DA21 vs FA*24 - anybody directly compared?!?

Duplo · 03-02-2011, 04:08 PM

I have had two copies of the FA*24 (still got one) and one copy of the DA21ltd and I have shot the two extensively.

I am not the kind of guy shooting test charts or brick walls, OK I have done it once, neither have I shot the two side by side, as their differences are so obvious to me.

My quick evaluation of the two:

The DA21ltd is a lens where the only compromise, if there is such a thing, is that it is a touch slow. Everything else about it is near perfect.
Sharp from wide open and with excellent renderings as you stop down. difraction kicks in at a point but does so very gracefully.

very balanced contrast and micro contrast, superb colour qualities and overall just a very unique look.

A lens that has its probably the best landscape lens in the lineup from a rendering point of view. and an excellent street and people lens too.

The FA*24 is bit a of a specialty lens, I have yet to see a lens that rendee with so much contrast, probably the most contrasty lens I have owned.
It is globalcontrast though,micro contrast is noticeably lower than the DA21ltd.

Colour qualities are excellent. It really work wonders as a people lens and its unique contrast qualities tend to work very well with certain landscape images as well. it is the fastest wide angle for pentax thus a very good aurora borealis lens as well.

the build is good old fashioned FA* grade. Thus equal to the DA21ltd, although not quite as delicate, it is build more like a rough workhorse, where the limited is more like carefully crafted tool.

FOV is narrower, I constantly have to take a couple of steps back, as I am so tuned to the FOV of the DA21ltd.

I honestly think both have their place and time and I do not see either lens leave my lineup. but could i only choose one, the DA21ltd would be the one.

bdery · 03-03-2011, 06:11 AM

Originally posted by axl

for me the difference in FOV between 24 and 31 is rather significant. As I said, I prefer 24 to 31 8 times out of 10....

Sorry if I wasn't clear, I meant that there should not be much difference in IQ, though there will be much differences in rendering (each has its qualities). The FOV is quite different, I agree.

Originally posted by paperbag846

keep in mind that the DA 21 is bloody sharp wide open.

True. I can use it wide open without an afterthought, something I cannot do with any other lens.

Originally posted by Duplo

I am so tuned to the FOV of the DA21ltd

True, 21 mm feels very natural. I was worried at first because I'm used to the 17 mm of my Siggy 17-70, but I have never had issues with the FOV, quite the contrary. The same applies to my wife's use of the lens.

Jewelltrail · 03-03-2011, 10:45 PM

Fa: faster Aperture--better barrell distortion--- better contrast--better with vignetting

Da: much better borders--lighter, more compact--better CA control--better resolution--more even resolution

Build quality winner dependent upon owner.

If I'm shooting landscapes, the Da is going to be in the bag--that much is clear to me.

pinholecam · 03-03-2011, 11:05 PM

How does the Sigma 24/1.8 stack up against these two?
I have to make a decision soon between DA21 or a Sigma 24/1.8 as I can get the Sigma cheap at the moment.

I have the K24/2.8 and like it a lot for the size, sharpness and DOF option at f2.8. The only thing it lacks is AF and can be a pain when I need to shoot with one hand.
I also have the Sigma 10-20, so I have a rough idea of the focal length close to 21mm (which I have some doubts on).

The Sigma ticks a lot of check boxes but I am very uncomfortable with the size.
The DA is of course real small, but I'm unsure of the FL and f3.2 aperture.
I do use the K24 at f4 rather often though.

bdery · 03-04-2011, 06:20 AM

Originally posted by pinholecam

How does the Sigma 24/1.8 stack up against these two?

The Sigma, from what I have seen, lacks the "magic" of the limiteds. It's much worse wide open, but it opens wider. Center is great, borders not that much. And it's huge. But it's a good lens, especially at a discounted price.

