Given the K5 is Pentax's top model presently (excluding the 645D) and one of the best by any manufacturer I doubt many users here would want to part with theirs until they too have something to upgrade to. Nothing on eBay?

John

Which file is 2.1mb, the raw, the jpeg or both?

John

Make of this one what you will.

A more than 180 degree panorama of Whitby Harbour comprising two images taken with the 8-16mm:




The path seen on the left and just visible on the right are actually the same straight path!

John

A couple of shots taken with the 8-16mm at Harrogate last year, soon after I got the lens:

At 15mm:




At 8mm:


You have to watch out for your feet!

John

I appreciate the 10-20mm is the cheapest one but the 8-16mm isn't expensive for what it is. If it had a major marque name I feel it would be at least double the Mifsuds price.

If it helps I'll mention a few negative points about the 8-16mm. The front element curves out so using a lens hood, although supplied, only helps out at its longer end. Same with using filters on it - these have to be attached to the hood. However, it isn't prone to flaring badly so no big problem. It also looks more like a telephoto that a wide angle!

John

Well the 8-16mm is a more modern designed lens, an engineering triumph really. Plus it has SDM, and doesn't overlap the 18-250 at all. More reasonably priced than the Pentax 12-24 and what other lens anywhere gives you a reasonably undistorted 8mm? Surprising Sigma condescended to allow us Pentax users to have it, they often don't when it comes to new designs!

The 10-20 I used was the older non fixed aperture version, perhaps the newer one is better but I've not even seen one in the flesh!

I'm sorry about the lighting inconsistencies in those shots but I did promise to take then and it is just one of those days where the light is anything but consistent. I will say that every time I've used the 10-20 the results have been similar in comparison to the other two. It was suggested above that the 10-20 would benefit from some exposure compensation dialled in. While I agree with that comment why should it be necessary for that lens when the others do not need it? I may have some older comparison shots and if I can find them I'll post them later.

My first ultra wide was the 10-20 and if I'd been truly happy with it I may never have bought the others. There is also the thought that perhaps my 10-20mm is below par but without a side by side test that cannot be proven.

I strongly recommend the 8-16mm, one doesn't have to use it at 8mm but one can if one wishes!

John

Well the 8-16mm is a more modern designed lens, an engineering triumph really. Plus it has SDM, and doesn't overlap the 18-250 at all. More reasonably priced than the Pentax 12-24 and what other lens anywhere gives you a reasonably undistorted 8mm? Surprising Sigma condescended to allow us Pentax users to have it, they often don't when it comes to new designs!

The 10-20 I used was the older non fixed aperture version, perhaps the newer one is better but I've not even seen one in the flesh!

I'm sorry about the lighting inconsistencies in those shots but I did promise to take then and it is just one of those days where the light is anything but consistent. I will say that every tine I've used the 10-20 the results have been similar ibn comparison to. Why should that lens need exposure compensation dialled in as suggested above when the others do not? I may have some older comparison shots and if I can find them I'll post them later. My first ultra wide was the 10-20 and if I'd been truly happy with it I'd never have bought the others.

John

As mentioned in my earlier post, some comparison test shots:

Sigma8-16 @ 12mm



Camera Model: PENTAX K-5
Image Date: 2012-07-01 12:43:20
Focal Length: 12.0mm (35mm equivalent: 18mm)
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure Time: 0.0010 s (1/1000)
ISO equiv: 200
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Software: K-5 Ver 1.13


Sigma10-20 @ 12mm



Camera Model: PENTAX K-5
Image Date: 2012-07-01 12:44:53 (no TZ)
Focal Length: 12.0mm (35mm equivalent: 18mm)
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure Time: 0.0010 s (1/1000)
ISO equiv: 200
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Software: K-5 Ver 1.13


Pentax12-24 @ 12mm



Camera Model: PENTAX K-5
Image Date: 2012-07-01 12:46:10 (no TZ)
Focal Length: 12.0mm (35mm equivalent: 18mm)
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure Time: 0.0010 s (1/1000)
ISO equiv: 200
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Software: K-5 Ver 1.13



and for comparison the Pentax DA 14mm f2.8



Camera Model: PENTAX K-5
Image Date: 2012-07-01 12:47:49 (no TZ)
Focal Length: 14.0mm (35mm equivalent: 21mm)
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure Time: 0.0010 s (1/1000)
ISO equiv: 200
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Software: K-5 Ver 1.13

All taken in the space of 5 minutes. Although the K5 was set on Av, it gave the same exposure for each of the shots as can be seen from the EXIF data. I think that may show why the 10-20mm is my least favourite!

John

Hello Kris and welcome to the forum. I know Bolton quite well and have a friend who lives there and worked until recently in one of your local photographic shops so you may have even come across him. But alas, poor fellow, he's a Canon user!

John

Another weekend, perhaps another chance to get that winning shot for the very last fortnightly competition? Remember the competition ends this Wednesday at 6pm BST and we all look forward to seeing your entry.

John