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09-27-2010, 08:24 PM   #1
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21mm or 15mm LTD?

I just can't make up my mind!!!

The budget will allow me to get a 21 or 15 LTD. Which one do i go for?

I have the 10-17mm fisheye, 40mm LTD and 70mm LTD. I also have a bunch of 50's and a 28mm.

I hardly ever use the 28mm because it's an old Tak and fully manual.

The new lens is for no particular purpose... it's just because at this stage i can afford. I intend on getting both eventually but which one first?

I love shooting people with wide angle. The faster 21mm may be better. I am also going on a 8week 4wd/camping adventure next year. The 15 would do killer landscapes.

If I lean more towards shooting people isthe 21mm better?

mike

09-27-2010, 08:59 PM   #2
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I think you're on the right track. I have the 21/40/70 combo, and the 21 was the last addition (only a month or 2 ago). I've used the 21 a few times now for cityscapes and although it does a great job, I have thought that the 15mm would have been better for that purpose. However, for shooting people I've found the 21 absolutely fantastic and I've never wished I had the 15 for that purpose.

My opinion for what it's worth is that although the 15 can shot people, it's best at landscapes, and while the 21 can do landscapes, it's best for people (obviously I'm not talking head and shoulder portraits here though).

I too will get the 15 soon enough, but for now I'm very very happy with my 21 as I mainly take pictures of people.

Here's some DA21 pics for the hell of it.
Architecture:


Cityscape:


People:

Last edited by twitch; 09-27-2010 at 09:28 PM. Reason: Add some pics
09-27-2010, 09:15 PM   #3
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I almost acquired the 21 almost a year ago. I felt I needed a smaller alternative to my 12-24. Its not appreciable faster, which might be some benefit along the line, but its size is wonderfully small. The 15 would fit better with my landscape pursuit, however it is smaller than the 12-14 but not to the extent of the 21.

So, yes I have the same problem, other than wanting to shoot people and street scenes. In time it will probably be the 15 for me (wishing it was the size of the 21).

I essentially have the lenses, I feel I need, but the lens a year plan is what I have been doing for the last 5 years or so, and its something nice to shoot for....

09-27-2010, 09:30 PM   #4
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Cool thread, some how I can relate with you guys. Although I never own any of those, I am now in the process of selecting which better suits my style. The 21mm for me is favorable because it is ideal for shooting poeple at wide angle and a perfect travel companion. Should I get the chance to shoot real landscapes? I can experiment on panoramas as I am practicing using my 40mm.


Last edited by wed7; 09-27-2010 at 09:32 PM. Reason: typo
09-27-2010, 09:32 PM   #5
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and let's face it... there would be something special about owning the 15, 21, 40 and 70 LTDs. I know it would make me feel warm and fuzzy!

I think it's time to sell off some taks and maybe a 50 to make room for both!
Unfortunately I still couldn't afford both in this scenario.

mike
09-27-2010, 09:42 PM   #6
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@twitch I love the bridge!

And the fashion show... how come the big bloke in the middle is not looking at the girls. Makes him look ummm. errr.

Mike
09-27-2010, 09:54 PM   #7
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Thanks. Hmmm, maybe he was checking me out

My DA21 with DA70 & DA40.


09-27-2010, 10:04 PM   #8
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Where's the 15

Mike
09-27-2010, 10:11 PM   #9
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I can only say that the DA15 is a fantastic lens. I'm carying around the DA15/DA35/D70 most of the time. Works fine. But I'm thinking of getting the DA21 as well. I have other lenses in the 15-35 gap, but not really pocket sized (at least not those with AF).
09-27-2010, 10:14 PM   #10
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21 is like a 35 on fullframe and is a good general all purpose field of view for daily walks, wide enough for landscapes and long enough for evironment portraits.
09-28-2010, 01:17 AM   #11
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I recommend the DA-21. Reason: more useful since there is less fall-off in background size than a DA-15

This is the DA-21 used for an HDR in a workshop area of a marine work area. Note the sharp detail from one side to the other.

[IMG][/IMG]
09-28-2010, 01:26 AM   #12
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Nice! I love HDR.

Mike
09-28-2010, 03:37 AM   #13
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21

Uhm, a bit OT, but how are the distortions, optical quality and the back focusing issues reported on other reviews, these are the issues why I chose the 40mm first vs the 21mm. The 21mm FL is really attractive, imo.
09-28-2010, 04:52 AM   #14
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Both lenses are probably fantastic. The 21 is, I can testify of that.

Since you already have an ultra-wide lens, you can probably answer your question yourself. Do you use the 15 mm focal length a lot? Do you wish for a smaller lens IN THAT RANGE?

If your wide zoom gets a lot of use, I would supplement it with the 21. If you don't use it, for instance because of its size, then replace it with the 15. And get the 21 anyway
09-28-2010, 05:37 AM   #15
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I have both.
They both are great, so it really is a matter of focal length choice.

For me, 15 works better for landscapes and 21 for people, although I have some nice shots say vice versa
Let's say generally then.

That aside I am more impressed with the DA15 for its built and outcome.
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