English Photographer - Pentax 31mm f1.8 vs Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art Lenses Compared

[@BJEPhoto]

Update as of September 2019; I sold the Sigma 35mm f1.4 and bought the 'three princesses' including the 31mm. Yes, it's an inferior lens but it's much smaller, and the future is mirrorless. The Sigma would be best used natively on mirrorless cameras so that it focuses accurately, which it often doesn't on a dSLR. I'll probably use the limited lenses with a future Sony (A7m3 viewfinder & IBIS isn't good enough), Panasonic (S1 is too heavy and overpriced) or Nikon (Z series one expensive card slot) body when they've matured sufficiently and when an AF adaptor is available. Ideally I'd like Pentax Ricoh to create a competitive alternative mirrorless body; the K1 is still an incredible camera, and gives probably the best image quality on the market for the price - and in a durable, well engineered body too.

[@mike.woolley]

I bought my FA Limited Trio in the film days, but I still use them even now on my Nikon Z7 where they make a really nice & compact travel set. Quality is still good even at 46mp ☺️

[@BJEPhoto]

@@mike.woolley Thanks Mike, this is good to know. Which adaptor do you use? Is AF available? I'd be curious to see photos if you have any with the combo.

[@BJEPhoto]

@Molloo3 Yes, I've found the Princesses' AF to be more reliable than the Sigma. I liked the image quality wide open with the Sigma 35mm and 85mm though.

[@mike.woolley]

@@BJEPhoto Hi Ben, I'm using the Novoflex PK to Z adapter. There is no AF but MF is very nice on these lenses and easy to get right on mirrorless. I doubt we'll see an AF adapter for them, as it would have to operate the mechanical screw-drive. I don't have any online samples yet, but do have some older ones taken with the Sony A7 (eg flic.kr/p/CrGFrN or flic.kr/p/jAvg4K).

[@akafotoboy9802]

Hello Ben, I'm glad you ended up going with the 31mm. I find that there is a huge difference between the Sigma and the Pentax and it tends to be in the overall " feel " to the image. Yes the Pentax is smaller. And yes, the build quality ( the use of metal, engraved numbers, the metal cover with a felt lining, and even the leather carry case ) craftsmanship is breathtaking. And even more yes, the image sharpness is fantastic. But I have always thought, that it was always the lens that created the magic, I wanted in my images. Quoting, Ned Bunnel, " It is the only lens outside of Leica that creates the beauty of the famed Leica 35mm Bokeh King. " I would like to also share that the 3 Princesses are actually on par with Leica lenses, maybe the 43mm comes short to the comparison, but it is still very magical. I'm currently using mine with a Fuji system and an adapter and loving the character I'm getting from my sessions. The K1 for sure is the natural choice to pair them with but if you are looking for a mirrorless to accompany them, I vote for the Fuji system. Thanks for the review and I look forward to seeing more Pentax reviews from you.

[@markuskoch3878]

Thanks for reviewing these two lenses, there are far to less videos about Pentax!

[@BJEPhoto]

Agreed! Pentax are so undervalued

[@RickMentore]

I've had both these lenses and while the Pentax 31mm is a decent lens, it is certainly not worth the asking price of $1000.00, The Sigma beats the Pentax in every category but size.

[@podcastenglish]

That Pentax lens looks more like precision jewelry next to the Sigma. I'm not 100% convinced that the Sigma doesn't cost more in terms of resale value. You'll always find a Pentaxian wanting that 31mm.

[@BJEPhoto]

Actually like a lot of jewellery the resale value in percentage terms was a lot less with the 31mm.

[@podcastenglish]

Interesting... that surprises me. How about the extra 4 elements... Did you find any reduced color or micro-contrast?

[@BJEPhoto]

The Sigma definitely flares more and has more contrast but I think the Pentax has slightly more microcontrast. Colour is very similar. Have a look at the DNG files in the description as my opinion is subjective.

[@zx128ks]

I just can not imagine a single pentaxian who might prefer that sigma over 31mm :)

[@xmeda]

If price and size is an issue, just get lovely DA40/2.8 or FA35/2. They are both very good yet small and light. That Sigma is just the best available 35mm lens for Pentax K mount in terms of image output.

[@BJEPhoto]

Agreed. There's an updated version of the Pentax FA35/2 with HD coating that I've not tested but I predict the Sigma will still come out ahead.

