LBA strikes again: DA 15mm temptation

Matchete · 12-06-2011, 03:14 AM

Heya,

As a proud and happy K-r owner, I've fallen to LBA.

In just shy of four months, I bought three new lenses:

- DA 16-45 which is a real improvement over the kit lens
- A 50 F1.4, gorgeous bokeh and very fast, even though MF requires quite a bit of practice
- DA-L 55-300, very good IQ even at 300mm, light and versatile

I should tell myself: I've covered the whole range, no need to buy more lenses...

BUT, I hear a little voice inside my head: see, how wide and light I am, how resistant to flare...

In the end it really comes down to IQ for me, would the DA 15, stopped down a bit, produce much sharper and contrasted images than the DA 16-45 at 16 mm ?

Mat

themugen · 12-06-2011, 03:51 AM

I use the 15mm, and it's a lovely little lens, but I doubt it would be hugely sharper the the 16-45 when both stopped down, the 15mm is great, but I think one buys it for it's build quality, it's size/weight, rather than it's optical qualities (if you already have a wide option that is, if you didn't then it's a fantastic buy.)

MT

causey · 12-06-2011, 07:31 AM

According to photozone, the DA 16-45mm has better border sharpness at 16mm than the DA 15mm.

Pentax SMC-DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL - Review / Test Report - Analysis
Pentax SMC-DA 15mm f/4 AL ED Limited - Review / Test Report - Analysis

I think the DA 15 can produce better looking images because it has better microcontrast.

jsherman999 · 12-06-2011, 08:14 AM

Originally posted by Matchete

...

BUT, I hear a little voice inside my head: see, how wide and light I am, how resistant to flare...

In the end it really comes down to IQ for me, would the DA 15, stopped down a bit, produce much sharper and contrasted images than the DA 16-45 at 16 mm ?

.

Mat,

The very first page of this long thread may speak to you.

Or maybe something even less rational

.

Last edited by jsherman999; 12-06-2011 at 08:30 AM.

RioRico · 12-06-2011, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by Matchete

I should tell myself: I've covered the whole range, no need to buy more lenses...

Ah, coverage is just the beginning. I've devised a roadmap of excuses, with levels of desire:

1) Coverage. My 10-24, 18-250, and 170-500 cover a huge range.
2) Speed. I *need* faster lenses at various critical focal lengths.
3) Specialties. Fisheye zooms, macros, 1000mm mirrors, etc.
4) Character. Those European 2-ring presets just render better.
5) Frenzy. Looking for incredible deals on weird glass, just because...

Yeah, one can get a 10-20/3.5, and a 17-70/2.8, and a 70-200/2.8, and most needs are covered. But yeah, faster glass is needed at times, so get the 30-50-85mm f/1.4 monsters. Then an 8mm fisheye, then a 100mm macro, then something long and fast for action. Ooh, and now it's time to start collecting Limiteds. It never ends...

JHD · 12-06-2011, 09:13 AM

Somebody once did some comparison shots between the DA15 and 16-45. After seeing that I promptly sold my DA15. However, I also had (and still have) a Sigma 10-20 which is also much wider and longer and flexible. IMO @15mm the IQ of the Sigma is every bit as good as the DA15. For me, the first consideration when choosing a lens is focal length. You pretty much have 15mm covered with the 16-45. For a DA15 you'll pay almost double the price of what a 16-45 sells (or sold for if it's still available) and gain nothing - except long spiky rays if you like shooting the sun of all things!

reeftool · 12-06-2011, 09:21 AM

If you think you really don't need the DA15, then DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES go into jsherman's mind control thread. The lens will be on your camera within a month. I took delivery of a K5 a week ago and the DA 15 has been on for 90% of all my shots.

JHD · 12-06-2011, 09:38 AM

Read all of this...

How good is the DA 16 - 45 @16 mm vs......: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

...and draw your own conclusions.

mr.b.snowden · 12-06-2011, 09:45 AM

I feel your pain, Matchete. I recently acquired and then sold the 16-45 since I felt it wasn't wide enough for me. I have both the Tamron 10-24 and the DA15LTD on my wish list, due to their width and their IQ. I really did enjoy experiencing the 16mm side of things, but I know I could find a wider zoom or wider prime that wouldn't have too much overlap with my Sigma 20-40 f/2.8. Depending on what you plan to shoot, would the DA10-17 be a good match for you? I've thought about getting it too and I know RioRico has said before that the 10-17 was why we got into Pentax.

imtheguy · 12-06-2011, 09:54 AM

I own both da16-45 and da15 for one big reason and one little one. The big reason is the da15 is so small you can always pocket it and have it for that unexpected wide shot where as the da16-45 is big enough that it does not make the trip unless I plan to use it. Therefore i often get keepers only because I have the da15 with me and would not have taken a larger lens. Number 2, the distortion at 16mm on the 16-45 usually requires correction if there are trees or buildings near the edge. I am quite happy shooting jpg with the da15 with no edits required.

