21 mm or 35 mm 'walk around' on aps-c???

Macario · 06-13-2018, 11:08 PM

I have the 21 and the 35 2.4 lenses. And both are great as walkaround lenses. It also depends on my mood and where I go, which one I will put on the camera.
But then again, they are so small and light, I sometimes also just take both.

Jonathan Mac · 06-14-2018, 12:31 AM

Some people prefer wide but my preference for a walk-around lens, no matter the format, is a normal, which is 35mm on APS-C. It helps that the 35mm is optically the best of the DA limited lenses.

1:1 macro on the 35mm is very rarely used as it's so close to the front element, but it's close focus ability is extremely useful. The DA 35mm also excels at landscapes, so for hiking it's perfect (except for not having weather resistance.

**iheiramo** · 06-14-2018, 01:46 AM

I prefer 35mm as walkaround. It's a better fit for my view.

Saltwater Images · 06-14-2018, 02:39 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

21 on the camera.
70 in the pocket.
Happy days.

If there were only 2 lenses I could carry from my kit it would be the 21 & 70. My travel combo is a K-5II, Domke F-5XB RuggedWear bag and HD DA 21/40/70 trio.

**robgski** · 06-14-2018, 02:41 AM

The 21mm has an IQ that is hard to beat

Saltwater Images · 06-14-2018, 02:44 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Some people prefer wide but my preference for a walk-around lens, no matter the format, is a normal, which is 35mm on APS-C. It helps that the 35mm is optically the best of the DA limited lenses.

1:1 macro on the 35mm is very rarely used as it's so close to the front element, but it's close focus ability is extremely useful. The DA 35mm also excels at landscapes, so for hiking it's perfect (except for not having weather resistance.

In the 35 mm format, 43 mm is true normal. On APS-C normal would be 28 mm ( I wish that Ricoh would make a HD DA 28). The 21 and 35 are compromises. 35 being a tight normal and 21 being a wide normal on APS-C. As others have stated, having the ability to crop in post positions the 21 well.

**robgski** · 06-14-2018, 02:52 AM - **1 Like**

IMO, the most convenient "walk-around" lens in the DA 40mm XS, it takes up almost no space in a pocket, one the camera it's practically a lens cap. The images it produces are fantastic

In the end, there is no "right" answer, I've walked around a city with a 21mm and a 77mm and hiked the hills with a 17mm, a 50mm, and a 135mm, as long as it is a quality lens, you can make a great image, if you are will to move closer, or stand back, or crop, or stitch.

What is your style? Get the lens that suits your preferred method of shooting.

pjsaure · 06-14-2018, 03:02 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by BigMackCam

EDIT: I would love to see your diffuser if you have time to take a photo of it

I made a dedicated thread to stop polluting this one : Homemade macro flash diffuser for 35 macro Ltd - PentaxForums.com

kh1234567890 · 06-14-2018, 04:28 AM

Originally posted by rptdc

Well, that is what I am asking for. Opinions, thoughts.

DA21. No opinions or thoughts. Just pictures.

Ishpuini · 06-14-2018, 04:59 AM - **1 Like**

In a city I would prefer a 21mm FoV (large buildings, narrow sidewalks). Though I personally have lost my love for my DA21/3.2 since I purchased the DA20-40. I took my DA21 out a few times since and could not warm to it again. Not because of the FoV, but because of the IQ. Perhaps mine is a dudd? Regardless, in a city I find I use my DA20-40 at 20mm most of the time.

In the country side where everything is a bit farther off, however, I would prefer the slightly stricter angle of a 35mm. I prefer my landscapes to be strictly framed and not flattened out. And the macro would allow some nature close-ups like flowers and so. Not insects, too short a working distance for that most of the time.

To each his/her own of course, but the bottom line is that which would qualify best as a walk around depends on the expected subject matter.

I've used my Samyang 135/2 as a walk around lens a few times. Interesting experience...

If I woud *have* to pick one focal length for all, I would probably go for something around 24mm. Though, except for older f/2.8 copies, most of these are a bit large.

hth, Wim

**aslyfox** · 06-14-2018, 05:01 AM

Originally posted by robgski

IMO, the most convenient "walk-around" lens in the DA 40mm XS, it takes up almost no space in a pocket, one the camera it's practically a lens cap. The images it produces are fantastic . . .

I agree

it is, without a doubt, the best lens in its class

rptdc · 06-14-2018, 05:40 AM

Originally posted by rptdc

HD Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited ..or..
HD Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro

I currently have 15 mm Prime and Pentax 55 to 300 Zoom. I would like an in-between walk around/hiking lens. I am considering one of the two above. Size matters, and both of these particular lenses are nicely compact.

I know I am going to be lectured about the subjectivity of my question. Well, that is what I am asking for. Opinions, thoughts. There is no right or wrong.

Also, do I need the macro of the 35 mm? Or would close-ups for flowers and some insects be adequate with just a regular lens?

