Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

harmonica2 · 04-05-2013, 02:45 PM

Yes, my K28 3.5 is an affordable classic beauty. However it appears that when it comes to fish-eye lenses, the newer ones are superior.

**Just1MoreDave** · 04-05-2013, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Those photos certainly are great, I'm just reflecting some posts I read on the forum in the past, that under f5.6 the lens is very soft. Btw, the Zenitar allows the use of filters, right? Thats pretty good many other fisheyes don't allow that

Oh, and my earlier post about fisheyes being specialty lenses is because I have a 14mm Samyang and I'm needing quite some time to adjust. When I was researching ultra wide angles, practically no posts said how hard it is to use these lenses.

Fisheye lenses meant for film use often had some kind of rear-mount filter system. The Sigma Filtermatic 16mm f2.8 Fisheye had a removable front section with a central filter. The Zenitar's filter is at the rear. Filter size is usually tiny.

The DA 10-17 is actually pretty easy to use. It's not very big. It has AF, a nice crutch. Framing is much easier with the zoom. With a 100% viewfinder, it's easy to see and exclude feet or fingers.

**arv** · 04-05-2013, 10:38 PM

Check this comparison between Samyang and Pentax FE. IMO - if for general shooting get Pentax; if mainly for those lovely 360 panoramas - Samyang.

A.

kh1234567890 · 04-06-2013, 01:22 AM

Originally posted by arv

IMO - if for general shooting get Pentax; if mainly for those lovely 360 panoramas - Samyang.

My feelings exactly

Save up and get the Samyang. You will not be happy with one of those front adaptors.

mde1970 · 04-09-2013, 02:51 AM - **1 Like**

Couple from me taken with the Samyang (its a great lens IMO). Cant compare against the Pentax Fish as I've never tried it.

tim60 · 04-09-2013, 03:06 AM

Originally posted by kh1234567890

My feelings exactly

Save up and get the Samyang. You will not be happy with one of those front adaptors.

I accidentally got one of the fron adapter things. I still have it. Nobody would bid on it when I offered it on eBay, starting at 99 cents. I got it in a box of bits with a STak 135/3.5 that I wanted. The other things nearly got me my money back, so the deal was good. I cannot even remember the brand of the front thing for sure. It dismantles and is also a +8 close-up filter. Another of those compromise to be cheap things.I never used close-up filters after I got bellows. And only recent got a macro lens.

GibbyTheMole · 04-09-2013, 05:05 AM

My wife has an Ambico V-0310 fisheye that screws onto the filter threads that isn't bad. It's not as good as an actual fisheye lens, of course... but it's better than the other screw-on adapters I've tried. You should be able to find one for $20 on the used market. It would give you something to play with 'til you save up for an actual fisheye.

skankin_giant · 04-16-2013, 01:44 AM

Well I have jumped on the fisheye band wagon, picked up a Pentax 10-17mm off eBay for £275. (about $420) I might have got one cheaper but I was a little impatient.

So I am looking forward to that arriving while I am off with work, will give me something to look forward to when I get home, well apart from my wife and kids.

Cheers Steve

**Kerrowdown** · 04-16-2013, 04:08 AM

Originally posted by skankin_giant

well apart from my wife and kids

It may have been an afterthought, but you got the phrase in, you never know who's going to read this.

Enjoy the new lens when it arrives and remember to post up some of your images with it.

**NaClH2O** · 04-16-2013, 06:07 AM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Those photos certainly are great, I'm just reflecting some posts I read on the forum in the past, that under f5.6 the lens is very soft. Btw, the Zenitar allows the use of filters, right? Thats pretty good many other fisheyes don't allow that

Oh, and my earlier post about fisheyes being specialty lenses is because I have a 14mm Samyang and I'm needing quite some time to adjust. When I was researching ultra wide angles, practically no posts said how hard it is to use these lenses.

You have some misconceptions about the Zenitar 16. First of all it is sharp down to about 3.5 or so, it is most definitely quite sharp by F/4.0. I will say that it's pretty soft wide open at F/2.8. But certainly useable a bit slower than that. Also it cannot use normal screw in filters. I don't know if you can use a conklin system with it, I don't own that system. Since it is manufactured for film cameras, it does have 3 dropin (behing the lens) colored filters, but those are useless in a digital world.

NaCl(love my "Z" )H2O

stevebrot · 04-16-2013, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by NaClH2O

but those are useless in a digital world

...also pretty much useless when shooting color film! (The filters are red, yellow, and green.)

