How does this lens compare to the newer HD version (i.e. Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 HD Macro Limited), which is currently cheaper at $529?
1952962
I've not had a chance to have my hands on a "New" Limited Pentax lens, but here is a good article on the differences: http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-pentax-limited-primes/introduction.htmlIt looks like the lens coating is improved and the aperature style is changed. Hope this helps :)
1952963
I've not had a chance to have my hands on a "New" Limited Pentax lens, but here is a good article on the differences: http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-pentax-limited-primes/introduction.html It looks like the lens coating is improved and the aperature style is changed. Hope this helps :)
552636
I had a Canon 50mm 2.5 macro ,it is real reliable, it is an older lens, very sharp also great for portrait work it creates a soft bokeh.
579923
I love that lens it's more comparable to a Ziess 85mm. The bokeh at 1.5 is awesome! I would highly recommend it over the canon 1.8
845608
I just saw that the new model (pzd) is just 20 dollars more and its lighter. The old version is a great all around lens. I highly recommend it. Recently i bought the 17-50 2.8 VC which way sharper and brighter, but the zoom range of this one is amazing. Good luck
767674
Oh, and the larger aperture allows you to play with depth of field and shoot in low light conditions without having to crank up the ISO and the associated noise. It's really nice for portraits. If you are looking for top quality in a "normal" lens(like a 50mm was in film formats) you can pay alot for the great Pentax 31mm or (right now) about the same as the 50mm for a DA 35mm that is still a very nice lens. BTW: Pentax is planning on putting out an "improved" series of fixed lenses at a higher price so you might want to take advantage of the clearance sales now.
1451391
Matthew, Sigma has released information of a replacement lens which will hit the market towards the end of March. the lens is priced at $499 and boasts significant upgrades to almost every aspect of the lens. With that being said the price of this version of the lens has been slashed (lucky people like me found it for $289). I would consider your need for this type of lens. Most of the bad reviews come from earlier models of this particular version (matted black Vs smooth black). The defective lens's rightfully so get poor reviews, however the functioning models get high praise. I have tested the sharpness and autofocus and my unit is perfectly fine. I decided that $500 was too much for a new lens and $289 was a bargain for its older brother. If you look around you may still find that clearance price. I hope this helped!
575221
I agree and have noticed that as well. I bought the older version and have been pleased with it. I have also not read complaints about the newer version. It may be as simple as supply and demand or something we are not aware of. You might check review sites just to make sure the version 2 is well rated and then go for it if it's cheaper. The 20MM has been a great lens, I have received compliments about my photo's and 9 times out of 10, it's taken with the 20mm.
1917125
I absolutely love the 28-135mm IS f/3.5 lens from Canon. For about $400 +/- you get a moderate zoom telephoto with a 1:1.6 mag aspect on your dSLR about 44mm - 206mm in 35mm terms with an added bonus of macro capability. I use it as a 'walk around lens' and while not the BEST in construction - the optics are sharp, color rendition is super and the IS is a lifesaver when shooting scenes in low light without a tripod or monopod.For wide angle work - I've purchased the SIGMA 17-35mm f/2.8 and found the optics and color rendition above my expectations for a $225 lens. The SIGMA comes with a lens hood and pouch - for which Canon sells as accessories and expensive ones at that. I absolutely love the 28-135mm IS f/3.5 lens from Canon. For about $400 +/- you get a moderate zoom telephoto with a 1:1.6 mag aspect on your dSLR about 44mm - 206mm in 35mm terms with an added bonus of macro capability. I use it as a 'walk around lens' and while not the BEST in construction - the optics are sharp, color rendition is super and the IS is a lifesaver when shooting scenes in low light without a tripod or monopod.For wide angle work - I've purchased the SIGMA 17-35mm f/2.8 and found the optics and color rendition above my expectations for a $225 lens. The SIGMA... » Read More I absolutely love the 28-135mm IS f/3.5 lens from Canon. For about $400 +/- you get a moderate zoom telephoto with a 1:1.6 mag aspect on your dSLR about 44mm - 206mm in 35mm terms with an added bonus of macro capability. I use it as a 'walk around lens' and while not the BEST in construction - the optics are sharp, color rendition is super and the IS is a lifesaver when shooting scenes in low light without a tripod or monopod.For wide angle work - I've purchased the SIGMA 17-35mm f/2.8 and found the optics and color rendition above my expectations for a $225 lens. The SIGMA comes with a lens hood and pouch - for which Canon sells as accessories and expensive ones at that. « Show Less
23197
Yes indeed. And my 85mm f/1.8 Pentax lens functions as a 127.5 mm lens -- but where are you going to find an f/1.8 or even f/2.0 lens of that focal length these days? So some of the older lenses, like that one, actually offer an advantage over the more modern lenses. Because 'noise' kicks in around 400 ISO with most digital cameras, a fast lens is especially useful. (The 50mm f1.4 Pentax lens is a very fast lens of unbelievable quality for its price, which is around $200.)
