I agree with your points here Mhuni - the colour/contrast of the 12-24 probably falls somewhere between the Tarmon 70-300 I used to own and the DA 17-70 and perhaps quite similar to the Sigma 10-20 - some shots do benefit from a slight tweak in saturation/white balance to get the best from them and overall I do prefer the Pentax colour/contrast. Obviously lens size is specific to individual needs and as i always carry a backpack it's a non-issue for me, the zoom range is more important, I can see how those who prefer to travel light go for the 15mm though and I've seen some terrific shots from it.

When remembering my Sigma 10-20 I can't exactly agree with the comment by Karma mechanic about "automatic corrected" distortion at 10mm - I tried both the widely respected PTlens plug-in and CS4 and was unable to correct the distortion, at 12mm it was much less of an issue though and more easily corrected

Simon

Sorry - I know this doesn't directly answer your question but I can't recommend the Pentax DA12-24 enough, it outperforms the DA15 in almost all areas according to DPreview.

What you lose in practicality due to the DA15mm compact size you gain in the very useful focal range - I recently used the DA12-24mm as a walkabout lens for 70% of my shots on a recent trip to China - low distortion means it's great for architecture (unlike the Sigma 10-20 I previously owned). The downside is obviously price but decent used ones appear from time to time.

Just my thoughts anyway

Simon

Thanks guys, I've order the Lowepro 1M - sound ideal

Simon

A Tamron for sale in the classifieds - seems highly rated...

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/tamron-sp-af-90mm-2-8-di-macro-1-1--215-2...


Simon

I'm looking for a lens case/pouch for my new DA 35mm F2.4 and wondered if the 35mm macro one selling at SRS is likely to be suitable?

Other options welcome too

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/2343/Pentax-Soft-Lens-Case-for-DA-35mm-Macro--D...

thanks

Simon

PF is the reason I sold the Tamron, way too much for me - although I've heard other owners have not had any major issues with it.

In my own view both the Tamron & Sigma have a compromise - the Tamrons is PF, the Sigmas is that I found it a bit soft beyond 240mm. The Pentax lenses dont have either of these issues to any noticeable degree, the reason I bought the DA 55-300, together with what I believe is nicer colour/contrast

Simon

Looks like a price war is about to start

Having owned a few of the available consumer zooms I'd list them in the following order of preference:

1.DA 55-300mm
2.DAL 55-300mm
3.Tamron 70-300
4.Sigma 70-300 APO

Simon

Look decent shots Mike - they make me want the K5 though not necessarily the 18-135mm

Did you use a polariser on the 1st?

Simon

Just to let you know I noticed one on the LCE website for £299

http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Secondhand.asp

simon