SLR lenses on a DSLR

[DonMichUP]

Hi all . I've recently upgraded from a 35mm Sigma (SA5) SLR and a Sony Mavica (loved that cam at the time btw ) to a Canon T2i. I have some nice Sigma lenses with the SA5 and took some great photos using those lenses, but they are not interchangeable with the Canon. The Sigma lenses are a 28-105 AF 1:4-5.6 UC-II (58mm filter threads) and a 100-300 1:4.5-6.7 DL (55mm filter threads). These are expensive lenses, and I'd like to sell them. Sigma says that all Sigma DSLR's can use these lenses because Sigma hasn't changed their lens mount. A local camera dealer says that these lenses are interchangeable with Pentax DSLR's. If anyone can give me any feedback regarding the interchangeability of these lenses... as well as what I might get out of them... I would greatly appreciate it.

[OldClicker]

Don, Also try the Pentax/K-mount forum. Maybe more help there??? - TF

[drg]

Hi all . I've recently upgraded from a 35mm Sigma (SA5) SLR and a Sony Mavica (loved that cam at the time btw ) to a Canon T2i. I have some nice Sigma lenses with the SA5 and took some great photos using those lenses, but they are not interchangeable with the Canon. The Sigma lenses are a 28-105 AF 1:4-5.6 UC-II (58mm filter threads) and a 100-300 1:4.5-6.7 DL (55mm filter threads). These are expensive lenses, and I'd like to sell them. Sigma says that all Sigma DSLR's can use these lenses because Sigma hasn't changed their lens mount. A local camera dealer says that these lenses are interchangeable with Pentax DSLR's. If anyone can give me any feedback regarding the interchangeability of these lenses... as well as what I might get out of them... I would greatly appreciate it.

Yes, the SA mount lenses will work on the current Sigma DSLR body (to be the SD15 shortly/currently).

I'd get a new dealer. At no cost to you, make him demonstrate how the SA mount lenses 'really' work on a Pentax body. I hope that dealer is not also the one who sold you the expensive 28-105 and the 100-300. Sigma also makes fine lens models to fit the Pentax DSLR bodies.

Sigma makes a really good 100-300mm lens currently. It is an F4 lens and is in a whole different range that the one you have. Both of your current lenses were at least O.K. for film but for digital they are lacking. I have two copies of the 28-105 that I never found to work very well optically, even for film. And they came to me brand new, never opened or touched since the factory. Chances are that both need to be re-chipped to work correctly on a digital body (Sigma usually will do this for free) as these are older lenses. I don't think I'd seriously recommend either of these for Digital in any case.

The body (SA-5) is probably more valuable than either lens at this time if it is in good shape and has had less than about 300-500 rolls of film run through it. I've got an SA-5 that has had some use but I don't shoot film in an SLR much at all. We are talking less than $100 on ebay or secondary markets. And that's in premium condition.

If you really want to sell them, I'd consider selling the the body and both lenses together. That way, someone would have what they need to shoot film right away and with lens and body known to work together. Otherwise they may be worth a lot more to you if you want to burn some film again.

I've used Sigma cameras and lenses and like them. Sigma doesn't get the respect it deserves I believe and each generation of their product has improved greatly. However, I am not recommending their DSLR's at this time for beginners or one camera shooters. I've written Professional reviews for both the SD-10 and the SD-14 here at Photography Review if you are wanting more information. There are a fair number of images from the Cameras in my Gallery too.

The SD series are very specialized cameras and can be tricky to get a great image from except with the right lens for the situation. The images can be great, but they are currently limited in image size and the sensor isn't 'like the others'!

This is a quick response and post more questions if you have them. Do try out two or three different bodies/makers of camera to see what might best suit both your needs and how it handles. The entry or secondary level DSLR products out there are almost all very very good at this writing.

That dealer you mentioned? See what else they are pushing and shop around both on the Internet and other stores. I've got a funny feeling about their 'advice'.

Best