Is there a high quality compact prime around 17-18mm for K1?

peterh337 · 01-09-2017, 05:02 AM

I sent that Sigma 15mm lens back.

The chromatic abberation alone is way worse than anything I have ever seen. One can remove the purple colour in Lightroom but the loss of sharpness is also too great.

So I am looking out for a mint condition 20mm Pentax SMC A.

**pres589** · 01-09-2017, 06:35 AM

I don't really blame you. I think that Sigma 15 performs better on crop as the really gross stuff on the edges is removed by default.

FA 20's seem to go for around $550 to $600 in excellent condition. Not sure what the market pricing is like in your neck of the woods.

Wish your experience with the Sigma had been better. At least others can learn from your time with that lens on a K-1.

ScooterMaxi Jim · 01-09-2017, 12:50 PM

If I was looking for 17-18mm, settling for 20mm would be quite a compromise. I understand the problem in that almost all full frame UWA lenses were designed well before the digital era - and design capabilities have improved considerably in this area. Most of the development went into zooms, and Pentax isn't the only brand limited when it comes to FF and UWA prime choices.

IMO, the Tokina 17mm is a better option than the Pentax 20mm not only because the price is typically reasonable, but the FoV is dramatically more impressive. I had the AF version on a Canon 5D. Here is an example showing its strengths across the frame:
A-List Images - James Robins - Powered by Phanfare

The Tokina is available only in MF for Pentax, and the reviews here on PF are fairly positive. The optical design is the same on MF and the two AF versions that continued until 2005. Changes were made in barrel, coatings and aperture design, but the relatively high overall optical qualities of all three versions were close. (Tokina wasn't ever the best in coatings, so the main fault with the lens will show when allowing direct light to hit the front element.)

Unfortunately, the better alternative choices covering UWA in FF are zooms, but all are quite large. I have the Sigma 12-24 that I intend to sell (purchased on a whim before deciding not to upgrade to the K-1), and that lens is relatively small for a zoom and quite good starting around 15mm assuming a decently centered copy - but nothing like a compact prime in size, of course.

civiletti · 01-09-2017, 11:10 PM

The Samyang 14/2.8 is not small or light, but it is inexpensive and fast, and has great image quality.

ScooterMaxi Jim · 01-10-2017, 10:32 AM

Originally posted by civiletti

The Samyang 14/2.8 is not small or light, but it is inexpensive and fast, and has great image quality.

It's a fine lens, but I find it difficult to focus at times. Along with the Sigma 17-50 (on my APSc bodies), it is the main reason I don't have much need to keep the Sigma 12-24. Still, regarding the OP, just as 20mm is very different than 17mm FoV on FF, so is 14mm. It's a shame that the Tokina 17mm AF lenses never went into K mount.

lytrytyr · 01-11-2017, 08:32 PM

Originally posted by peterh337

One notable factor is that there doesn't appear to be a test / review anywhere of the 20mm FA
SMC Pentax-FA 20mm F2.8 Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
on a full frame DSLR.

The reviews are on APS-C cameras where it is a 30mm lens and anyway the perf will be great because one is not going anywhere near the corners.

I was disappointed with my A20/2.8 on APS-C (optically the same as the FA20/2.8).
The performance at the edge of the APS-C frame is worse in some ways than further out:

**clackers** · 01-11-2017, 10:42 PM

Originally posted by peterh337

I sent that Sigma 15mm lens back.

The chromatic abberation alone is way worse than anything I have ever seen. One can remove the purple colour in Lightroom but the loss of sharpness is also too great.

So I am looking out for a mint condition 20mm Pentax SMC A.

I think if you're serious about UWA, Peter, get a Samyang or Irix or whatever, forget small lenses.

I do have a little Voigtlander 20mm now for walkabout but it can't compare image quality wise to my Sammy 14mm or 24mm.

redcat · 01-12-2017, 12:45 AM

Originally posted by bobbotron

You could check out the Zenit 16mm, they are quite compact and FF.

+1, the Zenit is quite good for the size, can be defished with a plugin in photoshop

peterh337 · 01-20-2017, 12:21 PM

The 20mm A from Japan arrived and it is seriously foggy - completely unusable.

However it was very cold when it arrived - probably about 0C - so I will leave it on a central heating radiator (about +45C max) for a couple of days.

Could someone really sell such a fogged up lens?

Otherwise it looks great, with minimal distortion

peterh337 · 01-21-2017, 01:36 AM

Many hours later, it is exactly the same so this is not water vapour. I am sending it back.

