[normhead]

Norm - That's interesting. I'm too new to be as discerning yet on lens construction and the effect on the human eye when it comes to photography. What do you think about the IQ of the Da 15 then from a distortion point of view compared to other Pentax UWA lenses?

We did a comparison at one point with what we have, and the DA 15, didn't impress us, I ended up with the 8-16. Looking back, I realize the 8-16 is a "make an appointment" kind of lens, not a "throw in your bag because you might need it" kind of lens. As a purchase the DA 15 is certainly back on the table, for us. There is no overstating how quickly photography becomes a job if you are carrying too much weight. At one time, I thought all kinds of reasons to pass on it, at this point, I'm ready to backtrack and say that was a mistake. It's cost me images... unfortunately with the lens thing, that doesn't mean there's another lens I'd give up for it. I definitely want it and the 31 ltd. They are both great compromises, as one stop carry around all the time options. Neither the 10-17 nor the Sigma 8-16, are "carry around all the time" options. Too much weight, too much space in the camera bag. The trouble is, you can't get everything you might need, all at once. Sometimes you have to get what you think is best before you find out why it isn't what's best. LBA is real...

[Dice]

I've been simplifying. Started with 2 (DA21 and Sigma 70) and added in order DA 50-135, DA 40 and DA70, DA35 ltd, DA15, DA300 and most recently DA20-40. I've sold Sigma 70, DA21,40 and 70. And will be selling DA35ltd and DA15 to leave me with only 3 (20-40, 50-135 and 300). I may add the DFA 100 WR or a DA55, but that is yet to be determined.

[richardwong]

Hi Norm - thanks for your viewpoint. One of the reasons why I enjoy shooting with primes is that I can take a few of them with me. I bought the DA limited felt lined multi lens case from B&H so I take the DA 15, FA 43, FA 77, and the Tamron 1.4 TC all in the case. It makes it easy to put in my camera bag and I have most of what range I want covered for the day. The other Pentax primes I interchange are the K mount 28 f3.5 with this case and I can still carry the Sigma 10-20 or the Sigma 105 for macro range.

We did a comparison at one point with what we have, and the DA 15, didn't impress us, I ended up with the 8-16. Looking back, I realize the 8-16 is a "make an appointment" kind of lens, not a "throw in your bag because you might need it" kind of lens. As a purchase the DA 15 is certainly back on the table, for us. There is no overstating how quickly photography becomes a job if you are carrying too much weight. At one time, I thought all kinds of reasons to pass on it, at this point, I'm ready to backtrack and say that was a mistake. It's cost me images... unfortunately with the lens thing, that doesn't mean there's another lens I'd give up for it. I definitely want it and the 31 ltd. They are both great compromises, as one stop carry around all the time options. Neither the 10-17 nor the Sigma 8-16, are "carry around all the time" options. Too much weight, too much space in the camera bag. The trouble is, you can't get everything you might need, all at once. Sometimes you have to get what you think is best before you find out why it isn't what's best. LBA is real...

---------- Post added 02-12-14 at 07:49 PM ----------

Hi Dice - Good for you I do know of some photogs who have simplified by having the DA*16-50, DA 50-135 and a FA100 so it can be possible but it makes for a heavy bag

I've been simplifying. Started with 2 (DA21 and Sigma 70) and added in order DA 50-135, DA 40 and DA70, DA35 ltd, DA15, DA300 and most recently DA20-40. I've sold Sigma 70, DA21,40 and 70. And will be selling DA35ltd and DA15 to leave me with only 3 (20-40, 50-135 and 300). I may add the DFA 100 WR or a DA55, but that is yet to be determined.

[Samoht]

I've got 5 lenses, well 3 that I've purchased.
Tamron 17-50
Pentax DA15
Pentax DA* 50-135

And two M42 lenses that I inherited from my father.
Auto Chinon 135 2,8
Auto Chinon 35 2,8

[Eyewanders]

One more... (finally after about 4 years, this particular journey is complete. this silly shot makes me happy as a clam out of season. this 77 and I, I can tell after only 20 quick shots, are going to be very, very good friends for a long time to come.)

[waterfall]

Nice shot. I love my DA70mm Ltd. It performs much as your image. Also good flare resistance outside, but not as great as the 15mm Ltd. Have fun with your new lens.

[Eyewanders]

Nice shot. I love my DA70mm Ltd. It performs much as your image. Also good flare resistance outside, but not as great as the 15mm Ltd. Have fun with your new lens.

Thanks! Shouldn't be a difficult task. It's already becoming my favorite of the three.

[normhead]

I've got 5 lenses, well 3 that I've purchased.
Tamron 17-50
Pentax DA15
Pentax DA* 50-135

And two M42 lenses that I inherited from my father.
Auto Chinon 135 2,8
Auto Chinon 35 2,8

That's a really nice set... more people should have the wisdom, to stop there.

