Pentax da 15 hd / smc

Clavius · 10-31-2013, 01:23 AM

"Destroying" is a little harsch. Extra choice is alway swelcome. Or will the SMC line of DA ltds be discontinued? That would indeed be a crying shame. It seems like Pentax isn't even aware why their customers like their products.

Luckily, my SMC LTD is built like a little tank, and will not fail anytime soon. (Knocks on wood.)

Last edited by Clavius; 10-31-2013 at 02:25 AM.

Sandy Hancock · 10-31-2013, 03:04 AM

Originally posted by Clavius

Or will the SMC line of DA ltds be discontinued? That would indeed be a crying shame.

The SMC DA limiteds *have* been discontinued....

Clavius · 10-31-2013, 03:18 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

The SMC DA limiteds *have* been discontinued....

Well, in case of the SMC DA 15 ltd, that doesn't make sense. Oh well, I guess Pentax is doing so extremely well that they can afford it to completely nerf one of their strong points.

calsan · 10-31-2013, 05:22 AM

It would be a shame if they have "nerfed" the best thing about the best lens in the world. There is some hope still - not all light sources are equal for good star bursts. Fingers crossed these pictures aren't indicative of what it can do.

**7samurai** · 10-31-2013, 06:57 AM

Originally posted by calsan

It would be a shame if they have "nerfed" the best thing about the best lens in the world. There is some hope still - not all light sources are equal for good star bursts. Fingers crossed these pictures aren't indicative of what it can do.

I agree with you. However, the SMC DA 15 version did produce excellent star bursts. I currently don't own the lens and seriously thinking of ordering one. Just having a hard time pulling the trigger since I don't do alot of night time photography but I see a value in a sharp day time DA 15.

I think we need more samples and from more users.
Adam is going to have all 10 DA Limited in a few weeks, so I'm hoping he's going to be able to post some additional pictures.

Dr_who · 10-31-2013, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by 7samurai

I agree with you. However, the SMC DA 15 version did produce excellent star bursts. I currently don't own the lens and seriously thinking of ordering one. Just having a hard time pulling the trigger since I don't do alot of night time photography but I see a value in a sharp day time DA 15.

I think we need more samples and from more users.
Adam is going to have all 10 DA Limited in a few weeks, so I'm hoping he's going to be able to post some additional pictures.

I'd post some but I've maxed out my upload limited. I'll upload saome tonight on some webspace I have for people to see.

DogLover · 10-31-2013, 08:21 AM

Originally posted by 7samurai

I agree with you. However, the SMC DA 15 version did produce excellent star bursts. I currently don't own the lens and seriously thinking of ordering one. Just having a hard time pulling the trigger since I don't do alot of night time photography but I see a value in a sharp day time DA 15.

Doesn't have to be night. Those star-bursts can be just as impressive (actually, more so, I think) when they're sun-bursts.

mooeep · 10-31-2013, 08:25 AM - **1 Like**

For those who really want to pixelpeep: DNG-Data of smc vs hd daylight shots from f4.0 to f11.0

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e9l1zlr90ieyl6l/yGq3Bg2vmC

But keep in mind it's only one copy each so maybe one is good and the other one bad

**7samurai** · 10-31-2013, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by mooeep

For those who really want to pixelpeep: DNG-Data of smc vs hd daylight shots from f4.0 to f11.0

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e9l1zlr90ieyl6l/yGq3Bg2vmC

But keep in mind it's only one copy each so maybe one is good and the other one bad

Thank you for sharing the images. Of course I'll be consumed with pixel peeping and forget to order either lens. You're going to save me money.

MegaPower · 10-31-2013, 08:26 PM

Great share, now I am happier user with the SMC DA15.
Forget about the silver HD DA15

builttospill · 10-31-2013, 08:57 PM

Originally posted by Digitalis

Considering the escalating incidence of centering defects with lenses with increasingly short focal lengths* I would be cautious when making statements like this. I would be only confident making such a call when I was confident that both lenses were within tolerances set by the manufacturer. E.G The HD lens could be de-centered giving an advantage to the right side, while the non-HD lens could be spot on.

While this isn't a scientific test, the results are what many users are looking for, as evidenced by responses here. I agree with you though about needing a more comprehensive comparison to see other aspects of the lenses in question.

