Thanks guys..

Hefty... certainly some enthusiasm for the lens in the article, my final decision is getting a little clearer now !!

Simon

Having done a bit more reading/searching I've added another couple of options to my list..

Pentax smc DA 35mm f2.8 Macro.

Sigma EXDC 30mm f/1.4

I notice that a thread has just been created on the Sigma, seems positive. As the Pentax 35mm is a macro lens does this have any implications for using it for landscape work ?

thanks

Simon

I've posted a couple of threads recently on here and other forums as I'm considering my lens options. I currently use the Sigma 17-70 most of the time and whilst pleased with it wonder if the move to Prime lenses would provide me with better IQ/sharpness, especially as I've now upgraded to the K20D which without doubt provides more image detail than my previous GX10

A comment posted on another forum was to the effect that if you shoot predominately around F8/F11 (which I do) then the difference between a Prime and a zoom is less significant.

Interested in other peoples thoughts on this?

thanks

Simon

I own the Sigma equivalent and have debated for a while whether to swap to the Pentax version...the main reason being the Pentax colour which tends to be a little nicer than those from the Sigma, the price difference though is pretty large & I can't really justify it just for this reason

simon

Made a few phone calls but looks like I've missed the boat on this one, shame as it's a real bargain

simon

I'm just considering this function too having just bought a K20D, having done a little reading & posted a thread or two on here it seems that it can cause some shadow noise which I'm non too kenn on...I'm trying the camera initially with D Range turned off

simon

Thanks guys..the DA & FA both look pretty impressive. After giving it a little more thought though I think that the 21mm might be my first choice as it's a focal length I use more frequently

simon

What you say obviously makes sense, maybe I didn't explain it well enough...here's an article that does a better job than me, it's a little old now but the principal is the same - improvements in sensors and the noise they produce probably make this slightly less important but I think the general principle still applies..

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/expose-right.shtml

Simon

If the K20D proves to be the same as my previous GX10 it's likely that I'll be dialling in +0.7EV pretty much permanently, this corrects for the "characteristic" underexpose programmed by Pentax/Samsung. The majority of detail in an image is to the right of the histogram (highlights) so underexposing risks losing some of this, although recovery of shadow detail is possible it tends to bring with it unwelcome shadow noise.. the difference between the GX10 & K20D regarding sensor noise however may mean it's not quite such an issue...I'm sure a more experienced user of the K20D can clarify this for us?

simon

Thanks,

For now I've set the jpg to "Bright", turned off the D Range & set Noise reduction to weakest - I'll see how this goes.

General impressions so far after a few non-descript ramdom shots:

Sensor definitely seems to provide more detail than the GX10, struck me immediately.

Focus seems quicker than GX10

native image size is perfect for my needs, means I will rarely need to up-res any shots in Photoshop

On the negative side I'd say the ergonomics of the K20D body are not as good as the GX10, doesn't feel quite as comfortable - menu system also looks like something from the 1970s in comparision too

Looking forward to giving it a serious tryout

Simon