[nomadkng]

Hi Norm - thanks for your viewpoint. One of the reasons why I enjoy shooting with primes is that I can take a few of them with me. I bought the DA limited felt lined multi lens case from B&H so I take the DA 15, FA 43, FA 77, and the Tamron 1.4 TC all in the case. It makes it easy to put in my camera bag and I have most of what range I want covered for the day. The other Pentax primes I interchange are the K mount 28 f3.5 with this case and I can still carry the Sigma 10-20 or the Sigma 105 for macro range.

you must not shoot a lot of landscape work. at one point I had an all prime lineup of the d15, da21, fa28, fa35, f50, fa50 macro, da70 and fa100 macro. great IQ and you can fit the whole collection in a light tiny bag, but it was absolutely horrible for landscape work.

too many times I found myself perched on the side of a cliff, in the middle of a stream or in a slightly windy or wet environment where I could not, would not or feared for my life couldn't change lenses. this severely limited my ability to bracket my compositions at once in a lifetime locations.

primes are conceptually great, and fun to maybe play photo snob when gazing disdainfully at us zoomers, but if you've ever climbed 15 feet up a tree to get that perfect angle, and your clinging to your camera with both hands and a branch with both legs and your camera bag is on the ground far below you, you aren't going to change lenses. zooms are priceless at that point.

[Ztrejfer]

primes are conceptually great, and fun to maybe play photo snob when gazing disdainfully at us zoomers, but if you've ever climbed 15 feet up a tree to get that perfect angle, and your clinging to your camera with both hands and a branch with both legs and your camera bag is on the ground far below you, you aren't going to change lenses. zooms are priceless at that point.

Ah, yes. The famous Me Tarzan, You Prime Lens syndrome

[normhead]

but if you've ever climbed 15 feet up a tree to get that perfect angle, and your clinging to your camera with both hands and a branch with both legs and your camera bag is on the ground far below you,

Been there done that... yet, if you have a pocket lens like the 21 or 40s, you can getter done.

[dansamy]

Add one more! I've really gotta stay away from eBay!

[richardwong]

Samoht - nice collection. One of my friends has the same except for the Tamron he's got the 16-50

I've got 5 lenses, well 3 that I've purchased.
Tamron 17-50
Pentax DA15
Pentax DA* 50-135

And two M42 lenses that I inherited from my father.
Auto Chinon 135 2,8
Auto Chinon 35 2,8

---------- Post added 02-13-14 at 08:28 PM ----------

Nomadkng -you're right I don't shoot a lot of landscapes, lol. I'm probably too chicken for climbing into scary situations. Yes, I do hear you about the zooms and I have a couple, the Sigma 18-250 and the Tokina atx pro 20-35 f2.8 I just find they sit at home because if I did have to climb to get a shot I wouldn't change lenses for sure and I would just suffer by taking a shot and hoping for a good crop job. I don't definitely fit in the club of prime snobs, lol. I don't know enough to think that

you must not shoot a lot of landscape work. at one point I had an all prime lineup of the d15, da21, fa28, fa35, f50, fa50 macro, da70 and fa100 macro. great IQ and you can fit the whole collection in a light tiny bag, but it was absolutely horrible for landscape work.

too many times I found myself perched on the side of a cliff, in the middle of a stream or in a slightly windy or wet environment where I could not, would not or feared for my life couldn't change lenses. this severely limited my ability to bracket my compositions at once in a lifetime locations.

primes are conceptually great, and fun to maybe play photo snob when gazing disdainfully at us zoomers, but if you've ever climbed 15 feet up a tree to get that perfect angle, and your clinging to your camera with both hands and a branch with both legs and your camera bag is on the ground far below you, you aren't going to change lenses. zooms are priceless at that point.

[Dariusz]

Four fixed focal length lenses, I've got: wide angle, macro, short tele/portrait and long tele. I do not seem to need fisheye or tilt/shift ones. Super tele would be out of my wallet reach, but I'm considering teleconverters

[Arjay Bee]

Currently:
Digital
DA 16-45EDAL; DA 50-200ED

FA 35-70

M series
SMC 40 2.8 Pancake
SMC 50 2

K Mount
Zenitar 16 Fish eye; Kiron 28 2; Vivitar 28 2.8 Close Focus (Komine A02) Long time loan to son; SMC 55 1.8 Long time loan to son; SMC 45-125 4; Vivitar 75-205 3.8 (Kiron); Vivitar 75-250 3.8-4.5 (Komine); Novoflex 600 5.6

M42
SMC Takumar
50 1.4

S-M-C Takumar
28 3.5; 50 1.4; 100 4 Macro

Super Takumar
35 2, 35 3.5; 50 4 Macro; 55 1.8 x2; 55 2; 85 1.9; 105 2.8; 135 3.5; 150 4; 200 4; 300 6.3 Tele Tak

Carl Zeiss Jena
50 2.8 Tessar Zebra

Minolta
Mitakon 28-80 3.9-4.9