Best performing wide angle K mount lenses?

Raffwal · 09-20-2014, 12:50 AM

Let's say I'm after an excellent wide angle lens for landscape photography. In the focal length range of approximately 10-30 mm. What would you say fits the description? Please name three recommended lenses, based either on your own experience or a formal test.

- Great performance across the picture, not just the center
- Prime or zoom
- Stopped down as much as needed to achieve the IQ
- A Pentax or third party lens

Dxomark seems to rate the Pentax HD 21mm highest in a selected group. But even that is closer to "poor" than "excellent" on Dxomark's scale.

robthebloke · 09-20-2014, 01:08 AM

I've got the da 15 & 21. The da 21 can have a good bokeh when shooting close in to an object, but can be a touch busy if you're not careful. Stopped down though, it's a great landscape lens that won't weigh you down. The da15 is just magical. It's less versatile than the da21, but you'll always find a reason to use it! I'd never part with either of them.

Raffwal · 09-20-2014, 01:11 AM

Thanks. I actually already have both of those non-HD versions in addition to several other lenses. But since testing them all thoroughly is a bit too much, I was wondering which current or other lens to give a proper go.

quh86 · 09-20-2014, 01:56 AM

I have been on a trip through italy this summer with the m 50mm 1.7 and the 21 ltd and during that time i maybe took the 50 for 10 shots or so.
however, i took close to a 1000 pictures total during my trip and i can say the 21 feels just so very right. Its the perfect focallength for landscapes, city-scenery, half or full-body shots and general photography. My copy has some focusing issues with inconsistent severe backfocusing, so not all the pictures are in focus unfortunately, but those who are, are really sharp (i very seldom shoot wide-open though, best to stop it down a little bit). I feel the 21 ltd is the 31 ltd of the digital age. maybe its not as sharp or fast, but it just handles beautifully (when it wants :P )
besides this you could also look at the 12- 24 f/4 , it gets high ratings too.
considering vintage lenses, I'd really like to find a good copy of the K 28 f/3.5 or if im lucky enough of the K 28 f/2 but they are very rare and very expensive

**i_trax** · 09-20-2014, 01:58 AM

I love Sigma 8-16 , at 8mm is absolutely amazing but I do not look at my photos at pixels level.
I also like very much Sigma Art 18-35 1.8 and 17-70 2.8-4 Contemporary

Nick Siebers · 09-20-2014, 02:14 AM

I found the older Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 to be more useful than the da15, although much bigger and heavier. I think iq is better to, in some ways.

hcc · 09-20-2014, 02:19 AM

You cannot get past the DA15mm Ltd. This is an amazing lens: petite, sturdy, great IQ, very impressive.

This has been debated many time in the forum incl. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/74194-da-limited-club.html

I found that the D15mm is particularly well adapted to landscape photography and I posted a few examples at:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/246655-primes-paris.html

My 5 cents....

juanma_1 · 09-20-2014, 02:27 AM

1.- Pentax DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL
2.- Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG
3.- Pentax-K 28mm f/3.5

Adam · 09-20-2014, 02:35 AM

Among current lenses, definitely the DA 12-24 and DA 15.

Na Horuk · 09-20-2014, 03:21 AM

Originally posted by Raffwal

Dxomark seems to rate the Pentax HD 21mm highest in a selected group. But even that is closer to "poor" than "excellent" on Dxomark's scale.

There is no scale. There is no min and max, its just directions - worse on one end and better on the other. Keep in mind the lens scores cannot be compared across systems. No, not even a little.

Anyway. stopped down all the current wide angles are good. What is your budget, though? Because you can get Zeiss distagon or Samyand or anything in between

**interested_observer** · 09-20-2014, 04:07 AM

Pentax DA 12-24/f4 ED AL
Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM FLD AF
Contax Zeiss 28/f2.8 Distagon (Converted to K mount using the Leitax.com kit)

macek · 09-20-2014, 04:21 AM

Pentax DA 12-24/4
Pentax FA 20/2,8 sharp,sharp sharp

zapp · 09-20-2014, 04:36 AM

Originally posted by Raffwal

Let's say I'm after an excellent wide angle lens for landscape photography. In the focal length range of approximately 10-30 mm. What would you say fits the description? Please name three recommended lenses, based either on your own experience or a formal test.

- Great performance across the picture, not just the center
- Prime or zoom
- Stopped down as much as needed to achieve the IQ
- A Pentax or third party lens

Dxomark seems to rate the Pentax HD 21mm highest in a selected group. But even that is closer to "poor" than "excellent" on Dxomark's scale.

under development...

hjkimbrian · 09-20-2014, 04:42 AM

sold my sigma 10-20 and picking up DA 15 this weekend! People ask too many questions when I am walking around with the Sigma because of the size.

mtux · 09-20-2014, 08:00 AM

My DA21 is superbly sharp when I stop it down to 5.6
But the DA15 isn't so much sharp across the frame.

