DA 20-40 real world images

**monochrome** · 12-17-2013, 10:26 AM

I have the DA40 and I've gone back and forth about buying or not buying this lens. After seeing your fine images in this post I'm again in the camp of "buy the 20~40 and a green stripe DA15 Ltd."

BTW, you have handsome children!

**Canada_Rockies** · 12-17-2013, 11:11 AM

I just had a look at the berry photo on Flickr, and I can honestly say that I LOVE THAT BOKEH. There is nothing in the out of focus areas than out of focus. I think the lens is top notch. That centre berry looks sharp as a tack (as a Tak?) as well. Nice lens.

LFLee · 12-17-2013, 11:22 AM

Thanks for posting.

To be honest, I don't really see great/special about the lens, other FA/DA ltd can do the same/better.

May I suggest try shooting against the lights portrait, and some night shots (star bust?), and see how it handle light sources?

**Dice** · 12-17-2013, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by LFLee

Thanks for posting.

To be honest, I don't really see great/special about the lens, other FA/DA ltd can do the same/better.

May I suggest try shooting against the lights portrait, and some night shots (star bust?), and see how it handle light sources?

Your first point is exactly what I think is special. In my eyes, the Zoom produces images of equal (color, microcontrast, center sharpness, handling,....) and in some aspects better than the prime LTDs (bokeh, handling of harsh lighting, flexibility of zoom, WR). I had. I was expecting more compromises in some areas (edge sharpness is more than acceptable) mainly because of my experience with semi wide zooms (DA*16-50) and so far I haven't experienced it. I'm not sure I can get to your requests before xmas where I'm sure I will have plenty of opps.

Originally posted by monochrome

I have the DA40 and I've gone back and forth about buying or not buying this lens. After seeing your fine images in this post I'm again in the camp of "buy the 20~40 and a green stripe DA15 Ltd."

BTW, you have handsome children!

Thanks. Any of the good looks come from my ex. Here is another opened up shot with me in the frame.

Originally posted by Canada_Rockies

I just had a look at the berry photo on Flickr, and I can honestly say that I LOVE THAT BOKEH. There is nothing in the out of focus areas than out of focus. I think the lens is top notch. That centre berry looks sharp as a tack (as a Tak?) as well. Nice lens.

The bokeh was one of my pleasant surprises. I was coming from the DA21 on the wide end and though I liked the bokeh on it, it didn't do so well with busy backgrounds.

**Dice** · 12-17-2013, 09:38 PM

Okay here is the last image that I'll share but I think it speaks to what this lens can do. So here is what I did. Set up a tripod. Manual exposure. 2 sec. delay. took several pictures from each the DA 35 ltd Macro and the DA 20-40 each at f4. I picked the sharpest one from each. I focused using CDAF and the point of focus is the hip on the cyclist. I didn't do any sharpening and these images are straight from camera through Aperture to flickr. To my eyes they are equally sharp. I was hard pressed to find any discernable difference. Anyway here you go. I've included a link of you want to look at full images. DA 20-40 - a set on Flickr
DA35 Ltd

DA20-40

Erd§ · 12-17-2013, 10:41 PM

Originally posted by Dice

I've included a link of you want to look at full images.

Based on the full-sized images on Flickr, I suspect the 35 macro was misfocussed. I have to assume the pic with the focal length of 34mm was the 20-40, and this is the one that is clearly sharper at the stated focus point. However, the 35 macro is sharper at the point of the cyclists right wrist/hand.

**Dice** · 12-17-2013, 11:11 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Erd§

Based on the full-sized images on Flickr, I suspect the 35 macro was misfocussed. I have to assume the pic with the focal length of 34mm was the 20-40, and this is the one that is clearly sharper at the stated focus point. However, the 35 macro is sharper at the point of the cyclists right wrist/hand.

Very possible. I actually had to take several more pictures with the DA 35 ltd. to find one that focused at the right spot. And I did a minor fine AF adjustment to find the best focus for that lens. My point of posting wasn't a test to find which one was sharper it was to confirm what I was seeing in terms of the images that I was taking with the DA20-40 with regards to sharpness, clarity, color and rendering and bokeh. Which at a very high level is definitely DA Ltd quality.

