Wide angled lens

Hi all. Just thought I would consult the knowledge database available here. After trying to use my kit lens at its 18mm wide point. I have found that this is not really wide enough. So Im in the market for a wide angled lens. Not having any experience of these. Im at a bit of a loss. I want to use it to photogragh buildings and general architecture. The one I have been considering is the Sigma 10 - 20. This as you know come in two forms. The faster Hsm version and the cheaper ex version. Does anyone have any experience of these in terms of image quality ? Is the Hsm version worth the extra expense? Do you think there are any other lenses I should be considering ?

The lens of choice is the Pentax 12-24mm f4, which is perfect for architectural shots. Straight lines will remain straight lines.

Thanks John. Thought you would suggest that one. I had looked at it. Im sure its a superb lens. But discounted it. On the grounds of its £800 price tag.

Hi Stuart

I have the Sigma 10-20mm in the cheaper version without HSM. Can't comment on the HSM version, but I love mine. Don't think you will find many people who don't love it.

I took it to Italy a few months back and didn't take it off the camera as I was mainly visiting historical sites. It's nice and sharp and very versatile, though it does produce the occasional weird distortion like ultra-wide if you aren't careful, easily fixed in PP mind. Not brilliant if people are at the edge of the picture, unless you want them to look like aliens, but o.k. in the centre.

You should be able to pick up an excellent used copy for around £240 and you won't lose it out if you sell it on in the future.

The other one I was considering was the Sigma 8-16mm which gets super reviews, but it's more expensive and I couldn't find any used, which says a lot.

Some of my pics from 1st time use here:

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/first-photos-with-sigma-10-20mm-36091

Thanks Milamber. I had no doubts on the likelyhood of it being a great lens. I was wondering if people considered the faster lens with HSM a worthwhile upgrade to it. From what I have read it is silent focusing. I think I could live with noisy. For a saving of approx £100

I had been wanting to get this lens for a long time, and finally managed to purchase one some weeks ago. It is a fantastic lens, worth every penny (read Norwegian Kroner)

You could consider the SMC 16-45. There is one in the classifieds this evening for £140.

Dave

I've got the older non-HSM version and I too love it for the same reasons as milamber - yes it is noisy and not that fast to focus, when do you REALLY need a fast-focusing ultra-wide angle?

Also, it is as tough as old boots - two falls with the camera right behind it (resulting in broken filters!) and seems to still be working OK (bit sticky on the zoom at one point however).

Thanks Dave, the 16-45 dosnt really appeal. As I think I have most of the range covered by my kit lens. Which for the record I feel takes superb images. When I get it right. Also Nice to know the build quality is spot on.

16-45 is a lot better than the kit lens IMHO, but probably not wide enough for you anyway.

Regards
David

I have the 12-24 and the lack of distortion is impressive. I don't have experience of the 10-20 but I've seen plenty of results from it. That wide even slight departures from level can introduce a lot of keystone distortions and it is difficult to attribute what is due to the angle of the camera and what is inherent with the lens, but my impression (guesswork) is that the 12-24 would be much better for architecture. For landscape I would probably recommend the Sigma new given the price difference. I don't think the price hike of the 12-24 was justified. However, I would hold out for a secondhand one. At £400-500 I think the 12-24 is well worth it.

There is a Pentax 12-24mm here for £450 or best offer:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pentax-DA-12-24-mm-F4-AL-IF-Lens-MINT-/200835471364?pt...

Still almost double the price of an excellent used 10-20mm, mind.

The older 10-20 is a fantastic lens and I have never understood the need for HSM on a 10-20 - personally I have never felt the need to sneak up on a building or a landscape without being noticed

Carl

Thanks for the link Milamber, much appreciated. Certainly worth consideration.

SRS also have a used Sigma 10-20mm on Ebay for £269 with a year's warranty.