Why buy Pentax ltd and not DA*?

Driline · 02-05-2013, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Nope, I dumped the kit lens for the WR kit lens

. I would never take the kit lens as my only lens anywhere though, but I might do that with the Tammy.

You really replaced a kit lens with a kits lens? I have the DA L (plastic mount) el cheapo 18-55mm kit lens. Do you notice a difference in Image Quality between the two or were you just after WR?

abacus07 · 02-05-2013, 06:12 PM

I'm similar to Mac since the WR kit lens is part of my lens kit. It's only there because it's a WR zoom with a useful range for hiking. And it's cheap. I would also like the Tamron 28-75 for event photography but I haven't made it a priority. And I'm in a spending freeze due to upcoming travel plans.

As for the OP - If you like 16-50 then you should keep it. If you like it but find that there are a lot of times that you don't bring your camera because of the size then you have some difficult choices. My favorite thing about Pentax is the DA ltd lineup even if they are a little slow. I like to do landscapes so max aperture doesn't matter.

normhead · 02-05-2013, 06:58 PM

I have the DA 18-135 and DA* 60-250 on the cameras. I have the 15 Ltd. 21 Ltd, 35 2.4 FA 50 1.7 and Tamron 90 Macro in the bag.

Louicio · 02-05-2013, 07:51 PM

Zooms are versatile in terms of focal length. Primes generally have better image quality (esp wide open), are smaller and faster. Thus the choice of prime or zoom comes down to what, where and when you are shooting. I have noticed that DA primes are not that quick, I believe that was a marketing strategy as to not to undercut the FA primes sales. Having said that I can attest to the superior image quality of the 15mm, it takes super crisp photos with fantastic colours. Buy one you won't be disapointed.

romeck · 02-05-2013, 09:12 PM

the roadmap of lenses:

limited vs stars - two ways

Driline · 02-05-2013, 09:47 PM

Originally posted by romeck

the roadmap of lenses:

limited vs stars - two ways

LOL...That's exactly how I feel. Dizzy when it comes to comparing lenses.

Adam · 02-05-2013, 10:10 PM

Originally posted by Phii Mii

If I buy a Pentax DA*16-50mm and DA*50-135mm (or even a DA*60-250mm) I'll cover the same field as the ltd DA21, DA35, DA40mm and DA70 and nearly the DA15mm but I'll also get a lot more tele with the DA* and much more versatile lenses. The only ltd lens that's faster is DA70mm with f2.4 and I will lose the macro with DA*.

The DA* will of course be heavier and they aren't primes but the DA* will cost less and will have WR and silent SDM (which I know can fail). The 50-135mm and 60-250mm both have excellent rating and the 16-50mm have rather good rating too.

DA15 + DA21 + DA35 + DA40 + DA70 = about 2287 USD (average prices)
DA*16-50 + DA*50-135mm = 1635 USD
DA*16-50 and DA*60-250 = 2063 USD

I do agree that it's more fun to use primes and that it would be heavy to carry a 60-250mm around all day but if I want to save some money it would be better to buy DA*.

Any thoughts of why buy Pentax ltd instead?

DA limiteds are meant to be compact, DA*'s are meant to be fast and durable - so you could say that those two lineups are completely different from each other within the DA series.

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:

Sandy Hancock · 02-05-2013, 10:45 PM

Mike SF hit the nail on the head. It depends on the style of shooting you intend to do.

If you spend a lot of time shooting in crappy weather, get the zooms.
If you spend a lot of time shooting action in lowish light, get the zooms.
If you're after ethereal IQ and have the time to switch lenses all the time, get the limiteds.

I "need" both.

Jonathan Mac · 02-06-2013, 02:50 AM

Originally posted by Driline

You really replaced a kit lens with a kits lens? I have the DA L (plastic mount) el cheapo 18-55mm kit lens. Do you notice a difference in Image Quality between the two or were you just after WR?

I just wanted the WR, since my K200D is WR, so I got rid of my mark II kit lens (not the DAL version). The improved build quality (and nicer aesthetics) of the WR version was a bonus but optically they perform to exactly the same standard. The upgrade cost me around 40GBP and was definitely worth it.

sarabico · 02-06-2013, 05:00 AM

i was very happy with my 15mm and 40mm limited, never missed a shot i wanted, but i was doing photos for myself. When the day arrived i needed to shoot a wedding, time to trade 15mm and 40mm for 50-135mm. and use it along side with canon 7d + 17-50 f2.8. You can´t afford to move constantly or miss that very important moment. I miss the primes now. And you can´t walk around with the da* without a grip. So my backpack nowadays is much more loaded than it was before, and i can tell you and don´t have so much fun. I guess it´s a good thing i keep my spotmatic + SMC 55mm f1.8.