It depends on your needs, really.

axl · 03-04-2011, 07:33 AM

I tried Sigma on the same day I got my FA*24. The Sigma is tad bigger and heavier than FA* (read MUCH bigger and heavier than K24/2.8 - I used to have that one). It's just about as sharp in center as FA*, I didn't compare edges. But where FA* easily beats it is contrast an colour rendition. Still if you are on budget and don't mind the bulk it's a good option. But in my opinion, coming from K24/2.8 which is beautiful lens in it's own right, you'll be hardly impressed by the Sigma's colours...

pinholecam · 03-04-2011, 10:57 PM

Originally posted by bdery

The Sigma, from what I have seen, lacks the "magic" of the limiteds. It's much worse wide open, but it opens wider. Center is great, borders not that much. And it's huge. But it's a good lens, especially at a discounted price.

It depends on your needs, really.

Originally posted by axl

I tried Sigma on the same day I got my FA*24. The Sigma is tad bigger and heavier than FA* (read MUCH bigger and heavier than K24/2.8 - I used to have that one). It's just about as sharp in center as FA*, I didn't compare edges. But where FA* easily beats it is contrast an colour rendition. Still if you are on budget and don't mind the bulk it's a good option. But in my opinion, coming from K24/2.8 which is beautiful lens in it's own right, you'll be hardly impressed by the Sigma's colours...

Thanks for the information.
The size of the Sigma is really quite a problem. It defeats the concept of a small, light, walkabout lens for me. Having the K24/2.8, I actually know I don't really need a faster lens (ie. bigger lens), just need the AF.

I guess I'll look out for a used copy of the DA21.

Jewelltrail · 03-04-2011, 11:08 PM

Since someone else digressed intrinsically & introduced another lens to the discussion, and the OP accepeted it, so too will I.

Axl, 24mm is my favorite focal length on crop sensor--by far. When I entrust a prime to this focal length, it is the Ensinor 24mm f 2.8 macro to which I turn. It has excellent sharpness, colors & contrast. I did a review for it here:

ENSINOR 24mm f 2.8 Macro Lens Reviews - Pentax Third-Party Lens Review Database

axl · 03-05-2011, 01:22 AM

Thanks Jewell..
I too like the FOV that 24 offers but I'm getting fed up (read lazy) with the hood and size of FA*24. That's why I'm thinking of DA21, but with 21 I'm unsure of 2 things: a) is f3.2 fast enough? B) will I like the FOV of it?
And on the other side keeping FA* is kind of begging for big badass fast longer match (read DA*55)

oh well, if I won the lottery!

03-02-2011, 04:08 PM	#16
Duplo Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Copenhagen Photos: Gallery Posts: 924	I own both... I have had two copies of the FA24 (still got one) and one copy of the DA21ltd and I have shot the two extensively. I am not the kind of guy shooting test charts or brick walls, OK I have done it once, neither have I shot the two side by side, as their differences are so obvious to me. My quick evaluation of the two: The DA21ltd is a lens where the only compromise, if there is such a thing, is that it is a touch slow. Everything else about it is near perfect. Sharp from wide open and with excellent renderings as you stop down. difraction kicks in at a point but does so very gracefully. very balanced contrast and micro contrast, superb colour qualities and overall just a very unique look. A lens that has its probably the best landscape lens in the lineup from a rendering point of view. and an excellent street and people lens too. The FA24 is bit a of a specialty lens, I have yet to see a lens that rendee with so much contrast, probably the most contrasty lens I have owned. It is globalcontrast though,micro contrast is noticeably lower than the DA21ltd. Colour qualities are excellent. It really work wonders as a people lens and its unique contrast qualities tend to work very well with certain landscape images as well. it is the fastest wide angle for pentax thus a very good aurora borealis lens as well. the build is good old fashioned FA* grade. Thus equal to the DA21ltd, although not quite as delicate, it is build more like a rough workhorse, where the limited is more like carefully crafted tool. FOV is narrower, I constantly have to take a couple of steps back, as I am so tuned to the FOV of the DA21ltd. I honestly think both have their place and time and I do not see either lens leave my lineup. but could i only choose one, the DA21ltd would be the one.

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03-03-2011, 06:11 AM	#17
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by axl for me the difference in FOV between 24 and 31 is rather significant. As I said, I prefer 24 to 31 8 times out of 10.... Sorry if I wasn't clear, I meant that there should not be much difference in IQ, though there will be much differences in rendering (each has its qualities). The FOV is quite different, I agree. Originally posted by paperbag846 keep in mind that the DA 21 is bloody sharp wide open. True. I can use it wide open without an afterthought, something I cannot do with any other lens. Originally posted by Duplo I am so tuned to the FOV of the DA21ltd True, 21 mm feels very natural. I was worried at first because I'm used to the 17 mm of my Siggy 17-70, but I have never had issues with the FOV, quite the contrary. The same applies to my wife's use of the lens.

