Wide Angle?

Hi folks, I'm looking to add a wide angle lens to my collection as I loved the Sigma 10-20 that I had on my old Sony, but I am mindful that Pentax is renowned for its primes so is there and there are bound to be other options so aside from the Sigma 10-20 what other good wide angle options are there?
Also if I paid £290 for a used Sigma 10-20 (Sony) around 18 months ago should I be looking to pay similar for a Pentax fit lens now?

Yes, used Sigma 10-20s (the old f4-5.6 one) go for around £300 or sometimes a bit less.

Your other options include the Pentax 12-24, Sigma 12-24, Tamron 10-24, Sigma 8-16, Pentax 14, Pentax 15 and probably some others. I haven't mentioned any fisheyes. All of these will be more expensive than the old Sigma 10-20.

This is a thread which will throw up a range of differing opinions so you'll be lucky to reach any conclusion from it, however...

I replaced my Sigma 10-20 with a used Pentax DA 12-24 & personally find the Pentax produces much better results/more pleasing images - unfortunately a used DA will probably cost more than a new Sigma, I think it's worth it though!!

I did consider primes (14, 15mm) but read a couple of reviews which stated the DA12-24 outperformed them, which I can believe, the zoom range is very useful too - I think you get the message I'm trying to get across

Simon

I would totally recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 12-24mm f4 lens, which produces superb results.

I'm not sure if any of the cut-price Samsung-badged 12-24mm lenses are still knocking around.

They were available for £199 at one point. Bargain of the century.

I sold my 12-24mm as I rarely used it and for that sort of money it deserved to go out more. I replaced it with a Sigma 12-24mm which cost half what I got for the Pentax lens and have to say the IQ is a lot closer than the difference in value would have you believe.

The Sigma will also work on a full frame camera should Pentax ever bring one out.

I'm interested in this thread as I too would like a wider lens to add to my DA 21, which I use a lot. My preference is for small lenses so I'm most tempted by the DA15. The combined weight of the DA 15 and DA 21 is significantly less than the DA 12-24, and they focus closer (and I already have a 49mm CPL filter, the cost of a 77mm is worth thinking about). However would 15mm really give me that much more than the 16-45 I already have? And, as Simon says, the reviews of the DA 15 are critical of sharpness wide open...

...all of which means that I'm also undecided and interested in what people have to say on the subject

I have the DA 15; it's easily half the size and weight of the UWA zooms. If you're going out on a mission to get ultrawide photographs, I imagine that the 12-24 or 10-20 will offer very useful flexibility. But if you want a tiny, high-quality ultrawide that can always be in your bag for when the opportunity presents itself, I'd recommend the DA15.

It's also incredibly flare-resistant, and makes quite cool fourteen-pointed starbursts if you stop it down and shoot into the sun. (Or other point light sources.)

I certainly must vote for the humble 10-20.

I believe 2mm at the wide end would be quite significant in comparison to the DA 12-24; though I do appreciate the 12-24 is oneheluva lens. Value for money though is what let's the 12-24 down.

I've been VERY happy with my 10-20, and for the price you cannnot fault it.

The Tamron 10-24 is a nice lens

Don't overlook the Pentax DA 14mm f2.8

I have one and love it




..

Thanks for the replies everyone I think for now mainly for cost but also because I loved my old one I'm going to looks for a used Sigma 10-20 just now but long term I would love a Pentax 12-24 or some of the wider primes!

I've noticed a 10-20 on sale used via a dealer for £329 which seems a good deal, but a brand new one is £399 via SRS with a full 3 year Warranty, etc is it worth paying the extra £69 for the warranty? I guess it would have more resale value later on if I was to sell than one without.

I'm sure the Pentax 12-24mm wide angle lens is superb. But for less cash I bought a Sigma 10-20mm lens and it too is excellent. I know quite a few photographers who own the wide angle Siggie, Canon and Nikon users as well as Pentax, and they all rave about the Sigma 10-20.
David

You wouldn't get any more for the SRS one if you sold it on. Personally I'd go with the 2nd hand one.