Tetedepioche · 01-21-2017, 02:09 AM

The Pentax FA-20 is light and small and has a good IQ, but may be not too wide for you.
The Tamron SP 17 F3.5 is also light but hard to find and harder with its lens hood, i saw it around 200 €/$.

**Miguel** · 01-21-2017, 02:54 AM - **2 Likes**

You'all inspired me to write my first lens review--FA 20mm f2.8 on the K-1.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-20mm-F2.8-Lens.html#review8364

M

peterh337 · 01-21-2017, 03:41 AM

By chance I saw your review just now, Miguel. Many thanks

There are no FA20s on Ebay currently.

But the A20 would have been fine for what I want which is "casual" landscape stuff, while making the camera much lighter and smaller than the 1.8kg (K1 + 24-70). If I was happy with close to 3kg total bag weight I would just buy the Pentax 15-30 which is outstanding.

Another A20, a private seller and not a camera shop, went for over 300 GBP yesterday. I guess that one was clean. But the lesson I learnt is to ask for sample photos taken through the lens. The lens I bought from Japan is completely unusable and I got this reply

New message from: kingtakion (1,025Red Star)
I’m sure you are fully aware that I described the lens is "As-is" condition.
There is haze. It will be effect to photo.
So, It is very low price. I hope you understand.
If you hope to send the item back,
so I accept your returned items only in the case that you pay a shuttle of shipment fees.
Thank you.

There is no "effect" on the photo. This lens is totally useless. It's like shooting through the bottom of a bottle.

peterh337 · 01-22-2017, 12:10 PM

I have just read somewhere

that the A20 and FA20 have identical optics, differing only in the autofocus stuff in the FA, and in the FA having more elements in the iris.

edin_togger · 01-24-2017, 11:47 PM

Originally posted by peterh337

I have just read somewhere

that the A20 and FA20 have identical optics, differing only in the autofocus stuff in the FA, and in the FA having more elements in the iris.

Peter, obviously appreciate that you'll be trying to sort out the situation with Ebay on your duff FA 20 but if you looking for one give me a shout, I have a good one which is unlikely to get used much now I've bought a 15-30 and I'm UK based which would make things easier!

01-20-2017, 12:21 PM	#69
peterh337 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London Posts: 573 Original Poster	The 20mm A from Japan arrived and it is seriously foggy - completely unusable. However it was very cold when it arrived - probably about 0C - so I will leave it on a central heating radiator (about +45C max) for a couple of days. Could someone really sell such a fogged up lens? Otherwise it looks great, with minimal distortion Last edited by peterh337; 01-20-2017 at 12:29 PM.

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01-09-2017, 05:02 AM	#61
peterh337 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London Posts: 573 Original Poster	I sent that Sigma 15mm lens back. The chromatic abberation alone is way worse than anything I have ever seen. One can remove the purple colour in Lightroom but the loss of sharpness is also too great. So I am looking out for a mint condition 20mm Pentax SMC A.

01-09-2017, 06:35 AM	#62
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	I don't really blame you. I think that Sigma 15 performs better on crop as the really gross stuff on the edges is removed by default. FA 20's seem to go for around $550 to $600 in excellent condition. Not sure what the market pricing is like in your neck of the woods. Wish your experience with the Sigma had been better. At least others can learn from your time with that lens on a K-1.

01-09-2017, 12:50 PM	#63
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520	If I was looking for 17-18mm, settling for 20mm would be quite a compromise. I understand the problem in that almost all full frame UWA lenses were designed well before the digital era - and design capabilities have improved considerably in this area. Most of the development went into zooms, and Pentax isn't the only brand limited when it comes to FF and UWA prime choices. IMO, the Tokina 17mm is a better option than the Pentax 20mm not only because the price is typically reasonable, but the FoV is dramatically more impressive. I had the AF version on a Canon 5D. Here is an example showing its strengths across the frame: A-List Images - James Robins - Powered by Phanfare The Tokina is available only in MF for Pentax, and the reviews here on PF are fairly positive. The optical design is the same on MF and the two AF versions that continued until 2005. Changes were made in barrel, coatings and aperture design, but the relatively high overall optical qualities of all three versions were close. (Tokina wasn't ever the best in coatings, so the main fault with the lens will show when allowing direct light to hit the front element.) Unfortunately, the better alternative choices covering UWA in FF are zooms, but all are quite large. I have the Sigma 12-24 that I intend to sell (purchased on a whim before deciding not to upgrade to the K-1), and that lens is relatively small for a zoom and quite good starting around 15mm assuming a decently centered copy - but nothing like a compact prime in size, of course.

