Why buy Pentax ltd and not DA*?

Phii Mii · 02-05-2013, 04:18 AM

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?

calsan · 02-05-2013, 06:31 AM

It's just a style issue - zooms are more convenient, but larger and attract attention. No-one's going to mind being photographed with say, the DA70, but for some reason, people tend to balk when you swing a large zoom lens into their faces.
The limiteds more suitable for when you're feeling a bit hair shirt puritan.

topace · 02-05-2013, 06:36 AM

The limiteds are different lenses alltogether. Though the published roadmap spoke of a limited zoom in the future, the limited lenses so far are all small light and fast primes with very good IQ and all-metal build (down to the focusing rings). The star lenses are also excellent IQ-wize, but not as small, sometimes a lot heavier and not all metal. So if you want to carry your camera around all day and shoot handheld, having one or two limiteds is usually not a bad idea. But if you're a manly man (or a sturdy woman. I don't judge) who doesn't care about weight and has rock-steady hands, then yes, the star zooms probably fit you better.

There is the SDM issue, as well, but it seems to be sorting itself out.

ASa · 02-05-2013, 06:43 AM

I'd say it's a matter of style. Both shooting and appearance. The ltd's are pretty, small and provide excpetional image quality. There's something in the combination of build quality and looks that makes your feet tickle a bit every time you grab one. Sure, you'll miss shots, or at least have to look for other angles, if you're carrying a pack of primes. Then again you push yourself to the limits of your creativity by getting that shot with the 40 when in reality you would've needed the 15.

If I were someone who made their living out of photography, I'd take the DA*'s, hands down. I couldn't afford to miss a shot and they would be the tools to get the shots, and really quite some tools they would be! However I'm not one of those people. I enjoy the few limiteds I have, and would consider my set complete once I aqcuire the 70 (we all know that's not true).

abacus07 · 02-05-2013, 07:14 AM

It's obviously going to cost more to buy every limited but most don't have both the DA15 and DA21. Likewise for the DA35 and DA40. I'm pretty content with a lineup of a DA15, DA40 and DFA100WR (for macro and some telephoto) with a few MF primes (24/50/135) mixed in. I also have a zoom (kit lens) if it is wet or if a zoom is needed. If I had more money then I would love to have more lenses but there isn't much other than long telephoto that I can't do.

tabl10s · 02-05-2013, 07:14 AM

I have both types. Since it's strictly a pleasure thing, I'm in no hurry and gladly carry all my gear in one backpack even though I just got a Pentax Ltd( my Sigma 300 4.5 fits alone with no problem)case and I'm thinking of having a mini kit to include a '40 and second '31 which I already have.

mdodrill · 02-05-2013, 07:39 AM

For me, I see better with primes and a like the small size. Primes are the reason I returned to Pentax.

mikeSF · 02-05-2013, 08:51 AM - **1 Like**

it's really not an issue of primes vs zooms, it's about choosing what is right for your images. You can make a strong argument either way.
The zooms you've listed are all good and will get the job done nicely, IMO. Shooting with a bag 'o primes, OTOH, will yield some sexy pictures. I have both a prime rig and a zoom rig and when my subject is not moving in and out of the frame quickly, you can bet i am putting on the primes. That said, there are few things more frustrating than chasing around 3 year olds at a birthday party with a fixed focal length.

Jonathan Mac · 02-05-2013, 09:22 AM

I much prefer primes to zooms, and the DA limiteds are great examples. I only have two (21 & 35) but I plan to expand that with time. The small size, fantastic build quality and great IQ really make them special.

The Tammy 17-50 is invaluable in cases where I need to change focal length quickly (such as weddings, which I attend as a guest but don't shoot professionally) and where lens-changing would be complicated.

Driline · 02-05-2013, 10:33 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

I much prefer primes to zooms, and the DA limiteds are great examples. I only have two (21 & 35) but I plan to expand that with time. The small size, fantastic build quality and great IQ really make them special.

The Tammy 17-50 is invaluable in cases where I need to change focal length quickly (such as weddings, which I attend as a guest but don't shoot professionally) and where lens-changing would be complicated.

Did you dump the kit lens for the Tammy?

Phii Mii · 02-05-2013, 01:55 PM

Thanx for your answers. The reason I asked is that I have a DA*16-50 and I must sell it if I want to buy one or two ltd. If I sell it I can get a DA21 and if I add some money I could also buy a DA40.

SOldBear · 02-05-2013, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by Phii Mii

I have a DA*16-50 and I must sell it if I want to buy one or two ltd.

I would not sell the DA * 16-50mm to buy Ltd lenses.

High heels are nice. But sneakers are more comfortable and can carry you anywhere.

Jonathan Mac · 02-05-2013, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by Driline

Did you dump the kit lens for the Tammy?

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.

Zaphodmonster · 02-05-2013, 03:37 PM

I'll thow my vote in for limited primes. Can't comment on whether you should sell the DA* 16-50, as I don't own it and haven't used it.

But I know I would never sell my DA 21mm, FA 43mm, or FA 77mm for the aforementioned lens

**Rondec** · 02-05-2013, 03:45 PM

I wouldn't sell the 16-50 to buy the DA limiteds. Adding a 15mm and 70mm would complement it well. The biggest improvements with the DA limiteds over the 16-50 are small size and less flare. They also probably have less distortion.

I think the harder decision is with faster lenses like the FA limiteds and the DA * 55.

02-05-2013, 04:18 AM	#1
Phii Mii Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 27	*Why buy Pentax ltd and not DA?** 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?

