Hi all, Was just browsing thru some ultrawides, and I can't really decide which one I want. I'll just think aloud and any help's appreciated.
These are the ones I'm looking at: Primes 1. Pentax FA 20mm f/2.8 (f/2.8~22, 67mm) USD$485 (B&H) 2. Sigma EX 20mm f/1.8 (f/1.8~22, 82mm) USD $360 (B&H) Zooms 3. Sigma EX 20-40mm f/2.8 (f/2.8~32, 82mm) USD$600 (B&H) 4. Sigma EX 17-35mm f/2.8-4 (f/2.8~32, 77mm) USD$440 (77mm version available January?) 5. Sigma EX DG 12-24mm f/4-5.6 (f/4~22, rear filter) USD$650 (though not out yet?) 6. Phoenix/Vivitar 19-35mm f/3.5-f/4.5 (f/3.5~22, 77mm) USD$140 (new on Ebay) The main purpose will be landscapes, and I figure that what I really need is just 20mm, if it's any wider, I'm not sure if I'll get enough use out of it. I also hope to use it with a Singh Ray Gold & Blue Polariser. However, I just went over the website and they don't seem to have it in an 82mm thread. This being so, I sent off an email just to confirm (will prolly find out after the weekend). Now for each specimen respectively, 1. It's Pentax- so yay for SMC and resale value etc.., and it's got a small enough thread for the filter. Only possible negative thing I can think of- it only goes down to f22. 2. I've heard great reviews about this lens, not so much about the speed (since f1.8 will just provide too little dof for landscapes anyway), but about how sharp it is at f8, some say even more so than the Pentax and the Canon offerings.. Unfortunately its 82mm thread means I won't be able to use the identified polariser (:(!) unless I get a mail back saying that they'll custom make it or something. Also, I'm not sure if this is normal logic, but bigger aperture range = bigger sweetspot? 3. I'm not really considering this one, since it is a bit pricier and also that it overlaps 12mm into my 28-70. But thought I'd mention it just in case anyone has anything to say about it. One good thing is it goes down to f32, one unfortunate thing is it's 82mm as well.. 4. I've heard a bunch of conflicting reviews about this one so I'm not sure what to think. The extra 3mm down might come in useful, and the 7mm overlap into my 28-70 will ensure I won't have to use it all the way at 35mm, which I assume is a good thing. Also, I think it's pretty decent coverage for the cost. Unfortunately, it's only available January (the 77mm version) and that's cutting it a bit close to my trip. Also, I've read the 77mm has better glass, not to mention the fact that I can share filters with my 28-70. 5. This one I like the coverage.. 12 to 24 seems massive. At f4-5.6 I suppose that's a bit slow but doing tripod landscape stuff, it doesn't really matter does it? Also it only goes down to f22.. I was wondering- does a rear filter mean you can't even use a Cokin P holder (let alone the Singh-Ray G/B)? 6. I like the 77mm filter size, the 1 extra mm going down too. But I'm a bit hesitant because it's a Phoenix. However, Jafa photography wrote http://www.jafaphotography.com/bestbuys.htm that it was the best buy in it's focal length? I must admit that tiny writeup seems tempting. And yes it's a lot cheaper than the rest. Anyone have experience with this lens? (And lol.. if I do end up getting this one, the filter will be more expensive than the lens! I should put the lens in front to protect the filter! The irony is sickening..) Conclusion: I think I'm going to end up with either no.1 or no.4. Hopefully no.4 comes out soon. Anyone want to argue the case for (or against) either? I think if no.2 came in a 77mm thread, my decision would be a lot clearer. But that's just dreaming I guess. If Singh Ray gets back to me saying that I can get an 82mm filter I suppose I'll consider no.2. Also I know it's kinda weird basing a lens decision around a filter.. but for USD$210 (77mm thread) it does sound like quite a bit of equipment doesn't it? Also, I'm not sure about no.6.. Any help is much appreciated! Thanks, Ryan
