Difficult SMC 21 decision

Jonathan Mac · 04-16-2015, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by kh1234567890

Actually the green blob is pretty rare - the sun has to be just in the right place relative to the lens to see the sensor reflection and even then it is no big deal. The concave lens hood does work and is a nice part of the lens design.

The green blob in that photo is in the centre, about 20 or 25% up from the bottom edge.

Whether it's a big deal or not depends on the rest of the photo, here it's not too noticeable but I've had some otherwise gorgeous landscapes ruined due to the dreaded blob.

kh1234567890 · 04-16-2015, 03:45 PM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

The green blob in that photo is in the centre, about 20 or 25% up from the bottom edge.

That being the whole point of me posting that shot. I would be interested to see if this still happens with the HD coated version.

ScooterMaxi Jim · 04-16-2015, 04:09 PM

After all my expressed doubts, turns out the Adorama does a very nice job of putting together the deal, shipping - and not quite knowing what they have when it comes to the DA 21. Sure enough, I get through all the bubble wrap and pull out the lens complete with dedicated hood and lens cap. While the cap had its share of scratches and dents, the lens seems to be just fine. Got a good deal, obviously. First impressions are good - and first few images are indicating strong field curvature more so than actual edge softness. Extreme enough curvature that it looks like you need f/11 for good landscape work. No doubt, its a complicated lens. More complicated than Adorama used department had figured out.

kh1234567890 · 04-16-2015, 04:42 PM

Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim

Extreme enough curvature that it looks like you need f/11 for good landscape work.

My copy is terrible wide open ...

Have fun with it !

Last edited by kh1234567890; 04-16-2015 at 04:49 PM.

bdery · 04-17-2015, 06:12 AM

Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim

After all my expressed doubts, turns out the Adorama does a very nice job of putting together the deal, shipping - and not quite knowing what they have when it comes to the DA 21. Sure enough, I get through all the bubble wrap and pull out the lens complete with dedicated hood and lens cap. While the cap had its share of scratches and dents, the lens seems to be just fine. Got a good deal, obviously.

You saved about 100$. Good times.

Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim

first few images are indicating strong field curvature

Yep, it's there, but it's never been a problem for me. And it's fully usable wide open, my copy at least.

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04-16-2015, 01:27 PM	#31
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,894	Originally posted by kh1234567890 Actually the green blob is pretty rare - the sun has to be just in the right place relative to the lens to see the sensor reflection and even then it is no big deal. The concave lens hood does work and is a nice part of the lens design. The green blob in that photo is in the centre, about 20 or 25% up from the bottom edge. Whether it's a big deal or not depends on the rest of the photo, here it's not too noticeable but I've had some otherwise gorgeous landscapes ruined due to the dreaded blob.

04-16-2015, 03:45 PM	#32
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac The green blob in that photo is in the centre, about 20 or 25% up from the bottom edge. That being the whole point of me posting that shot. I would be interested to see if this still happens with the HD coated version.

04-16-2015, 04:09 PM	#33
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520 Original Poster	After all my expressed doubts, turns out the Adorama does a very nice job of putting together the deal, shipping - and not quite knowing what they have when it comes to the DA 21. Sure enough, I get through all the bubble wrap and pull out the lens complete with dedicated hood and lens cap. While the cap had its share of scratches and dents, the lens seems to be just fine. Got a good deal, obviously. First impressions are good - and first few images are indicating strong field curvature more so than actual edge softness. Extreme enough curvature that it looks like you need f/11 for good landscape work. No doubt, its a complicated lens. More complicated than Adorama used department had figured out.

04-16-2015, 04:42 PM	#34
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim Extreme enough curvature that it looks like you need f/11 for good landscape work. My copy is terrible wide open ... Have fun with it ! Last edited by kh1234567890; 04-16-2015 at 04:49 PM.

04-17-2015, 06:12 AM	#35
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim After all my expressed doubts, turns out the Adorama does a very nice job of putting together the deal, shipping - and not quite knowing what they have when it comes to the DA 21. Sure enough, I get through all the bubble wrap and pull out the lens complete with dedicated hood and lens cap. While the cap had its share of scratches and dents, the lens seems to be just fine. Got a good deal, obviously. You saved about 100$. Good times. Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim first few images are indicating strong field curvature Yep, it's there, but it's never been a problem for me. And it's fully usable wide open, my copy at least.

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