FA 43 + what wide angle combo lens?

Driline · 04-08-2013, 04:27 PM

I don't want to beat this to death, but I want to make sure that the DA15mm lens is the best companion to my FA43 as far as a wide angle best IQ lens goes. I've gotten spoiled using the FA43 and like I said I want a companion wide angle lens (Primes only please) as close to it's equal as possible.

calculator01 · 04-08-2013, 04:43 PM

To me, the 15 to 43 gap is to big. Depending on if you "need" it, the 15-21-43 combo is always a great choice. But if a person only wants something in the 15mm range, then I guess you've got the DA15 Ltd or a 14mm.... which in that case the 15mm Ltd is definitely the way I would go.

I'm personally going to go 21 to 43 and maybe someday get the 15, but probably not. I would prefer to add a DA12-24 (or similar) to compliment my wonderful 18-135 for when I need the wide end hiking.

Driline · 04-08-2013, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by calculator01

To me, the 15 to 43 gap is to big. Depending on if you "need" it, the 15-21-43 combo is always a great choice. But if a person only wants something in the 15mm range, then I guess you've got the DA15 Ltd or a 14mm.... which in that case the 15mm Ltd is definitely the way I would go.

I'm personally going to go 21 to 43 and maybe someday get the 15, but probably not. I would prefer to add a DA12-24 (or similar) to compliment my wonderful 18-135 for when I need the wide end hiking.

I thought about the 21, but most of the reviews I see say its nothing special, while the 15mm is sprinkled with "pixie dust". I don't want a mediocre lens although I'm sure the focal length of the 21 is probably just about right.

calculator01 · 04-08-2013, 05:01 PM

Not to poo-poo on the DA15, but I "think" the reason it "controls the mind" is because it is the best lens in that range. It is a beauty for sure, but if it is the wrong focal length... that kind of trumps it being superb quality. An extreme example being I need 300mm length, but the 50-135 is sharper... wouldn't make sense to buy a sharper lens I don't need. But in your case, a 15mm can be cropped to 21mm.

When you had the 18-135, did you do most your shooting at 18? Or was more of it above 18? Personally, I need a 24-28mm, but Pentax does not make a new 28mm

Edit: Also, with the 21mm, I think it gets a bad rep for trying to do so much in a little package. It has to compete with the awesome zoom lenses around that focal length (24-xx). It is small.... but slow... and distorts... and an odd focal length...It is like loving an ugly child. The 15mm is sexy, has less great lenses to compete against...

hcc · 04-08-2013, 05:31 PM

+1 for the DA15mm. It is really a wonderful lens.

Recently I travelled with 2 primes: DA 15mm and VL58mm. Yes there was a gap between the two, but they were the best for what I needed. I my case, the DA15mm was not only perfect in terms of Q, but also very compact and easy to take with me.

My 5 cents....

Bob from Aus · 04-08-2013, 05:46 PM

It depends what you want out of the 21Ltd. It seems you need to match it with your 43mm for quality of image. I don't have the 43Lt, but I would suspect the two lenses have similar qualities with gorgeous rich colours. While some people think its not that sharp, I have taken some very sharp photos with mine. .

Driline · 04-08-2013, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by calculator01

When you had the 18-135, did you do most your shooting at 18? Or was more of it above 18? Personally, I need a 24-28mm, but Pentax does not make a new 28mm

I will sacrifice focal length for quality any day of the week. Like you said I can always crop the 15. I did use the 18 quite a bit with the 18-135 so that's why I'm not too afraid of the 15.

I'm with you though on that focal length. If Pentax made a 24 or 28 prime that was stellar, I'd be all over it.

chuckn246 · 04-08-2013, 05:58 PM

UPS just dropped off my DA15 today! Make sure you call first and get a price. It was significantly cheaper than the online price!!

Driline · 04-08-2013, 05:59 PM

Originally posted by chuckn246

UPS just dropped off my DA15 today! Make sure you call first and get a price. It was significantly cheaper than the online price!!

How much Chuck?

chuckn246 · 04-08-2013, 06:04 PM

Sent you a PM..

**interested_observer** · 04-08-2013, 06:08 PM

I think that for a prime the 15Ltd meets all of your criteria. I would also do one lens at a time - get the 15, see how it works out. In how you use it will tell you if you feel you need something in the middle.

chuckn246 · 04-08-2013, 06:09 PM

Also, if you do decide get it.. I would recommend getting the lens cap with the clips like the review says (Pentax item #31536). I didn't see that until after I ordered and can tell that the screw on cap is going be a PITA!

Primes4ever · 04-08-2013, 07:17 PM

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.

lytrytyr · 04-08-2013, 07:32 PM

Originally posted by chuckn246

I would recommend getting the lens cap with the clips like the review says (Pentax item #31536). I didn't see that until after I ordered and can tell that the screw on cap is going be a PITA!

Don't worry, the screw cap works fine.
As you turn the circumference with one hand,
hold the other forefinger lightly on the center of the cap
to keep it aligned with the lens.

It gives a more positive protection.
Won't get knocked and scratch the front element
the way a clip-on cap might.

DSims · 04-08-2013, 07:35 PM

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.

