Best cheap vintage ultra wide

**Cerebum** · 01-01-2018, 02:11 PM

I am using a Pentax k-30. My wide angle selection is the kit 18-55, a lovely Miranda 24mm f2.8 and the Pentax SMC da 35mm. This is the focal range pool I most like to play in but I need something at the wider end. My budget is embarrassing! I do rather like a nice vintage lens and have seen plenty of 28s and 50s but very little below 24mm other than the samyangs which are currently out of reach. Is there anything out there? Can anyone suggest something around the 12-15mm mark that won't break the bank?

photoptimist · 01-01-2018, 02:19 PM - **1 Like**

Well, "cheap" and "best" don't usually go together and "cheap" and "ultra wide" don't either.

But what about some of the Rokinon UWAs? The Rokinon 14 f/2.8 is under $300.

If the bank is smaller than that, then you'll need to pray to the gods of the pre-owned market.

**pepperberry farm** · 01-01-2018, 02:25 PM - **1 Like**

a good used DA14 or DA15, depending upon the budget....

**boriscleto** · 01-01-2018, 02:27 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

a good used DA14 or DA15, depending upon the budget....

If the Samyangs are out of reach then the DAs certainly are...

**i_trax** · 01-01-2018, 02:36 PM - **1 Like**

I think the only option you have would be to find used Sigma EX 10-20mm F4-5.6 DC ( non HSM, older version).
I used to have one, purchased it used in 2011 for AU$100. I gave it to my niece after purchasing Sigma 8-16.
Some photos taken with it:
Sigma EX 10-20mm F4-5.6 DC | Flickr
It is a pretty decent lens, reasonable common and in most case, reasonably priced.

Cthulhugan · 01-01-2018, 02:38 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by photoptimist

Well, "cheap" and "best" don't usually go together and "cheap" and "ultra wide" don't either.

Neither do “vintage” and “ultra wide”. Most vintage lenses were designed for 35mm film (i.e. full frame) and are longer than your target focal range. Those in the 12-16mm range are more exotic (they behave like 8-12mm on crop), and are likely more expensive. If you like the effect, a cheap vintage fisheye might fit the bill.

**Cerebum** · 01-01-2018, 02:40 PM

Originally posted by photoptimist

Well, "cheap" and "best" don't usually go together and "cheap" and "ultra wide" don't either.

But what about some of the Rokinon UWAs? The Rokinon 14 f/2.8 is under $300.

If the bank is smaller than that, then you'll need to pray to the gods of the pre-owned market.

I live in pre owned :0) I have seen a sigma 10-20mm for £150 but I was wondering if there was anything often overlooked, like some of the lenses in our 135mm discussion. As for the DAs, the 10-17 seems to be selling at £225 which is only £75 more than the sigma. If all else fails I may be better off finding patience from somewhere and saving for that :0)

Last edited by Cerebum; 01-01-2018 at 02:51 PM.

**pepperberry farm** · 01-01-2018, 02:53 PM - **1 Like**

there were also the Tokina 17mm and the Tamron Adaptall-2 17mm, if you are wanting to look waaaaaay back....

**sbh** · 01-01-2018, 02:58 PM - **1 Like**

Iirc there are K and A lenses with 15mm. But I can't recall the current prices. Maybe it's worth subscribing an ebay search and wait for a good opportunity?

**jatrax** · 01-01-2018, 03:34 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by sbh

Iirc there are K and A lenses with 15mm.

Last one I saw was north of $1,500. Not sure if it sold or not. These are collector items now so their value as a lens is skewed quite a bit.

**Cerebum** · 01-01-2018, 03:48 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jatrax

Last one I saw was north of $1,500. Not sure if it sold or not. These are collector items now so their value as a lens is skewed quite a bit.

Pentax SMC da 10-17 is starting to look like the favourite, that, the sigma, the Tokina or the Samyang. Thanks guys

**boriscleto** · 01-01-2018, 04:18 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Cerebum

Pentax SMC da 10-17 is starting to look like the favourite, that, the sigma, the Tokina or the Samyang. Thanks guys

Just remember that the 10-17 is a fisheye and not a rectilinear.

The Tamron 10-24 should be in the same price range as the Sigma 10-20...

**pepperberry farm** · 01-01-2018, 04:47 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by boriscleto

Just remember that the 10-17 is a fisheye and not a rectilinear.

the DA 10-17 does lose a lot of the fishy above 14mm, however....

HarisF1 · 01-01-2018, 05:03 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Cerebum

I live in pre owned :0) I have seen a sigma 10-20mm for £150 but I was wondering if there was anything often overlooked, like some of the lenses in our 135mm discussion. As for the DAs, the 10-17 seems to be selling at £225 which is only £75 more than the sigma. If all else fails I may be better off finding patience from somewhere and saving for that :0)

Get the DA 16-45 lens for around £80-100 and sell off your DA 18-55 for £40-50. You won't get wider than 16mm for under £100. Alternatively, keep an eye out for a Sigma 10-20 that may fall into your budget. I've seen them go for less than £150 but only very rarely.

**robgski** · 01-01-2018, 06:26 PM - **1 Like**

I second the vote for the 10-17mm, above 14mm it is more UWA thanfisheye on a crop sensor, and it renders beautifully, IMO.

Otherwise, the Samyang.Rokinon options are solid budget friendly choices.

Of course you could rent for a reasonable price. I have done that with several lenses I could not afford to purchase.

