I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Small size, very sharp and very light in weight.
Cons:
Sometimes has a bad auto-focus
I think of this lens as having the sharpness of the 50mm F1.4 , but in a FL great for general wide angle picture taking. I use it indoors for family shots and plan on it being one of my travel lens / hiking lens. The only down side I can see is that it doesn't always auto-focus corrently on my K10D, but that is an issue with many wide angle lens at times. I really like this lens! The other down side is now I have to save up for the 40 and 70mm pancake lens as well!
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 10
Pros:
very small, very light, very sharp.
Cons:
slight distortion
This is a little gem, very small and very light. no excuse to leave this at home, as its just so small...
Optics are top notch, it does have a little distortion as the FA20 had too, but it is very sharp even wide open and isn't prone to CA/PF or Flare/Ghosting..
Very good metal build quality and great hood that is just tiny.. Quick shift focusing is nice to have too..
I haven't actually had any AF issues with this lens on my K10d, though it did play up on my K100d, or maybe the k100d played up with this lens attached.. But still rarely affected real life pics..
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 9
Pros:
superior optics, quality construction, small and lightweight, it's a Limited
Cons:
unconventional lens hood/filter attachment
The SMC Pentax-DA f/1:3.2 21mm AL Limited is one stunning lens. It is very, very small, constructed entirely of metal, and contains superior optics. Without a doubt, it is my best wide-angle lens that I own. Like all DA lenses, it has the clutch focusing mechanism that allows one to manually focus the lens, even when the camera body is set to autofocus.
Unlike the FA Limiteds, the DA Limiteds are only available in black and they lack the aperture ring of the FA Limited series. They are digital only lenses, designed for the smaller image circle of an APS-C sensor.
I have not experienced any focusing issues that others have noted with their sample. That is most likely because I do not use this lens in interior, low-light situations. It is my default landscape/vista lens.
My only complaint with this lens is the unconventional lens hood arrangement and the way filters are attached. True to Pentax, they rarely do everything like everybody else. That is a large part of the charm of the Pentax Corporation.
The hood is a convex shaped snap-on/twist-on metal hood with a rectangular opening for the optics. You position the lens hood onto the lens, in an about 90 degree orientation, and turn 90 degrees clockwise to snap/lock the hood onto the lens. One item that I need to constantly be aware of is that the lens cap is a push-on type that fits very snug. I'm a bit anal and if the logo is a little crooked, I'll turn the cap so that the logo is horizontally level. Dumb, I know, but I like a slight degree of order in my life. Anyway, it is very easy, when turning the cap, to unsnap the hood. I could fall off in such a situation.
The other 'problem' with the snap-on/twist-on hood is the filter arrangement. The lens uses the Pentax traditional standard 49mm filter threads, but if you mount a 49mm filter directly onto the lens, you cannot attach the snap-on/twist-on OEM lens hood. If you desire to use a sun hood with a 49mm filter, you will need a screw-on hood of some type that attaches directly to the filter.
For awhile, this is what I did. I mounted my normal 49mm protective UV filter to to the lens and used a snap-on 49mm cap from the FA or DA non-Limited lenses. That works well, but I lost the hood, which I almost always use with a lens, even indoors (to minimize stray light hitting the front element of the lens).
The other way to go is to use the OEM hood, but mount a 43mm filter INSIDE the lens hood. This works, and there is enough room between the hood and the front element of the lens, but you can only attach one filter at a time. There is hardly ever a call for more than one filter at a time anyway, but it could be possible with special effect filters (like a star filter) in conjunction with a polarizer, for example.
The hood/filter design really isn't a negative aspect of this lens, just a quirky Pentax 'feature'. That's why we love Pentax.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $470.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Excellent build and optical quality, Small and Light.
Cons:
Lens hood can fall off.
I have found no faults with this lens. It is sharp wide open, and very sharp from f/4.5. Color reproduction is great and I have seen no signs of CA, or the focusing problems that some have seen. Even if it was not as good optically as it is, the small size and light weight, build quaility, and quick shift focusing make it a must have. This, along with the other DA limiteds, are quickly becoming my favorite lenses. I highly recommend this lens to anyone wanting a high quality wide angle.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 10
Pros:
lightweight, beautifully built, sharp
Cons:
lens hood turns a bit too easily
This lens is amazing. It is really small and complements my DS perfectly. The close focus distance makes it surprisingly good for close-ups.
