21mm Ltd least exciting Ltd?

Nuff · 03-17-2013, 11:48 PM - **1 Like**

They might not be the best photos, but some of my favourites were taken with 21mm...

cali92rs · 03-18-2013, 05:29 PM

Originally posted by Nuff

They might not be the best photos, but some of my favourites were taken with 21mm...

#3 is spectacular

RBellavance · 03-18-2013, 06:21 PM

Here's another thumb up for the DA21: it is my 2nd most-used lens (FA35 is still 1st by a small margin), it is small, light, great color rendition, and sharp even wide open. And to be honest, I have yet to find one real-life shot where the barrel distortion is really apparent (ok, I don't shoot architecture with it).

I have to say that upgrading to a K-5 II from a K-7 has made this lens even more useful: the better high-ISO means that I can now often use in indoor-no-flash situations (eg. f/3.2 or even f/4 is usable where f/2 was required on the K-7).

Also, I sometimes find myself using it in a rangefinder-esque way: I try to frame within the AF markers (e.g. using them as "framelines") and crop in post to match. Great way to follow moving subjects and still see what is going on around them a bit through the viewfinder.

Now, all that being said, for weddings I think you would be better off with a f/2.8 "standard zoom" like the Tamron or Sigma 17-50.

CB Knipp · 03-18-2013, 06:47 PM

I have used the 21mm and really enjoyed it. But, having said that, I would recommend getting the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 like others have said. It is better in low light and I can confidently say that it is one of the most underrated and best value lenses available. It takes wonderful images and performs far better than other zooms anywhere near it in price. I bought mine new here in Japan for about the equivalent of $260 USD. While it may not be as fun or challenging to shoot with as a prime, it will get the job done and save you a considerable amount of money.

tclausen · 03-18-2013, 07:06 PM - **1 Like**

Hmm, I am really torn here.

I got the 21mm Ltd. almost at the same time as it came out, and used it a fair bit. Then, it kinda got forgotten, I'd pick up one of the other Ltd's, or the 16-50/2.8. The past year or so, I didn't use it at all....

....then I got a K-01, which made me reorganize my grab-bag, and somehow ended up slinging that lens on the body on a whim....I guess it's a little like falling in love with your ex-wives: you already know each others quirks and habits, but one or the other of you has picked up a few new "tricks" during the break that makes it all new and exciting again......?

I think that the 21mm Ltd has the most sexy lens-hood of any of the Ltd's, though, and in the past couple of months I've gotten quite happy with it. It's no 31mm Ltd, of course, but it is a very neat lens that I've come to realize I'd not be without.

Nuff · 03-18-2013, 07:16 PM

Originally posted by cali92rs

#3 is spectacular

Thanks! Got to love tropical islands with their unpredictable weather

CB Knipp · 03-18-2013, 07:20 PM

Originally posted by tclausen

I guess it's a little like falling in love with your ex-wives: you already know each others quirks and habits, but one or the other of you has picked up a few new "tricks" during the break that makes it all new and exciting again......?

Whaaat!? How many times can one get into that situation!? But yes, I have also fell back in love with some old primes I had forgotten. Kind of a good feeling (with lenses that is...can't say about wives).

DSims · 03-18-2013, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by CB Knipp

Whaaat!? How many times can one get into that situation!? But yes, I have also fell back in love with some old primes I had forgotten. Kind of a good feeling (with lenses that is...can't say about wives).

I think Tim Allen can answer that for you: The Six Wives of Henry Lefay Reviews & Ratings - IMDb - one not to be missed!

CB Knipp · 03-18-2013, 08:23 PM

Originally posted by DSims

I think Tim Allen can answer that for you: The Six Wives of Henry Lefay Reviews & Ratings - IMDb - one not to be missed!

Thanks!

goldenarrow · 03-18-2013, 08:59 PM

IMHO, be as professional as you can afford. That means two zooms of excellent speed & quality to cover the whole range and two bodies and reliable flash with bounce. Then one prime that can do close-up photos for those specialty shots. Can your two existing primes take a high quality close-up filter? They are plenty sharp enough to handle it and the two zooms would cover those fast changing situations. Can't get those moments back when they are gone, especially at a wedding or a reception. Good luck!

DaveHolmes · 03-19-2013, 02:30 AM

Originally posted by mikemike

I am selling my DA 21 right now, but the main reason why is a bit of spousal spending subterfuge. My wife has been nagging me because she doesn't like prime lenses because they can't zoom and I only have primes. So I have already bought a 16-45 to please her but haven't told her that I have it yet, I am going to sell my DA 21 and want to buy a FA 77 then say that I got the zoom lens that she wants and a prime lens that I want as part of a trade which should go over more smoothly than if I just bought 1 lens. I intend to eventually reacquire the 21 mm because it is a great lens, but it is just in the right price point that if my wife did have any idea exactly how much specific lenses were worth that I could get away without ire over spending hundreds of dollars.