RonHendriks1966 · 12-18-2013, 12:44 AM

Looks good.

**Dice** · 12-19-2013, 09:48 PM

I added a few night shots to the flicker link above. 3 taken wide open at 20 mm and another stopped down. I am amazed at the sharpness completely opened up. I can't wait until I get more time to use the lens.

David&karen · 12-20-2013, 01:26 PM

Just got a 20-40 black color. Only took about 100 pics with it and it seems to be very sharp, consistent across the frame. Maybe a little sharper in the deep corners around 30mm, 20mm next sharpest, 40mm least(but NOT unsharp, just in comparison). Fast focus, really nice looking lens. Will post some pics later but the wife and I both have the novo virus we think and don't feel real well(were both health care workers).

David

lytrytyr · 12-20-2013, 02:09 PM

Get well soon! We'll be interested to hear your full take on the lens when you're better acquainted with it.

**Crooski** · 12-21-2013, 12:12 PM

I have not done any serious test Caused by bad weather here in Holland

I think the lens is very sharp, and in this winter climate WR is very useful.

These three pictures taken in the fog and rainy weather

rodin5 · 12-23-2013, 07:33 PM

Night shot of Christmas Lights with the DA 20-40mm ltd

**Canada_Rockies** · 12-23-2013, 10:19 PM

Great lights. Thanks for posting.

zapp · 12-27-2013, 05:44 AM

The lens looks quite interesting. For special needs people should get their own copy for testing...
I like working with DA21/40. A zoom in this area would have the advantae fo intermediate steps, splash/dust proof and still fits the footprint of the 21/40 combo. f/4 at the long end appears a little limiting, but the zoom is quite compact.

What really ticks me off is a filter thread of 55mm. What other DA/DA*/FA lens has 55 mm filter thread? FA31/43/77 have 58/49/49 mm diameter. DA*55 has 58mm. DA35's, 21, 40, 70, 100 have 49mm, the DA 18-55 zoom has 52 mm filter thread.... Pentax is in business too long for such simple mistakes.

12-17-2013, 09:38 PM	#20
Dice Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Emeryville, CA Posts: 1,122 Original Poster	Okay here is the last image that I'll share but I think it speaks to what this lens can do. So here is what I did. Set up a tripod. Manual exposure. 2 sec. delay. took several pictures from each the DA 35 ltd Macro and the DA 20-40 each at f4. I picked the sharpest one from each. I focused using CDAF and the point of focus is the hip on the cyclist. I didn't do any sharpening and these images are straight from camera through Aperture to flickr. To my eyes they are equally sharp. I was hard pressed to find any discernable difference. Anyway here you go. I've included a link of you want to look at full images. DA 20-40 - a set on Flickr DA35 Ltd DA20-40 Last edited by Dice; 12-17-2013 at 10:45 PM. Reason: goofed which image was which

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12-17-2013, 10:26 AM	#16
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	I have the DA40 and I've gone back and forth about buying or not buying this lens. After seeing your fine images in this post I'm again in the camp of "buy the 20~40 and a green stripe DA15 Ltd." BTW, you have handsome children!

12-17-2013, 11:11 AM	#17
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	I just had a look at the berry photo on Flickr, and I can honestly say that I LOVE THAT BOKEH. There is nothing in the out of focus areas than out of focus. I think the lens is top notch. That centre berry looks sharp as a tack (as a Tak?) as well. Nice lens.

12-17-2013, 11:22 AM	#18
LFLee Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,292	Thanks for posting. To be honest, I don't really see great/special about the lens, other FA/DA ltd can do the same/better. May I suggest try shooting against the lights portrait, and some night shots (star bust?), and see how it handle light sources?

