Anyone use Pentax 12-24 or Sigma 8-16 for IR?

[barondla]

 Have been using 18-55 II with Hoya IR filter. It works great. Bought larger filter for Pentax 16-45. Not so great. Massive hotspot ruins image. Recently bought 12-24 and 8-16. Would love to hear if either lens is hotspot free. This will require a large expensive filter for 12-24 or modified camera body for filterless 8-16. Anyone use either of these for IR?
thanks
baondla

[blackcloudbrew]

I have the Samsung version of this lens, it's the all the same except for the brand name. This past February I shot the whole month with it with my K100ds IR converted camera. You can see for yourself the results:

http://www.flickr.com/pho...w/sets/72157625850642741/

Basically it has IR hot spots and flaring (sometimes quite startlingly). While this is not quite the same setup as an IR filter in front of the lens, it's close. Simply put, as much as I love my 12-24 lens, it's not one I would use for IR photography. TCOM also gets the same results with his.

I've just found that the DA*55 is another one to put in that column by the way and that the DA 18-55 WR is much better at hot spot free IR.

[barondla]

 Thanks blackcloudbrew for the info. Enjoyed viewing your images on Flickr. very nice work. Doubt I could shoot only 1 way for a month. I lack focus.

 A little bummed that the 12-24 is poor for IR. A friend bought the 3rd party 11-whatever 2.8 that everyone is going gaga over (think its Tokina). Same problem. Starting to think complex, aspheric element, LD glass lenses are a no no.

  Gave the wrong info on my 18-55. It is the WR. This is about my 5th Pentax kit lens. Have you used or heard of any wider Pentax lens that works well with IR? I still haven't tried the Sigma 8-16 or even the Pentax 10-17FE. This requires an IR modified body. Know a lady with one so I may get to try this out.  For kicks I plan to try the Q with normal 8.5 01 prime.
thanks again
barondla

[Craig]

Have you used or heard of any wider Pentax lens that works well with IR?

Barondla,  the PENTAX DA 15mm Limited is a very strong performer when used for IR.  I use it with my K100D with a HOYA R72 filter and get great results.  The HOYA R72 49mm filter is cheaper than most quality IR filters.  Wish I had an IR converted camera to use the SIGMA 8-16mm for IR.  The 15mm is an all around gem IMHO.

[barondla]

 15mm Limited sounds interesting. Just what I need  - another wideangle to add to the 8-16, 10-17, 12-24, 16-45, 18-55 collection. It would go well with my 31 & 77. Stop it... Think I will try the Sigma first to see if it hotspots.
thanks
barondla

[blackcloudbrew]

While I've no intention of getting the 8-16, the DA15limited is number one on my LBA want list. It has special pixy dust in it that makes all images just amazing. If Craig says it's good for IR then it is by the way.