Sounds like you need to get her a body to go with that DA16-45...

mikeSF · 03-19-2013, 03:31 PM

here's a pano with the DA21 from last Sunday morning. Boring conditions at the bridge, but I got to use my 21.

Apapukas · 03-20-2013, 02:53 AM

To sum up...
Looks like the 21 Ltd is a really capable lens, but.. it has a specific use. Due to its small size and optical characteristics, it shines in landscapes/panoramas

But it isn't the best choice if you are looking for speed, low light performance or portraits.

atiratha · 03-20-2013, 03:11 AM - **1 Like**

Just my 2 cents. I own DA 21 and DA 70. Never really wanted a DA 40, to me this is really THE least exciting limited due to immense array of options in the field of 35-55 mm lenses. Although I love portraiture, DA 70 does not really satisfy me in this field and I find myself reaching for Pancolar 80/1.8, K50/1.2 or even F50/1.4 more often (mostly due to CA in bokeh which I find the weakest aspect of DA 70 overall).

I still own a Tamron 17-50 and must concur it is an excellent lens...with a really slow AF and the thing is just huge.

DA 21 is small, sharp and come on F/3.2 vs F/2.8 of the Tamron? Really? That is what? third of a stop difference?
The distortion is negligible in real life and easily correctable in PP, sharpness is excellent, as is contrast. What I value most about this lens is its consistency of results under most of conditions and versatility of use. When I traveled to India, I usually brought 3-4 lenses and for the ordinary street shots, the DA 21 was my main "lens cap" (I even had DA 14 with me but rarely used it)

Some of my DA 21 photos

Regarding the last three pictures - this is DA 21+ K-5 low light performance. You can check more at my dA profile

RBellavance · 03-20-2013, 05:29 AM

Originally posted by Apapukas

To sum up...
Looks like the 21 Ltd is a really capable lens, but.. it has a specific use. Due to its small size and optical characteristics, it shines in landscapes/panoramas

But it isn't the best choice if you are looking for speed, low light performance or portraits.

Don't forget street shooting/environmental portraits. It's focal lenght and small size make it almost perfect for these uses.

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03-17-2013, 11:48 PM - 1 Like	#31
Nuff Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Sydney Posts: 671	They might not be the best photos, but some of my favourites were taken with 21mm...

03-18-2013, 05:29 PM	#32
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Originally posted by Nuff They might not be the best photos, but some of my favourites were taken with 21mm... #3 is spectacular

03-18-2013, 06:21 PM	#33
RBellavance Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Near Montréal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,716	Here's another thumb up for the DA21: it is my 2nd most-used lens (FA35 is still 1st by a small margin), it is small, light, great color rendition, and sharp even wide open. And to be honest, I have yet to find one real-life shot where the barrel distortion is really apparent (ok, I don't shoot architecture with it). I have to say that upgrading to a K-5 II from a K-7 has made this lens even more useful: the better high-ISO means that I can now often use in indoor-no-flash situations (eg. f/3.2 or even f/4 is usable where f/2 was required on the K-7). Also, I sometimes find myself using it in a rangefinder-esque way: I try to frame within the AF markers (e.g. using them as "framelines") and crop in post to match. Great way to follow moving subjects and still see what is going on around them a bit through the viewfinder. Now, all that being said, for weddings I think you would be better off with a f/2.8 "standard zoom" like the Tamron or Sigma 17-50.

03-18-2013, 06:47 PM	#34
CB Knipp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Sendai, Japan Posts: 169	I have used the 21mm and really enjoyed it. But, having said that, I would recommend getting the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 like others have said. It is better in low light and I can confidently say that it is one of the most underrated and best value lenses available. It takes wonderful images and performs far better than other zooms anywhere near it in price. I bought mine new here in Japan for about the equivalent of $260 USD. While it may not be as fun or challenging to shoot with as a prime, it will get the job done and save you a considerable amount of money.

03-18-2013, 07:06 PM - 1 Like	#35
tclausen Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 1,397	Hmm, I am really torn here. I got the 21mm Ltd. almost at the same time as it came out, and used it a fair bit. Then, it kinda got forgotten, I'd pick up one of the other Ltd's, or the 16-50/2.8. The past year or so, I didn't use it at all.... ....then I got a K-01, which made me reorganize my grab-bag, and somehow ended up slinging that lens on the body on a whim....I guess it's a little like falling in love with your ex-wives: you already know each others quirks and habits, but one or the other of you has picked up a few new "tricks" during the break that makes it all new and exciting again......? I think that the 21mm Ltd has the most sexy lens-hood of any of the Ltd's, though, and in the past couple of months I've gotten quite happy with it. It's no 31mm Ltd, of course, but it is a very neat lens that I've come to realize I'd not be without.

