Sigma DG DN 14-24/2.8 vs Panasonic Lumix S 18mm/1.8 - photo only - help separate an idiots money from his wallet (LOL)

[AdjusterBrett]

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So in my quest to find a reliable ultra-wide vintage - come to realization - might as well buy a native - so assume that is a given, as the majority of efforts I've put into vintage have been a disappointment.  Have SL, S1, TL2.  Have many Sigma DG DN's - pretty happy (85's AF and cAF could be better, but complaining of cAF with Leica or Panasonic - somewhat an exercise in futility...) - have the dock, can tweak - so the Sigma line is a shoe in.  However, also have the Panasonic 50 1.8 - and for what it is - it's great.  Also have the Panasonic 20-60mm which I do adore for convenience.

Two questions...   First, if the IQ and AF on the 18mm pana much better than the 20-60?  The size of the 20-60mm and the 50mm allow me to EASILY use on my TL2 for quick grab and go's - this is NOT a determining point - just a note acknowledging - they are NOT that small - but they are very light (by contrast I had the 85/1.4 on the TL2 couple days ago - you could not see the camera).  So, if you have done both the 20-60 and the 18 - love to hear your thoughts (and I think I know the answer - as the 50/1.8 is MUCH better than the 20-60 at 50)...  I'm not chasing bokeh - just solid environmental pictures of people (in most cases).  When I put the 50 pana vs the 20-60 at the same aperture - the 50 always looks better - but that is at the end of the zoom range - no idea on the other end.

Second, assuming I'm fairly correct on the previous - has anyone used both the 14-24 new sigma (DG DN not the HSM) vs the Panasonic 18mm - at roughly 18mm.

I'm torn - I have far too many BIG sigmas - they can be cumbersome - but the 14-24 intrigues me.  I know the weight of the 18 is minimal in comparison - I'm really just looking at two lenses - one I know the form factor - and like it - and one which will possibly prove to be more versatile.  Used - they are about the same price, and that extra width (14mm) - it has my attention (that said I could by one of many much lower cost 10-15mm lenses) to get the wider portion if needed to enhance that 20-60 I already have and like.

Most photos I take this wide are one of two types - either full environmental with the subject(s) in frame for relational only OR those attempts at artistic - very close in proximity with background secondary (not positive I'm describing that right)...

Feel free to tell me I'm an idiot having the 20-60 already, and just go buy an el-cheapo ultrawide prime, as the panasonic 18mm carries a pretty big pricetag.

As always thanx.

[huwm]

see if you can pick up an S Pro 16-35 f4 which I use in preference to the S 20-60 when I want wide option

Edited March 19, 2024 by huwm
typo

[hoolyproductions]

To further muddy your thinking have you considered the Sigma 17mm f/4. It is very compact and seems to review well. I haven't used mine a great deal (it is a niche focal length for me, hence going for something as compact as possible) but did get some decent northern light shots despite the f/4 aperture, and some architecture shots.

I plan to use it essentially as a "17-24+" mm lens when I am travelling light but want a wide option (normally I take the Sigma 24mm f/3.5 as this is a much more familiar focal length for me).

[goodbokeh]

AdjusterBrett, the Panasonic S 18/1.8 does very well on my 47MP SL2, both in optical performance and balance/weight. I have it as a low light alternative for my Panasonic S Pro 16-35/4 which is a favorite of mine. I'd say buy either or both of the Panasonics. The Sigma 14-24 is reputed to match or best many primes in its range but it is quite large, heavy, a limited zoom range, and filters are a problem.

[Piri]

vor 8 Stunden schrieb goodbokeh:

AdjusterBrett, the Panasonic S 18/1.8 does very well on my 47MP SL2, both in optical performance and balance/weight. I have it as a low light alternative for my Panasonic S Pro 16-35/4 which is a favorite of mine. I'd say buy either or both of the Panasonics. The Sigma 14-24 is reputed to match or best many primes in its range but it is quite large, heavy, a limited zoom range, and filters are a problem.

Because of the filter „problem“ and the range limitation of 24mm from the Sigma 14-24, I´m also thinking about the Leica SL 16-35 and the Panasonic S Pro 16-35 lens, have you ever compared both lenses in terms of edge and corner sharpness?

[goodbokeh]

11 hours ago, Piri said:

Because of the filter „problem“ and the range limitation of 24mm from the Sigma 14-24, I´m also thinking about the Leica SL 16-35 and the Panasonic S Pro 16-35 lens, have you ever compared both lenses in terms of edge and corner sharpness?

Piri, no I haven't directly compared the Panasonic S Pro against the Leica SL 16-35. I have read excellent reviews and user experiences for both. Of course both lenses also have detractors based upon "personal" experiences. The detractors for the Panasonic 16-35 have been on this site and are in the context of why they now use the Leica SL. The main detractor I recall for the Leica SL 16-35 is Fred Miranda and that is not a good if you know his site and lens testing prowess.

I have been very satisfied with my Panasonic S Pro 16-35 on my SL2. I'm just now finishing a month long trip in France and it has been my most valuable lens. It has delivered high IQ photos with my SL2 while being very comfortable to use and that is all I can ask any lens to do.

[Piri]

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vor 8 Stunden schrieb goodbokeh:

Piri, no I haven't directly compared the Panasonic S Pro against the Leica SL 16-35. I have read excellent reviews and user experiences for both. Of course both lenses also have detractors based upon "personal" experiences. The detractors for the Panasonic 16-35 have been on this site and are in the context of why they now use the Leica SL. The main detractor I recall for the Leica SL 16-35 is Fred Miranda and that is not a good if you know his site and lens testing prowess.

I have been very satisfied with my Panasonic S Pro 16-35 on my SL2. I'm just now finishing a month long trip in France and it has been my most valuable lens. It has delivered high IQ photos with my SL2 while being very comfortable to use and that is all I can ask any lens to do.

Goodbokeh, thanks for sharing your experience with the Panasonic! Yes, I read also some posts on Fred Mirandas site, like everywhere some pros and some cons, I have to compare the two lenses myself.