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06-26-2011, 11:50 AM   #1
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Do I need DA15mm?

I already have a Sigma 10-20mm and very happy with it, pretty good lens and splendid results (See some of my images here https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/135211-architecture-hamp...tage-site.html ).

However, for day-to-day use, I feel a bit lazy to carry 10-20mm, may be I am bit spoiled by my tiny FA35. Hence I was wondering, should I buy DA15mm? If I had not owned Sigma 10-20, decision was simple. I am a bit hesitant that this will make my 10-20 redundant.

What do you think? Please advice

Thanks

06-26-2011, 12:00 PM   #2
axl
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Well, it's a tough one. Thing with 10-20 is, that despite it's greatness I had always felt it lacks something. Although it delivered several PPG accepted shots and some of my finest wide angle shots, I sold it in a heart beat after getting FA*24.
So I think yes, go ahead. Sell 10-20 and get 15ltd
06-26-2011, 12:08 PM   #3
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I'd really like a 15 myself - but the 16-45 is quite close in range and decently lightweight. Both are f/4 for that matter, and the 16-45 is well regarded and much easier on the budget. I do not doubt the 15 is superior in IQ, but you take what you can afford.

You can grab a 16-45, see what you think and re-sell for no more than a modest "rental fee". I'm on my 2nd 16-45 and I'm thinking it is close enough to 15 for me. If I had the 10-20 I suspect I would do the trade you are considering - but I have never owned an ultra-wide zoom so I cannot prove it
06-26-2011, 12:14 PM   #4
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I would not sell the 10-20 if the 15 is going to be your widest lens.

06-26-2011, 01:38 PM   #5
jac
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Maybe check your archives and see how often you shoot in that 10-14 range. If these are important part of your work, well ....
If not, it may make the decision easier.
06-26-2011, 02:14 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by jac Quote
Maybe check your archives and see how often you shoot in that 10-14 range. If these are important part of your work, well ....
If not, it may make the decision easier.
doesn't always work.
When I had 10-20 I shot 10-14mm 99% of the time.
Since I sold it, haven't missed it... ok, maybe once, but I can live with that
06-26-2011, 02:15 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
I would not sell the 10-20 if the 15 is going to be your widest lens.
why not?
I have 24mm as my widest lens and I'm perfectly fine with it...

06-26-2011, 02:15 PM   #8
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I also had a 10-20 first. It's a fine lens, but as Axl said, I too felt it was missing something. I tried a 15 and loved it from the first time I mounted it. Sold the 10-20 immediately and have never looked back. Only the 8-16 sometimes tempts me as it is a truly unique lens. Mostly, though, I find 15 to be plenty wide enough for me.
06-26-2011, 02:33 PM   #9
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Peg the sigma at 15mm and go out to shoot for a while with it. This is the only way to know IMHO. If you feel limited... don't part with the zoom. The difference between 10mm and 15mm is huge, and you can't "make up" for it by "zooming with your feet" - especially when perspective distortion is your goal.

IQ differences here are going to be far less important than the difference offered in focal length.

I personally have no problem with 15mm as my widest lens (plenty wide for me), but I don't see the world in "super wide" - a lot of people do and take wonderful photos at 10 or 12mm.

It's impossible to say. I personally love the DA 15 because it's so small - I would never lug the 12-24 around with me, and therefore would miss all sorts of nice wide shots.

The 16-45 suggestion is a good one, but I'm not sure how much smaller that lens will be from the 10-20. DA 15's biggest advantage is its size!
06-26-2011, 02:52 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by axl Quote
why not?
I have 24mm as my widest lens and I'm perfectly fine with it...
That's great. Some people like/use wider angle.
06-26-2011, 03:06 PM   #11
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The major advantages to the DA15 are size and weight, meaning less of both. (I cannot comment on IQ difference.) It is certainly not as versatile as the Sigma. It's no secret that many users are attracted to Pentax by their lineup of very fine, compact prime lenses. If you value that as well, then I see no reason why you should not to switch to the DA15. I recently got one for myself and am still in the learning phase, but it really is a pleasure to use such a finely made little gem.

Rob
06-26-2011, 03:09 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
That's great. Some people like/use wider angle.
I understand but some don't.
So I wouldn't see any problem with 15 as widest lens...
06-26-2011, 03:31 PM   #13
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Of course you need a DA15. It is a unique lens to the Pentax system, its also small, light, fun and sharp.

I have a DA12-24, DA15 and DA21. Of those 3 I use the DA15 80% of the time, it's so easy to take with me and a great focal length for dramatic photos.
06-26-2011, 03:58 PM   #14
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Sold my 10-20 a couple of months ago and got a DA-15. No regrets at all, I don't miss the wide but I do love the size and contrast of the DA-15 compared to the Sigma. Part of my love is that I just shoot better with primes than with zooms.

This is definitely a YMMV decision.
06-26-2011, 04:00 PM   #15
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I don't actually shoot wide very often at all, so YMMV, but I also sold my 10-20 in favor of the 15 last year and have no regrets.
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