[@simplecolorstudio5094]

what adapter u used for sigma 35mm 1.4 to pentax k1, ill wait for the answer. thanks

[@BJEPhoto]

It's Pentax fit

[@simplecolorstudio5094]

Do u know what adapters for pentax ? Example from canon to pentax ( af adapter )

[@simplecolorstudio5094]

Really hard to find this sigma pk mount in my place ( indonesia )

[@BJEPhoto]

@@simplecolorstudio5094 Never needed them

[@thormusique]

Thanks for this great comparison! I just happened to be comparing these two lenses online. I use my K1 for B&W landscape photography and have been looking for a prime lens with excellent image quality and decently wide angle of view. Based on your review, I think I'll try this Sigma lens. I do also have one of the standard kit lenses that came with my K1 (28-105) if I really need a zoom, but I didn't want another (wide-angle) zoom. The mis-focusing of the Sigma is perhaps troubling, but I suppose if it's easy enough to fine-tune manually, that's not too much of an issue, especially being that I don't do action photography, where every second is crucial. Cheers!

[@BJEPhoto]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Have a look also at Leitax adaptors; you could buy a better value prime lens and adapt it to Pentax.

[@thormusique]

@@BJEPhoto Thanks very much, I will!

[@tkimaginestudio]

This is a pretty shallow comparison, mainly concerned with features like size and properties like vignetting. The Pentax lens has a remarkable rendering quality that the Sigma simply doesn't match. The Pentax colours are also better. You don't like the noise of the screw-driven AF of the Pentax, but others may value that there is no motor in the lens that can break. Sadly, AF issues with Sigma lenses can often not be fixed by using the Sigma dock. I have many Sigma lenses myself and love them, but your comparison, again, does not give the Pentax lens enough credit for its unique properties.

[@BJEPhoto]

Thanks, can you define what 'better' colours look like, and give some objective examples of 'a remarkable rendering quality'? After using a colourchecker, both lenses should produce near identical colour and, after colour grading/ editing, the original slight differences won't matter anyway. But the f1.4 look can't readily be created in post-processing. You're right about the Sigma AF, but I'm okay with having an increased risk of having to have it fixed long-term in return for fast, silent AF today. In actual use, the Pentax' size is its biggest advantage over the bulky Sigma. But subjective ideas about rendering have hyped up its price over its actual objective value when compared to modern alternatives.

[@andyvan5692]

one point, the sigma art lens is for digital bodies, as there is no aperture control, also the manual focus and iris on the pentax can be adapted to ANY body, film or digital, the sigma needs the automation for aperture control to work, ie you would be shooting at f 22 or f16 the whole time, as there is not an electrical signal to tell the lens when the correct value is obtained, so it travels to the end stop.

[@BJEPhoto]

You're quite right Andy, good point. The use cases for 35mm film are small now but there will be photographers who like classics; and the 31mm is certainly the more classic of the pair.

[@RickMentore]

Love your cool no-frills presentation.

[@BJEPhoto]

Thank you

[@stumpycatvm7115]

nice sample footage for the 31mm, want this for my Fuji haha

[@davidparker6944]

I owned both lenses for awhile. I used the Sigma for weddings and I found the image quality very good. However, the sigma would mis-focus occasionally - about 1 or 2 in fifty shots. Even under ideal high contrast conditions it would mis- focus. I tried using the USB DOCK to correct this but it was hit or miss. I do a lens focus calibration with all my Pentax K-1 lenses. So I sold the Sigma and kept the Pentax 31mm. The 31mm does not mis-focus under good lighting and the image quality, while not as contrasty as the Sigma is still quite good and the rendering of some images seems like magic to me. Plus the 31mm is much easier to carry or leave on the camera most of the time. I paid about the same for both lenses ( bought both lenses used).

[@BJEPhoto]

I agree David, the Sigma definitely has a tendency to miss focus even after fine tuning with the dock. It's also bulkier than the Pentax. If the difference in depth of field with an aperture of f1.4 compared to f1.8 wasn't so significant, I'd probably have kept the 31mm.