160523
I wasn't aware Sigma made this same lens in a "macro" version? Becarefull believing the discriptions as some "used" products are misrepresented. Any how, macro will allow for a shorter minimum focus distance. Good luck
1430891
I've had opportunity to acquire or try out most of the lenses (sans the 43mm ltd, unfortunately) since last posting. Here's my list for a newbie weighing performance, price, and availability:1. DA 40mm - Excellent all around and compact, compact, compact! 2. DA 70mm - Great color saturation, sharpness if not as fast as the FA 77mm3. FA 31mm LTD. Expensive! But might as well be welded to my K-7 right now. Amazing all around.4. My FA 50mm 1.4 has been bumped down to 4 or 5, given softness at f1.4 and lack of contrast. the 55mm 1.4 is a sleeper though, although I haven't had opportunity to try it. I've had opportunity to acquire or try out most of the lenses (sans the 43mm ltd, unfortunately) since last posting. Here's my list for a newbie weighing performance, price, and availability:1. DA 40mm - Excellent all around and compact, compact, compact! 2. DA 70mm - Great color saturation, sharpness if not as fast as the FA 77mm3. FA 31mm LTD. Expensive! But might as well be welded to my K-7 right now. Amazing all around.4. My FA 50mm 1.4 has been bumped down to 4 or 5, given softness at f1.4 and lack of contrast. the 55mm 1.4 is a sleeper though, although I... » Read More I've had opportunity to acquire or try out most of the lenses (sans the 43mm ltd, unfortunately) since last posting. Here's my list for a newbie weighing performance, price, and availability:1. DA 40mm - Excellent all around and compact, compact, compact! 2. DA 70mm - Great color saturation, sharpness if not as fast as the FA 77mm3. FA 31mm LTD. Expensive! But might as well be welded to my K-7 right now. Amazing all around.4. My FA 50mm 1.4 has been bumped down to 4 or 5, given softness at f1.4 and lack of contrast. the 55mm 1.4 is a sleeper though, although I haven't had opportunity to try it. « Show Less
633824
I own this lens and have found it to perform beautifully. The quality is quite good. You will love the ability to handhold macro shots, because this lens has vibration stabilization. The focal length allows one to get back from the subject so that lighting is better and you won't scare the bugs as badly. I believe that this lens ranks above all other manufactures version of this same lens. A bonus is that this lens also has full frame capability.
1249479
I have the Canon 50mm 1.4. The Bokeh is not very good. not a good choice for macro. I'm now looking for a macro lens.
1041292
I agree with the 35 F1.4 response. It is a very sharp lens and with the sale, it's priced great. WELL worth the $.
1974652
I haven't used the 35mm but i can assure you the image quality is better than the 50 f1.8 or the kit lens. This sigma will serve you well as a starter lens and actually shouldn't be something you immediately feel like upgrading. Primes are well and good if you are ready for them but zooms are better for starting out. if you test out different focal lengths you can find out what prime lenses will work best for you. you don't want to buy a 35mm just to find out you'd rather have a 24, etc.
2152800
Great，I use the sigma 30mm f2.8 lens, it's just approximate 1 pound. I bought it cost $449 with 18-55 and sigma 30mm lens is 120 dollar~
676894
Hi I like mine a lot. Just be sure you not getting the most powerful one as its too much magnification( the 250) . It's no macro lens but I think it's worth the money