12-17-2013, 11:57 AM	#19
Dice Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Emeryville, CA Posts: 1,122 Original Poster	Originally posted by LFLee Thanks for posting. To be honest, I don't really see great/special about the lens, other FA/DA ltd can do the same/better. May I suggest try shooting against the lights portrait, and some night shots (star bust?), and see how it handle light sources? Your first point is exactly what I think is special. In my eyes, the Zoom produces images of equal (color, microcontrast, center sharpness, handling,....) and in some aspects better than the prime LTDs (bokeh, handling of harsh lighting, flexibility of zoom, WR). I had. I was expecting more compromises in some areas (edge sharpness is more than acceptable) mainly because of my experience with semi wide zooms (DA*16-50) and so far I haven't experienced it. I'm not sure I can get to your requests before xmas where I'm sure I will have plenty of opps. Originally posted by monochrome I have the DA40 and I've gone back and forth about buying or not buying this lens. After seeing your fine images in this post I'm again in the camp of "buy the 20~40 and a green stripe DA15 Ltd." BTW, you have handsome children! Thanks. Any of the good looks come from my ex. Here is another opened up shot with me in the frame. Originally posted by Canada_Rockies I just had a look at the berry photo on Flickr, and I can honestly say that I LOVE THAT BOKEH. There is nothing in the out of focus areas than out of focus. I think the lens is top notch. That centre berry looks sharp as a tack (as a Tak?) as well. Nice lens. The bokeh was one of my pleasant surprises. I was coming from the DA21 on the wide end and though I liked the bokeh on it, it didn't do so well with busy backgrounds.

12-17-2013, 10:41 PM	#21
Erd§ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SEQ Posts: 323	Originally posted by Dice I've included a link of you want to look at full images. Based on the full-sized images on Flickr, I suspect the 35 macro was misfocussed. I have to assume the pic with the focal length of 34mm was the 20-40, and this is the one that is clearly sharper at the stated focus point. However, the 35 macro is sharper at the point of the cyclists right wrist/hand.

12-17-2013, 11:11 PM - 2 Likes	#22
Dice Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Emeryville, CA Posts: 1,122 Original Poster	Originally posted by Erd§ Based on the full-sized images on Flickr, I suspect the 35 macro was misfocussed. I have to assume the pic with the focal length of 34mm was the 20-40, and this is the one that is clearly sharper at the stated focus point. However, the 35 macro is sharper at the point of the cyclists right wrist/hand. Very possible. I actually had to take several more pictures with the DA 35 ltd. to find one that focused at the right spot. And I did a minor fine AF adjustment to find the best focus for that lens. My point of posting wasn't a test to find which one was sharper it was to confirm what I was seeing in terms of the images that I was taking with the DA20-40 with regards to sharpness, clarity, color and rendering and bokeh. Which at a very high level is definitely DA Ltd quality.

12-18-2013, 12:44 AM	#23
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Looks good.

12-19-2013, 09:48 PM	#24
Dice Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Emeryville, CA Posts: 1,122 Original Poster	I added a few night shots to the flicker link above. 3 taken wide open at 20 mm and another stopped down. I am amazed at the sharpness completely opened up. I can't wait until I get more time to use the lens.

12-20-2013, 01:26 PM	#25
David&karen Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 327	Just got a 20-40 black color. Only took about 100 pics with it and it seems to be very sharp, consistent across the frame. Maybe a little sharper in the deep corners around 30mm, 20mm next sharpest, 40mm least(but NOT unsharp, just in comparison). Fast focus, really nice looking lens. Will post some pics later but the wife and I both have the novo virus we think and don't feel real well(were both health care workers). David

12-20-2013, 02:09 PM	#26
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Get well soon! We'll be interested to hear your full take on the lens when you're better acquainted with it.

12-23-2013, 10:19 PM	#29
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Great lights. Thanks for posting.

12-27-2013, 05:44 AM	#30
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,385	The lens looks quite interesting. For special needs people should get their own copy for testing... I like working with DA21/40. A zoom in this area would have the advantae fo intermediate steps, splash/dust proof and still fits the footprint of the 21/40 combo. f/4 at the long end appears a little limiting, but the zoom is quite compact. What really ticks me off is a filter thread of 55mm. What other DA/DA/FA lens has 55 mm filter thread? FA31/43/77 have 58/49/49 mm diameter. DA55 has 58mm. DA35's, 21, 40, 70, 100 have 49mm, the DA 18-55 zoom has 52 mm filter thread.... Pentax is in business too long for such simple mistakes.