good wide angle for dslr <200$

natus · 06-29-2013, 04:46 AM

Hello
I own A28/2.8 and right now I am looking for sth wider - with at least same quality of image (contrast, colours). I could be AF or MF, but position A on aperture ring is a must.
Is it possible to get some prime that fulfill my requirements for <250$ (or 175euro)?
Or am I 'stuck' with zooms - pentax 16-45 or tamron 17-50?

thanks in advance for hints

JinDesu · 06-29-2013, 05:00 AM

Try looking for a Sigma 24 F2.8 AF.

Sigma 24mm F2.8 AF Super Wide II Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

oxidized · 06-29-2013, 05:17 AM

I would look for Rokinon 14mm 2.8 on eBay. Usually they go on auctions for around $200-250.

Matchete · 06-29-2013, 05:54 AM

Originally posted by oxidized

I would look for Rokinon 14mm 2.8 on eBay. Usually they go on auctions for around $200-250.

I second Oxidized, I got the Vivitar branded version of this lens for 200$ on the bay.

It is by far the sharpest wide angle prime lens available in K-mount.

Na Horuk · 06-29-2013, 06:24 AM

Hm I would warn against the 14mm. Its pretty hard to focus and its very wide, even on APC-C. Its sharp and good quality, true, but its unforgiving. A 24mm lens would be much more useable (though, not as wide, of course). (Im saying this out of personal experience, though maybe Im just taking much too long to get the hang of 14mm)
But yes, for under 200, you will need to go the used route. The problem is that very old glass isn't very wide angle, or its not as great quality. With wide angles you really should consider buying used new designs, like the DA 21mm.

Matchete · 06-29-2013, 06:29 AM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Hm I would warn against the 14mm. Its pretty hard to focus and its very wide, even on APC-C. Its sharp and good quality, true, but its unforgiving. A 24mm lens would be much more useable (though, not as wide, of course). (Im saying this out of personal experience, though maybe Im just taking much too long to get the hang of 14mm)

It's quite wide I agree, but focusing is really easy once you figure out hyperfocal settings for this lens at your most used apertures.

With this table it's very easy : Online Depth of Field Calculator

**interested_observer** · 06-29-2013, 06:33 AM

Originally posted by oxidized

I would look for Rokinon 14mm 2.8 on eBay. Usually they go on auctions for around $200-250.

They also go under the name Samyang, Pro Optic and Bower.
________________________

The older A lenses are from film cameras (full frame) and thus were 50% wider than they are on a ASP-C cropped body. You will find 28's, and as you go successively wider you will find fewer due to their price and demand - higher price, lower demand (back in the 1980's). The widest was 15mm. The 28's were very good in terms of overall image quality. The wider angle you go the more complex the optical design and the quality of the glass - which increases the price. Also, distortion rises as the width increases.

Most of the older wide A lenses are going for more than $250, and the better quality lenses commanding an even higher price.

Here is a list of the Pentax A wide primes, followed by a list of the Third Party wide primes (note most are Manual lenses, since very few were A lenses) - bold indicates in your price range. You are also going to have to walk through these listings comparing the various image quality attributes, that you are looking to compromise on.

Pentax

Third Party

natus · 06-29-2013, 06:55 AM

Wow, thanks guys for so many quick answers!
I know I have to go with used lenses - I am ok with that.

At the begining i thought, that I would just buy A-version of 20/2.8 (like I did with A28/2.8) - but then I saw its price...

Sigma 24/2.8 is not significantly wider than 28/2.8, so I will rather skip it - but I watch one FA*24/2, cause price so far is interesting

Those 14mm lenses are huge (+their front element) - I chose pentax for its compact sizes.
I saw tokina 17/3.5 and its great comments, but it is not A version. I can buy it for 700PLN (~160 Euro) locally. I will try to negotiate price, cause for me those 160 Euros are too much for it.

Most of the lenses form interested_observer's post that are bold are new for me, and probably hardly offered (even on ebay).

And how about those 2 zoom lenses I mentioned in my first post (16-45 and 17-50 tamron) ? Are they far away from primes? I thought also about F/FA pentax zooms - but 20-35 is very expensive and 24-50 is not that impressive range.

DA 21/3.2 is quite nice in terms of quality and size. But price should be lower...