Phii Mii · 02-07-2013, 08:42 AM

Most answers confirms what I wanted and that's to keep the DA*16-50. It's true that it's a big lens but it has some advantages as for example the WR and that it's faster. And now as there's possible to change it to screwdrive if SDM fails I don't even have to worry about the SDM

I have tried all the ltd lenses and they are awesome and especially the 15mm ltd. But not possible to buy (if I doesn't win some money) so I'll keep shooting with the DA*. I believe that it's probably not possible to see any bigger difference if one compare the DA* and the ltd:s from aperture f/5.6 and smaller.

mikeSF · 02-07-2013, 09:49 AM

Originally posted by mikeSF

... there are few things more frustrating than chasing around 3 year olds at a birthday party with a fixed focal length.

...and one of them is doing that using manual focus~!

Sandy Hancock · 02-07-2013, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by sarabico

you can´t walk around with the da* (50-135) without a grip.

Oh, come on now. The DA*50-135 is *tiny* compared to a full frame 80-200. It is, for many of us, perfectly manageable without the grip.

sarabico · 02-07-2013, 04:06 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Oh, come on now. The DA*50-135 is *tiny* compared to a full frame 80-200. It is, for many of us, perfectly manageable without the grip.

It´s true, but it´s not comfortable to use. Compared with any prime, the 50-135mm is kind truck.

enoxatnep · 02-07-2013, 05:56 PM

I'm probably one of very few people on these forums who started off with primes then moved to zooms. I got tired of switching lenses all the time, especially when I was in situations that required a variety of focal lengths. I also prefer DA* because of their weather-sealing, which helps in the dusty environments in which I often shoot. So I still have my primes, but they're rarely used unless I'm doing studio work where there isn't a whole lot of action.

02-05-2013, 04:48 PM	#16
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Nope, I dumped the kit lens for the WR kit lens. I would never take the kit lens as my only lens anywhere though, but I might do that with the Tammy. You really replaced a kit lens with a kits lens? I have the DA L (plastic mount) el cheapo 18-55mm kit lens. Do you notice a difference in Image Quality between the two or were you just after WR?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: K-7, K2000, DA300, DA16-50, DA 70 ltd, DA 14, K28 and A24	Duplo	Sold Items	17	03-31-2012 03:33 AM
Why and why not	bannor75	General Talk	2	10-25-2011 08:34 AM
What did you buy first and why?	bakamera	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	19	06-11-2011 04:17 PM
For Sale - Sold: DA-21 ltd,DA-40 ltd,DA-70 ltd, DA12-24, DA 55-300 (metal mount) (Worldwide)	telfish	Sold Items	10	12-13-2010 06:15 AM
For Sale - Sold: DA 40mm ltd and DA 35mm Macro ltd (caution: large images)	farfisa	Sold Items	7	02-06-2009 07:21 AM

02-05-2013, 06:12 PM	#17
abacus07 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Taiwan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,075	I'm similar to Mac since the WR kit lens is part of my lens kit. It's only there because it's a WR zoom with a useful range for hiking. And it's cheap. I would also like the Tamron 28-75 for event photography but I haven't made it a priority. And I'm in a spending freeze due to upcoming travel plans. As for the OP - If you like 16-50 then you should keep it. If you like it but find that there are a lot of times that you don't bring your camera because of the size then you have some difficult choices. My favorite thing about Pentax is the DA ltd lineup even if they are a little slow. I like to do landscapes so max aperture doesn't matter.

02-05-2013, 06:58 PM	#18
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I have the DA 18-135 and DA* 60-250 on the cameras. I have the 15 Ltd. 21 Ltd, 35 2.4 FA 50 1.7 and Tamron 90 Macro in the bag.

02-05-2013, 07:51 PM	#19
Louicio Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Melbourne Posts: 432	Zooms are versatile in terms of focal length. Primes generally have better image quality (esp wide open), are smaller and faster. Thus the choice of prime or zoom comes down to what, where and when you are shooting. I have noticed that DA primes are not that quick, I believe that was a marketing strategy as to not to undercut the FA primes sales. Having said that I can attest to the superior image quality of the 15mm, it takes super crisp photos with fantastic colours. Buy one you won't be disapointed.

02-05-2013, 09:12 PM	#20
romeck Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Piekary Śląskie Photos: Albums Posts: 155	the roadmap of lenses: limited vs stars - two ways

02-05-2013, 09:47 PM	#21
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by romeck the roadmap of lenses: limited vs stars - two ways LOL...That's exactly how I feel. Dizzy when it comes to comparing lenses.