02-05-2013, 03:09 PM	#13
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,897	Originally posted by Driline Did you dump the kit lens for the Tammy? 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.

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02-05-2013, 06:31 AM	#2
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,548	It's just a style issue - zooms are more convenient, but larger and attract attention. No-one's going to mind being photographed with say, the DA70, but for some reason, people tend to balk when you swing a large zoom lens into their faces. The limiteds more suitable for when you're feeling a bit hair shirt puritan.

02-05-2013, 06:36 AM	#3
topace Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Stockholm Posts: 198	The limiteds are different lenses alltogether. Though the published roadmap spoke of a limited zoom in the future, the limited lenses so far are all small light and fast primes with very good IQ and all-metal build (down to the focusing rings). The star lenses are also excellent IQ-wize, but not as small, sometimes a lot heavier and not all metal. So if you want to carry your camera around all day and shoot handheld, having one or two limiteds is usually not a bad idea. But if you're a manly man (or a sturdy woman. I don't judge) who doesn't care about weight and has rock-steady hands, then yes, the star zooms probably fit you better. There is the SDM issue, as well, but it seems to be sorting itself out.

02-05-2013, 06:43 AM	#4
ASa Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Tampere/Helsinki Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 218	I'd say it's a matter of style. Both shooting and appearance. The ltd's are pretty, small and provide excpetional image quality. There's something in the combination of build quality and looks that makes your feet tickle a bit every time you grab one. Sure, you'll miss shots, or at least have to look for other angles, if you're carrying a pack of primes. Then again you push yourself to the limits of your creativity by getting that shot with the 40 when in reality you would've needed the 15. If I were someone who made their living out of photography, I'd take the DA*'s, hands down. I couldn't afford to miss a shot and they would be the tools to get the shots, and really quite some tools they would be! However I'm not one of those people. I enjoy the few limiteds I have, and would consider my set complete once I aqcuire the 70 (we all know that's not true).

02-05-2013, 07:14 AM	#5
abacus07 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Taiwan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,075	It's obviously going to cost more to buy every limited but most don't have both the DA15 and DA21. Likewise for the DA35 and DA40. I'm pretty content with a lineup of a DA15, DA40 and DFA100WR (for macro and some telephoto) with a few MF primes (24/50/135) mixed in. I also have a zoom (kit lens) if it is wet or if a zoom is needed. If I had more money then I would love to have more lenses but there isn't much other than long telephoto that I can't do.

02-05-2013, 07:14 AM	#6
tabl10s Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sacramento(formerly from B'Ham, England). Posts: 1,424	I have both types. Since it's strictly a pleasure thing, I'm in no hurry and gladly carry all my gear in one backpack even though I just got a Pentax Ltd( my Sigma 300 4.5 fits alone with no problem)case and I'm thinking of having a mini kit to include a '40 and second '31 which I already have.

02-05-2013, 07:39 AM	#7
mdodrill Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 231	For me, I see better with primes and a like the small size. Primes are the reason I returned to Pentax.

02-05-2013, 08:51 AM - 1 Like	#8
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	it's really not an issue of primes vs zooms, it's about choosing what is right for your images. You can make a strong argument either way. The zooms you've listed are all good and will get the job done nicely, IMO. Shooting with a bag 'o primes, OTOH, will yield some sexy pictures. I have both a prime rig and a zoom rig and when my subject is not moving in and out of the frame quickly, you can bet i am putting on the primes. That said, there are few things more frustrating than chasing around 3 year olds at a birthday party with a fixed focal length.

02-05-2013, 09:22 AM	#9
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,897	I much prefer primes to zooms, and the DA limiteds are great examples. I only have two (21 & 35) but I plan to expand that with time. The small size, fantastic build quality and great IQ really make them special. The Tammy 17-50 is invaluable in cases where I need to change focal length quickly (such as weddings, which I attend as a guest but don't shoot professionally) and where lens-changing would be complicated.

02-05-2013, 10:33 AM	#10
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac I much prefer primes to zooms, and the DA limiteds are great examples. I only have two (21 & 35) but I plan to expand that with time. The small size, fantastic build quality and great IQ really make them special. The Tammy 17-50 is invaluable in cases where I need to change focal length quickly (such as weddings, which I attend as a guest but don't shoot professionally) and where lens-changing would be complicated. Did you dump the kit lens for the Tammy?

02-05-2013, 01:55 PM	#11
Phii Mii Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 27 Original Poster	Thanx for your answers. The reason I asked is that I have a DA*16-50 and I must sell it if I want to buy one or two ltd. If I sell it I can get a DA21 and if I add some money I could also buy a DA40.

02-05-2013, 03:08 PM	#12
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by Phii Mii I have a DA16-50 and I must sell it if I want to buy one or two ltd. I would not sell the DA 16-50mm to buy Ltd lenses. High heels are nice. But sneakers are more comfortable and can carry you anywhere.

02-05-2013, 03:37 PM	#14
Zaphodmonster Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 151	I'll thow my vote in for limited primes. Can't comment on whether you should sell the DA* 16-50, as I don't own it and haven't used it. But I know I would never sell my DA 21mm, FA 43mm, or FA 77mm for the aforementioned lens

02-05-2013, 03:45 PM	#15
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	I wouldn't sell the 16-50 to buy the DA limiteds. Adding a 15mm and 70mm would complement it well. The biggest improvements with the DA limiteds over the 16-50 are small size and less flare. They also probably have less distortion. I think the harder decision is with faster lenses like the FA limiteds and the DA * 55.