**interested_observer** · 06-29-2013, 07:10 AM

Originally posted by natus

Those 14mm lenses are huge (+their front element) - I chose pentax for its compact sizes.
......

And how about those 2 zoom lenses I mentioned in my first post (16-45 and 17-50 tamron) ? Are they far away from primes? I thought also about F/FA pentax zooms - but 20-35 is very expensive and 24-50 is not that impressive range.

DA 21/3.2 is quite nice in terms of quality and size. But price should be lower...

The front element on the 14mm is large due to their aperture speed (f2.8) in order to gather sufficient light.

The zooms are well liked. I have the 16-45 and it is very nice, very near prime quality. The 16-45 has been discontinued, and used I have seen some prices at $200. Its a slightly larger lens, but it does very well. It was my favorite lens until I was able to crack the checkbook for the 12-24.

jamarley · 06-29-2013, 09:57 AM

After watching for a couple of months I recently bought a DA 16-45 for a total of $200. I'm totally happy. I've been using it for only a few weeks; it's quickly becoming one of my favorite lenses. I find it fast to focus and the IQ, colors and contrast are typically Pentax good. It may not quite be prime quality but it's awfully close. Although it's significantly larger & heavier than your A 28, it's still easy to handle and a pleasure to use. I've always been a bit hesitant to use the Quick Focus feature some Pentax lenses have, but I tired it on a couple of shots with the 16-45 this morning and was very happy with the results.

Good luck in your search.

Jeff

Schmidlapper · 06-29-2013, 10:41 AM

Originally posted by natus

I saw tokina 17/3.5 and its great comments, but it is not A version. I can buy it for 700PLN (~160 Euro) locally.

I have a Tokina 17/3.5 RMS and I find mine takes a very nice photo. Sometimes I will shoot the same scene with both it and the DA15 and will just as often prefer the Tokina version. I don't ever miss the A setting at all.

stevebrot · 06-29-2013, 11:26 AM

Originally posted by Matchete

focusing is really easy once you figure out hyperfocal settings

Setting for the hyperfocal is not the same as "in focus". What it means is that everything from the near focus point to infinity is "adequately" sharp and "adequate" is loosely defined. I have read many complaints about soft wide angle images on this site that were simply due to missed focus.

To the OP's original request, I would suggest the 18-55 kit lens. At its widest setting the kit is equivalent to 28mm (by intent) on 35mm film. It is hands-down the best wide angle option for readily available glass under $200. Other lenses like the Tokina noted above are also a good option, but may be difficult to find. The DA 16-45 (as noted above) is also good if you can find one for the right price.

I personally use the Russian MC Zenitar 16/2.8 Fisheye as my favorite ultrawide. Unfortunately its price is usually above $200 these days.

Steve

reeftool · 06-29-2013, 12:09 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

To the OP's original request, I would suggest the 18-55 kit lens. At its widest setting the kit is equivalent to 28mm (by intent) on 35mm film. It is hands-down the best wide angle option for readily available glass under $200. Other lenses like the Tokina noted above are also a good option, but may be difficult to find. The DA 16-45 (as noted above) is also good if you can find one for the right price.

I feel much the same. Maybe my kit lens is just a real good copy but for everyday shooting, I can't complain at all. The 24mm range I use a lot and the kit does a very good job, especially if it's stopped down a bit. You're not likely to find anything better (new) for under $200.

06-29-2013, 04:46 AM	#1
natus New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 4	good wide angle for dslr <200$ Hello I own A28/2.8 and right now I am looking for sth wider - with at least same quality of image (contrast, colours). I could be AF or MF, but position A on aperture ring is a must. Is it possible to get some prime that fulfill my requirements for <250$ (or 175euro)? Or am I 'stuck' with zooms - pentax 16-45 or tamron 17-50? thanks in advance for hints

