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Sigma 8-16mm for astro?

bjolester
Posted 17/03/2022 - 08:13 Link
I am wanting to acquire a super wide angle lens for northern lights and general astro photography. If unlimited funds I would have gone for the Pentax 11-16mm f2.8, maybe some time in the future. For now I have seen a Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM for a very good price (roughly £ 120). Is this lens any good for my intended use? Does anyone here have experience with the Sigma 8-16?

PS: I have previously owned the Pentax DA 12-24, and regret having parted with it. So, this could also be an option, although this lens sells for quite a bit more than what the Sigma 8-16 I am looking at is priced at.
Bjørn

PPG
Flickr
Mike-P
Posted 17/03/2022 - 09:01 - Helpful Comment Link
I know nothing about astro but I imagine you want something as fast as possible so if you are using a crop body and the 11-16mm is out of your reach maybe look at the Sigma 18-35mm f/2.8 ?

Personally at £120 I would buy the Sigma anyway and try it, if no good you should get your money back easily (and make a bit on it as well)
Jonathan-Mac
Posted 17/03/2022 - 09:14 - Helpful Comment Link
That's a very good deal on the Sigma but I don't know if it's really suitable for astrophotography. I have the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 and it's a very nice lens, faster than the 8-16mm, but I don't know anything about it's qualities specifically for astro.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
bjolester
Posted 17/03/2022 - 11:47 Link
Thank you for your advice Mike and Jonathan! I have now purchased the Sigma lens. I will chime in with my views on the lens and suitability for northern lights photography in the near future.
Bjørn

PPG
Flickr
Edited by bjolester: 17/03/2022 - 11:48

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