03-18-2013, 07:16 PM	#36
Nuff Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Sydney Posts: 671	Originally posted by cali92rs #3 is spectacular Thanks! Got to love tropical islands with their unpredictable weather

03-18-2013, 07:20 PM	#37
CB Knipp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Sendai, Japan Posts: 169	Originally posted by tclausen I guess it's a little like falling in love with your ex-wives: you already know each others quirks and habits, but one or the other of you has picked up a few new "tricks" during the break that makes it all new and exciting again......? Whaaat!? How many times can one get into that situation!? But yes, I have also fell back in love with some old primes I had forgotten. Kind of a good feeling (with lenses that is...can't say about wives).

03-18-2013, 08:09 PM	#38
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Originally posted by CB Knipp Whaaat!? How many times can one get into that situation!? But yes, I have also fell back in love with some old primes I had forgotten. Kind of a good feeling (with lenses that is...can't say about wives). I think Tim Allen can answer that for you: The Six Wives of Henry Lefay Reviews & Ratings - IMDb - one not to be missed!

03-18-2013, 08:23 PM	#39
CB Knipp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Sendai, Japan Posts: 169	Originally posted by DSims I think Tim Allen can answer that for you: The Six Wives of Henry Lefay Reviews & Ratings - IMDb - one not to be missed! Thanks!

03-18-2013, 08:59 PM	#40
goldenarrow Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chicago Suburbs. Photos: Gallery Posts: 501	IMHO, be as professional as you can afford. That means two zooms of excellent speed & quality to cover the whole range and two bodies and reliable flash with bounce. Then one prime that can do close-up photos for those specialty shots. Can your two existing primes take a high quality close-up filter? They are plenty sharp enough to handle it and the two zooms would cover those fast changing situations. Can't get those moments back when they are gone, especially at a wedding or a reception. Good luck!

03-19-2013, 02:30 AM	#41
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Originally posted by mikemike I am selling my DA 21 right now, but the main reason why is a bit of spousal spending subterfuge. My wife has been nagging me because she doesn't like prime lenses because they can't zoom and I only have primes. So I have already bought a 16-45 to please her but haven't told her that I have it yet, I am going to sell my DA 21 and want to buy a FA 77 then say that I got the zoom lens that she wants and a prime lens that I want as part of a trade which should go over more smoothly than if I just bought 1 lens. I intend to eventually reacquire the 21 mm because it is a great lens, but it is just in the right price point that if my wife did have any idea exactly how much specific lenses were worth that I could get away without ire over spending hundreds of dollars. Sounds like you need to get her a body to go with that DA16-45...

03-19-2013, 03:31 PM	#42
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	here's a pano with the DA21 from last Sunday morning. Boring conditions at the bridge, but I got to use my 21.

03-20-2013, 02:53 AM	#43
Apapukas Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lietuva, Vilnius Posts: 627 Original Poster	To sum up... Looks like the 21 Ltd is a really capable lens, but.. it has a specific use. Due to its small size and optical characteristics, it shines in landscapes/panoramas But it isn't the best choice if you are looking for speed, low light performance or portraits.

03-20-2013, 03:11 AM - 1 Like	#44
atiratha Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 121	Just my 2 cents. I own DA 21 and DA 70. Never really wanted a DA 40, to me this is really THE least exciting limited due to immense array of options in the field of 35-55 mm lenses. Although I love portraiture, DA 70 does not really satisfy me in this field and I find myself reaching for Pancolar 80/1.8, K50/1.2 or even F50/1.4 more often (mostly due to CA in bokeh which I find the weakest aspect of DA 70 overall). I still own a Tamron 17-50 and must concur it is an excellent lens...with a really slow AF and the thing is just huge. DA 21 is small, sharp and come on F/3.2 vs F/2.8 of the Tamron? Really? That is what? third of a stop difference? The distortion is negligible in real life and easily correctable in PP, sharpness is excellent, as is contrast. What I value most about this lens is its consistency of results under most of conditions and versatility of use. When I traveled to India, I usually brought 3-4 lenses and for the ordinary street shots, the DA 21 was my main "lens cap" (I even had DA 14 with me but rarely used it) Some of my DA 21 photos Regarding the last three pictures - this is DA 21+ K-5 low light performance. You can check more at my dA profile

03-20-2013, 05:29 AM	#45
RBellavance Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Near Montréal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,716	Originally posted by Apapukas To sum up... Looks like the 21 Ltd is a really capable lens, but.. it has a specific use. Due to its small size and optical characteristics, it shines in landscapes/panoramas But it isn't the best choice if you are looking for speed, low light performance or portraits. Don't forget street shooting/environmental portraits. It's focal lenght and small size make it almost perfect for these uses.