Jun 11, 2015

HD Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited

Introduction

In August 2013, Pentax announced an overhaul of their DA Limited series, introducing at the time new 'HD' coatings and some subtle cosmetic and optical changes. The HD Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited was part of that announcement along with the 15mm, 35mm macro, 40mm, and 70mm lenses.

DA 21mm Limited with MH-RBB43 hood and cap. (Click for larger image.)

The DA 21mm Limited is the only Pentax prime lens currently in production with a focal length between the ultra-wide DA 15mm Limited and the 'normal' FA 31mm Limited. Both of those lenses are bigger and heavier than the 21mm. As such, it is ideally suited for the wide-but-not-ultra-wide shooter and is appropriate for a variety of uses, from street shooting to landscapes to close-ups.

Reasonably-priced aluminum autofocus pancake lenses like this one extend a uniquely Pentax experience. The DA 21mm Limited, like the other DA Limited lenses, is small and light enough to almost always find a space in a photographer's bag, or even a pocket.

The DA 21mm Limited is uniquely Pentax. (Click for larger image.)

This review will take an in-depth look at the build and optics of this wide angle lens and help answer the question: Yes, you can put the DA 21mm Limited in your camera bag, but should you?