DA 15 or 21? Help me decide.

**filoxophy** · 11-22-2014, 06:51 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

But so is 21/43/77 - and even more compact.

Originally posted by crewl1

Poor man's version - 21/40/70

Funny, I was going for Larry's version (already had 21 and 40XS) until the other day when I grabbed a 43 and 77 from KEH! So now I'll have the DA40XS, the M40 and the FA43...but they're all so charming! The 40XS is just amazingly small, the M40 wins on style points IMHO, and the 43 has speed and pixie dust.

BlakeShellman · 11-22-2014, 07:02 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by officiousbystander

I've been to Cinci a few times. When your 15mm arrives go up to Mt Adams and take a few streetcapes, and then wander around Eden Park. While you're up there get in a few city view shots. That'll help convince you you've made the right decision. It's a really photogenic area. You probably know that already but seeing it through 15mm will be a treat.

Thankfully I'm back home in the Chicago area again. I'll have to wander around Bucktown or Wicker Park....or maybe Oak Park, where all the Frank Lloyd Wright homes are.

mikeSF · 11-22-2014, 08:36 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by LensBeginner

... there should be a warning...

WARNING! CLIFFSIDES ARE NEARER THAN THEY APPEAR

well, if i've learned one thing about encountering cliffs from my many saturday mornings watching the coyote and roadrunner, it's that immediately after stepping off any cliff, there is a brief moment where one remains suspended, perhaps to contemplate the erroneous choice one has made. During this moment, please consider tossing the camera with DA15 back toward terra firma, that others may get to enjoy it beyond your demise.

LensBeginner · 11-22-2014, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by mikeSF

well, if i've learned one thing about encountering cliffs from my many saturday mornings watching the coyote and roadrunner, it's that immediately after stepping off any cliff, there is a brief moment where one remains suspended, perhaps to contemplate the erroneous choice one has made. During this moment, please consider tossing the camera with DA15 back toward terra firma, that others may get to enjoy it beyond your demise.

well...
http://blog.coyoteproductions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/81657.jpg

shaolen · 11-22-2014, 09:02 AM

hands down the DA15. Im really surprised so many would choose the DA21. I'd say especially considering tye lenses you already have. I think you might find the DA21 a little redundant and you might just wind up leaving your FA31 on and taking a couple steps back. The DA15 on the other hand will truly be a focal length you're lacking and the other lenses won't come even close to. Not to mention that the DA15 is (contrary to what others have said) sharper when I had them and more flair resistant and produced better colors. I actually liked the screw cap but you can always get a pentax 49mm pinch cap to make things faster. Get the DA15, you won't regret your choice

**mattb123** · 11-22-2014, 09:19 AM - **1 Like**

I only have the 15 and have never used the 21. But the 15 is probably my favorite. It has paid for its self many times over.
Check out the Mind COntrol thread if you haven't. Foreground is indeed very important when using the 15.

---------- Post added 11-22-14 at 09:23 AM ----------

Originally posted by mikeSF

well, if i've learned one thing about encountering cliffs from my many saturday mornings watching the coyote and roadrunner, it's that immediately after stepping off any cliff, there is a brief moment where one remains suspended, perhaps to contemplate the erroneous choice one has made. During this moment, please consider tossing the camera with DA15 back toward terra firma, that others may get to enjoy it beyond your demise.

**Hattifnatt** · 11-25-2014, 03:07 PM - **2 Likes**

I would start with the DA15 as it's more of a "get me" lens. Then you can decide whether or not you need/want the DA21.

While DA15 has its flaws, it does a few things better than any other lens that I know of. For instance, shooting into the sun:

LensBeginner · 11-25-2014, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by Hattifnatt

I would start with the DA15 as it's more of a "get me" lens. Then you can decide whether or not you need/want the DA21.

While DA15 has its flaws, it does a few things better than any other lens that I know of. For instance, shooting into the sun:

You're making my hands itch...

That's a very nice picture... since I was viewing it on a narrow monitor I got the impression that the horizon was slanted, which btw gave the picture some added dynamic...

**Hattifnatt** · 11-25-2014, 03:49 PM

Originally posted by LensBeginner

That's a very nice picture...

Thank you.

