Sigma 12-24mm v Samyang 14mm UWA FF lens

The 12-24 (first version, no HSM) is quite sharp when used at F8-F11, since you have A900 with AF micro adjust, there shouldn't be a problem. When used on my A700, it is sharp as my A700 has a tiny little backfocus. On my A100, it was not as sharp.

I tried the Samyang/Rokinon 14mm very briefly, and I cannot remember what aperture I used, but it was not as sharp on the A700. But please do not take my opinion too seriously as it was not tested properly.

Like you, when I was using the 12-24, I probably only used it at 12mm, if I need longer, I'll always go to my 16-80CZ.

I am very glad with the sigma 12-24 on my a900. It is wider than the sigma 10-20mm on my a700.
scharpness is fine all-round and with the LR4 lens correction, transformation can be reduced almost completely.

Downside: lack of filter fitting + sun shade gets in the way when using @12mm

I have a vivitar 13mm f2.8 -- from what I've heard, it's the same lens (rebadged) as the Samyang 14mm, but somehow vivitar got an extra 1 mm out of it. Price is darned low, and it's a nice lens to use. I like it, but there are times when I wish it were wider.

If it if were me, I'd probably get the Sigma 10-20 4-5.6 or Tamron 10-24mm. I just like having that extra reach, and both are fairly priced for used lenses ($350+). Although the f2.8 of a prime lens is nice (Tokina has a nice, but more expensive 11-16 f2.8). But given the choices you mentioned... if you need F2.8 or depending on the costs, the Samyang would be a good lens for you. But otherwise, I don't think you'll go wrong with Sigma.

Samyang is also supposed to be coming out with a 10mm f2.8 lens. I'm guessing this will be released in the Spring, sometime around March or April. Link I'm guessing it will be attractively priced, although no AF like other Samyangs.

Ian

D'oh. I can't believe I missed that FF thing.

bharnois wrote: You just reminded me! I have my Tammie 14 2.8 that I haven't used since I got my A900. Time for a spin methinks. That sucker is built like a tank. About the only way to filter is use the drop in slot on the mount side.

Yeah the filter thing is one of my concerns as well, but it looks like any of the really wide lenses won't allow filters in the traditional sense. Oh well, I don't use filters that often, would be nice to use NDs though.

gaging wrote: Perhaps you should consider a used Tokina AT-X 17 AF 17mm F3.5 or a Tokina AT-X 17 AF PRO 17mm F3.5. With a full frame camera, either one would be the equivalent of an 11.33mm lens on an APS-C camera. I owned one for about a year, but I replaced it with a wider Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens for my APS-C camera. The Tokina 17mm f/3.5 lenses are sharp, built like a tank, designed for full frame, and they take regular filters. The PRO version is easier to use with filters because the lens hood is removable, but the fixed hood version also works with slightly more work to screw them in. When you can find one of these lenses, they are usually reasonably priced.

I have considered it, but if I'm going to buy a new lens I want something significantly wider, I think 14mm is really the minimum for me.