06-29-2013, 06:33 AM	#7
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Originally posted by oxidized I would look for Rokinon 14mm 2.8 on eBay. Usually they go on auctions for around $200-250. They also go under the name Samyang, Pro Optic and Bower. ________________________ The older A lenses are from film cameras (full frame) and thus were 50% wider than they are on a ASP-C cropped body. You will find 28's, and as you go successively wider you will find fewer due to their price and demand - higher price, lower demand (back in the 1980's). The widest was 15mm. The 28's were very good in terms of overall image quality. The wider angle you go the more complex the optical design and the quality of the glass - which increases the price. Also, distortion rises as the width increases. Most of the older wide A lenses are going for more than $250, and the better quality lenses commanding an even higher price. Here is a list of the Pentax A wide primes, followed by a list of the Third Party wide primes (note most are Manual lenses, since very few were A lenses) - bold indicates in your price range. You are also going to have to walk through these listings comparing the various image quality attributes, that you are looking to compromise on. Pentax SMC Pentax-A 24mm F2.8 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-A 20mm F2.8 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-A 15mm F3.5 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-FA* 24mm F2 AL [IF] Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-FA 20mm F2.8 Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-DA 14mm F2.8 ED [IF] Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Third Party Sigma 24mm F1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF RF Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Sigma 14mm F2.8 EX Aspherical Rectilinear Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Sigma 14mm F3.5 Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Sigma 24mm F2.8 AF Super Wide II Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Sigma 24mm F2.8 Super Wide II Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Sigma 24mm F2.8 XQ Filtermatic Multi-Coated Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Tamron Adaptamatic 21mm F4.5 (PFJ-45Au) Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Tamron SP AF 14mm F2.8 Aspherical [IF] (69E) Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Tamron Adaptall 24mm f/2.5 (CW-24) Lens Reviews - Tamron Adaptall Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Samyang 24mm F1.4 Lens Reviews - Samyang Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Samyang 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC Lens Reviews - Samyang Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Tokina SL-17 17mm f/3.5 Lens Reviews - Tokina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Tokina RMC II 24mm F2.8 Lens Reviews - Tokina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar 17mm F3.5 MC Wide-Angle Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar 19mm f/3.8 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Kiron 24mm F2 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar 24mm f2.8 Auto-aperture MC close-focusing Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Ricoh XR Rikenon 18mm F2.8 Lens Reviews - Ricoh Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Accura 12mm F8 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Spiratone 18mm F3.5 YS Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database ENSINOR 24mm f 2.8 Macro Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database HANIMEX Automatic 24mm F2,8 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Kiron 24mm f2.0 MC Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database SUPER PARAGON PMC II Macro 24mm F2.8 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Spiratone 24mm F2.8 YS Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Miranda 24mm F2.8 MC Macro Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database SUN YS-24 24mm f2.8 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

06-29-2013, 07:10 AM	#9
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Originally posted by natus Those 14mm lenses are huge (+their front element) - I chose pentax for its compact sizes. ...... And how about those 2 zoom lenses I mentioned in my first post (16-45 and 17-50 tamron) ? Are they far away from primes? I thought also about F/FA pentax zooms - but 20-35 is very expensive and 24-50 is not that impressive range. DA 21/3.2 is quite nice in terms of quality and size. But price should be lower... The front element on the 14mm is large due to their aperture speed (f2.8) in order to gather sufficient light. The zooms are well liked. I have the 16-45 and it is very nice, very near prime quality. The 16-45 has been discontinued, and used I have seen some prices at $200. Its a slightly larger lens, but it does very well. It was my favorite lens until I was able to crack the checkbook for the 12-24. SMC Pentax-DA 16-45mm F4 Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Tamron AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR LD Aspherical IF SP Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

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06-29-2013, 05:00 AM	#2
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Try looking for a Sigma 24 F2.8 AF. Sigma 24mm F2.8 AF Super Wide II Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

06-29-2013, 05:17 AM	#3
oxidized Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: USA - Delaware Photos: Albums Posts: 435	I would look for Rokinon 14mm 2.8 on eBay. Usually they go on auctions for around $200-250.

06-29-2013, 05:54 AM	#4
Matchete Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 134	Originally posted by oxidized I would look for Rokinon 14mm 2.8 on eBay. Usually they go on auctions for around $200-250. I second Oxidized, I got the Vivitar branded version of this lens for 200$ on the bay. It is by far the sharpest wide angle prime lens available in K-mount.

06-29-2013, 06:24 AM	#5
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Hm I would warn against the 14mm. Its pretty hard to focus and its very wide, even on APC-C. Its sharp and good quality, true, but its unforgiving. A 24mm lens would be much more useable (though, not as wide, of course). (Im saying this out of personal experience, though maybe Im just taking much too long to get the hang of 14mm) But yes, for under 200, you will need to go the used route. The problem is that very old glass isn't very wide angle, or its not as great quality. With wide angles you really should consider buying used new designs, like the DA 21mm.