Steve

GibbyTheMole · 04-16-2013, 04:57 PM

Originally posted by skankin_giant

Well I have jumped on the fisheye band wagon, picked up a Pentax 10-17mm off eBay for £275. (about $420) I might have got one cheaper but I was a little impatient.

I think you'll really like it. I love my copy. It's one of my favorites. $420 sounds about the norm for that lens, so I think you did ok.

skankin_giant · 04-17-2013, 12:48 AM

Originally posted by GibbyTheMole

I think you'll really like it. I love my copy. It's one of my favorites. $420 sounds about the norm for that lens, so I think you did ok.

Worse thing is I'm watching two more on eBay, one that has 13hrs left and is at £170 ($260), could have been worse almost bought the one SRS Microsystems have at £350 ($537).

Looking forward to having a play, fingers crossed for some good weather when I get back home.

Cheers Steve

tim60 · 04-17-2013, 02:55 AM

Originally posted by skankin_giant

Worse thing is I'm watching two more on eBay, one that has 13hrs left and is at £170 ($260), could have been worse almost bought the one SRS Microsystems have at £350 ($537).

Looking forward to having a play, fingers crossed for some good weather when I get back home.

Cheers Steve

If it is $260 with 13 hours to go it is quite plausible it will sell for $400-$450, and most of the jump will be the spikes at the end of the auction. I have seen many lenses treble in price in the last minute. Sometimes I have bid 10 minutes before the end at double the price and seen the price go up a bit with my bid, but I am beaten by the spikers.

skankin_giant · 04-18-2013, 07:56 AM

Originally posted by tim60

If it is $260 with 13 hours to go it is quite plausible it will sell for $400-$450, and most of the jump will be the spikes at the end of the auction. I have seen many lenses treble in price in the last minute. Sometimes I have bid 10 minutes before the end at double the price and seen the price go up a bit with my bid, but I am beaten by the spikers.

Seems you were right, made £302 ($460) I'm glad I didn't hesitate!

Cheers Steve

04-05-2013, 02:45 PM	#16
harmonica2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 157	Classic Beauty Yes, my K28 3.5 is an affordable classic beauty. However it appears that when it comes to fish-eye lenses, the newer ones are superior.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Fisheye lens adapters	Acheron	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	7	12-16-2014 02:16 PM
Cheapest Fisheye lens?	userage	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	15	04-05-2012 03:53 PM
older fisheye lens	lensattack13	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	12-28-2011 11:46 PM
Fisheye Attachment Lens	mtmgiants	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	14	11-12-2011 10:04 AM
Fisheye lens	kinsale	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	06-02-2011 09:50 PM

04-05-2013, 03:36 PM	#17
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by Na Horuk Those photos certainly are great, I'm just reflecting some posts I read on the forum in the past, that under f5.6 the lens is very soft. Btw, the Zenitar allows the use of filters, right? Thats pretty good many other fisheyes don't allow that Oh, and my earlier post about fisheyes being specialty lenses is because I have a 14mm Samyang and I'm needing quite some time to adjust. When I was researching ultra wide angles, practically no posts said how hard it is to use these lenses. Fisheye lenses meant for film use often had some kind of rear-mount filter system. The Sigma Filtermatic 16mm f2.8 Fisheye had a removable front section with a central filter. The Zenitar's filter is at the rear. Filter size is usually tiny. The DA 10-17 is actually pretty easy to use. It's not very big. It has AF, a nice crutch. Framing is much easier with the zoom. With a 100% viewfinder, it's easy to see and exclude feet or fingers.

04-05-2013, 10:38 PM	#18
arv Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 415	Check this comparison between Samyang and Pentax FE. IMO - if for general shooting get Pentax; if mainly for those lovely 360 panoramas - Samyang. A.

04-06-2013, 01:22 AM	#19
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by arv IMO - if for general shooting get Pentax; if mainly for those lovely 360 panoramas - Samyang. My feelings exactly Save up and get the Samyang. You will not be happy with one of those front adaptors.

04-09-2013, 02:51 AM - 1 Like	#20
mde1970 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Reading Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 313	Couple from me taken with the Samyang (its a great lens IMO). Cant compare against the Pentax Fish as I've never tried it.

04-09-2013, 03:06 AM	#21
tim60 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 8,758	Originally posted by kh1234567890 My feelings exactly Save up and get the Samyang. You will not be happy with one of those front adaptors. I accidentally got one of the fron adapter things. I still have it. Nobody would bid on it when I offered it on eBay, starting at 99 cents. I got it in a box of bits with a STak 135/3.5 that I wanted. The other things nearly got me my money back, so the deal was good. I cannot even remember the brand of the front thing for sure. It dismantles and is also a +8 close-up filter. Another of those compromise to be cheap things.I never used close-up filters after I got bellows. And only recent got a macro lens.

