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04-12-2013, 11:39 PM   #1
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Which lens to buy?

Hi, my first post, from Sweden!

I use a pentax k5IIs with my DA* 50-135mm, but now I need a new lens for landscape and indoor pictures.
My prio one is picture quality always. I rather have less image in the picture with better quality then more image with bad quality. After discussion on some forums in Sweden I now need Your help. I have these to choose from. Price is not a problem. So slimply, I need the best lens for landscape and indoor juse, combination.

1. 15mm
2. 12-24mm
3. 31mm
4. DA*16-50

These are what I have read to be the best ones, but which is the best? Maybe a difficult question but I need some opinions on which one to buy?

Thanks

04-13-2013, 06:42 AM   #2
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I haven't used the others on your list, but I can certainly vouch for the DA 15 Limited, which I find great for landscapes and a lot of indoor shots. I doubt I'll ever sell mine.
04-13-2013, 06:57 AM   #3
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Well firstly, welcome to the forum.

Enjoy that new K-5 IIs, I would have suggested the 15mm, but have a look at this thread and see if helps in your choice.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/lens-clubs/86234-15mm-limited-controls-my-mind-club.html
04-13-2013, 07:23 AM   #4
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Of the lenses you reference, the FA31 Ltd is without peer for image quality, low light ability, bokeh. YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THE SIGMA 17-50 HSM NON OS F2.8 THOUGH, AND SEE THE LENS REVIEW SHOOTOUT

04-13-2013, 07:59 AM   #5
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I love my 12-24, but I would not choose it since you are looking for indoor. The 16-50 would be better for both indoor and landscape. I think a lot of people are going to say the 15, but the 16-50 gives you more flexibility. And as for the 31, well, it is an amazing lens. obviously not as wide, but it has a quality that makes it amazing. If price really is no object, I would consider getting the 16-50 and whichever prime will make you most happy.
04-13-2013, 12:50 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Phototomo Quote
Hi, my first post, from Sweden!

I use a pentax k5IIs with my DA* 50-135mm, but now I need a new lens for landscape and indoor pictures.
My prio one is picture quality always. I rather have less image in the picture with better quality then more image with bad quality. After discussion on some forums in Sweden I now need Your help. I have these to choose from. Price is not a problem. So slimply, I need the best lens for landscape and indoor juse, combination.

1. 15mm
2. 12-24mm
3. 31mm
4. DA*16-50

These are what I have read to be the best ones, but which is the best? Maybe a difficult question but I need some opinions on which one to buy?

Thanks
I have all 4 of those and use them all and love them all. Indoors perhaps go for the 31 and the 16-50 as they are faster.
The primes make the best photos, imho.
If you want the widest, go for the 12-24 or consider the sigma 8-16.
A one lens choice - most likely the 31. For wide/panaoramic landscape shots, stitch several together.

But don't be surprised if you end up eventually with more than one wide lens!
04-13-2013, 01:48 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by kerrowdown Quote
Well firstly, welcome to the forum.

Enjoy that new K-5 IIs, I would have suggested the 15mm, but have a look at this thread and see if helps in your choice.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/lens-clubs/86234-15mm-limited-controls-my-mind-club.html
+1

I’ll go 15 mm

It is small, sharp wide open, extremely sharp from F8 to F11.

Produce beautiful star-burst

You can shoot the sun (good flare resistant)

04-15-2013, 02:11 AM   #8
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For both zooms, you might want to consider non-Pentax alternatives

wide-angle zoom:
DA 12-24mm vs Sigma and Tamron 10-24mm Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com
Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 vs F4.0-5.6 - Introduction - PentaxForums.com
standard zoom:
DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

Primes:
I don't own the DA15Ltd so can't judge its qualities. But in my opinion it's far too wide for indoor use (unless you always do group shots) to be an universal lens that can cover both indoor and landscape. FA31Ltd is in my opinion a better choice for your intended use.
04-21-2013, 09:54 AM   #9
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thanks

Thanks for all great answers... still thinking between the 15mm or 31mm. For sure it will be one of them.
04-22-2013, 01:02 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Phototomo Quote
Thanks for all great answers... still thinking between the 15mm or 31mm.
Split the difference and get the DA21
04-22-2013, 11:39 PM   #11
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If you're just getting one for now, and price is no object, I'd get the 31. It will be much better indoors (speed), and a more versatile focal length. All told, the IQ probably bests the 15 (though the 15 is still amazing, I have and love both). It won't be wide enough for a lot of landscape shots, though as others mentioned, you can stitch. Remember though that large DOF needed in many landscape shots will be considerably harder to achieve with the 31 than the 15, so even though stitching will give you an effective larger FOV, you may end up needing to focus-stack if you want to achieve optimal DOF. That may be a minor point depending on your shooting style, but something to think about.

Oh, and I'd definitely get the 15 as well in the future.

Enjoy,
Brandon
05-01-2013, 04:25 AM   #12
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So, I decided to buy the 31mm. Hope it will be great.
Thanks
05-01-2013, 05:26 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Phototomo Quote
So, I decided to buy the 31mm. Hope it will be great.
Thanks
You will love it, it's great.
Don't forget to show us what you can do with it..
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