Sigma 12-24 vs. Zeiss 16-35

[a900_dw73]

Hi David

Is the Zeiss 16-35 really worth $1K more than the Sigma 12-24? Basically, you get a 2.8, silent AF, and use of a CP filter. But, for landscapes, you get a really wide 12mm with the Sigma. So, my question here is based on your previous recommendation to not purchase any current Sony lenses, due to your prediction that Sony might come out with all new lenses... But, would you also not recommend getting the Sigma 12-24 right now? I used to have this lens with my A900. I sold it to get $ for the Zeiss 24-70, which I now use with my A900. But, next time I shoot Giant Sequoias, I'm sure I'll miss my good ole Sigma 12-24. What is your advice for a super wide angle lens for the A900? I'm open for waiting too, if there might be something better coming out in the future.

Dave

[David Kilpatrick]

Same reason, I think the Sigma 12-24mm is due for an upgrade to HSM focusing soon, and a redesign. It is one of the oldest current Sigma lenses, and the 8-16mm f/4-5.6 just introduced for APS-C points to a likely redesign of the f/4.5-5.6 design as an f/4-5.6.

If you can find one at a low price, sure, go for it. But I am fairly certain a new 12-24mm with improved performance and HSM focusing will appear at photokina at the latest. I've had mine for two years and obviously got loads of use from it.

Edit: the 16-35mm Zeiss really isn't worth £1k more. The Sigma actually has superior geometry and illumination at 16mm, even if it's miles slower in aperture. I use these lenses around f/11 most of the time anyway.

David

[Lonnie Utah]

Dave,

Do you think the siggy beats the Sony on Color and contrast? Along with DOF, that's really what's most important for landscapes anyway. I find most use of my 16-35 at f22.....

[a900_dw73]

Thanks David,

I'll look forward to a new Sigma 12-24!

BTW, the new Sigma 8-16 got 4 stars for optical quality at Photozone! That's absolutely a great result, don't you think? Plus, now APS-C users may get almost the same 12 or 12.8 mm wide angle zoom! This is great news for the A7XX replacement also, because this Sigma 8-16mm should work well with it?

Dave

[David Kilpatrick]

Agreed, we await the 8-16mm to test here.

As for colour and contrast, I don't care. I do not shoot JPEGs. The colour I get is completely different from shot to shot as I adjust every image invividually for colour cast, saturation, contrast, WB and vibrance. If the lens does not have any obvious issues such as a green cast, I'm happy. The Sigma 12-24mm is a pretty neutral lens, maybe slightly warm. It's nothing like as warm/yellow as the Sigma 70-200mm for example; that's down to the types of glass used in the long apo Sigmas.

David