15 Limited - Could not resist

VladM · 04-23-2012, 04:27 AM

I have been watching the 15 limited on the Aus. ebay.
Could not resist - put in a bid and won!
I can hardly wait to get it delivered and put it to use!

Sage97 · 04-23-2012, 05:19 AM

Congrats! Post some pics soon.

kaiserz · 04-23-2012, 06:52 AM

I was saving up for a 15... I was almost there... And then April came...

Anyway Congratz! how much did you get it for?

VladM · 04-24-2012, 01:58 AM

Got it for Au$588. Not too bad considering that the lowest price I could find for a new one was Au$900.
Will post some photos when I get it.

selar · 04-24-2012, 02:33 AM

Meanwhile, an Australian forum member, Tougefc, is selling his for $530:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-equipment-sale/183540-sale-p...m-limited.html

VladM · 04-24-2012, 02:44 AM

It is a pity he did not list it a day earlier - could have saved myself $50.
Never mind, i still think I got a good deal.

VladM · 05-12-2012, 05:10 PM

Finally got the lens, and managed to do some tests photos yesterday.
I think I will like this lens!

Some of my test shots from yesterday:

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

View Picture EXIF

jimr-pdx · 05-12-2012, 06:59 PM

Very nice. I appreciate your (inadvertant?) inclusion of the coffee mug in the corner of the wood railing, that's helpful when deciding how much distortion to expect. A 15mm will likely be my next lens, whether DA or Sigma.

Adam · 05-12-2012, 07:05 PM

Congrats on your purchase! The penultimate shot looks very cool.

VladM · 05-13-2012, 01:38 AM

Jimr:
The coffee mug inclusion was definitely inadvertant - did not realise it was there until I got home and processed the photos.
So far, I like the lens. Wide open it does soften up in the corners, just as various sites have reported in their tests.
I like the Pentax colours, and the small size, which is the reason I did not consider other brands.
My intention is to use it in the f5.6-11 range where it is most effective.
You mentioned a Sigma alternative - isn't that a fisheye?

jimr-pdx · 05-13-2012, 06:11 PM

Originally posted by VladM

You mentioned a Sigma alternative - isn't that a fisheye?

It is indeed - and oh my I just won a copy

It's curious how two similar lenses can be so different other than both being 15mm, but both are considered excellent lenses. I would have liked the DA but it would not be available at my winning offer. Yes I'll have bendier images, but I'm OK with that (I think!) - and I'm fullframe ready. I don't plan to use any camera larger than the K-5, but others will definitely jump.. and maybe in a year or two those with a DA15 in hand will seek trades!

Originally posted by VladM

The coffee mug inclusion was definitely inadvertant - did not realise it was there until I got home and processed the photos.
So far, I like the lens. Wide open it does soften up in the corners, just as various sites have reported in their tests.
I like the Pentax colours, and the small size, which is the reason I did not consider other brands.
My intention is to use it in the f5.6-11 range where it is most effective.

The DA15 was my #1 choice, but I was more than willing to explore the #1a - and timing is everything in the buy/sell game. I've no doubt that you will like that lens more and more as you get the hang of it. I must put a mug in my test-shot routine so we can enjoy the corner differences between our 15s!

selar · 05-13-2012, 07:12 PM

There is a Sigma 14 that is 2.8, rectilinear and full frame. I have a copy. I also have the DA 15 LTD, but not sure why.

VladM · 05-14-2012, 02:23 AM

Originally posted by jimr-pdx

The DA15 was my #1 choice, but I was more than willing to explore the #1a - and timing is everything in the buy/sell game. I've no doubt that you will like that lens more and more as you get the hang of it. I must put a mug in my test-shot routine so we can enjoy the corner differences between our 15s!

Congrats on getting the Sigma fisheye. I would indeed be interested to see what a coffee mug looks like in the corner compared to DA15.
I do not believe there will be a great deal of difference over such a small are, but let's see.

Originally posted by selar

There is a Sigma 14 that is 2.8, rectilinear and full frame. I have a copy. I also have the DA 15 LTD, but not sure why.

The Sigma 14 - 2.8 and Pentax DA14-2.8 are quite large and heavy. Besides, I do not need F2.8 at this focal length, and the compact size is important to me.
If I need wide in low light situations, I have an FA20-2.8 which is quite good.
Another point is that I have lost faith in Sigma due to some poor quality experiences in the past with some of their lenses, but that may just have been my bad luck.

selar · 05-14-2012, 04:42 AM

Yeah, I have the FA 20/2.8 as well, which is why I wonder why the DA15.

jimr-pdx · 05-14-2012, 05:52 AM

Originally posted by selar

There is a Sigma 14 that is 2.8, rectilinear and full frame. I have a copy. I also have the DA 15 LTD, but not sure why.

I owned Tamron's SP 14mm with my Sony gear; a fine lens with nice results, but at 660g I found enough excuses to leave it home. That was the lens that revealed I'm a weight weenie

and anything over 500g was not worth buying as I'd find reasons to use other, lighter gear. I'm OK under 500 grams, but weight matters to me.. and that's why the 15mm lenses (and Samyang's 8mm) caught my attention. At around 350g the Sigma 15 should be comfortable, but the DA15 beats it by over 100g. Were it not for my wallet I'd have held out longer.