As far as decentering goes, I highly doubt there is a problem with the HD lens used here. Even with a small Web-sized image, it's not difficult to see the crane is sharp from left to right. I merely pointed out the right side because it's easy to see it's not sharp in the SMC example. Maybe the SMC lens is decentered, but also doubt that too because I think both of us agree the characteristics exhibited by the SMC DA 15 are shown here, i.e., edge softness.

**Digitalis** · 11-01-2013, 01:30 AM

Originally posted by builttospill

Maybe the SMC lens is decentered

Or perhaps the photographer using it failed to take into account the strong field curvature of the DA15mm f/4 lens - there are far too many variables in the test images top draw any definitive answers. As to which lens is "better" - personally I have a preference for the classic SMC-DA15mm f/4 due to the aesthetically pleasing star effect.

kh1234567890 · 11-01-2013, 02:00 AM

Originally posted by mooeep

For those who really want to pixelpeep: DNG-Data of smc vs hd daylight shots from f4.0 to f11.0
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e9l1zlr90ieyl6l/yGq3Bg2vmC
But keep in mind it's only one copy each so maybe one is good and the other one bad

Ok, many thanks for the DNG uploads. I can't see any difference as far as sharpness goes between the two. Even the file sizes (usually a good indication of the level of detail present) are about the same. The HD magenta cast is still there though.

While you still have both, any chance of taking some bokeh shots ? This is the only still unexplored possible advantage the HD version might have. Otherwise it is all hype and just more profits for Ricoh since the HD coating is cheaper to make.

mooeep · 11-01-2013, 02:48 AM

Sorry, I just returned the HD version.

Now I'm a proud owner of the 15 smc

(Although I would give a slight advantage in sharpness to the HD version)

Ah and added a rar-archive so it's a bit more comfortable to download the DNGs.

Before you blame Ricoh and burn their headquarters down you should definitely keep in mind that these are just a few snapshots like some above already mentioned. I tried to have similar conditions but I'm in no way a professional. (The daylight shots are handheld for example...)
Since this is how I'll probably be using this lens it's ok for me but maybe a more experienced photographer might get different results

Andi Lo · 11-01-2013, 06:22 AM

You know I'm sure at one point someone can operate the HD DA lim and replace the blades with the SMC Version.

Perhaps we can buy just the blades, then send it off to eric for replacement? Then we can get sharpness, silver, and starburst all in the same lens

11-01-2013, 02:48 AM	#44
mooeep New Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 7 Original Poster	Sorry, I just returned the HD version. Now I'm a proud owner of the 15 smc (Although I would give a slight advantage in sharpness to the HD version) Ah and added a rar-archive so it's a bit more comfortable to download the DNGs. Before you blame Ricoh and burn their headquarters down you should definitely keep in mind that these are just a few snapshots like some above already mentioned. I tried to have similar conditions but I'm in no way a professional. (The daylight shots are handheld for example...) Since this is how I'll probably be using this lens it's ok for me but maybe a more experienced photographer might get different results Last edited by mooeep; 11-01-2013 at 03:06 AM.

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10-31-2013, 01:23 AM	#31
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	"Destroying" is a little harsch. Extra choice is alway swelcome. Or will the SMC line of DA ltds be discontinued? That would indeed be a crying shame. It seems like Pentax isn't even aware why their customers like their products. Luckily, my SMC LTD is built like a little tank, and will not fail anytime soon. (Knocks on wood.) Last edited by Clavius; 10-31-2013 at 02:25 AM.

10-31-2013, 03:04 AM	#32
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Originally posted by Clavius Or will the SMC line of DA ltds be discontinued? That would indeed be a crying shame. The SMC DA limiteds have been discontinued....

10-31-2013, 03:18 AM	#33
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock The SMC DA limiteds have been discontinued.... Well, in case of the SMC DA 15 ltd, that doesn't make sense. Oh well, I guess Pentax is doing so extremely well that they can afford it to completely nerf one of their strong points.

10-31-2013, 05:22 AM	#34
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,549	It would be a shame if they have "nerfed" the best thing about the best lens in the world. There is some hope still - not all light sources are equal for good star bursts. Fingers crossed these pictures aren't indicative of what it can do.

10-31-2013, 06:57 AM	#35
7samurai Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 474	Originally posted by calsan It would be a shame if they have "nerfed" the best thing about the best lens in the world. There is some hope still - not all light sources are equal for good star bursts. Fingers crossed these pictures aren't indicative of what it can do. I agree with you. However, the SMC DA 15 version did produce excellent star bursts. I currently don't own the lens and seriously thinking of ordering one. Just having a hard time pulling the trigger since I don't do alot of night time photography but I see a value in a sharp day time DA 15. I think we need more samples and from more users. Adam is going to have all 10 DA Limited in a few weeks, so I'm hoping he's going to be able to post some additional pictures.