[@christopherward5065]

I think there is a disparity no least in the fact that you chose two different focal lengths. The trap many KZbin reviewers like to fall into has little to do with how to make great images. The new lenses usually miss tonality, micro contrast and three dimensional plasticity. The ability to use critical focus at F5.6 or f7.1 to subliminally pull the subject out from its context whilst maintaining clarity over all is often a missed quality that older lenses have over newer ones. The Pentax 35mm lenses and some of their best 28mm lenses create that sense of place and three dimensional acuity that leads your eye and tells the story. The autofocus can be turned off and, like Cartier Bresson you can compose for the subject, give it critical focus and context then press the shutter release at the moment juste. The Sigma image will relentlessly look flat in that sense of use, the Pentax will look alive and engaging. The quality control and choice of materials has often been Sigma’s downfall so watch out for the quality of your warranty. Try to find the 28mm f2 or any of the 28 f3.5 lenses, the Pentax 35mm lenses e.g. the F2.8, the f3.5, the f2, all create compelling images. The 31mm is more in that tradition. There is much more to lenses than corner to corner sharpness and bokeh, contrary to the facile ramblings of reviewers. Pictorial quality comes from a series of artful compromises and use of the qualities of tonality and differential focus.

[@BJEPhoto]

Thanks, I definitely agree that some lenses have a distinct character that's difficult to measure. 'Better to be roughly right than precisely wrong.' Do you have any side-by-side examples to share?

[@christopherward5065]

@@BJEPhotoI just watched your video again. I guess I was rambling a bit about subjective things. Pictorial lenses appeal to me. Some lenses are technically perfect but make uninteresting images. I haven’t done a side by side comparison like yours so choosing would need me to compare. Often compelling images are more likely with simpler lens formulae and smaller apertures. The point being the power of the image for the viewer not the ultimate resolution in the corners of the frame. It’d be fun to see you shoot with a four element 50mm f4 macro lens at non macro distances for instance.

[@baba6777]

Thanks for sharing I have these two lenses

[@BJEPhoto]

Which do you prefer and why?

[@baba6777]

sincerely the sigma I've only had for two months I find it faster but the 31mm is PENTAX I remain attached to the 31mm @@BJEPhoto

[@actiaint]

The CA in high contrast is a fact of life with the three amigos which is easily dealt with in LR in about 20 secs. The 31 is thought of by many as the best of the three and has tested as the sharpest edge to edge. I have never noticed it vignetting but perhaps that is because I have lens correction setting on in camera. It excels in street or event photography where its small size is an advantage.

[@BJEPhoto]

Yes, it's a lovely lens for sure. Personally I'd choose the 77mm out of the three but that's a matter of personal choice and shooting style.

[@kommibot9721]

Thanks for doing the comparision!

[@joshmetat]

Does the Pentax fit on a Pentax ME film or is a different mount?

[@BJEPhoto]

Same

[@joshmetat]

Neat ty I have a 50mm but I want to try something a little wider.

[@BJEPhoto]

@@joshmetat It's a lovely lens. You're paying a premium for autofocus though. The Pentax 28mm f2 is excellent but overpriced and there are some good Voigtlander lenses too.

[@MrVwatcher]

Yes it does. It has a focusing and an aperturering. Most modern lenses including Pentax D-FA, DA and this Sigma, do not have aperturering anymore.

[@DigitalImageStudio]

The 31Ltd was designed and produced before any Pentax DSLR was available so it is in fact a film era lens, hence its relatively poor optical performance (I owned one from less than a year after its initial release in 2001 until a few years back and I don't miss it).

[@theCameraVille]

Nice video Ben!

[@BJEPhoto]

Thanks buddy, love your videos!

[@stilllife-artandthephotogr3494]

Hi Ben, this is my other avatar (I use 'Saurat' when I want to be more anonymous) I have my own YT channel. As for topics, I come to photography from the point of view of a painter, so my take is a little different/original I hope. We all enjoy a bit of gear porn but it is remarkable how little is said about the aesthetics, the poetics of photography. Much easier I suppose to talk about equipment, also much more popular. What is the difference between a photograph on a museum wall and a snapshot? How do we define art? What is worth looking at? etc. For me photography is a kind of spiritual activity, in that I get to reassess what I see, how I feel and how we can change the world by changing ourselves ( I know you know all this Buddhist stuff too). The photography I am interested in does this. Most of the photography channels on KZbin are wedding photographers looking to boost their declining income. So there is room for us I think.

