JohnLindroth
Veteran Member
Larry,
I've got the f4 version, paid about $200USD 2 years ago. I bought the cheap chinese aluminum M42 first, and could not get infinity (bad for a wide angle lens), so posted a similar message here, and bought the JTAT version - I would recommend it if you don't mind the price.
It's a fun lens, and I've had a lot of photographers comment on it, it looks great on an SD14. However, the results with that lens may not be what you are hoping for. It has limited coating, so you get a lot of flares. I actually like it for that in some cases. I don't find it super sharp, unlike the photos larryj posts from his Sigma 20mm 1.8, which seems incredibly sharp.
Here are some pictures of it and from it.
I had considered buying the f2.8, but the prices were over $400 then as well, and I seem to remember reading somewhere that the back of the lens could hit the screen. (I have a Chinon lens that does that, and it worries me whenever I use it).
I've bought almost all my lenses on eBay - if you only buy from sellers with 99.9% good reviews, and lots of sales, you can usually trust their listings. I got the 20mm from a guy in Budapest. I think it adds to the value in some way.
Enjoy your search.
-John
http://www.johnlindroth.com/gallery/
[email protected]
My future starts when I wake up every morning ...
Every day I find something creative to do with my life.
--Miles Davis
I've got the f4 version, paid about $200USD 2 years ago. I bought the cheap chinese aluminum M42 first, and could not get infinity (bad for a wide angle lens), so posted a similar message here, and bought the JTAT version - I would recommend it if you don't mind the price.
It's a fun lens, and I've had a lot of photographers comment on it, it looks great on an SD14. However, the results with that lens may not be what you are hoping for. It has limited coating, so you get a lot of flares. I actually like it for that in some cases. I don't find it super sharp, unlike the photos larryj posts from his Sigma 20mm 1.8, which seems incredibly sharp.
Here are some pictures of it and from it.
I had considered buying the f2.8, but the prices were over $400 then as well, and I seem to remember reading somewhere that the back of the lens could hit the screen. (I have a Chinon lens that does that, and it worries me whenever I use it).
I've bought almost all my lenses on eBay - if you only buy from sellers with 99.9% good reviews, and lots of sales, you can usually trust their listings. I got the 20mm from a guy in Budapest. I think it adds to the value in some way.
Enjoy your search.
-John
--One more thing.
I did this because I know I want a very good 20mm lens and I feel that Sigma would never satisfy me like they did with 50 1.4, 150 2.8 and the 85 1.4. I just feel they are not so keen on the wides.
So where in the heck besides Ebay can I get a Zeiss 20mm f2.8. I just don't trust Ebay. I would like one in a condition excellent or like new. Ones on Ebay look like they want too much for stuff that is in used condition and generally around 450.00.
--Thats a good choice...Thats the PMBAA (Polish Made Black Anodised Aluminium) version. Whilst its made of Aluminium instead of Chrome plated Brass, like the Japanese JTAT version, its supprisingly durable and of course its nice and light.
Its never as nice a fit as the JTAT version but at half the price you cant complain.
--
DSG
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http://sigmasd10.fotopic.net/
Seriously, can you take DPR seriously?
http://www.johnlindroth.com/gallery/
[email protected]
My future starts when I wake up every morning ...
Every day I find something creative to do with my life.
--Miles Davis
My favorite lens is also my 35mm f2.4 flektogon and it's been really hard to get shots in focus, too many portraits has turned out with really sharp ears instead of eyes! Thanks for the tip!!
I think will get the 20mm f2.8 first. But then again... I was looking at the 135mm. 'rolling eyes'