01-01-2018, 02:11 PM	#1
Cerebum Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Lancaster Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,829	Best cheap vintage ultra wide I am using a Pentax k-30. My wide angle selection is the kit 18-55, a lovely Miranda 24mm f2.8 and the Pentax SMC da 35mm. This is the focal range pool I most like to play in but I need something at the wider end. My budget is embarrassing! I do rather like a nice vintage lens and have seen plenty of 28s and 50s but very little below 24mm other than the samyangs which are currently out of reach. Is there anything out there? Can anyone suggest something around the 12-15mm mark that won't break the bank?

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01-01-2018, 02:19 PM - 1 Like	#2
photoptimist Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,128	Well, "cheap" and "best" don't usually go together and "cheap" and "ultra wide" don't either. But what about some of the Rokinon UWAs? The Rokinon 14 f/2.8 is under $300. If the bank is smaller than that, then you'll need to pray to the gods of the pre-owned market.

01-01-2018, 02:25 PM - 1 Like	#3
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	a good used DA14 or DA15, depending upon the budget....

01-01-2018, 02:27 PM - 2 Likes	#4
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by pepperberry farm a good used DA14 or DA15, depending upon the budget.... If the Samyangs are out of reach then the DAs certainly are...

01-01-2018, 02:36 PM - 1 Like	#5
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	I think the only option you have would be to find used Sigma EX 10-20mm F4-5.6 DC ( non HSM, older version). I used to have one, purchased it used in 2011 for AU$100. I gave it to my niece after purchasing Sigma 8-16. Some photos taken with it: Sigma EX 10-20mm F4-5.6 DC \| Flickr It is a pretty decent lens, reasonable common and in most case, reasonably priced.

01-01-2018, 02:38 PM - 3 Likes	#6
Cthulhugan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 227	Originally posted by photoptimist Well, "cheap" and "best" don't usually go together and "cheap" and "ultra wide" don't either. Neither do “vintage” and “ultra wide”. Most vintage lenses were designed for 35mm film (i.e. full frame) and are longer than your target focal range. Those in the 12-16mm range are more exotic (they behave like 8-12mm on crop), and are likely more expensive. If you like the effect, a cheap vintage fisheye might fit the bill.

01-01-2018, 02:40 PM	#7
Cerebum Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Lancaster Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,829 Original Poster	Originally posted by photoptimist Well, "cheap" and "best" don't usually go together and "cheap" and "ultra wide" don't either. But what about some of the Rokinon UWAs? The Rokinon 14 f/2.8 is under $300. If the bank is smaller than that, then you'll need to pray to the gods of the pre-owned market. I live in pre owned :0) I have seen a sigma 10-20mm for £150 but I was wondering if there was anything often overlooked, like some of the lenses in our 135mm discussion. As for the DAs, the 10-17 seems to be selling at £225 which is only £75 more than the sigma. If all else fails I may be better off finding patience from somewhere and saving for that :0) Last edited by Cerebum; 01-01-2018 at 02:51 PM.

01-01-2018, 02:53 PM - 1 Like	#8
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	there were also the Tokina 17mm and the Tamron Adaptall-2 17mm, if you are wanting to look waaaaaay back....

01-01-2018, 02:58 PM - 1 Like	#9
sbh Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Black Forest, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 852	Iirc there are K and A lenses with 15mm. But I can't recall the current prices. Maybe it's worth subscribing an ebay search and wait for a good opportunity?

01-01-2018, 03:34 PM - 1 Like	#10
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by sbh Iirc there are K and A lenses with 15mm. Last one I saw was north of $1,500. Not sure if it sold or not. These are collector items now so their value as a lens is skewed quite a bit.

01-01-2018, 03:48 PM - 1 Like	#11
Cerebum Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Lancaster Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,829 Original Poster	Originally posted by jatrax Last one I saw was north of $1,500. Not sure if it sold or not. These are collector items now so their value as a lens is skewed quite a bit. Pentax SMC da 10-17 is starting to look like the favourite, that, the sigma, the Tokina or the Samyang. Thanks guys

01-01-2018, 04:18 PM - 1 Like	#12
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by Cerebum Pentax SMC da 10-17 is starting to look like the favourite, that, the sigma, the Tokina or the Samyang. Thanks guys Just remember that the 10-17 is a fisheye and not a rectilinear. The Tamron 10-24 should be in the same price range as the Sigma 10-20...

01-01-2018, 04:47 PM - 1 Like	#13
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	Originally posted by boriscleto Just remember that the 10-17 is a fisheye and not a rectilinear. the DA 10-17 does lose a lot of the fishy above 14mm, however....

01-01-2018, 05:03 PM - 2 Likes	#14
HarisF1 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 543	Originally posted by Cerebum I live in pre owned :0) I have seen a sigma 10-20mm for £150 but I was wondering if there was anything often overlooked, like some of the lenses in our 135mm discussion. As for the DAs, the 10-17 seems to be selling at £225 which is only £75 more than the sigma. If all else fails I may be better off finding patience from somewhere and saving for that :0) Get the DA 16-45 lens for around £80-100 and sell off your DA 18-55 for £40-50. You won't get wider than 16mm for under £100. Alternatively, keep an eye out for a Sigma 10-20 that may fall into your budget. I've seen them go for less than £150 but only very rarely.

01-01-2018, 06:26 PM - 1 Like	#15
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,817	I second the vote for the 10-17mm, above 14mm it is more UWA thanfisheye on a crop sensor, and it renders beautifully, IMO. Otherwise, the Samyang.Rokinon options are solid budget friendly choices. Of course you could rent for a reasonable price. I have done that with several lenses I could not afford to purchase.