I got a DA12-24 f4

*Lance B* · 08-05-2008, 11:16 PM

I had been asking for advice over at the "other forum" about the merits of the DA12-24. I already have the DA14 but desired to have a more versatile lens, especially when it comes to tour time. Matched with the DA*16-50 and the DA*50-135, this would make for a great travel kit with a nice overlap at the wide end between 16 and 24mm.

After a short walk yesterday afternoon and a few photos, all I can say is that this is one heck of a lens. Much better image wise than I anticipated and a very convenient zoom range. The colour rendition is excellent, it is super sharp and the bokeh can be pleasing in most situations.

The only draw back? My Cokin P series wide angle adaptor vignets ever so slightly at the 12mm end.

Having said that, the ND grads mated to this zoom make some real good photos.

I will add that the following photos were taken in some very trying high contrast conditions of afternoon sun and mainly into the lens and as such you may see a little flare. This may have had to do with the ND grads rather than the lens itself.

Here are a few samples:

David Glazebrook · 08-05-2008, 11:50 PM

Congrats Lance,

This is the next lens on my list. The mated grads you refer to ... are these the screw ons or to go with Cokin P holder?

David

Mechan1k · 08-06-2008, 12:21 AM

Nice work Lance.
I thought you already hand one of these ... maybe I was mistake with someone else.

It's about the only focal lengths i am really after now ... although it is on the pricey side for me at this point in time though

*Lance B* · 08-06-2008, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by David Glazebrook

Congrats Lance,

This is the next lens on my list. The mated grads you refer to ... are these the screw ons or to go with Cokin P holder?

David

David,

Thank you.

I am using the P series wide angle adaptor/holder and the P series ND grads. ND grads are one of the best investments I have ever made.

*Lance B* · 08-06-2008, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

Nice work Lance.
I thought you already hand one of these ... maybe I was mistake with someone else.

It's about the only focal lengths i am really after now ... although it is on the pricey side for me at this point in time though

Thank you very much, Simon.

I had just picked it up yesterday.

joele · 08-06-2008, 12:43 AM

Ahh Lance, LBA strikes again ;-)

Despite the flare, I do like that second shot a lot!

*LaRee* · 08-06-2008, 12:50 AM

I'm drooling here Lance. I really would like this lens and you make it look so appealing! I can see you are going to enjoy using it.

frank · 08-06-2008, 01:04 AM

Congrats Lance on the new lens, excellent testing phots as usual.

Haven't checked the other forum for quite a while, didn't know you were getting this lens too

I myself also bought this one 3 weeks ago, only used it once so far, but really love its range.

*Lance B* · 08-06-2008, 02:40 AM

Originally Posted by joele

Ahh Lance, LBA strikes again ;-)

Despite the flare, I do like that second shot a lot!

Yes, I'm a sucker for LBA!

Thanks for your nice comment, Joel.

*Lance B* · 08-06-2008, 02:41 AM

Originally Posted by LaRee

I'm drooling here Lance. I really would like this lens and you make it look so appealing! I can see you are going to enjoy using it.

Thank you, LaRee.

All I can say is that I highly recommend it.

*Lance B* · 08-06-2008, 02:43 AM

Originally Posted by frank

Congrats Lance on the new lens, excellent testing phots as usual.

Thanks for your nice comments, Frank.

Haven't checked the other forum for quite a while, didn't know you were getting this lens too I myself also bought this one 3 weeks ago, only used it once so far, but really love its range.

I have noticed that you do not frequent there very often now. Very unfortunate!

I only asked about the DA12-24 on DPR, but I have not posted eny results there yet.

Congrats on yout purchase of the DA12-24. It really is a great lens and I am sure you will love it too.

Alfisti · 08-06-2008, 06:48 AM

Mine arrives this week along with my 77mm

vizjerei · 08-06-2008, 07:29 AM

Please... stop tourturing me with those great picture you guys took with this lens... Argh...

rburgoss · 08-06-2008, 08:26 AM

Blprrrrrrrrrrr.... sorry..,. Drool all over the keyboard.

Can you post a 1:1 crop of the upper left corner of the third picture? (Showing bridge segment with strong backlight).

About a month ago, I "test drove" this same lens at the local Pentax joint but only checked in my K20D screen and noticed some severe puple fringing at the corners, so I decided to stall the purchase for a while. But I am still craving for an extreme wide...

My wide glass arsenal: A 15/3.5, FA 20/2.8, FA*24/2 and FA 28/2.8, none of which have seen the light since switching from film to digital.

RB

Alfisti · 08-06-2008, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by vizjerei

Please... stop tourturing me with those great picture you guys took with this lens... Argh...

Bugger, I should have contacted you actually. I got a GREAT price from Aden for bundling it with a 77 and a W60. Damn if we had another 12-24 we'd have got an even better price.