I have used it on my DS wide open, in dark situations and I never have a problem with autofocus (although I don't have many autofocus lenses so maybe I have different expectations). Meters perfectly too, as you'd expect from a DA lens.
The only cons are
a) the lens hood. I don't normally use hoods but this one is so small and cute it stays on my lens the whole time. Only problem is it turns too easily and I have taken the odd shot where it has been knocked out of place taking the lens cap off. I've also twisted it off by accident when I was trying to manually focus on a tripod in the dark. I was being a prat but can attest the hood is well made; it fell about 6 foot onto the pavement and there is not even a dent. I'm not sure the actual lens would stand that but it is _very_ well made. Better made than even my old M series lenses. Such build quality is rare these days.
b) the ridiculous cost in the UK. This isn't the lenses fault. To be fair, all lenses are expensive in the UK, but the pricing seems a bit random compared with UK and Europe. Some lenses are very well priced compared with elsewhere and some lenses can be double the price.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: No |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $400.00
| Rating: 7
Pros:
versatile focal length, size/weight, autofocus
Cons:
hood and cap design; colours not great
I was reluctant to write anything about this lens because it's the only auto-focus lens I've used extensively. As a mostly-manual shooter, I miss the aperture ring and tactile feeling of manual-focus gear.
That said, the ~31mm focal length equivalent on the 35mm frame is very versatile, suiting urban, landscape and indoor settings. It is a sharp lens with little distortion, making the entire frame useful.
I've made some of my favorite photos with this lens, but notice that these tend towards subtle colors in discreet lighting. This lens has disappointed me with weird color rending in bright light.
The second sample shows the resolving power of this lens. At ISO 200 and f/8, in the RAW file you can make out facial features details of the fellow standing on the far side of the street, partially visible through the speeding bus.
Some "cons"
I've found this lens gives me curious color cast, with reds and violets becoming too livid or pronounced. I've even had photos of the sea turn out purple. I've never had this problem with my other Pentax lenses.
I don't find the rendering of shapes to be particularly engaging. My SMC 28mm f/3.5 and Zenitar 16mm do a much better job.
The design of the hood and cap puts form before function. The cap does not fasten to the lens for some reason. Mine fell to the street during the first week that I had the lens. The fall dented the hood rendering it useless but I didn't notice that it was dented until I'd tried putting it back on the lens, scratching the lens in the process. The clip-on hood makes the accessory thread unusable, so I shelved it in favor of using filters and a hood that can attach to the lens.
[edit: 2010.07.02 -- downgraded my rating on this lens, as I've essentially stopped using it. It is a good lens but not excellent. ]
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $650.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
small, very good resolution, contrast, colors
Cons:
a bit of barrel distortion, quite pricey
Even with the slight barrel distortion I use it for interior photos. You can easily work around that. It's size and wide angle make it perfect for street shots.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 8
Pros:
Small. Light. Sharp.
Cons:
Barrel distortion. Chromatic aberration.
Slight chromatic aberration in very high contrast situations (1-2px). Barrel distortion is greater than it should be in a quality wide-angle. On the plus side, it's quite sharp, even wide open.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $380.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
small and sharp
Cons:
not compatible with film cameras :(
Very sharp for a lens this wide, even wide open. A tiny little thing that weighs almost nothing and is gorgeously constructed entirely of metal. I just wish I could use it on film!
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $380.00
| Rating: 8
Pros:
Crazy small, ltd rendering, micro contrast
Cons:
Distortion for the price
As the "Pancake" moniker suggests this lens is very small and sits almost flat on the camera. Invaluable as my quality WA option when hiking as the large wildlife lens takes up a lot of room in my bag and this tiny lens sits in my pocket. Build quality is as the 'Limited' name suggest, outstanding in every respect.
IQ is strong all around,though for the rather steep price it's not a stunning optical performer but it's all about portability. Excellent micro contrast and focuses surprisingly closely.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Sharp, light, superb build, fast AF, MF override
Cons:
"only" f/3.2
This is my favorite lens at the moment. I love the focal length. Amazingly good optics, it's sharp, great rendering, focuses fast and is just well-built. All metal and well-designed.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $270.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Small size, quality build, great IQ
Cons:
Odd hood design
I picked up my DA 21mm for a really nice price from a local forum member and was immediately pleased with the FOV. It gives you a film "wide" angle of 31mm which is sufficient for most of my needs.