04-08-2013, 04:27 PM	#1
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,695	FA 43 + what wide angle combo lens? I don't want to beat this to death, but I want to make sure that the DA15mm lens is the best companion to my FA43 as far as a wide angle best IQ lens goes. I've gotten spoiled using the FA43 and like I said I want a companion wide angle lens (Primes only please) as close to it's equal as possible.

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04-08-2013, 04:43 PM	#2
calculator01 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 817	To me, the 15 to 43 gap is to big. Depending on if you "need" it, the 15-21-43 combo is always a great choice. But if a person only wants something in the 15mm range, then I guess you've got the DA15 Ltd or a 14mm.... which in that case the 15mm Ltd is definitely the way I would go. I'm personally going to go 21 to 43 and maybe someday get the 15, but probably not. I would prefer to add a DA12-24 (or similar) to compliment my wonderful 18-135 for when I need the wide end hiking.

04-08-2013, 04:48 PM	#3
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,695 Original Poster	Originally posted by calculator01 To me, the 15 to 43 gap is to big. Depending on if you "need" it, the 15-21-43 combo is always a great choice. But if a person only wants something in the 15mm range, then I guess you've got the DA15 Ltd or a 14mm.... which in that case the 15mm Ltd is definitely the way I would go. I'm personally going to go 21 to 43 and maybe someday get the 15, but probably not. I would prefer to add a DA12-24 (or similar) to compliment my wonderful 18-135 for when I need the wide end hiking. I thought about the 21, but most of the reviews I see say its nothing special, while the 15mm is sprinkled with "pixie dust". I don't want a mediocre lens although I'm sure the focal length of the 21 is probably just about right.

04-08-2013, 05:01 PM	#4
calculator01 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 817	Not to poo-poo on the DA15, but I "think" the reason it "controls the mind" is because it is the best lens in that range. It is a beauty for sure, but if it is the wrong focal length... that kind of trumps it being superb quality. An extreme example being I need 300mm length, but the 50-135 is sharper... wouldn't make sense to buy a sharper lens I don't need. But in your case, a 15mm can be cropped to 21mm. When you had the 18-135, did you do most your shooting at 18? Or was more of it above 18? Personally, I need a 24-28mm, but Pentax does not make a new 28mm Edit: Also, with the 21mm, I think it gets a bad rep for trying to do so much in a little package. It has to compete with the awesome zoom lenses around that focal length (24-xx). It is small.... but slow... and distorts... and an odd focal length...It is like loving an ugly child. The 15mm is sexy, has less great lenses to compete against...

04-08-2013, 05:31 PM	#5
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,001	+1 for the DA15mm. It is really a wonderful lens. Recently I travelled with 2 primes: DA 15mm and VL58mm. Yes there was a gap between the two, but they were the best for what I needed. I my case, the DA15mm was not only perfect in terms of Q, but also very compact and easy to take with me. My 5 cents....

04-08-2013, 05:46 PM	#6
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	It depends what you want out of the 21Ltd. It seems you need to match it with your 43mm for quality of image. I don't have the 43Lt, but I would suspect the two lenses have similar qualities with gorgeous rich colours. While some people think its not that sharp, I have taken some very sharp photos with mine. .

04-08-2013, 05:53 PM	#7
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,695 Original Poster	Originally posted by calculator01 When you had the 18-135, did you do most your shooting at 18? Or was more of it above 18? Personally, I need a 24-28mm, but Pentax does not make a new 28mm I will sacrifice focal length for quality any day of the week. Like you said I can always crop the 15. I did use the 18 quite a bit with the 18-135 so that's why I'm not too afraid of the 15. I'm with you though on that focal length. If Pentax made a 24 or 28 prime that was stellar, I'd be all over it.

04-08-2013, 05:58 PM	#8
chuckn246 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 37	UPS just dropped off my DA15 today! Make sure you call first and get a price. It was significantly cheaper than the online price!!

04-08-2013, 05:59 PM	#9
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,695 Original Poster	Originally posted by chuckn246 UPS just dropped off my DA15 today! Make sure you call first and get a price. It was significantly cheaper than the online price!! How much Chuck?

04-08-2013, 06:04 PM	#10
chuckn246 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 37	Sent you a PM..

04-08-2013, 06:08 PM	#11
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	I think that for a prime the 15Ltd meets all of your criteria. I would also do one lens at a time - get the 15, see how it works out. In how you use it will tell you if you feel you need something in the middle.

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04-08-2013, 06:09 PM	#12
chuckn246 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 37	Also, if you do decide get it.. I would recommend getting the lens cap with the clips like the review says (Pentax item #31536). I didn't see that until after I ordered and can tell that the screw on cap is going be a PITA!

04-08-2013, 07:17 PM	#13
Primes4ever Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Posts: 179	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.

04-08-2013, 07:32 PM	#14
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by chuckn246 I would recommend getting the lens cap with the clips like the review says (Pentax item #31536). I didn't see that until after I ordered and can tell that the screw on cap is going be a PITA! Don't worry, the screw cap works fine. As you turn the circumference with one hand, hold the other forefinger lightly on the center of the cap to keep it aligned with the lens. It gives a more positive protection. Won't get knocked and scratch the front element the way a clip-on cap might.

04-08-2013, 07:35 PM	#15
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	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.