BlakeShellman · 11-25-2014, 09:24 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Hattifnatt

I would start with the DA15 as it's more of a "get me" lens. Then you can decide whether or not you need/want the DA21.

While DA15 has its flaws, it does a few things better than any other lens that I know of. For instance, shooting into the sun:

This photo sealed the deal for me. I placed the order. I'm looking forward to getting out and having fun with it.
I dug out a Hoya HMC circular polarizing filter that will fit which I can experiment with too.

mikeSF · 11-25-2014, 09:28 PM

yea, be sure to share some pics when you get it!

**filoxophy** · 11-26-2014, 10:46 AM

Originally posted by Hattifnatt

I would start with the DA15 as it's more of a "get me" lens. Then you can decide whether or not you need/want the DA21.

While DA15 has its flaws, it does a few things better than any other lens that I know of. For instance, shooting into the sun:

Wow, great advert for the 15! Lovely shot, truly.

emalvick · 11-26-2014, 11:50 AM

I have both the 15 and 21, and I use the 15 more. The 15 has somewhat replaced a 10-24 zoom I have, so I didn't need a lot of effort to learn the lens, and I often find myself wanting wider for my landscapes. However, the 15 is not a lens I enjoy including people or buildings in too much. There is distortion, which is tough to correct when people are in the shot. The 21 however allows me to get a wider shot and include people. The 21 is also wonderful for street photography. It is a bit redundant with the 18-135, but that lens has become relegated to rainy weather and quick day trip duty.

**mtngal** · 11-27-2014, 07:10 PM

I want to thank everyone who offered their advice here - I took advantage of the current discounts and ordered the DA15. I may also order the 21 but want some time think about it some more. The current discounts are really tempting.

**Mikesul** · 11-27-2014, 07:38 PM

Originally posted by mtngal

I want to thank everyone who offered their advice here - I took advantage of the current discounts and ordered the DA15. I may also order the 21 but want some time think about it some more. The current discounts are really tempting.

Used DA21 usually sell for less than used DA 15s so you probably made the right decision.

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11-22-2014, 06:51 AM	#61
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock But so is 21/43/77 - and even more compact. Originally posted by crewl1 Poor man's version - 21/40/70 Funny, I was going for Larry's version (already had 21 and 40XS) until the other day when I grabbed a 43 and 77 from KEH! So now I'll have the DA40XS, the M40 and the FA43...but they're all so charming! The 40XS is just amazingly small, the M40 wins on style points IMHO, and the 43 has speed and pixie dust.

11-22-2014, 07:02 AM - 1 Like	#62
BlakeShellman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 224 Original Poster	Originally posted by officiousbystander I've been to Cinci a few times. When your 15mm arrives go up to Mt Adams and take a few streetcapes, and then wander around Eden Park. While you're up there get in a few city view shots. That'll help convince you you've made the right decision. It's a really photogenic area. You probably know that already but seeing it through 15mm will be a treat. Thankfully I'm back home in the Chicago area again. I'll have to wander around Bucktown or Wicker Park....or maybe Oak Park, where all the Frank Lloyd Wright homes are.

11-22-2014, 08:36 AM - 1 Like	#63
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	Originally posted by LensBeginner ... there should be a warning... WARNING! CLIFFSIDES ARE NEARER THAN THEY APPEAR well, if i've learned one thing about encountering cliffs from my many saturday mornings watching the coyote and roadrunner, it's that immediately after stepping off any cliff, there is a brief moment where one remains suspended, perhaps to contemplate the erroneous choice one has made. During this moment, please consider tossing the camera with DA15 back toward terra firma, that others may get to enjoy it beyond your demise.