Tack sharp, fast focus (although it does sometimes focus off but that's more of a camera issue than the lens itself), and very nice contrasty, saturated output makes this one a keeper for me.
My only concern is that hood is a special design am not quite sure if you can fit a filter under the hood; also, it has the same velvet lined metal lens cap as the FA Limiteds. Beautiful pieces of work but I'm deathly afraid of dropping one and damaging it!
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $350.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Small, compact, high contrast and strong colour
Cons:
Could be sharper in the corner stopping down
I bought this lens primarily for street shots. The lens is very light, small and non-intimidating.
For landscape, the images quality are reasonable. The contrast and colour are in deed typically pentax. The compact size makes it a good companion for outdoor adventure
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $370.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
color and contrast, sharpness, size, build quality
Cons:
barrel distortion
The lens feels very solid, and I like the included hood and metal lens cap. Focus is smooth with good grip, though it can be difficult, due to the size, in some positions to use the ring without letting your bent hand get in the frame.
Colors are saturated and punchy. the lens is very sharp (not extremely sharp), and the awesome contrast intensifies this for practical purposes. The only downside is the noticeable but not extreme barrel distortion.
It's fast enough for indoor work under normal lighting conditions, and has a very useful focal length. Those qualities combined with its size has made it the lens that stays on the camera just in case I need to take a quick photograph.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $395.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
weight, size, quality of build, sharp
Cons:
cost relative to performance
It has been handy to have and I like the results so far. The side by side comparing against my DA 16-45mm set to 21mm was given almost identical levels of performance, but at times I detect a slight edge from the 21mm. The place where the lens shine is in the daily use area. It gives a nice shoot from the hip FOV and the 3.2 is a little more wiggle room and as well as easy pouch carry. Focus is a little better in low light. Stopped down to around 5.6 it is very solidly sharp, but very nice wide too. Wish I could have found it a little cheaper, but don't regret getting it.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $350.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Size, Build, Performance
Cons:
speed
I really like this lens. It is built like one would expect a DA ltd to be built. I got it primarily to use on trips by air travel when space for gear was limited. I had to leave my 20-40mm f2.8 sigma and missed some shots because I didn't have a wide lens on that trip.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Compact, sharp, great FoV, superb contrast, ideal street shooter
Cons:
f3.2 not enough for some?
I feel a bit predictable giving this a 9, but I can't give it any less. Thing is, already owning the DA35 and DA70, I kind of knew what to expect - supreme quality in a beautifully built, small package. And that's exactl what you get!
I don't review lenses as a career, I don't do statistics - I put the lens on my camera, I go out and I shoot.
So, what this lens offers me in use is:
the obvious - compact size. I see people lugging big Canons around or big zooms, and I have a sense of smugness that I am getting so much quality out of such a small, unassuming lens. It's been said before, but for street shooting, this makes it ideal.
Great contrast - I convert a lot of my photography to black and white, and the contrast you get out of the DA primes makes for beautiful B&W conversions.
Sharp - well, it's a DA prime, nuff said
Fast AF - no complaints here
I think this lens gets overlooked because of it's f3.2 widest aperture, but people shouldn't judge a lens on this alone. The DA21 offers so much and I am more than happy to recommend it to any and everyone. I just wish I was going somewhere like Venis where I could give it a thorough work out!!
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $426.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
size, focus speed, build quality
Cons:
can't use filter and hood at the same time
At the time of my purchase, I had a 50mm 1.4 prime in my bag, and desperately wanted something other than a bulky zoom lens for use as a quick, and relatively wide lens. The 21mm was very good to me, and became my primary lens (i never use the 50mm). It handles well, the focus ring is placed just right, and it's as good at night as it is in the day.
It's not as sharp as the FA35 that I thought would fill the gap between the 21mm and 50mm, but it focuses faster than the 35 and the 50, while producing good images. Focus speed is important to me. It's colors were nearly always spot on as well.
One of my favorite aspects of the lens though is how compact it is. Everywhere I went, the 21mm went with me, and did not stand out at all. Coupled with my K200d, this combo looked like an advanced point and shoot. It's portability allowed me to take quick, off-the-hip shots, something no zoom can do.