06-29-2013, 06:29 AM	#6
Matchete Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 134	Originally posted by Na Horuk Hm I would warn against the 14mm. Its pretty hard to focus and its very wide, even on APC-C. Its sharp and good quality, true, but its unforgiving. A 24mm lens would be much more useable (though, not as wide, of course). (Im saying this out of personal experience, though maybe Im just taking much too long to get the hang of 14mm) It's quite wide I agree, but focusing is really easy once you figure out hyperfocal settings for this lens at your most used apertures. With this table it's very easy : Online Depth of Field Calculator

06-29-2013, 06:55 AM	#8
natus New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Wow, thanks guys for so many quick answers! I know I have to go with used lenses - I am ok with that. At the begining i thought, that I would just buy A-version of 20/2.8 (like I did with A28/2.8) - but then I saw its price... Sigma 24/2.8 is not significantly wider than 28/2.8, so I will rather skip it - but I watch one FA24/2, cause price so far is interesting Those 14mm lenses are huge (+their front element) - I chose pentax for its compact sizes. I saw tokina 17/3.5 and its great comments, but it is not A version. I can buy it for 700PLN (~160 Euro) locally. I will try to negotiate price, cause for me those 160 Euros are too much for it. Most of the lenses form interested_observer*'s post that are bold are new for me, and probably hardly offered (even on ebay). And how about those 2 zoom lenses I mentioned in my first post (16-45 and 17-50 tamron) ? Are they far away from primes? I thought also about F/FA pentax zooms - but 20-35 is very expensive and 24-50 is not that impressive range. DA 21/3.2 is quite nice in terms of quality and size. But price should be lower...

06-29-2013, 09:57 AM	#10
jamarley Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: New Jersey Photos: Gallery Posts: 409	After watching for a couple of months I recently bought a DA 16-45 for a total of $200. I'm totally happy. I've been using it for only a few weeks; it's quickly becoming one of my favorite lenses. I find it fast to focus and the IQ, colors and contrast are typically Pentax good. It may not quite be prime quality but it's awfully close. Although it's significantly larger & heavier than your A 28, it's still easy to handle and a pleasure to use. I've always been a bit hesitant to use the Quick Focus feature some Pentax lenses have, but I tired it on a couple of shots with the 16-45 this morning and was very happy with the results. Good luck in your search. Jeff

06-29-2013, 10:41 AM	#11
Schmidlapper Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Photos: Gallery Posts: 534	Originally posted by natus I saw tokina 17/3.5 and its great comments, but it is not A version. I can buy it for 700PLN (~160 Euro) locally. I have a Tokina 17/3.5 RMS and I find mine takes a very nice photo. Sometimes I will shoot the same scene with both it and the DA15 and will just as often prefer the Tokina version. I don't ever miss the A setting at all.

06-29-2013, 11:26 AM	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Matchete focusing is really easy once you figure out hyperfocal settings Setting for the hyperfocal is not the same as "in focus". What it means is that everything from the near focus point to infinity is "adequately" sharp and "adequate" is loosely defined. I have read many complaints about soft wide angle images on this site that were simply due to missed focus. To the OP's original request, I would suggest the 18-55 kit lens. At its widest setting the kit is equivalent to 28mm (by intent) on 35mm film. It is hands-down the best wide angle option for readily available glass under $200. Other lenses like the Tokina noted above are also a good option, but may be difficult to find. The DA 16-45 (as noted above) is also good if you can find one for the right price. I personally use the Russian MC Zenitar 16/2.8 Fisheye as my favorite ultrawide. Unfortunately its price is usually above $200 these days. Steve

06-29-2013, 12:09 PM	#13
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,553	Originally posted by stevebrot To the OP's original request, I would suggest the 18-55 kit lens. At its widest setting the kit is equivalent to 28mm (by intent) on 35mm film. It is hands-down the best wide angle option for readily available glass under $200. Other lenses like the Tokina noted above are also a good option, but may be difficult to find. The DA 16-45 (as noted above) is also good if you can find one for the right price. I feel much the same. Maybe my kit lens is just a real good copy but for everyday shooting, I can't complain at all. The 24mm range I use a lot and the kit does a very good job, especially if it's stopped down a bit. You're not likely to find anything better (new) for under $200.

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