FA 43 + what wide angle combo lens?

Driline · 04-08-2013, 07:47 PM

Originally posted by Primes4ever

I have both the 15 and 21 (and the 31, 40, 70) and you will be pleased with either. I would get the 15 first and see if you need something in between (you likely will) buy the others. All of the Limiteds are capable of great images and you merely choose the focal length that you need.

So do you think the 21 is equal to the 15 in IQ?

Driline · 04-08-2013, 07:48 PM

Originally posted by DSims

The DA15 is the only lens I have (or have used) with colors close to the FA43, although the DA10-17 is not far behind. If that's what you're looking for I don't think there are any other choices but those two. The DA10-17 images also look great, but they're not really as sharp as the DA15, which also has low distortion.

Have you used the 21?

MSM · 04-08-2013, 08:00 PM

I have used both. Both are excellent. I think the love of the 15 mm is that it really opens up a different perspective particularly with close focus. The 21 optically is excellent. Sounds like you have already made your mind on the 15 mm. I can tell you if that is the case you won't appreciate the 21 mm. As above get the 15 and if needed get the 21 or similar FL.

Primes4ever · 04-08-2013, 08:13 PM

In answer to your question, They are both excellent. In most outdoor scenes I will use both at F8 which produces great results. The 21 is slightly better in the corners at F5.6 but that is being picky. Either will knock the socks off any zoom I have owned (I have had several) at virtually all apertures that I use. The colours and contrast are typical Pentax.

The 21 tends to get used more since I used a 35 in the film days and is a great all purpose walk around. The 15 is super for tighter situations such as waterfalls or narrow streets. I always have the other Limiteds with me and since acquiring a K-01 is usually mounted on it with the 31 or 18-135 on the K5 depending on the weather or type of scene. It boils down to choice and style.

Franky2step · 04-08-2013, 08:33 PM

You can also buy a used Pentax FA*24 f2.0. The colour rendering and micro contrast are sublime. For me it is the wide equivalent of the 43Ltd. (And yes I have owned and sold the 15 & 21 primes)

DSims · 04-08-2013, 10:59 PM

Originally posted by Driline

Have you used the 21?

Yes, I almost bought one. The color and rendering from the DA21 can be enchanting, but it's also a little odd. I'm not sure how else to describe it. I bought an FA20 instead. I believe I may be even happier about this later this year, when both Pentax releases FF camera(s) and I decide I need and can afford one.

Originally posted by Franky2step

You can also buy a used Pentax FA*24 f2.0. The colour rendering and micro contrast are sublime. For me it is the wide equivalent of the 43Ltd. (And yes I have owned and sold the 15 & 21 primes)

I second the vote for the FA*24 being a good lens. I like the 24mm focal length and the f/2 aperture, along with it being a reasonable size. However, I wouldn't say the color or rendering is similar to the FA43. It can have a surprisingly narrow depth of field for such a wide lens, and this is very noticeable because it has perhaps the most abrupt transition to out of focus I've ever seen. Nevertheless, I think the FA43, FA*24, and DA15 make a good combo. My FA20 (and for that matter, FA28 and FA31) don't get used so much since I bought the FA*24 - and they're all good lenses!

twitch · 04-09-2013, 12:01 AM

Ive made enough comments about my journey with a 21 and 24 in other threads, bottom line i dont own either any more. I like my FA31 paired with my FA77 as a 2 lens kit, to get a wide fov I switch bodies to a gripless MZ-S which is seriously tiny. The 2 bodies with FA's fitted is a very easy fit in my camera bag offering 31, 46, 77, 115 EQ focal lengths.

Back to the topic though, I'd choose a DA15 to pair with a FA43 in the absence of a better fast 20ish offering. However the rendering of those 2 are very different, not sure if that would bother u or not.

Last edited by twitch; 04-09-2013 at 12:07 AM.

Driline · 04-09-2013, 06:12 AM

It looks like the FA 24 commands an insane price on the used market. I'm not seeing one for less than $720.

Franky2step · 04-09-2013, 07:41 AM

Originally posted by Driline

It looks like the FA 24 commands an insane price on the used market. I'm not seeing one for less than $720.

I have seen a couple and they go for around $650. Get one if you can.

NitroDC · 04-09-2013, 07:53 AM

If you're going to be doing some sunset shooting or anything with a bright light source, definitely get the 15. The flare resistance never ceases to amaze me.

However, expect the 15mm to be much wider than the 18mm on your lens. It's often "too wide" for a walkaround lens, but when the moment is right you can really get some amazing shots out of it.

