance?

This might help link

Regards.....

Thanks for the info lads,it gives me some idea how the 8 16 performs on a Pentax camera. The reviews tend to use Canon and Nikon{Sorry for swearing]

Yeah it's a bugger having to deal with all this foreground and sky
Very good lens, totally pleased to have it.
Pete




Huge crop sharp lens