Pentax-DA 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 Fish-eye

Flare

Lens flare is caused by light being scattered and reflected within the internal structures of the lens. There are many types of lens flare, and they typically result in unwanted loss of contrast and saturation (as in a hazy image) or in the appearance of artifacts (also called ghosting).

Most, if not all multi-element lenses are prone to some form of flare. In an attempt to reduce their effect on the image, modern lens manufactured use anti-reflective coatings. In the case of the DA 10-17mm, the Pentax proprietary "Super Multi Coating" is being used. 

Flare can also be reduced by using a lens hood. The DA 10-17mm Fish-eye has a permanently attached hood. This hood is not very long (or it would have caused vignetting due to the wide field of view), so its flare-reducing effect is minimal. 

In this test we attempt to induce flare by placing the sun in a corner of the frame.

10mm f/3.5:

10mm f/22:

17mm f/4.5:

17mm f/22:

Verdict

The DA 10-17mm Fish-eye is decent in regards to flare resistance. There is very little ghosting in the above images and some veiling flare, but overall we consider the flare to be well controlled and within expectations for a ultra wide angle zoom. This performance is remarkable especially considering the fact that this lens's built-in hood is miniscule.


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