I regrettably sold off all my primes in order to fund the purchase of the DA* 16-50. The source of the regret was because of how poorly my time with the DA 16-50 has gone. My plan now is to purchase a zoom to complement my new-to-me F 28mm. Maybe a 16-45. Either way, i never knew how good I had it with all my primes, and in particular, my 21mm. HIGHLY recommended.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $350.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Small size, fast focusing, sharp at optimum apertures
Cons:
sharpness drops after f/5.6, odd filter
I would say this lens is a conservative wide angle. It's not really meant for interiors or for extreme wide angle so it's a bit of a gap lens. I find that I really enjoy shooting with it aside from a couple of peculiarities. It is exceptionally sharp at f/5.6 which took a bit to get used to. I've shot wide angle zooms for quite a while and was very used to hitting the lens sweet spot at f/8 or even f/11 with some of my lenses. This lens begins to lose sharpness at apertures smaller than f/5.6 so I have to watch my focus points while doing landscape. The fairly generous depth of field prevents this from being an issue, however. I anticipate purchasing a 15mm f/4 simple to have a slower lens for landscape-specific work. This might seem counter to the prevailing "faster is always better" philosophy but I really need extremely deep DOF's for most of my landscape work.
The 21mm, therefore, is a great lens for full length outdoor portrait shots. A moderate wide angle for mid-distance subjects, and for smaller landscape shots, such as in an urban setting (not including buildings). Overall I really like the 21mm and find that I am learning its quirks. I love how fast it focuses and how accurate it is when locking on to a target. The colors and contrast are simply brilliant! There is simply no comparison between this lens and a consumer zoom. You can definitely tell you're shooting a prime lens when you see the results that this can produce. I have an outdoor head and shoulders portrait of my wife where you can see the finest of hairs and make out individual eyelashes. The photos also sharpen up beautifully in PP if you do happen to shoot at f/8 or smaller. I'd like to see a bit sharper images at f/11 and f/16 but there is only so much optical magic that can be crammed into such a tiny lens.
Overall, highly recommended for those looking for a dependable mid-wide prime and are willing to work around a little softening at smaller apertures. The contrast and colors that it produces produce incredible prints and are really the purpose of the lens. If you're a pixel peeper and just have to have 100% sharpness, you might have a bone to pick with this lens but if you simply love to travel light, love great punch to your photos and are looking for a lens that can give you a little width, this is a great choice.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 9
Pros:
size, focal length, quick-shift.
Cons:
f3.2
Rating system here is flawed, as increments in whole number doesn't work well for lenses. So, I guess it is a 9. It is miles better than the 18-250 which I loved, mostly in par with my F28/2.8 which is an underrated but lovely lens.
I bought this almost a year ago, and gave as much chance as possible to get used to it. However, this can never be confused with the other Limiteds I own, including the FA 43 and FA 77 which are leaps and bounds better than the DA21 in every aspect except size and focal length. In fact I have to rate the F135/2.8 and my sigma 100-300 F4 higher than the DA21, as these two lenses are almost in par with the FA43 and FA77. I've tried all theses lenses in my k10D and the K-7.
The other limiteds are better in rendering. The DA21 can never even come close to anything resembling 3-D. and the peak sharpness is not there like the 43 or 77. Build quality is almost good.
I still couldn't live without it. It is an ideal pair with my FA43 and I can carry the K-7 and one lens attached and the other in the pocket for a very small indiscreet package. Amazing focal length and wonderful for panos as well. Has very rich colors and shows lights well.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $400.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Size, hood, build quality
Cons:
none I can think of
Let me start the funky hood design. One screws the 43mm filter inside the hood and then puts the hood on the lens. Now unless you feel sorry for the filter you don't have to use lens cap as the hood coupled with filter provides all the protection needed.
I bought this lens for it's weight, focal length and famous limited build and image quality. I must say it more than lived to my expectations And at that time I'd give it 10. But since then I got the 40/2.8 and 70/2.4 Limited and realized that corner sharpness of 21/3.2 is a notch below perfect. I'd give this lens 9.5.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $330.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Sharpness, color rendition, contrast
Cons:
Haven't figured out how to best exploit the focal length yet :)
I have no complaints with regard to build quality, sharpness, contrast, or colors. Like all DA Ltds it's extremely sharp from wide open, the build is unparalleled, and the compactness is amazing.
I do wish it were a little faster, but for most things you'd use a 21mm for, it's not necessary.