**gofour3** · 04-09-2013, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by Driline

It looks like the FA 24 commands an insane price on the used market. I'm not seeing one for less than $720.

This guy on Vancouver's Craigslist has been trying to sell his FA24/2 for a while at $650.00.

MINT Pentax FA 24mm f/2 24/2 SMC Wide Angle Auto Focus Lens w/ filter

Phil.

AndrewG NY · 04-09-2013, 01:11 PM

My vote is the DA21 first, then DA15. I think DA21 loses some love for being only f/3.2 but I think it's nearly the perfect focal length for moderate wide angle. It's fast enough for some nice bokeh when focused close. I prefer this angle of view to either 28mm-equiv or 35mm-equiv. To me, 18mm (~28mm equiv) is unappealing -- not wide enough to be dramatic, a bit wide for subjects like people where you want to get closer and are more concerned with distortion. The 21 is sort of like the 31 on film.

...and 15mm is pretty much perfect for super-wide. Not _dramatically_ better IQ than (say) the DA12-24 but it's tiny and offers exceptional flare resistance.

I think the 21 is perhaps a more useful general-purpose focal length, the 15 is so much wider that it's not just a mild crop.

I think Pentax did the right thing, focal-length wise with both of these lenses...and making either of them much faster would have made them much larger.

Driline · 04-09-2013, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by AndrewG NY

My vote is the DA21 first, then DA15. I think DA21 loses some love for being only f/3.2 but I think it's nearly the perfect focal length for moderate wide angle. It's fast enough for some nice bokeh when focused close. I prefer this angle of view to either 28mm-equiv or 35mm-equiv. To me, 18mm (~28mm equiv) is unappealing -- not wide enough to be dramatic, a bit wide for subjects like people where you want to get closer and are more concerned with distortion. The 21 is sort of like the 31 on film.

...and 15mm is pretty much perfect for super-wide. Not _dramatically_ better IQ than (say) the DA12-24 but it's tiny and offers exceptional flare resistance.

I think the 21 is perhaps a more useful general-purpose focal length, the 15 is so much wider that it's not just a mild crop.

I think Pentax did the right thing, focal-length wise with both of these lenses...and making either of them much faster would have made them much larger.

Do you think the IQ of the 21 = that of the 15? Just different focal lengths?

twitch · 04-09-2013, 05:35 PM

IMHO the problem for the DA21 is not necessarily IQ, as it's "OK" for a prime, the problem for the DA21 is that you get to spend ~$500 on a prime when cheaper zooms are about as fast and sharp as the DA21 @ 21mm. So what's the point? Just slap on your cheaper 18-135 or 16-45 and you lose almost nothing in speed or IQ, and you get to enjoy the rest of the range and in the case of the 18-135, WR and quiet focusing as well.

Oh but the DA21 is small! Yeah well for $500 you can buy a m4/3's or NEX + lens for less if you want small. In this day and age with mirrorless options the DA21 doesn't make sense, it doesn't magically shrink the camera it is mounted on.

Similair problem for the DA40 to be honest, but not as bad as the DA21. Honestly if a prime isn't very fast( for it's focal length) then the reason for buying them IMHO almost disappears given how good zooms are these days. That's why I've been selling off my slow primes anyway and switched to FA's, at least they are fast and offer something zooms don't.

Driline · 04-09-2013, 05:50 PM

Originally posted by twitch

IMHO the problem for the DA21 is not necessarily IQ, as it's "OK" for a prime, the problem for the DA21 is that you get to spend ~$500 on a prime when cheaper zooms are about as fast and sharp as the DA21 @ 21mm. So what's the point? Just slap on your cheaper 18-135 or 16-45 and you lose almost nothing in speed or IQ, and you get to enjoy the rest of the range and in the case of the 18-135, WR and quiet focusing as well.

Oh but the DA21 is small! Yeah well for $500 you can buy a m4/3's or NEX + lens for less if you want small. In this day and age with mirrorless options the DA21 doesn't make sense, it doesn't magically shrink the camera it is mounted on.

Similair problem for the DA40 to be honest, but not as bad as the DA21. Honestly if a prime isn't very fast( for it's focal length) then the reason for buying them IMHO almost disappears given how good zooms are these days. That's why I've been selling off my slow primes anyway and switched to FA's, at least they are fast and offer something zooms don't.

But you kept the DA15

Why is your FA43 grayed out in your signature?