Borrow or rent the da15 for a weekend. You will own one shortly thereafter.

Adam · 12-06-2011, 09:56 AM

All I'm going to say is that the 15mm makes a great xmas gift

mikeSF · 12-06-2011, 09:57 AM

Both are great lenses. "Image Quality" also includes flaring and distortion, of which the 16-45 will give you more. Since owning the DA15, i've found myself shooting more into a bright light source without worrying about all those distracting flares. YMMV. I owned both at the same time and whenever i was shooting at the wide end of the zoom I found myself swapping to the DA15 for the better IQ. I finally sold the zoom but i can see that for shooting parties and moving kids, having a zoom is a good thing.

mikeSF · 12-06-2011, 10:01 AM

Originally posted by jsherman999

.

Mat,

The very first page of this long thread may speak to you.

Or maybe something even less rational

.

i wish you hadn't put these links here, I may end up buying a SECOND DA15!!

jsherman999 · 12-06-2011, 10:16 AM

.

Birds! (and fish bait) with the 15!

Castles!

Space Ships!

It does it all!

.

Matchete · 12-06-2011, 10:29 AM

Wow thanks for all the answers !

Looks like I am being pulled ever closer to the dark side...

Actually I'm quite happy with my 16-45, as distortion is very minimal even at 16mm, and sharpness great from F8 (Btw the comparison on the Photozone forum is unfair as my own copy of the 16-45 is much sharper in the center than what appears on the picture).

However is Santa was to bring me a certain Limited lens...

I think that in the end it will really come down to cost and size, as the 16-45 is BIG.

IQ wise the DA 15 doesn't look like a real improvement to me.

12-06-2011, 03:14 AM	#1
Matchete Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 134	LBA strikes again: DA 15mm temptation Heya, As a proud and happy K-r owner, I've fallen to LBA. In just shy of four months, I bought three new lenses: - DA 16-45 which is a real improvement over the kit lens - A 50 F1.4, gorgeous bokeh and very fast, even though MF requires quite a bit of practice - DA-L 55-300, very good IQ even at 300mm, light and versatile I should tell myself: I've covered the whole range, no need to buy more lenses... BUT, I hear a little voice inside my head: see, how wide and light I am, how resistant to flare... In the end it really comes down to IQ for me, would the DA 15, stopped down a bit, produce much sharper and contrasted images than the DA 16-45 at 16 mm ? Mat

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12-06-2011, 03:51 AM	#2
themugen Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 27	I use the 15mm, and it's a lovely little lens, but I doubt it would be hugely sharper the the 16-45 when both stopped down, the 15mm is great, but I think one buys it for it's build quality, it's size/weight, rather than it's optical qualities (if you already have a wide option that is, if you didn't then it's a fantastic buy.) MT

12-06-2011, 07:31 AM	#3
causey Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arlington, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,757	According to photozone, the DA 16-45mm has better border sharpness at 16mm than the DA 15mm. Pentax SMC-DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL - Review / Test Report - Analysis Pentax SMC-DA 15mm f/4 AL ED Limited - Review / Test Report - Analysis I think the DA 15 can produce better looking images because it has better microcontrast.

12-06-2011, 08:14 AM	#4
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by Matchete ... BUT, I hear a little voice inside my head: see, how wide and light I am, how resistant to flare... In the end it really comes down to IQ for me, would the DA 15, stopped down a bit, produce much sharper and contrasted images than the DA 16-45 at 16 mm ? . Mat, The very first page of this long thread may speak to you. Or maybe something even less rational . Last edited by jsherman999; 12-06-2011 at 08:30 AM.

