DA 15mm at photozone

*Andi Lo* · 10-18-2009, 05:39 PM

Results seems to agree with most of the hearsay... But seems like this lens is way sharper than I'd like to think (so I can justify not owning it

)

Once I can get my grubby hands at the FA 43 and FA 77 this lens might be next...

*Ash* · 10-18-2009, 05:48 PM

Not bad...
1.4% barrel distortion
significant vignetting only at f/4
off-the-scale central sharpness from wide-open to f/8
corner sharpness doing well from f/5.6 onwards
minimal CA to speak of...

The numbers look good, but their optical quality score of 3.5 is to me a little questionable...

Andi - I'd be interested to hear your thoughts of the 43 ltd when you get it...

ogl · 10-18-2009, 07:36 PM

Really good lens and outstanding resolution at the center.

*davidvcd* · 10-18-2009, 07:47 PM

I thought that with photozone, 3.5 is a pretty good score ?

*Ash* · 10-18-2009, 08:03 PM

Out of 5? Quite a few of their reviews score 4 or more with less impressive figures...

ogl · 10-18-2009, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by davidvcd

I thought that with photozone, 3.5 is a pretty good score ?

See data, not conclusion.

*Andi Lo* · 10-18-2009, 09:57 PM

They're probably cutting the marks for vignetting and barrel distort. It's hard to give a star ranking objectively since you may not care too much about these 'weakness' or even find it desirable (vignetting control using aperture?). They (s/he?) praised the center resolution and its uniqueness very much, so I think the review is very balanced...

rawr · 10-19-2009, 12:29 AM

Interesting.

The excellent centre sharpness in the photozone tests, even wide open, don't match up at all with the dpreview tests on the same lens and the dpreview conclusions.

dpreview's test's showed general softness in the same lens, particularly wide open:

Pentax smc DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited Lens Review: 3. Test results: Digital Photography Review

"Unfortunately though it's rather soft wide open, and even when stopped down is never breathtakingly sharp in the fashion we'd hope for from a premium prime. This is a little disappointing, especially considering the price and relatively slow maximum aperture."

Pentax smc DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited Lens Review: 4. Conclusion & samples: Digital Photography Review

ogl · 10-19-2009, 01:25 AM

DA15 has resolution at 10 MP camera almost the same which some Canon lenses have at 15 MP APS-C cameras.

apemen · 10-19-2009, 02:52 AM

wow, very good results indeed.

When I had my copy I was more than impressed considering the saying "it is good but does not excel"

It IS more than a good lens,
may I add some photos that concur with the photozone test report.

No 1: It is sharp, very good CA/Flare handling, low distortion
No 2: It is very sharp at the centre

apemen · 10-19-2009, 04:01 AM

Actually 3.5 points is very good for a wide lens.
Most wide angels are about 3 points, I guess.

Looking at the results the lens deserves more than that for sure,
but I suppose photozone gives points using a sole rating reference.
Thus, wide angels suffer more negative points for having more distortion, vignetting, CA, field curvature.

So maybe, it can be said that
it is a 3.5 points -lens- and
it is a 4-4.5 points -wide lens-

EricT · 10-19-2009, 07:58 AM

Equal or better sharpness compared to the 12-24 at f/8 (where I would probably use it the most), lower distortion and probably better flare resistance. Seems like a nice little lens! If only it were a 10 or 12 mm

Pentaxor · 10-20-2009, 03:53 AM

Originally Posted by EricT

Equal or better sharpness compared to the 12-24 at f/8 (where I would probably use it the most), lower distortion and probably better flare resistance. Seems like a nice little lens! If only it were a 10 or 12 mm

you got that right! too bad it ain't wide enough for extreme corner shots. but I think a 15mm would be manageable on most wide view occasions. still could shoot indoors. central sharpness is awesome I would say. the borders and extreme corners were good, though raising the bar a bit more on those areas would had been great. at f/8 it surely is nice, but the 12-24 would have it's field day at wide openings.

the 15mm is definitely great when used outdoors, great for indoors as well although limited. highly recommended for those looking for a prime wide lens or a great cheap alternative for the 12-24mm.

ogl · 10-20-2009, 08:19 AM

The resolution. The difference between 1845 and 1911 LW/PH is very low. I'd say that DA15 is better DA14 from F/4 and the winner at F/8-11. And the range from F/5.6 till F/11 is the best for DA15.

thibs · 10-20-2009, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by ogl

The resolution. The difference between 1845 and 1911 LW/PH is very low. I'd say that DA15 is better DA14 from F/4 and the winner at F/8-11. And the range from F/5.6 till F/11 is the best for DA15.

The 12-24mm at about 15mm would be more useful compirson IMO.