My only real issue with the lens is that I haven't yet figured out how to best exploit the focal length--haven't learned to "see" in 21/31.5mm yet.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 8
Pros:
Build, quick shift AF, rendering
Cons:
relatively slow, not FF
This is excellent lens fully deserving the "Limited" title. It saved me a number of times and indeed, one could produce a whole travel photo diary with just this lens. I am taking one point off for it being not full frame (yes, I know, but it is my review, and in my opinion it is a pity) and one more point for it being only f/3.2 which, in some cases, is somewhat slow.
Recently I bought FA 20/2.8 and I need to figure out yet, how do these two compare. Likely it will be a coin toss, though FA is ever so slightly faster.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $400.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Compact, great build, sharp
Cons:
Could be a tad faster
Part of my compact complement. Paired with the DA40ltd, you have a very small but capable array. Autofocus is quick. Nice sharpness at all apertures, and a very catchy rendition in digital. I have no real complaints about this lens, other than that I wish it could have been a full f/2.8.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $420.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Colour, size, build, AF speed, sharpness, aesthetic
Cons:
Odd focal length (for me)
This is a beautiful lens. Everything about it is fantastic: it AFs like a charm, it's brilliantly sharp, the closest focusing distance lets you get up close and personal with your subject, its rendering of colour is great... My only problem with this lens is that the fl just doesn't work for me that well. I've been forcing myself to use it more lately, and have already started to warm up to it.
I've had my DA 21 for 2 and a half years, and I've not used it enough. Have thought about letting it go a few times, but in the end it always surprises me and it stays in my bag.
Aside from the optics, the lens is tremendously well made, aesthetically pleasing in and of itself. I always laugh at my friends who shoot Nikon/Canon, because the limiteds are just so much more aesthetically appealing than their lenses. .
The compact size is also brilliant, on my old K100D I had a light, portable combo.
Some examples (most can be blown up to full size):
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $450.00
| Rating: 8
Pros:
Size, build quality, focus ring, local contrast, color rendition
Cons:
Speed, FOV
This is another marvel of Pentax lensmaking - a pancake prime producing the 'old' equivalent of the 30mm primes of film days gone-bye.
Being a Limited lens, the build quality is top notch (all metal - including unique hood) - the focus ring is also wonderfully smooth with a short throw as is typical for a wide angle. I've found the DA21 can produce some lovely punchy/contrasty shots as if the lens coating is particularly prevalent - this also results in vividly reproduced colors. This subjective 'property' is very similar to the DA35 Macro in the way it produces a very 'new/fresh' look to shots. Resolution appears to be strong, even wide-open, but not spectacular. The lens focuses very quickly (faster than the FA20 and roughly equal in speed to the FA*24).
The lack of speed you get with the DA21 may turn some off - and indeed, it is not a great natural/low-light lens @ f3.2. I found it not to be a particularly useful lens in low-light environments and/or walkarounds when I needed my subject isolated or needed fast glass to keep shutter speeds acceptable. The FOV is also not one I'm particularly drawn to, but it will bring back memories for many.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $300.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Build quality, size, weight, sharpness, contrast, unobtrusiveness, fast AF, focal length, DOF scale, close focusing distance
Cons:
Barrel distortion is noticeable sometimes. Then I'm scratching for bad points. chromatic aberration (pretty minimal), f3.2 (but see below), some vignetting in viewfinder (not much in images)
This is basically a really great lens.
Good stuff:
I have found the 21mm focal length really useful and easy to get used to on the 'cropped-sensor' K-7. Full frame equivalent is between the classic moderate wides of 28mm and 35mm.
Lens is already sharp from f/3.2, and pretty good at borders. Very use-able. Nice contrast and colour, resolution very nice f/4-8. Bokeh seems pretty nice, I'm used to zooms and compared to them it looks very good but can't compare it to other primes myself.
Build is wonderful, obviously very small and light. I personally very much like the hood and cap, the hood seems very effective while keeping the whole package small, and my lens cap does not come off easily but can be removed very quickly. Trade-off is that filters either can't be used with the hood or need to go inside the hood.
Great lens for street, very unobtrusive due to very small overall size as well as small front element. Screw-drive AF is fast on K-7. Would prefer silent AF but in this tiny package screw drive is fine, it's not overly loud at all.
Bad stuff:
Some barrel distortion, can be a problem. Correctable in post-processing with some loss of the sides of your image.
Some CA, but seems well controlled and is a minor complaint.
