Wide lens for an sony a-mount ?

[wildman]

The widest lens I currently have is the 18-70 kit lens. However I have noticed that at 18mm its a bit soft and the landscape shots I took don't really look that sharp.

I really enjoy the challenge of taking a killer landscape shot so I think its probably time to get a dedicated wide angel lens.

Looking at the offerings available for sony mount I have seen a sigma 10-20, the sony lens and a tamron version.

My experience with Sigma lenses has been quite good to date so I was thinking that this would be the best way forward. I have never used Tamron so I have not idea about their quality and Sony are ok if a bit expensive though.

Out of those 3 which would be the best way to go ? Currently I have an A200, but I will be picking up an A700 in a few days

 

[heidfirst]

what's your budget?
If it allows for it the 2 best picks imo are the Sigma 8-16 HSM & the Tokina 11-16/2.8.

There should be 2 Sigma 10-20s available, the 4-5.6 (usually reckoned to be better) & the newer constant f3.5.

Similarly the old Tamron 11-18 (the Sony 11-18 is based on it) is usually reckoned to be better IQ wise than the 10-24.

Between the Sigma 10-20/4-5.6 & the Tamron/Sony 11-18 the Sigma is usually reckoned to be sharper but the Tamron/Sony have better geometry ...

You pay your money & take your pick ...

 

[Faldrax]

Currently I have an A200, but I will be picking up an A700 in a few days

Couple of things to check when you get your A700

1) Firmware version - make sure you have V4
2) If using non-HSM Sigma lenses, it is thought to be a good idea to set the AF to Slow in the menus - the A700 AF motor is more powerful than the A200, and has a reputation for damaging the AF gearing in Sigma's.

 

[heidfirst]

2) If using non-HSM Sigma lenses, it is thought to be a good idea to set the AF to Slow in the menus - the A700 AF motor is more powerful than the A200, and has a reputation for damaging the AF gearing in Sigma's.

they are the same motor & the fast/slow AF settings have nothing to do with torque but rather precision.