04-09-2013, 05:05 AM	#22
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275	My wife has an Ambico V-0310 fisheye that screws onto the filter threads that isn't bad. It's not as good as an actual fisheye lens, of course... but it's better than the other screw-on adapters I've tried. You should be able to find one for $20 on the used market. It would give you something to play with 'til you save up for an actual fisheye.

04-16-2013, 01:44 AM	#23
skankin_giant Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Deepest Darkest Cornwall Posts: 513	Well I have jumped on the fisheye band wagon, picked up a Pentax 10-17mm off eBay for £275. (about $420) I might have got one cheaper but I was a little impatient. So I am looking forward to that arriving while I am off with work, will give me something to look forward to when I get home, well apart from my wife and kids. Cheers Steve

04-16-2013, 04:08 AM	#24
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,866	Originally posted by skankin_giant well apart from my wife and kids It may have been an afterthought, but you got the phrase in, you never know who's going to read this. Enjoy the new lens when it arrives and remember to post up some of your images with it.

04-16-2013, 06:07 AM	#25
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	Originally posted by Na Horuk Those photos certainly are great, I'm just reflecting some posts I read on the forum in the past, that under f5.6 the lens is very soft. Btw, the Zenitar allows the use of filters, right? Thats pretty good many other fisheyes don't allow that Oh, and my earlier post about fisheyes being specialty lenses is because I have a 14mm Samyang and I'm needing quite some time to adjust. When I was researching ultra wide angles, practically no posts said how hard it is to use these lenses. You have some misconceptions about the Zenitar 16. First of all it is sharp down to about 3.5 or so, it is most definitely quite sharp by F/4.0. I will say that it's pretty soft wide open at F/2.8. But certainly useable a bit slower than that. Also it cannot use normal screw in filters. I don't know if you can use a conklin system with it, I don't own that system. Since it is manufactured for film cameras, it does have 3 dropin (behing the lens) colored filters, but those are useless in a digital world. NaCl(love my "Z" )H2O

04-16-2013, 04:36 PM	#26
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by NaClH2O but those are useless in a digital world ...also pretty much useless when shooting color film! (The filters are red, yellow, and green.) Steve

04-16-2013, 04:57 PM	#27
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275	Originally posted by skankin_giant Well I have jumped on the fisheye band wagon, picked up a Pentax 10-17mm off eBay for £275. (about $420) I might have got one cheaper but I was a little impatient. I think you'll really like it. I love my copy. It's one of my favorites. $420 sounds about the norm for that lens, so I think you did ok.

04-17-2013, 12:48 AM	#28
skankin_giant Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Deepest Darkest Cornwall Posts: 513	Originally posted by GibbyTheMole I think you'll really like it. I love my copy. It's one of my favorites. $420 sounds about the norm for that lens, so I think you did ok. Worse thing is I'm watching two more on eBay, one that has 13hrs left and is at £170 ($260), could have been worse almost bought the one SRS Microsystems have at £350 ($537). Looking forward to having a play, fingers crossed for some good weather when I get back home. Cheers Steve

04-17-2013, 02:55 AM	#29
tim60 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 8,758	Originally posted by skankin_giant Worse thing is I'm watching two more on eBay, one that has 13hrs left and is at £170 ($260), could have been worse almost bought the one SRS Microsystems have at £350 ($537). Looking forward to having a play, fingers crossed for some good weather when I get back home. Cheers Steve If it is $260 with 13 hours to go it is quite plausible it will sell for $400-$450, and most of the jump will be the spikes at the end of the auction. I have seen many lenses treble in price in the last minute. Sometimes I have bid 10 minutes before the end at double the price and seen the price go up a bit with my bid, but I am beaten by the spikers.

04-18-2013, 07:56 AM	#30
skankin_giant Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Deepest Darkest Cornwall Posts: 513	Originally posted by tim60 If it is $260 with 13 hours to go it is quite plausible it will sell for $400-$450, and most of the jump will be the spikes at the end of the auction. I have seen many lenses treble in price in the last minute. Sometimes I have bid 10 minutes before the end at double the price and seen the price go up a bit with my bid, but I am beaten by the spikers. Seems you were right, made £302 ($460) I'm glad I didn't hesitate! Cheers Steve