Only f/3.2. This is still pretty decent speed. The trade-off is for the small size and moderate wide angle at that size. I'd love f/1.4 but personally I think f/3.2 was a good balance, especially because the lens is already good at f/3.2 - some minor fall-off in corners but overall nice.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $340.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Sharpness, colours, contrast, size, AF speed, quick-shift, 3D effect
Cons:
None
I believe each lens should be considered with its intended use in mind. A portrait photographer has no need for an ultra-wide lens.
So what is the intended purpose of the DA 21? For me, its purpose is to work as a portable, handheld task force with the F50 f1,7. Those two lenses allow me to leave home for night shoots without a tripod, and without anything except the camera and a small coat pocket.
Seen in this optic (no pun intended) the DA 21 is perfect. f3.2 is more than enough for handholding shots at 21 mm with SR and ISO 800. AF is extremely fast and reliable. Flare is minimal even without the hood. The size is amazing, hard to believe until you actually hold the lens in your hand. Optical qualities are what I would have expected from a limited. I have not used a test chart but in real life, I see no obvious differences in sharpness between f3.2 and smaller apertures.
Close focusing is a nice addition : it’s not a macro but allows for nice close-ups. Which brings me to another unique feature : bokeh. This lens is far from the smooth, perfectly creamy bokeh of the FA 50 macro (or similar lenses) but its busier bokeh actually contributes in a large part to creating what many have called the “3D effect” this lens produces. The pictures below are the best examples:
The effect is hard to describe, but quite visible to me. And it is a great perk of this lens.
The build quality is nothing less than what I expected. Light but rugged, gorgeous to behold, smooth focus (though my used copy is tighter at short focus distances. I’ll have to investigate that). I like the hood design but tend not to use it much. For starters, it’s not really needed. It also hides the beautiful red LIMITED lettering on the front, and adds something like 25% to the length of the lens… I confess that part of me does not want to use the hood just so I can show off… I might bet to use it in time.
People complaining that it gets less sharp at smaller apertures than f8 : why did you ever purchase this lens? It is meant to be used at wide apertures. There is no need for a limited prime to shoot at f16! And with a wide lens, DOF increases extremely fast anyway.
There is nothing wrong with this lens. Again, that statement is true for the purpose I have in mind. So it’s a clear 10 for me.
EDIT : I had the lens serviced because of the tight focus ring (at a local Quebec city shop). The lens came back today, some bearings were misaligned apparently (it looks like the lens got a hit from the pervious owner, apparently). The AF speed, now that the lens has been fixed, is nothing short of blazing! Fast, extremely reliable, and did I mention fast?
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $400.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
sharp, punchy colors, light, build quality, close focus
Cons:
barrel distortions, "only" f/3.2, vignetting wide-open, some flare in contra-light
I feel this is one of the most underrated limited prime lens. I think there are many reasons for this:
- the focal length feels odd for some. Interestingly it would have the same FOV as the FA 31mm Ltd mounted on a FF camera. Myself I like the FOV.
- It's "only" f/3.2. For a WA lens I don't think this is significant, especially considering the diminutive size.
- Barrel distortions. They annoy me too but since more and more software correct it (in-camera, in LR3, etc.) it becomes a non-issue and most of time I don't see it.
- A bit expensive compared to the DA 40mm Ltd.
The rendering is special, the colors are very punchy, it seems that the lens is optimized for Landscape rendering.
There are also some vignetting wide-open, I kind of like it actually as I sometimes add vignette to my pictures.
The min. focus distance is quite short and close-ups are possible, add a Raynox DCR-250 and you almost have to a macro lens.
In the end I use this lens much more than I thought because of its small size, it's very easy to take it everywhere.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $350.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Size, Quickshift, Fast AF, close to my ideal FL, good colour
Cons:
3.2, some distortion, CA in high contrast
According to my catalog, this is my second most used lens (behind the 40mm). The focal length is very good for street shooting, and walks in the woods.
While not as sharp as the DA 40mm, it is still very respectable.
I have noted CA to be an issue when shooting in high contrast situations.
Of any of the DA limiteds, now that the 15mm is available, I wish this was redesigned as a 22 or 23mm (to give a 35mm equivalent) with a 2.8 aperture, and the distortion eliminated (not an issue on the K-7/ K-X if you are shooting jpgs - same with the CA).
The Travel kit of 21mm, 40mm and 50-200mm is very capable.