04-23-2012, 06:52 AM	#3
kaiserz Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NoVa The "burg" Photos: Gallery Posts: 899	I was saving up for a 15... I was almost there... And then April came... Anyway Congratz! how much did you get it for? Last edited by kaiserz; 04-23-2012 at 06:58 AM.

05-12-2012, 07:05 PM	#9
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Congrats on your purchase! The penultimate shot looks very cool. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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04-23-2012, 04:27 AM	#1
VladM Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 307	15 Limited - Could not resist I have been watching the 15 limited on the Aus. ebay. Could not resist - put in a bid and won! I can hardly wait to get it delivered and put it to use!

04-23-2012, 05:19 AM	#2
Sage97 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,238	Congrats! Post some pics soon.

04-24-2012, 01:58 AM	#4
VladM Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 307 Original Poster	Got it for Au$588. Not too bad considering that the lowest price I could find for a new one was Au$900. Will post some photos when I get it.

04-24-2012, 02:33 AM	#5
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	Meanwhile, an Australian forum member, Tougefc, is selling his for $530: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-equipment-sale/183540-sale-p...m-limited.html

04-24-2012, 02:44 AM	#6
VladM Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 307 Original Poster	It is a pity he did not list it a day earlier - could have saved myself $50. Never mind, i still think I got a good deal.

05-12-2012, 06:59 PM	#8
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	Very nice. I appreciate your (inadvertant?) inclusion of the coffee mug in the corner of the wood railing, that's helpful when deciding how much distortion to expect. A 15mm will likely be my next lens, whether DA or Sigma.

05-13-2012, 01:38 AM	#10
VladM Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 307 Original Poster	Jimr: The coffee mug inclusion was definitely inadvertant - did not realise it was there until I got home and processed the photos. So far, I like the lens. Wide open it does soften up in the corners, just as various sites have reported in their tests. I like the Pentax colours, and the small size, which is the reason I did not consider other brands. My intention is to use it in the f5.6-11 range where it is most effective. You mentioned a Sigma alternative - isn't that a fisheye?

05-13-2012, 06:11 PM	#11
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	Originally posted by VladM You mentioned a Sigma alternative - isn't that a fisheye? It is indeed - and oh my I just won a copy It's curious how two similar lenses can be so different other than both being 15mm, but both are considered excellent lenses. I would have liked the DA but it would not be available at my winning offer. Yes I'll have bendier images, but I'm OK with that (I think!) - and I'm fullframe ready. I don't plan to use any camera larger than the K-5, but others will definitely jump.. and maybe in a year or two those with a DA15 in hand will seek trades! Originally posted by VladM The coffee mug inclusion was definitely inadvertant - did not realise it was there until I got home and processed the photos. So far, I like the lens. Wide open it does soften up in the corners, just as various sites have reported in their tests. I like the Pentax colours, and the small size, which is the reason I did not consider other brands. My intention is to use it in the f5.6-11 range where it is most effective. The DA15 was my #1 choice, but I was more than willing to explore the #1a - and timing is everything in the buy/sell game. I've no doubt that you will like that lens more and more as you get the hang of it. I must put a mug in my test-shot routine so we can enjoy the corner differences between our 15s!

05-13-2012, 07:12 PM	#12
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	There is a Sigma 14 that is 2.8, rectilinear and full frame. I have a copy. I also have the DA 15 LTD, but not sure why.

05-14-2012, 02:23 AM	#13
VladM Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 307 Original Poster	Originally posted by jimr-pdx The DA15 was my #1 choice, but I was more than willing to explore the #1a - and timing is everything in the buy/sell game. I've no doubt that you will like that lens more and more as you get the hang of it. I must put a mug in my test-shot routine so we can enjoy the corner differences between our 15s! Congrats on getting the Sigma fisheye. I would indeed be interested to see what a coffee mug looks like in the corner compared to DA15. I do not believe there will be a great deal of difference over such a small are, but let's see. Originally posted by selar There is a Sigma 14 that is 2.8, rectilinear and full frame. I have a copy. I also have the DA 15 LTD, but not sure why. The Sigma 14 - 2.8 and Pentax DA14-2.8 are quite large and heavy. Besides, I do not need F2.8 at this focal length, and the compact size is important to me. If I need wide in low light situations, I have an FA20-2.8 which is quite good. Another point is that I have lost faith in Sigma due to some poor quality experiences in the past with some of their lenses, but that may just have been my bad luck.

05-14-2012, 04:42 AM	#14
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	Yeah, I have the FA 20/2.8 as well, which is why I wonder why the DA15.

05-14-2012, 05:52 AM	#15
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	Originally posted by selar There is a Sigma 14 that is 2.8, rectilinear and full frame. I have a copy. I also have the DA 15 LTD, but not sure why. I owned Tamron's SP 14mm with my Sony gear; a fine lens with nice results, but at 660g I found enough excuses to leave it home. That was the lens that revealed I'm a weight weenie and anything over 500g was not worth buying as I'd find reasons to use other, lighter gear. I'm OK under 500 grams, but weight matters to me.. and that's why the 15mm lenses (and Samyang's 8mm) caught my attention. At around 350g the Sigma 15 should be comfortable, but the DA15 beats it by over 100g. Were it not for my wallet I'd have held out longer.