04-08-2013, 10:59 PM	#21
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Originally posted by Driline Have you used the 21? Yes, I almost bought one. The color and rendering from the DA21 can be enchanting, but it's also a little odd. I'm not sure how else to describe it. I bought an FA20 instead. I believe I may be even happier about this later this year, when both Pentax releases FF camera(s) and I decide I need and can afford one. Originally posted by Franky2step You can also buy a used Pentax FA24 f2.0. The colour rendering and micro contrast are sublime. For me it is the wide equivalent of the 43Ltd. (And yes I have owned and sold the 15 & 21 primes) I second the vote for the FA24 being a good lens. I like the 24mm focal length and the f/2 aperture, along with it being a reasonable size. However, I wouldn't say the color or rendering is similar to the FA43. It can have a surprisingly narrow depth of field for such a wide lens, and this is very noticeable because it has perhaps the most abrupt transition to out of focus I've ever seen. Nevertheless, I think the FA43, FA24, and DA15 make a good combo. My FA20 (and for that matter, FA28 and FA31) don't get used so much since I bought the FA24 - and they're all good lenses! Last edited by DSims; 04-08-2013 at 11:10 PM.

04-09-2013, 05:35 PM	#29
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	IMHO the problem for the DA21 is not necessarily IQ, as it's "OK" for a prime, the problem for the DA21 is that you get to spend ~$500 on a prime when cheaper zooms are about as fast and sharp as the DA21 @ 21mm. So what's the point? Just slap on your cheaper 18-135 or 16-45 and you lose almost nothing in speed or IQ, and you get to enjoy the rest of the range and in the case of the 18-135, WR and quiet focusing as well. Oh but the DA21 is small! Yeah well for $500 you can buy a m4/3's or NEX + lens for less if you want small. In this day and age with mirrorless options the DA21 doesn't make sense, it doesn't magically shrink the camera it is mounted on. Similair problem for the DA40 to be honest, but not as bad as the DA21. Honestly if a prime isn't very fast( for it's focal length) then the reason for buying them IMHO almost disappears given how good zooms are these days. That's why I've been selling off my slow primes anyway and switched to FA's, at least they are fast and offer something zooms don't. Last edited by twitch; 04-09-2013 at 05:45 PM.

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04-08-2013, 07:47 PM	#16
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,705 Original Poster	Originally posted by Primes4ever I have both the 15 and 21 (and the 31, 40, 70) and you will be pleased with either. I would get the 15 first and see if you need something in between (you likely will) buy the others. All of the Limiteds are capable of great images and you merely choose the focal length that you need. So do you think the 21 is equal to the 15 in IQ?

04-08-2013, 07:48 PM	#17
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,705 Original Poster	Originally posted by DSims The DA15 is the only lens I have (or have used) with colors close to the FA43, although the DA10-17 is not far behind. If that's what you're looking for I don't think there are any other choices but those two. The DA10-17 images also look great, but they're not really as sharp as the DA15, which also has low distortion. Have you used the 21?

04-08-2013, 08:00 PM	#18
MSM Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama Photos: Gallery Posts: 994	I have used both. Both are excellent. I think the love of the 15 mm is that it really opens up a different perspective particularly with close focus. The 21 optically is excellent. Sounds like you have already made your mind on the 15 mm. I can tell you if that is the case you won't appreciate the 21 mm. As above get the 15 and if needed get the 21 or similar FL.

04-08-2013, 08:13 PM	#19
Primes4ever Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Posts: 179	In answer to your question, They are both excellent. In most outdoor scenes I will use both at F8 which produces great results. The 21 is slightly better in the corners at F5.6 but that is being picky. Either will knock the socks off any zoom I have owned (I have had several) at virtually all apertures that I use. The colours and contrast are typical Pentax. The 21 tends to get used more since I used a 35 in the film days and is a great all purpose walk around. The 15 is super for tighter situations such as waterfalls or narrow streets. I always have the other Limiteds with me and since acquiring a K-01 is usually mounted on it with the 31 or 18-135 on the K5 depending on the weather or type of scene. It boils down to choice and style.

04-08-2013, 08:33 PM	#20
Franky2step Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 793	You can also buy a used Pentax FA*24 f2.0. The colour rendering and micro contrast are sublime. For me it is the wide equivalent of the 43Ltd. (And yes I have owned and sold the 15 & 21 primes)

04-09-2013, 12:01 AM	#22
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Ive made enough comments about my journey with a 21 and 24 in other threads, bottom line i dont own either any more. I like my FA31 paired with my FA77 as a 2 lens kit, to get a wide fov I switch bodies to a gripless MZ-S which is seriously tiny. The 2 bodies with FA's fitted is a very easy fit in my camera bag offering 31, 46, 77, 115 EQ focal lengths. Back to the topic though, I'd choose a DA15 to pair with a FA43 in the absence of a better fast 20ish offering. However the rendering of those 2 are very different, not sure if that would bother u or not. Last edited by twitch; 04-09-2013 at 12:07 AM.