11-22-2014, 08:40 AM	#64
LensBeginner Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,696	Originally posted by mikeSF well, if i've learned one thing about encountering cliffs from my many saturday mornings watching the coyote and roadrunner, it's that immediately after stepping off any cliff, there is a brief moment where one remains suspended, perhaps to contemplate the erroneous choice one has made. During this moment, please consider tossing the camera with DA15 back toward terra firma, that others may get to enjoy it beyond your demise. well... http://blog.coyoteproductions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/81657.jpg

11-22-2014, 09:02 AM	#65
shaolen Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 1,047	hands down the DA15. Im really surprised so many would choose the DA21. I'd say especially considering tye lenses you already have. I think you might find the DA21 a little redundant and you might just wind up leaving your FA31 on and taking a couple steps back. The DA15 on the other hand will truly be a focal length you're lacking and the other lenses won't come even close to. Not to mention that the DA15 is (contrary to what others have said) sharper when I had them and more flair resistant and produced better colors. I actually liked the screw cap but you can always get a pentax 49mm pinch cap to make things faster. Get the DA15, you won't regret your choice

11-22-2014, 09:19 AM - 1 Like	#66
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	I only have the 15 and have never used the 21. But the 15 is probably my favorite. It has paid for its self many times over. Check out the Mind COntrol thread if you haven't. Foreground is indeed very important when using the 15. ---------- Post added 11-22-14 at 09:23 AM ---------- Originally posted by mikeSF well, if i've learned one thing about encountering cliffs from my many saturday mornings watching the coyote and roadrunner, it's that immediately after stepping off any cliff, there is a brief moment where one remains suspended, perhaps to contemplate the erroneous choice one has made. During this moment, please consider tossing the camera with DA15 back toward terra firma, that others may get to enjoy it beyond your demise.

11-25-2014, 03:07 PM - 2 Likes	#67
Hattifnatt Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Bucharest Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,625	I would start with the DA15 as it's more of a "get me" lens. Then you can decide whether or not you need/want the DA21. While DA15 has its flaws, it does a few things better than any other lens that I know of. For instance, shooting into the sun:

11-25-2014, 03:36 PM	#68
LensBeginner Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,696	Originally posted by Hattifnatt I would start with the DA15 as it's more of a "get me" lens. Then you can decide whether or not you need/want the DA21. While DA15 has its flaws, it does a few things better than any other lens that I know of. For instance, shooting into the sun: You're making my hands itch... That's a very nice picture... since I was viewing it on a narrow monitor I got the impression that the horizon was slanted, which btw gave the picture some added dynamic...

11-25-2014, 03:49 PM	#69
Hattifnatt Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Bucharest Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,625	Originally posted by LensBeginner That's a very nice picture... Thank you.

11-25-2014, 09:24 PM - 2 Likes	#70
BlakeShellman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 224 Original Poster	Originally posted by Hattifnatt I would start with the DA15 as it's more of a "get me" lens. Then you can decide whether or not you need/want the DA21. While DA15 has its flaws, it does a few things better than any other lens that I know of. For instance, shooting into the sun: This photo sealed the deal for me. I placed the order. I'm looking forward to getting out and having fun with it. I dug out a Hoya HMC circular polarizing filter that will fit which I can experiment with too.

11-25-2014, 09:28 PM	#71
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	yea, be sure to share some pics when you get it!

11-26-2014, 10:46 AM	#72
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	Originally posted by Hattifnatt I would start with the DA15 as it's more of a "get me" lens. Then you can decide whether or not you need/want the DA21. While DA15 has its flaws, it does a few things better than any other lens that I know of. For instance, shooting into the sun: Wow, great advert for the 15! Lovely shot, truly.

11-26-2014, 11:50 AM	#73
emalvick Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Davis, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,642	I have both the 15 and 21, and I use the 15 more. The 15 has somewhat replaced a 10-24 zoom I have, so I didn't need a lot of effort to learn the lens, and I often find myself wanting wider for my landscapes. However, the 15 is not a lens I enjoy including people or buildings in too much. There is distortion, which is tough to correct when people are in the shot. The 21 however allows me to get a wider shot and include people. The 21 is also wonderful for street photography. It is a bit redundant with the 18-135, but that lens has become relegated to rainy weather and quick day trip duty.

11-27-2014, 07:10 PM	#74
mtngal Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wherever I’m Parked Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,003	I want to thank everyone who offered their advice here - I took advantage of the current discounts and ordered the DA15. I may also order the 21 but want some time think about it some more. The current discounts are really tempting.

11-27-2014, 07:38 PM	#75
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by mtngal I want to thank everyone who offered their advice here - I took advantage of the current discounts and ordered the DA15. I may also order the 21 but want some time think about it some more. The current discounts are really tempting. Used DA21 usually sell for less than used DA 15s so you probably made the right decision.