12-06-2011, 09:06 AM	#5
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by Matchete I should tell myself: I've covered the whole range, no need to buy more lenses... Ah, coverage is just the beginning. I've devised a roadmap of excuses, with levels of desire: 1) Coverage. My 10-24, 18-250, and 170-500 cover a huge range. 2) Speed. I need faster lenses at various critical focal lengths. 3) Specialties. Fisheye zooms, macros, 1000mm mirrors, etc. 4) Character. Those European 2-ring presets just render better. 5) Frenzy. Looking for incredible deals on weird glass, just because... Yeah, one can get a 10-20/3.5, and a 17-70/2.8, and a 70-200/2.8, and most needs are covered. But yeah, faster glass is needed at times, so get the 30-50-85mm f/1.4 monsters. Then an 8mm fisheye, then a 100mm macro, then something long and fast for action. Ooh, and now it's time to start collecting Limiteds. It never ends...

12-06-2011, 09:13 AM	#6
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Somebody once did some comparison shots between the DA15 and 16-45. After seeing that I promptly sold my DA15. However, I also had (and still have) a Sigma 10-20 which is also much wider and longer and flexible. IMO @15mm the IQ of the Sigma is every bit as good as the DA15. For me, the first consideration when choosing a lens is focal length. You pretty much have 15mm covered with the 16-45. For a DA15 you'll pay almost double the price of what a 16-45 sells (or sold for if it's still available) and gain nothing - except long spiky rays if you like shooting the sun of all things!

12-06-2011, 09:21 AM	#7
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,553	If you think you really don't need the DA15, then DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES go into jsherman's mind control thread. The lens will be on your camera within a month. I took delivery of a K5 a week ago and the DA 15 has been on for 90% of all my shots.

12-06-2011, 09:38 AM	#8
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Read all of this... How good is the DA 16 - 45 @16 mm vs......: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review ...and draw your own conclusions.

12-06-2011, 09:45 AM	#9
mr.b.snowden Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 683	I feel your pain, Matchete. I recently acquired and then sold the 16-45 since I felt it wasn't wide enough for me. I have both the Tamron 10-24 and the DA15LTD on my wish list, due to their width and their IQ. I really did enjoy experiencing the 16mm side of things, but I know I could find a wider zoom or wider prime that wouldn't have too much overlap with my Sigma 20-40 f/2.8. Depending on what you plan to shoot, would the DA10-17 be a good match for you? I've thought about getting it too and I know RioRico has said before that the 10-17 was why we got into Pentax.

12-06-2011, 09:54 AM	#10
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	I own both da16-45 and da15 for one big reason and one little one. The big reason is the da15 is so small you can always pocket it and have it for that unexpected wide shot where as the da16-45 is big enough that it does not make the trip unless I plan to use it. Therefore i often get keepers only because I have the da15 with me and would not have taken a larger lens. Number 2, the distortion at 16mm on the 16-45 usually requires correction if there are trees or buildings near the edge. I am quite happy shooting jpg with the da15 with no edits required. Borrow or rent the da15 for a weekend. You will own one shortly thereafter.

12-06-2011, 09:56 AM	#11
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	All I'm going to say is that the 15mm makes a great xmas gift

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12-06-2011, 09:57 AM	#12
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	Both are great lenses. "Image Quality" also includes flaring and distortion, of which the 16-45 will give you more. Since owning the DA15, i've found myself shooting more into a bright light source without worrying about all those distracting flares. YMMV. I owned both at the same time and whenever i was shooting at the wide end of the zoom I found myself swapping to the DA15 for the better IQ. I finally sold the zoom but i can see that for shooting parties and moving kids, having a zoom is a good thing.

12-06-2011, 10:01 AM	#13
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	Originally posted by jsherman999 . Mat, The very first page of this long thread may speak to you. Or maybe something even less rational . i wish you hadn't put these links here, I may end up buying a SECOND DA15!!

12-06-2011, 10:16 AM	#14
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	. Birds! (and fish bait) with the 15! Castles! Space Ships! It does it all! .

12-06-2011, 10:29 AM	#15
Matchete Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 134 Original Poster	Wow thanks for all the answers ! Looks like I am being pulled ever closer to the dark side... Actually I'm quite happy with my 16-45, as distortion is very minimal even at 16mm, and sharpness great from F8 (Btw the comparison on the Photozone forum is unfair as my own copy of the 16-45 is much sharper in the center than what appears on the picture). However is Santa was to bring me a certain Limited lens... I think that in the end it will really come down to cost and size, as the 16-45 is BIG. IQ wise the DA 15 doesn't look like a real improvement to me.