02-05-2013, 10:10 PM	#22
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by Phii Mii If I buy a Pentax DA16-50mm and DA50-135mm (or even a DA60-250mm) I'll cover the same field as the ltd DA21, DA35, DA40mm and DA70 and nearly the DA15mm but I'll also get a lot more tele with the DA and much more versatile lenses. The only ltd lens that's faster is DA70mm with f2.4 and I will lose the macro with DA. The DA will of course be heavier and they aren't primes but the DA* will cost less and will have WR and silent SDM (which I know can fail). The 50-135mm and 60-250mm both have excellent rating and the 16-50mm have rather good rating too. DA15 + DA21 + DA35 + DA40 + DA70 = about 2287 USD (average prices) DA16-50 + DA50-135mm = 1635 USD DA16-50 and DA60-250 = 2063 USD I do agree that it's more fun to use primes and that it would be heavy to carry a 60-250mm around all day but if I want to save some money it would be better to buy DA. Any thoughts of why buy Pentax ltd instead? DA limiteds are meant to be compact, DA's are meant to be fast and durable - so you could say that those two lineups are completely different from each other within the DA series. 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:

02-05-2013, 10:45 PM	#23
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Mike SF hit the nail on the head. It depends on the style of shooting you intend to do. If you spend a lot of time shooting in crappy weather, get the zooms. If you spend a lot of time shooting action in lowish light, get the zooms. If you're after ethereal IQ and have the time to switch lenses all the time, get the limiteds. I "need" both.

02-06-2013, 02:50 AM	#24
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,897	Originally posted by Driline You really replaced a kit lens with a kits lens? I have the DA L (plastic mount) el cheapo 18-55mm kit lens. Do you notice a difference in Image Quality between the two or were you just after WR? I just wanted the WR, since my K200D is WR, so I got rid of my mark II kit lens (not the DAL version). The improved build quality (and nicer aesthetics) of the WR version was a bonus but optically they perform to exactly the same standard. The upgrade cost me around 40GBP and was definitely worth it.

02-06-2013, 05:00 AM	#25
sarabico Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Viana do Castelo Posts: 98	i was very happy with my 15mm and 40mm limited, never missed a shot i wanted, but i was doing photos for myself. When the day arrived i needed to shoot a wedding, time to trade 15mm and 40mm for 50-135mm. and use it along side with canon 7d + 17-50 f2.8. You can´t afford to move constantly or miss that very important moment. I miss the primes now. And you can´t walk around with the da* without a grip. So my backpack nowadays is much more loaded than it was before, and i can tell you and don´t have so much fun. I guess it´s a good thing i keep my spotmatic + SMC 55mm f1.8.

02-07-2013, 08:42 AM	#26
Phii Mii Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 27 Original Poster	Most answers confirms what I wanted and that's to keep the DA16-50. It's true that it's a big lens but it has some advantages as for example the WR and that it's faster. And now as there's possible to change it to screwdrive if SDM fails I don't even have to worry about the SDM I have tried all the ltd lenses and they are awesome and especially the 15mm ltd. But not possible to buy (if I doesn't win some money) so I'll keep shooting with the DA. I believe that it's probably not possible to see any bigger difference if one compare the DA* and the ltd:s from aperture f/5.6 and smaller.

02-07-2013, 09:49 AM	#27
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	Originally posted by mikeSF ... there are few things more frustrating than chasing around 3 year olds at a birthday party with a fixed focal length. ...and one of them is doing that using manual focus~!

02-07-2013, 03:32 PM	#28
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Originally posted by sarabico you can´t walk around with the da* (50-135) without a grip. Oh, come on now. The DA50-135 is tiny* compared to a full frame 80-200. It is, for many of us, perfectly manageable without the grip.

02-07-2013, 04:06 PM	#29
sarabico Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Viana do Castelo Posts: 98	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Oh, come on now. The DA50-135 is tiny* compared to a full frame 80-200. It is, for many of us, perfectly manageable without the grip. It´s true, but it´s not comfortable to use. Compared with any prime, the 50-135mm is kind truck.

02-07-2013, 05:56 PM	#30
enoxatnep Closed Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The edge of nowhere, Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 467	I'm probably one of very few people on these forums who started off with primes then moved to zooms. I got tired of switching lenses all the time, especially when I was in situations that required a variety of focal lengths. I also prefer DA* because of their weather-sealing, which helps in the dusty environments in which I often shoot. So I still have my primes, but they're rarely used unless I'm doing studio work where there isn't a whole lot of action.