Very soft DA15 Limited Lens

shaolin panda · 07-02-2012, 02:14 PM

I purchased the Pentax DA15mm Limited from Amazon before the price hike but I seem to have a bad copy. Is it possible to have a bad copy? At F4, if I take a picture of my computer screen, the 15mm at F4 is fuzzy in the center... My kit lens 18-55mm is much sharper. I've taken multiple pictures and at F8 and higher the 15mm performs slightly better but does not even come close the the kit lens sharpness. Is it possible I have a DUD?

Compared the 15mm to the kit lens(18-55mm ALII), is there a noticeable difference in sharpness even at F4? Currently I'm scratching my head why I purchased this lens when my kit lens is sharper...

Anybody have a similar experience? Should I exchange it or just return and get a refund? Prices are higher now so I'm being a little more careful on what I end up doing.

I currently have a K200D and contemplating if I should rather just get a refund on the DA15 and purchase a K5 and stick with my kit lens and 50-135mm lens setup.

LeDave · 07-02-2012, 02:29 PM

Can you post some samples? Also I would get a refund on the DA15 for K-5 regardless =P kit lens and 50-135 make a good combo for the K-5.

**Deimos** · 07-02-2012, 03:19 PM

You may have a dud or perhaps AF adjust is needed. I have the DA15, yes at f4 it is a bit soft (not bad though) f5.6-f8 it is one of the sharpest lenses out there so something isnt right.

Post some pics

**luftfluss** · 07-02-2012, 03:47 PM

Yes, it's possible to have a bad copy. Even wide open, the DA 15 should be sharper than your kit lens.

I wouldn't get a K-5 at this point, since it's replacement is most likely just a few months away, and the K200D's spiritual successor, the K-30, will be available later this month.

**Pål Jensen** · 07-02-2012, 05:03 PM

Have you focused the lens manually? You should.

**Ron Boggs** · 07-02-2012, 05:39 PM

Could be a lower resolution image on the screen...take a picture of a blurry screen and it will be blurry compared to other pics through other lenses of a sharper screen image. Probably hand held too sitting in front of the computer...not the best way to test...Try shooting in different lighting, on a tripod, using mirror lock up (or two second timer to get mirror lock up).

Marc Sabatella · 07-03-2012, 06:41 PM

Computer screens aren't particular good test subjects. Try taking a picture of a solid object and posting that.

07-02-2012, 02:14 PM	#1
shaolin panda New Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Diamond Bar, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 7	Very soft DA15 Limited Lens I purchased the Pentax DA15mm Limited from Amazon before the price hike but I seem to have a bad copy. Is it possible to have a bad copy? At F4, if I take a picture of my computer screen, the 15mm at F4 is fuzzy in the center... My kit lens 18-55mm is much sharper. I've taken multiple pictures and at F8 and higher the 15mm performs slightly better but does not even come close the the kit lens sharpness. Is it possible I have a DUD? Compared the 15mm to the kit lens(18-55mm ALII), is there a noticeable difference in sharpness even at F4? Currently I'm scratching my head why I purchased this lens when my kit lens is sharper... Anybody have a similar experience? Should I exchange it or just return and get a refund? Prices are higher now so I'm being a little more careful on what I end up doing. I currently have a K200D and contemplating if I should rather just get a refund on the DA15 and purchase a K5 and stick with my kit lens and 50-135mm lens setup.

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07-02-2012, 02:29 PM	#2
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	Can you post some samples? Also I would get a refund on the DA15 for K-5 regardless =P kit lens and 50-135 make a good combo for the K-5.

07-02-2012, 03:19 PM	#3
Deimos Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kingdom of Wonder Posts: 1,777	You may have a dud or perhaps AF adjust is needed. I have the DA15, yes at f4 it is a bit soft (not bad though) f5.6-f8 it is one of the sharpest lenses out there so something isnt right. Post some pics

07-02-2012, 03:47 PM	#4
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Yes, it's possible to have a bad copy. Even wide open, the DA 15 should be sharper than your kit lens. I wouldn't get a K-5 at this point, since it's replacement is most likely just a few months away, and the K200D's spiritual successor, the K-30, will be available later this month.

07-02-2012, 05:03 PM	#5
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Have you focused the lens manually? You should.

07-02-2012, 05:39 PM	#6
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,349	Could be a lower resolution image on the screen...take a picture of a blurry screen and it will be blurry compared to other pics through other lenses of a sharper screen image. Probably hand held too sitting in front of the computer...not the best way to test...Try shooting in different lighting, on a tripod, using mirror lock up (or two second timer to get mirror lock up).

07-03-2012, 06:41 PM	#7
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Computer screens aren't particular good test subjects. Try taking a picture of a solid object and posting that.