10-31-2013, 08:02 AM	#36
Dr_who Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 777	Originally posted by 7samurai I agree with you. However, the SMC DA 15 version did produce excellent star bursts. I currently don't own the lens and seriously thinking of ordering one. Just having a hard time pulling the trigger since I don't do alot of night time photography but I see a value in a sharp day time DA 15. I think we need more samples and from more users. Adam is going to have all 10 DA Limited in a few weeks, so I'm hoping he's going to be able to post some additional pictures. I'd post some but I've maxed out my upload limited. I'll upload saome tonight on some webspace I have for people to see.

10-31-2013, 08:21 AM	#37
DogLover Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by 7samurai I agree with you. However, the SMC DA 15 version did produce excellent star bursts. I currently don't own the lens and seriously thinking of ordering one. Just having a hard time pulling the trigger since I don't do alot of night time photography but I see a value in a sharp day time DA 15. Doesn't have to be night. Those star-bursts can be just as impressive (actually, more so, I think) when they're sun-bursts.

10-31-2013, 08:25 AM - 1 Like	#38
mooeep New Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 7 Original Poster	For those who really want to pixelpeep: DNG-Data of smc vs hd daylight shots from f4.0 to f11.0 https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e9l1zlr90ieyl6l/yGq3Bg2vmC But keep in mind it's only one copy each so maybe one is good and the other one bad

10-31-2013, 01:39 PM	#39
7samurai Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 474	Originally posted by mooeep For those who really want to pixelpeep: DNG-Data of smc vs hd daylight shots from f4.0 to f11.0 https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e9l1zlr90ieyl6l/yGq3Bg2vmC But keep in mind it's only one copy each so maybe one is good and the other one bad Thank you for sharing the images. Of course I'll be consumed with pixel peeping and forget to order either lens. You're going to save me money.

10-31-2013, 08:26 PM	#40
MegaPower Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hong Kong / Irvine, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 636	Great share, now I am happier user with the SMC DA15. Forget about the silver HD DA15

10-31-2013, 08:57 PM	#41
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	Originally posted by Digitalis Considering the escalating incidence of centering defects with lenses with increasingly short focal lengths* I would be cautious when making statements like this. I would be only confident making such a call when I was confident that both lenses were within tolerances set by the manufacturer. E.G The HD lens could be de-centered giving an advantage to the right side, while the non-HD lens could be spot on. While this isn't a scientific test, the results are what many users are looking for, as evidenced by responses here. I agree with you though about needing a more comprehensive comparison to see other aspects of the lenses in question. As far as decentering goes, I highly doubt there is a problem with the HD lens used here. Even with a small Web-sized image, it's not difficult to see the crane is sharp from left to right. I merely pointed out the right side because it's easy to see it's not sharp in the SMC example. Maybe the SMC lens is decentered, but also doubt that too because I think both of us agree the characteristics exhibited by the SMC DA 15 are shown here, i.e., edge softness.

11-01-2013, 01:30 AM	#42
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by builttospill Maybe the SMC lens is decentered Or perhaps the photographer using it failed to take into account the strong field curvature of the DA15mm f/4 lens - there are far too many variables in the test images top draw any definitive answers. As to which lens is "better" - personally I have a preference for the classic SMC-DA15mm f/4 due to the aesthetically pleasing star effect.

11-01-2013, 02:00 AM	#43
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by mooeep For those who really want to pixelpeep: DNG-Data of smc vs hd daylight shots from f4.0 to f11.0 https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e9l1zlr90ieyl6l/yGq3Bg2vmC But keep in mind it's only one copy each so maybe one is good and the other one bad Ok, many thanks for the DNG uploads. I can't see any difference as far as sharpness goes between the two. Even the file sizes (usually a good indication of the level of detail present) are about the same. The HD magenta cast is still there though. While you still have both, any chance of taking some bokeh shots ? This is the only still unexplored possible advantage the HD version might have. Otherwise it is all hype and just more profits for Ricoh since the HD coating is cheaper to make.

11-01-2013, 06:22 AM	#45
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	You know I'm sure at one point someone can operate the HD DA lim and replace the blades with the SMC Version. Perhaps we can buy just the blades, then send it off to eric for replacement? Then we can get sharpness, silver, and starburst all in the same lens