01-09-2017, 11:10 PM	#64
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	The Samyang 14/2.8 is not small or light, but it is inexpensive and fast, and has great image quality.

01-10-2017, 10:32 AM	#65
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520	Originally posted by civiletti The Samyang 14/2.8 is not small or light, but it is inexpensive and fast, and has great image quality. It's a fine lens, but I find it difficult to focus at times. Along with the Sigma 17-50 (on my APSc bodies), it is the main reason I don't have much need to keep the Sigma 12-24. Still, regarding the OP, just as 20mm is very different than 17mm FoV on FF, so is 14mm. It's a shame that the Tokina 17mm AF lenses never went into K mount.

01-11-2017, 08:32 PM	#66
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by peterh337 One notable factor is that there doesn't appear to be a test / review anywhere of the 20mm FA SMC Pentax-FA 20mm F2.8 Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database on a full frame DSLR. The reviews are on APS-C cameras where it is a 30mm lens and anyway the perf will be great because one is not going anywhere near the corners. I was disappointed with my A20/2.8 on APS-C (optically the same as the FA20/2.8). The performance at the edge of the APS-C frame is worse in some ways than further out:

01-11-2017, 10:42 PM	#67
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by peterh337 I sent that Sigma 15mm lens back. The chromatic abberation alone is way worse than anything I have ever seen. One can remove the purple colour in Lightroom but the loss of sharpness is also too great. So I am looking out for a mint condition 20mm Pentax SMC A. I think if you're serious about UWA, Peter, get a Samyang or Irix or whatever, forget small lenses. I do have a little Voigtlander 20mm now for walkabout but it can't compare image quality wise to my Sammy 14mm or 24mm.

01-12-2017, 12:45 AM	#68
redcat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,939	Originally posted by bobbotron You could check out the Zenit 16mm, they are quite compact and FF. +1, the Zenit is quite good for the size, can be defished with a plugin in photoshop

01-21-2017, 01:36 AM	#70
peterh337 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London Posts: 573 Original Poster	Many hours later, it is exactly the same so this is not water vapour. I am sending it back.

01-21-2017, 02:09 AM	#71
Tetedepioche New Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 7	The Pentax FA-20 is light and small and has a good IQ, but may be not too wide for you. The Tamron SP 17 F3.5 is also light but hard to find and harder with its lens hood, i saw it around 200 €/$.

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01-21-2017, 02:54 AM - 2 Likes	#72
Miguel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,743	You'all inspired me to write my first lens review--FA 20mm f2.8 on the K-1. https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-20mm-F2.8-Lens.html#review8364 M

01-21-2017, 03:41 AM	#73
peterh337 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London Posts: 573 Original Poster	By chance I saw your review just now, Miguel. Many thanks There are no FA20s on Ebay currently. But the A20 would have been fine for what I want which is "casual" landscape stuff, while making the camera much lighter and smaller than the 1.8kg (K1 + 24-70). If I was happy with close to 3kg total bag weight I would just buy the Pentax 15-30 which is outstanding. Another A20, a private seller and not a camera shop, went for over 300 GBP yesterday. I guess that one was clean. But the lesson I learnt is to ask for sample photos taken through the lens. The lens I bought from Japan is completely unusable and I got this reply New message from: kingtakion (1,025Red Star) I’m sure you are fully aware that I described the lens is "As-is" condition. There is haze. It will be effect to photo. So, It is very low price. I hope you understand. If you hope to send the item back, so I accept your returned items only in the case that you pay a shuttle of shipment fees. Thank you. There is no "effect" on the photo. This lens is totally useless. It's like shooting through the bottom of a bottle.

01-22-2017, 12:10 PM	#74
peterh337 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London Posts: 573 Original Poster	I have just read somewhere that the A20 and FA20 have identical optics, differing only in the autofocus stuff in the FA, and in the FA having more elements in the iris.

01-24-2017, 11:47 PM	#75
edin_togger Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 76	Originally posted by peterh337 I have just read somewhere that the A20 and FA20 have identical optics, differing only in the autofocus stuff in the FA, and in the FA having more elements in the iris. Peter, obviously appreciate that you'll be trying to sort out the situation with Ebay on your duff FA 20 but if you looking for one give me a shout, I have a good one which is unlikely to get used much now I've bought a 15-30 and I'm UK based which would make things easier!