04-09-2013, 06:12 AM	#23
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,705 Original Poster	It looks like the FA 24 commands an insane price on the used market. I'm not seeing one for less than $720.

04-09-2013, 07:41 AM	#24
Franky2step Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 793	Originally posted by Driline It looks like the FA 24 commands an insane price on the used market. I'm not seeing one for less than $720. I have seen a couple and they go for around $650. Get one if you can.

04-09-2013, 07:53 AM	#25
NitroDC Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 342	If you're going to be doing some sunset shooting or anything with a bright light source, definitely get the 15. The flare resistance never ceases to amaze me. However, expect the 15mm to be much wider than the 18mm on your lens. It's often "too wide" for a walkaround lens, but when the moment is right you can really get some amazing shots out of it.

04-09-2013, 09:30 AM	#26
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,092	Originally posted by Driline It looks like the FA 24 commands an insane price on the used market. I'm not seeing one for less than $720. This guy on Vancouver's Craigslist has been trying to sell his FA24/2 for a while at $650.00. MINT Pentax FA 24mm f/2 24/2 SMC Wide Angle Auto Focus Lens w/ filter Phil.

04-09-2013, 01:11 PM	#27
AndrewG NY Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chappaqua, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 688	My vote is the DA21 first, then DA15. I think DA21 loses some love for being only f/3.2 but I think it's nearly the perfect focal length for moderate wide angle. It's fast enough for some nice bokeh when focused close. I prefer this angle of view to either 28mm-equiv or 35mm-equiv. To me, 18mm (~28mm equiv) is unappealing -- not wide enough to be dramatic, a bit wide for subjects like people where you want to get closer and are more concerned with distortion. The 21 is sort of like the 31 on film. ...and 15mm is pretty much perfect for super-wide. Not _dramatically_ better IQ than (say) the DA12-24 but it's tiny and offers exceptional flare resistance. I think the 21 is perhaps a more useful general-purpose focal length, the 15 is so much wider that it's not just a mild crop. I think Pentax did the right thing, focal-length wise with both of these lenses...and making either of them much faster would have made them much larger.

04-09-2013, 05:25 PM	#28
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,705 Original Poster	Originally posted by AndrewG NY My vote is the DA21 first, then DA15. I think DA21 loses some love for being only f/3.2 but I think it's nearly the perfect focal length for moderate wide angle. It's fast enough for some nice bokeh when focused close. I prefer this angle of view to either 28mm-equiv or 35mm-equiv. To me, 18mm (~28mm equiv) is unappealing -- not wide enough to be dramatic, a bit wide for subjects like people where you want to get closer and are more concerned with distortion. The 21 is sort of like the 31 on film. ...and 15mm is pretty much perfect for super-wide. Not _dramatically_ better IQ than (say) the DA12-24 but it's tiny and offers exceptional flare resistance. I think the 21 is perhaps a more useful general-purpose focal length, the 15 is so much wider that it's not just a mild crop. I think Pentax did the right thing, focal-length wise with both of these lenses...and making either of them much faster would have made them much larger. Do you think the IQ of the 21 = that of the 15? Just different focal lengths?

04-09-2013, 05:50 PM	#30
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,705 Original Poster	Originally posted by twitch IMHO the problem for the DA21 is not necessarily IQ, as it's "OK" for a prime, the problem for the DA21 is that you get to spend ~$500 on a prime when cheaper zooms are about as fast and sharp as the DA21 @ 21mm. So what's the point? Just slap on your cheaper 18-135 or 16-45 and you lose almost nothing in speed or IQ, and you get to enjoy the rest of the range and in the case of the 18-135, WR and quiet focusing as well. Oh but the DA21 is small! Yeah well for $500 you can buy a m4/3's or NEX + lens for less if you want small. In this day and age with mirrorless options the DA21 doesn't make sense, it doesn't magically shrink the camera it is mounted on. Similair problem for the DA40 to be honest, but not as bad as the DA21. Honestly if a prime isn't very fast( for it's focal length) then the reason for buying them IMHO almost disappears given how good zooms are these days. That's why I've been selling off my slow primes anyway and switched to FA's, at least they are fast and offer something zooms don't. But you kept the DA15 Why is your FA43 grayed out in your signature?