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03-31-2011, 12:07 PM   #1
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20mm choices?

I was curious if there is any lenses around 20mm that are outstanding (40mm ltd good)? I have a 16-45mm and from most of the reviews it does not seem like there is a wide-ultra wide that warrants the price. Am I wrong here, or is there something around 20mm that is leaps and bounds better (optical quality) then the low end of the 16-45mm?
Thanks

03-31-2011, 12:57 PM   #2
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Many swear by FA20/2.8. Apparently it's one teriffic lens to have. And a lot of users are really happy with DA21ltd
03-31-2011, 01:07 PM   #3
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The DA 15 beats the DA 16-45 zoom - no contest. And the FA 20 is outstanding as well. Unsurprisingly, they're both better than the DA*16-50 as well. I own all of these lenses (except the DA 16-45) and there's a reason I've kept all 3.
03-31-2011, 01:13 PM   #4
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Although i mostly use primes, the one zoom I prefer is the da16-45. For both product shots and panoramics (which I usually shoot at 20mm). I admit never trying the FA20 however but the da12-24 I did work with and for 20mm shots went back to the da16-45. My point is if you have a good copy of the lens you may already be getting great performance. Much easier to find than the fa20 is the da21 which you could rent for a couple days from cameralensrentals.com just to test. I will be interested in hearing where you ultimately settle as I use 20mm frequently.

edit - i agree with above comment that the da15 is superior as it needs no corrections at 15mm as the 16-45 needs at 16mm, the da15 produces flat out beautiful shots in my untalented hands, but at 20mm the 16-45 has its act together.

03-31-2011, 01:28 PM   #5
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Yeah, a Distagon 21mm f2,8!
03-31-2011, 02:43 PM   #6
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The DA 21 seems to have noticeable barrel distortion at least at close range. The 12-24 is an excellent performer with a very useful range, and is significantly wider.
03-31-2011, 03:52 PM   #7
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Voightlaender Color Skopar gets lots of praise, and my experience with the 40 leads me to believe it is merited.

03-31-2011, 05:36 PM   #8
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No lens is perfect but if you're looking at similar quality to the DA40, the DA21 is of course the first on the list... I for one love it!

Othe than that, you can try to find an FA20, or get a Sigma 20 (huge, poor wide open, good closed down).
03-31-2011, 05:50 PM   #9
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I suspect the DA21 is not much better than the 16-45 @ 21mm. It's more about size and a little bit of extra speed.
03-31-2011, 06:43 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by twitch Quote
I suspect the DA21 is not much better than the 16-45 @ 21mm. It's more about size and a little bit of extra speed.
I suspect it is . . . at 21mm . Regarding size, the zoom is HUGE compared to the limited and the build is also a difference.
03-31-2011, 06:49 PM   #11
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The DA 21 is an awesome lens. We haven't had it a month yet but it never stays home. The only question is who's bag it's going to be in. If i get it, it goes on the camera, so light for carrying around. On the wife's K-x, you won't find a point and shoot as light or easy to handle, and the IQ is light years ahead of any point and shoot.
03-31-2011, 06:56 PM   #12
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I was hoping to keep this thread strictly on "optical quality". I do appreciate all the feedback so far
03-31-2011, 07:18 PM   #13
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Looking at the MTF numbers the DA21 is better than the FA20 in some ways, but the FA24 has the best sweet spot, 2327 in the center at F5.6. The DA21 is better at the borders. Unless you have all these lenses and there are quite a few photozone hasn't tested, how does one know?

Pentax K / Samsung NX Lens Tests
03-31-2011, 07:49 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by normhead Quote
Looking at the MTF numbers the DA21 is better than the FA20 in some ways, but the FA24 has the best sweet spot, 2327 in the center at F5.6. The DA21 is better at the borders. Unless you have all these lenses and there are quite a few photozone hasn't tested, how does one know?

Pentax K / Samsung NX Lens Tests
I was hoping for people to respond who either have had access to most of these lenses, or at least have owned a few along with the 16-45mm for comparison.

Its my belief that there is much more too a lens then what can be tested with regards to what it produces. Lets take the 55-300mm for a example. I have not read to many reviews stating "how great it is" but for some reason after a day of using it I am always surprised in the picture quality that I get in return.

I have found that the review section is "iffy" in giving good advice, so I thought I would listen to what people have to say in this thread. Many times its hard to tell if someone is rating something "great" because its the only lens they have owned, or if they actually have a depth of knowledge into Pentax glass.

Of the lenses I have owned the 40mm ltd really stands out, hence the reference
03-31-2011, 09:14 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by treue_photo Quote
I was hoping for people to respond who either have had access to most of these lenses, or at least have owned a few along with the 16-45mm for comparison.

Its my belief that there is much more too a lens then what can be tested with regards to what it produces. Lets take the 55-300mm for a example. I have not read to many reviews stating "how great it is" but for some reason after a day of using it I am always surprised in the picture quality that I get in return.

I have found that the review section is "iffy" in giving good advice, so I thought I would listen to what people have to say in this thread. Many times its hard to tell if someone is rating something "great" because its the only lens they have owned, or if they actually have a depth of knowledge into Pentax glass.

Of the lenses I have owned the 40mm ltd really stands out, hence the reference

Nearly any of the 50 threads about the 55-300 do say it is great :-)

Seems to me you already have had some good recommendations that you seek.

I have both lenses I referred to, but not the 16-45. Doesn't matter - I can look at images from that lens and other - perhaps you should too.
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