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07-05-2017, 01:10 PM - 1 Like   #16
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I only have used the DA15 for a wide prime and it's quite nice. Mine is the older SMC version and I really really like using it. The Tamron 17-50 is also quite good and an excellent value right now brand new.

07-05-2017, 01:53 PM - 1 Like   #17
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I have the HD DA 15 and it is a great lens, but not for every landscape, but the ones that work with it will be excellent. The multi prime options are good, but if you don't have them it's a large investment. I have the 18-135 and I have the Sigma 17-50. Yes the Sigma is sharper, but not as versatile. The 16-85 may be a great option, not as fast as the Sigma, but for landscapes who cares. Honestly all the options offered here are good, just make sure you have a good travel tripod and remote.
07-05-2017, 01:58 PM - 1 Like   #18
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My choice
Usually Sigma17-50
Sigma10-20
Pentax 18-135
Now I like Sigma 30
Definitely it's extra weight
But it's worth
07-05-2017, 02:01 PM - 1 Like   #19
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I think that you will get a lot of answers. You want for the best lens (singular). For a zoom, the DA20-40, a 17-50 or even the 16-85mm would be a definite improvement over the 18-135mm. For a prime, it is harder. As a prime shooter myself, I would say that the FA31mm Ltd would be the most versatile for outdoor/landscape. Bur the DA15mm Ltd is not far behind.
My 5 cents, hoping that it may help.


Last edited by hcc; 07-06-2017 at 01:03 PM.
07-05-2017, 02:33 PM - 1 Like   #20
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For me it is the 16-85 DA hands down for general travel lens. I also love the 14 DA 2.8 for landscapes. The 16-85 is so sharp and the contrast is so high I often have to look at the EXIF file to make sure I was shooting with the zoom.
07-05-2017, 03:24 PM - 1 Like   #21
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Travel Photography - Making the Most of Your Opportunity - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

a lot of good advice and food for thought in that article

for travel, I always pack light because travel to me doesn't mean taking photo only. In short a DA21 is (usually) my only lens during a trip. I am using K-3 and do mainly city scrape and instead of another lens, I prefer a mini tripod such as the gorillapod and may be a L bracket, a remote control, even a black handkerchief to block reflection because You might get a change to take photo behind a window somewhere in a building, sometime you see a good sunset to night scene from above a building but you can not use large tripod, and reflection everywhere...etc Whatever lens you end up with if you pack light you can walk more, see more and enjoy more with your accompany because your shoulders are not hurt!

Last edited by pakinjapan; 07-05-2017 at 03:53 PM.
07-05-2017, 03:40 PM - 1 Like   #22
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QuoteOriginally posted by timb64 Quote
I went through this process some time back and settled on the 16-85,couldn't be happier.

DA 16-85 WR,show us what it can do. - PentaxForums.com
I agree
I have lots of zooms including 18-135 and sigma 17-50. My 16-85 is a winner

07-05-2017, 04:28 PM - 1 Like   #23
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My vote is the 16-85 for a travel lens. I had the 18-135 which was good, but I think the 16-85 is much sharper and still not too heavy. I like the DA 21 for sharp landscapes. I got it before I got the 16-85. I agree if you wanted to go light, the DA 21 can do a lot by itself. I also take the DA 10-17; not the sharpest lens but it can go really wide when you want to, like inside churches and castles. You won't use the 10-17 often though. The DA 21 and 10-17 are tiny and easy to carry.
07-05-2017, 05:20 PM - 1 Like   #24
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QuoteOriginally posted by MaineNative Quote
My vote is the 16-85 for a travel lens. I had the 18-135 which was good, but I think the 16-85 is much sharper and still not too heavy. I like the DA 21 for sharp landscapes. I got it before I got the 16-85. I agree if you wanted to go light, the DA 21 can do a lot by itself. I also take the DA 10-17; not the sharpest lens but it can go really wide when you want to, like inside churches and castles. You won't use the 10-17 often though. The DA 21 and 10-17 are tiny and easy to carry.
here is a chance to see what others have been able to do with the 16 - 85 mm zoom

DA 16-85 WR,show us what it can do. - PentaxForums.com
07-05-2017, 08:44 PM - 1 Like   #25
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I'd also recommend the 16-85 DA for the versatility, or if you prefer to shoot wider, I used the Sigma 8-16mm a lot on a trip through Europe and found it extremely useful when shooting indoor spaces
07-05-2017, 09:32 PM - 1 Like   #26
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I have a two lens travel kit that works for me, perhaps not for you. I carry the DA 12-24 and the DA 55-300. Compared to my full kit, it's nearly weightless and covers an awful lot of focal lengths.
07-06-2017, 01:53 AM   #27
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Thanks everyone for the great answers!!

The 16 - 85 seems like a good option, as it is sharp and stil WR
Does anyone know how flare resistent this lens is, compared to the 18-135?

I have a Sigma 18 - 35 f1.8, incredible sharp but hardly usuable whenever there is sun due to massive amounts of flare.

Does anyone has any experience with the limited lenses in the rain, can they handle a few drops or should you be very carefull?
07-06-2017, 05:52 AM - 1 Like   #28
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QuoteOriginally posted by Ronaldtromso Quote
Thanks everyone for the great answers!!

The 16 - 85 seems like a good option, as it is sharp and stil WR
Does anyone know how flare resistent this lens is, compared to the 18-135?
Never experienced a problem with either lens including shots directly into setting sun.
07-06-2017, 06:21 AM - 1 Like   #29
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I have just returned from a trip to Italy. I took my new KP while my old K-3 was lent to my brother, but I think the results cross over.

DA15. Must have.



DA21. Go to landscaper.





the FA31 is no slouch either.



The DA*55 doesn't suck either.



Mind you, 300mm can work too.

07-06-2017, 07:33 AM - 1 Like   #30
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QuoteOriginally posted by Ronaldtromso Quote
Thanks everyone for the great answers!!

The 16 - 85 seems like a good option, as it is sharp and stil WR
Does anyone know how flare resistent this lens is, compared to the 18-135?

I have a Sigma 18 - 35 f1.8, incredible sharp but hardly usuable whenever there is sun due to massive amounts of flare.

Does anyone has any experience with the limited lenses in the rain, can they handle a few drops or should you be very carefull?
The 20-40 is weather sealed. The others are not. Any lens should take a few drops of water presuming you dry it off immediately, but generally speaking, rain isn't good for non weather sealed equipment.
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