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houtahassan · 08-21-2013, 11:41 PM

sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 ex
Tamron 10-24mm
Pentax 16-50mm F/2.8 ED AL (If) SDM

Adam · 08-21-2013, 11:56 PM

There's a huge difference between 10mm and 16mm, though the Pentax is probably going to be the sharpest at 16mm stopped down.

edgedemon · 08-21-2013, 11:57 PM

Don't forget to add the Pentax DA 12-24 into that list as it is a very sharp lens even wide open
Check out the lens databases to see what their scores are for sharpness, will give you an idea

houtahassan · 08-22-2013, 02:04 AM

thx guys ...
i will consider Pentax DA 12-24

hcc · 08-22-2013, 02:48 AM

I do not follow about the OP: "what is the sharpest wide angle lens". Are you after a zoom lens, or are you also primes.

The DA15mm Ltd is a sharp UWA prime and it is (very) highly rated among Pentaxians. While other prefer the DA14mm, I believe that you could not go wrong with the DA15mm: outstanding IQ, compact size, great reputation.

If you want an 'outsider', you could consider the DA10-17mm which combine WA (wide angle) at 17mm and FE (fisheye) and 10 mm.

A few toughts...

Na Horuk · 08-22-2013, 02:56 AM

Yes, think about the following also:
Pentax DA 16-45mm
Pentax DA 10-17mm (fisheye at 10mm)
Pentax DA 12-24mm (very beloved, sharp and has a convenient zoom range)
Pentax DA 14mm (wide, f2.8)
Pentax DA 15mm ltd (also very beloved, some claim its one of the best Pentax lenses)
Samyang 14mm f2.8 (no AF, but very sharp and not expensive. Also branded as ProOptic, Vivitar, Falcon, Rokinon,.. just make sure it is "for Pentax"),
Samyang 16mm f2.0 (should be in-stores any day now)

Sigma also makes 8-16mm, that a lot of people love. You can check out the Sigma lens reviews or the Tamron.

But of the list you posted, the Sigma is probably your best widest choice, even though the Pentax will probably be "sharper" - keep in mind that ultra wide angle lenses are not generally super sharp and take quite some time to get used to

There are also a lot of threads about wide angle lens choices, so feel free to look at those. Or use the Sample photo gallery to check out some photos taken with those lenses are Pentax cameras.

**Kerrowdown** · 08-22-2013, 03:07 AM

If sharpness is your criteria have a look at WA primes too.

PBandJ · 08-22-2013, 03:07 AM

Samyang is supposed to be releasing a 10mm, but who knows when... I'm still waiting for that

"Samyang 10mm lens due Q1-2014
Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS UMC CS has been delayed, and is envisaged to be released in Q1-2014"

houtahassan · 08-22-2013, 03:08 AM

Na Horuk .. thx V.much
hcc .. yeh iam looking after a zoom lens ... thx

Louicio · 08-22-2013, 03:43 AM

Primes usually have much better sharpness. However UWA zooms are very handy as the difference in perspective between 10mm and 20mm (as with the sigma, that I have) is really dramatic and you should probably choose a UWA lens based on the range it covers moreso than sharpness. A prime, especially in the normal range, will be much sharper than any UWA.

lytrytyr · 08-22-2013, 08:31 AM

Don't forget that flare resistance is also an important part
of the image quality in a wide angle lens.
That's one of the reasons for the popularity of the DA 15.

mikeSF · 08-22-2013, 12:06 PM

the sharpest zoom may be a prime.

lytrytyr · 08-22-2013, 12:38 PM

Originally posted by mikeSF

the sharpest zoom may be a prime.

Would that be a x 1 zoom?
Obviously fixed aperture.
And parfocal to boot.

08-21-2013, 11:41 PM	#1
houtahassan New Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 20	what is the sharpest wide angle lens? sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 ex Tamron 10-24mm Pentax 16-50mm F/2.8 ED AL (If) SDM

08-21-2013, 11:56 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	There's a huge difference between 10mm and 16mm, though the Pentax is probably going to be the sharpest at 16mm stopped down. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

08-22-2013, 03:07 AM	#8
PBandJ Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Washington DC metro area Photos: Gallery Posts: 480	Samyang is supposed to be releasing a 10mm, but who knows when... I'm still waiting for that "Samyang 10mm lens due Q1-2014 Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS UMC CS has been delayed, and is envisaged to be released in Q1-2014" Last edited by PBandJ; 08-22-2013 at 03:13 AM.

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08-21-2013, 11:57 PM	#3
edgedemon Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: London Photos: Albums Posts: 309	Don't forget to add the Pentax DA 12-24 into that list as it is a very sharp lens even wide open Check out the lens databases to see what their scores are for sharpness, will give you an idea

08-22-2013, 02:04 AM	#4
houtahassan New Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 20 Original Poster	thx guys ... i will consider Pentax DA 12-24

08-22-2013, 02:48 AM	#5
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,005	I do not follow about the OP: "what is the sharpest wide angle lens". Are you after a zoom lens, or are you also primes. The DA15mm Ltd is a sharp UWA prime and it is (very) highly rated among Pentaxians. While other prefer the DA14mm, I believe that you could not go wrong with the DA15mm: outstanding IQ, compact size, great reputation. If you want an 'outsider', you could consider the DA10-17mm which combine WA (wide angle) at 17mm and FE (fisheye) and 10 mm. A few toughts...

08-22-2013, 02:56 AM	#6
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Yes, think about the following also: Pentax DA 16-45mm Pentax DA 10-17mm (fisheye at 10mm) Pentax DA 12-24mm (very beloved, sharp and has a convenient zoom range) Pentax DA 14mm (wide, f2.8) Pentax DA 15mm ltd (also very beloved, some claim its one of the best Pentax lenses) Samyang 14mm f2.8 (no AF, but very sharp and not expensive. Also branded as ProOptic, Vivitar, Falcon, Rokinon,.. just make sure it is "for Pentax"), Samyang 16mm f2.0 (should be in-stores any day now) Sigma also makes 8-16mm, that a lot of people love. You can check out the Sigma lens reviews or the Tamron. But of the list you posted, the Sigma is probably your best widest choice, even though the Pentax will probably be "sharper" - keep in mind that ultra wide angle lenses are not generally super sharp and take quite some time to get used to There are also a lot of threads about wide angle lens choices, so feel free to look at those. Or use the Sample photo gallery to check out some photos taken with those lenses are Pentax cameras.

08-22-2013, 03:07 AM	#7
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	If sharpness is your criteria have a look at WA primes too.

08-22-2013, 03:08 AM	#9
houtahassan New Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 20 Original Poster	Na Horuk .. thx V.much hcc .. yeh iam looking after a zoom lens ... thx

08-22-2013, 03:43 AM	#10
Louicio Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Melbourne Posts: 432	Primes usually have much better sharpness. However UWA zooms are very handy as the difference in perspective between 10mm and 20mm (as with the sigma, that I have) is really dramatic and you should probably choose a UWA lens based on the range it covers moreso than sharpness. A prime, especially in the normal range, will be much sharper than any UWA.

08-22-2013, 08:31 AM	#11
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Don't forget that flare resistance is also an important part of the image quality in a wide angle lens. That's one of the reasons for the popularity of the DA 15.

08-22-2013, 12:06 PM	#12
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	the sharpest zoom may be a prime.

08-22-2013, 12:38 PM	#13
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by mikeSF the sharpest zoom may be a prime. Would that be a x 1 zoom? Obviously fixed aperture. And parfocal to boot.

what is the sharpest wide angle lens?

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