03-03-2011, 10:45 PM	#18
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Fa: faster Aperture--better barrell distortion--- better contrast--better with vignetting Da: much better borders--lighter, more compact--better CA control--better resolution--more even resolution Build quality winner dependent upon owner. If I'm shooting landscapes, the Da is going to be in the bag--that much is clear to me.

03-03-2011, 11:05 PM	#19
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	How does the Sigma 24/1.8 stack up against these two? I have to make a decision soon between DA21 or a Sigma 24/1.8 as I can get the Sigma cheap at the moment. I have the K24/2.8 and like it a lot for the size, sharpness and DOF option at f2.8. The only thing it lacks is AF and can be a pain when I need to shoot with one hand. I also have the Sigma 10-20, so I have a rough idea of the focal length close to 21mm (which I have some doubts on). The Sigma ticks a lot of check boxes but I am very uncomfortable with the size. The DA is of course real small, but I'm unsure of the FL and f3.2 aperture. I do use the K24 at f4 rather often though.

03-04-2011, 06:20 AM	#20
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by pinholecam How does the Sigma 24/1.8 stack up against these two? The Sigma, from what I have seen, lacks the "magic" of the limiteds. It's much worse wide open, but it opens wider. Center is great, borders not that much. And it's huge. But it's a good lens, especially at a discounted price. It depends on your needs, really.

03-04-2011, 07:33 AM	#21
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183 Original Poster	I tried Sigma on the same day I got my FA24. The Sigma is tad bigger and heavier than FA (read MUCH bigger and heavier than K24/2.8 - I used to have that one). It's just about as sharp in center as FA, I didn't compare edges. But where FA easily beats it is contrast an colour rendition. Still if you are on budget and don't mind the bulk it's a good option. But in my opinion, coming from K24/2.8 which is beautiful lens in it's own right, you'll be hardly impressed by the Sigma's colours...

03-04-2011, 10:57 PM	#22
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	Originally posted by bdery The Sigma, from what I have seen, lacks the "magic" of the limiteds. It's much worse wide open, but it opens wider. Center is great, borders not that much. And it's huge. But it's a good lens, especially at a discounted price. It depends on your needs, really. Originally posted by axl I tried Sigma on the same day I got my FA24. The Sigma is tad bigger and heavier than FA (read MUCH bigger and heavier than K24/2.8 - I used to have that one). It's just about as sharp in center as FA, I didn't compare edges. But where FA easily beats it is contrast an colour rendition. Still if you are on budget and don't mind the bulk it's a good option. But in my opinion, coming from K24/2.8 which is beautiful lens in it's own right, you'll be hardly impressed by the Sigma's colours... Thanks for the information. The size of the Sigma is really quite a problem. It defeats the concept of a small, light, walkabout lens for me. Having the K24/2.8, I actually know I don't really need a faster lens (ie. bigger lens), just need the AF. I guess I'll look out for a used copy of the DA21.

03-04-2011, 11:08 PM	#23
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Since someone else digressed intrinsically & introduced another lens to the discussion, and the OP accepeted it, so too will I. Axl, 24mm is my favorite focal length on crop sensor--by far. When I entrust a prime to this focal length, it is the Ensinor 24mm f 2.8 macro to which I turn. It has excellent sharpness, colors & contrast. I did a review for it here: ENSINOR 24mm f 2.8 Macro Lens Reviews - Pentax Third-Party Lens Review Database

03-05-2011, 01:22 AM	#24
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183 Original Poster	Thanks Jewell.. I too like the FOV that 24 offers but I'm getting fed up (read lazy) with the hood and size of FA24. That's why I'm thinking of DA21, but with 21 I'm unsure of 2 things: a) is f3.2 fast enough? B) will I like the FOV of it? And on the other side keeping FA is kind of begging for big badass fast longer match (read DA*55) oh well, if I won the lottery!