[@BJEPhoto]

Thanks, I look forward to watching your videos as there's definitely a dearth of the 'other' side of photography online. Possibly because it's subjective, but I think moreover because it's much less popular. One of my camera comparisons has over 115k views now but what I feel to be my 'best' videos seldom get more than 200 views. I suppose it's a balance but I think 'the medium is the message' so clickbait titles and consumerism probably works better in the majority of online media. I suppose that's why I enjoy the private in-person coaching more. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ7Xg4CVp9Vli8k

[@KhunAdam]

Very good review! I have the Pentax 31 and agree with you on its flaws and also its qualities. For me the smaller size and lower weight are a perfect match for my Pentax Kii so I more or less keep the 31 on it most of the time, and it creates a 50mm equivalent. But what you have shown the Sigma's image quality is technically better for sure. I recently bought the Sigma 17-50 2.8 and with the K5ii it has a similar image quality to the 35 (but of course less sharp). I love the quiet autofocus on the Sigma, but the size and weight mean I feel self conscious carrying around the street!

[@BJEPhoto]

Thank you, I'm quite liking the Pentax 31mm limited because of it's size for the quality. I generally have the 43mm on the camera as it's a bit more versatile and I don't mind it getting bashed now and again. I like the 77mm too for the compact size.

[@KhunAdam]

@@BJEPhoto I like the 31's vignetting sometimes - it seems to suit food photos and some portraits too.

[@MrVwatcher]

To me the K-1 itself isn't a good camera to travel with. Weight and size are just too much. The other d-slr brands are even worse however. And as you're saying, if price isn't an objection, for the weight and size of the Sigma, i'd go for a Fuji GFX, Hasselblad or even a Leaf/Mamiya/Hy6. The 31 ltd with its aperture ring shines on compact mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7 and as one is not using autofocus there, there is no need to go for a mk3 or mk4. For me, I've chosen the Pentax FA 35/2.0 AL as it performs about equally and costs much less.

[@BJEPhoto]

Thanks Stefan, we've fixed the travel issue with a pandemic, hope it helps

[@louisdefunes8952]

If you use the Pentax lens for streetphotography nobody hear the "zoom-sound", because there is a lot of sound on the street..And the Sigma has a huge lenshood..

[@RickMentore]

Is the Sigma design full frame?

[@BJEPhoto]

Yes

[@RickMentore]

I felt silly the second I posted that question, "just check it at Sigma dummy." Thanks for the review, I shoot the K-1 and with the native lens been costly and for some reason never seems to depreciate in cost, I am quite eager to learn of other credible fitting lens.

[@BJEPhoto]

No worries Rick, it's tricky to tell with Sigma lenses. This 35mm is amazing when it's in focus. The 28-105mm is a great value lens for the K1. The Samyang 135mm gives the best image quality for the price. The Tamron 70-200mm that my friend has is good value too.

[@jerseyjoe3214]

The 31mm Pentax is a handmade all metal precision lens !! Sigma is just another plastic lens!

[@xmeda]

Apparently you have not seen that Sigma at all :)

[@mrN3w7]

It ain't handmade... fanboy :).

[@BJEPhoto]

I'm not sure, it might be. But the results matter most.

[@wreford07]

@@mrN3w7 to be fair to Jersey Joe - these are actually handmade (in Vietnam) - Pentax Ricoh put out a video in 2019 showing the process (in summary). I think this has been the case from time of release (2001) until now. :-)

[@mrN3w7]

@@wreford07 They are hand-assembled... not hand-made... there is a difference.

[@justininfrance]

Blimey Ben, we don't hear from you for months then you're knocking out vids every five minutes. What's up?

[@BJEPhoto]

Thanks, was using Instagram (@HolisticPhotographer) for a while! Any suggestions on topics?

[@davidecapri]

The Pentax shows way more nuances and depth

[@BJEPhoto]

Horses for courses

[@barthovis4083]

Thank very much for this video - I found it while researching Pentax lenses. I currently use Nikon, but am considering buying a K-1 and am looking into the Pentax lens situation. I know you prefer the Sigma, but after your review and several others I've seen, I will most likely get the Pentax 31mm (if I go the Pentax route). And that 28-105 is pretty amazing - I would not have expected the image quality to be so close to the much more expensive lenses.

[@BJEPhoto]

Yes the 28-105mm really is incredible value and light & compact too. I use it most of the time. I have found that I don't use the Sigma 35mm that much because of the size and the AF accuracy (poor). The 31mm could be a good option if you can find one for a sensible price.

[@kevin-gq6nq]

Why do you disrespect and mishandled the lenses..does that make you cool on line..new generation are disgrace to old photographers..

[@BJEPhoto]

Glad to be thought of as young :-)