09-20-2014, 12:50 AM	#1
Raffwal Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The North Posts: 879	Best performing wide angle K mount lenses? Let's say I'm after an excellent wide angle lens for landscape photography. In the focal length range of approximately 10-30 mm. What would you say fits the description? Please name three recommended lenses, based either on your own experience or a formal test. - Great performance across the picture, not just the center - Prime or zoom - Stopped down as much as needed to achieve the IQ - A Pentax or third party lens Dxomark seems to rate the Pentax HD 21mm highest in a selected group. But even that is closer to "poor" than "excellent" on Dxomark's scale.

09-20-2014, 02:35 AM	#9
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Among current lenses, definitely the DA 12-24 and DA 15. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

09-20-2014, 04:07 AM	#11
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Pentax DA 12-24/f4 ED AL Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM FLD AF Contax Zeiss 28/f2.8 Distagon (Converted to K mount using the Leitax.com kit)

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09-20-2014, 01:08 AM	#2
robthebloke Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 844	I've got the da 15 & 21. The da 21 can have a good bokeh when shooting close in to an object, but can be a touch busy if you're not careful. Stopped down though, it's a great landscape lens that won't weigh you down. The da15 is just magical. It's less versatile than the da21, but you'll always find a reason to use it! I'd never part with either of them.

09-20-2014, 01:11 AM	#3
Raffwal Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The North Posts: 879 Original Poster	Thanks. I actually already have both of those non-HD versions in addition to several other lenses. But since testing them all thoroughly is a bit too much, I was wondering which current or other lens to give a proper go.

09-20-2014, 01:56 AM	#4
quh86 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 157	I have been on a trip through italy this summer with the m 50mm 1.7 and the 21 ltd and during that time i maybe took the 50 for 10 shots or so. however, i took close to a 1000 pictures total during my trip and i can say the 21 feels just so very right. Its the perfect focallength for landscapes, city-scenery, half or full-body shots and general photography. My copy has some focusing issues with inconsistent severe backfocusing, so not all the pictures are in focus unfortunately, but those who are, are really sharp (i very seldom shoot wide-open though, best to stop it down a little bit). I feel the 21 ltd is the 31 ltd of the digital age. maybe its not as sharp or fast, but it just handles beautifully (when it wants :P ) besides this you could also look at the 12- 24 f/4 , it gets high ratings too. considering vintage lenses, I'd really like to find a good copy of the K 28 f/3.5 or if im lucky enough of the K 28 f/2 but they are very rare and very expensive

09-20-2014, 01:58 AM	#5
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	I love Sigma 8-16 , at 8mm is absolutely amazing but I do not look at my photos at pixels level. I also like very much Sigma Art 18-35 1.8 and 17-70 2.8-4 Contemporary

09-20-2014, 02:14 AM	#6
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	I found the older Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 to be more useful than the da15, although much bigger and heavier. I think iq is better to, in some ways.

09-20-2014, 02:19 AM	#7
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	You cannot get past the DA15mm Ltd. This is an amazing lens: petite, sturdy, great IQ, very impressive. This has been debated many time in the forum incl. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/74194-da-limited-club.html I found that the D15mm is particularly well adapted to landscape photography and I posted a few examples at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/246655-primes-paris.html My 5 cents....

09-20-2014, 02:27 AM	#8
juanma_1 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Albacete Posts: 45	1.- Pentax DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL 2.- Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG 3.- Pentax-K 28mm f/3.5

09-20-2014, 03:21 AM	#10
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Originally posted by Raffwal Dxomark seems to rate the Pentax HD 21mm highest in a selected group. But even that is closer to "poor" than "excellent" on Dxomark's scale. There is no scale. There is no min and max, its just directions - worse on one end and better on the other. Keep in mind the lens scores cannot be compared across systems. No, not even a little. Anyway. stopped down all the current wide angles are good. What is your budget, though? Because you can get Zeiss distagon or Samyand or anything in between

09-20-2014, 04:21 AM	#12
macek New Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Wsechowitz Posts: 6	Pentax DA 12-24/4 Pentax FA 20/2,8 sharp,sharp sharp

09-20-2014, 04:36 AM	#13
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,385	Originally posted by Raffwal Let's say I'm after an excellent wide angle lens for landscape photography. In the focal length range of approximately 10-30 mm. What would you say fits the description? Please name three recommended lenses, based either on your own experience or a formal test. - Great performance across the picture, not just the center - Prime or zoom - Stopped down as much as needed to achieve the IQ - A Pentax or third party lens Dxomark seems to rate the Pentax HD 21mm highest in a selected group. But even that is closer to "poor" than "excellent" on Dxomark's scale. under development...

09-20-2014, 04:42 AM	#14
hjkimbrian New Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 13	sold my sigma 10-20 and picking up DA 15 this weekend! People ask too many questions when I am walking around with the Sigma because of the size.

09-20-2014, 08:00 AM	#15
mtux Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: the Netherlands Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,444	My DA21 is superbly sharp when I stop it down to 5.6 But the DA15 isn't so much sharp across the frame.