The thoughts to date are exactly what I wanted. ...still can't decide, but more directions to consider.

Several have recommended adding the 20-40 2.8 Zoom to my options, in addition to my original considerations of the 21 and the 35 prime. I agree, the 20-40 would cover both and be weather resistant, matching my K-70. With the 20-40, though yet fairly compact, would take away the lovely of seemingly 'nothingness' on my camera with the 21mm lens at only 1 inch in length and 4 ounces. ...also, there is that price thing to consider with the 20-40.

Thank you to all for your input to date. This forum has allowed me to make good calculated choices on my Pentax photo purchases to in the past.

**TER-OR** · 06-14-2018, 05:44 AM

The 21mm is my favorite casual lens. By that I mean not my 100mm macro, 300mm tele etc. It's got a great "eye-view" image and has outstanding IQ. Indoors, it seems perfect for putting the viewer in the scene.

Though a 20-40 is compelling if you don't want to swap lenses between the DA21 and DA40 (at significantly higher price).

**pres589** · 06-14-2018, 06:13 AM - **1 Like**

Neither! Get a 28. There's an F 28 f2.8 for sale here in the Marketplace for under $200 that I really want but cannot justify right now.

If it had to be a 21 or a 35, I'd get the 21. But seriously just buy a 28.

northcoastgreg · 06-14-2018, 07:08 AM

Although the my DA 21 may not be my absolute best lens (technically, my DA 35 Ltd, DFA 100, and DA* 300 are slightly better), it's my favorite lens --- largely because I'm very comfortable with its FOV. I can shoot all day at 21mm. I can't shoot all day at 35mm (which I find a bit too tight) or the DA 15 (which is often way too wide). But I'm primarily a landscape photographer, and even on those rare occasions when I'm in a "street" setting, I'm still shooting what amount to "urban" landscapes rather than "street" photography. In short, it's what you're comfortable shooting that determines FOV. I see primes as either specialty lenses (e.g., macro lenses, supertelephotos, soft focus lenses, etc.) or lenses covering one's favorite FOV. Neither the 21 or the 35 Ltds are really specialty lenses. So just buy whichever lens covers the FOV you're most comfortable shooting at. I own both and use the DA 21 almost twice as often as the DA 35.

06-14-2018, 04:59 AM - 1 Like	#40
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	In a city I would prefer a 21mm FoV (large buildings, narrow sidewalks). Though I personally have lost my love for my DA21/3.2 since I purchased the DA20-40. I took my DA21 out a few times since and could not warm to it again. Not because of the FoV, but because of the IQ. Perhaps mine is a dudd? Regardless, in a city I find I use my DA20-40 at 20mm most of the time. In the country side where everything is a bit farther off, however, I would prefer the slightly stricter angle of a 35mm. I prefer my landscapes to be strictly framed and not flattened out. And the macro would allow some nature close-ups like flowers and so. Not insects, too short a working distance for that most of the time. To each his/her own of course, but the bottom line is that which would qualify best as a walk around depends on the expected subject matter. I've used my Samyang 135/2 as a walk around lens a few times. Interesting experience... If I woud have to pick one focal length for all, I would probably go for something around 24mm. Though, except for older f/2.8 copies, most of these are a bit large. hth, Wim Last edited by Ishpuini; 06-14-2018 at 05:21 AM.

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06-13-2018, 11:08 PM	#31
Macario Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Hoek van Holland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,393	I have the 21 and the 35 2.4 lenses. And both are great as walkaround lenses. It also depends on my mood and where I go, which one I will put on the camera. But then again, they are so small and light, I sometimes also just take both.

06-14-2018, 12:31 AM	#32
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,879	Some people prefer wide but my preference for a walk-around lens, no matter the format, is a normal, which is 35mm on APS-C. It helps that the 35mm is optically the best of the DA limited lenses. 1:1 macro on the 35mm is very rarely used as it's so close to the front element, but it's close focus ability is extremely useful. The DA 35mm also excels at landscapes, so for hiking it's perfect (except for not having weather resistance.

06-14-2018, 01:46 AM	#33
iheiramo Unoriginal Poster Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Espoo Photos: Albums Posts: 3,180	I prefer 35mm as walkaround. It's a better fit for my view.

06-14-2018, 02:39 AM	#34
Saltwater Images Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Newfoundland Photos: Gallery Posts: 501	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock 21 on the camera. 70 in the pocket. Happy days. If there were only 2 lenses I could carry from my kit it would be the 21 & 70. My travel combo is a K-5II, Domke F-5XB RuggedWear bag and HD DA 21/40/70 trio.

06-14-2018, 02:41 AM	#35
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,793	The 21mm has an IQ that is hard to beat

06-14-2018, 02:44 AM	#36
Saltwater Images Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Newfoundland Photos: Gallery Posts: 501	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Some people prefer wide but my preference for a walk-around lens, no matter the format, is a normal, which is 35mm on APS-C. It helps that the 35mm is optically the best of the DA limited lenses. 1:1 macro on the 35mm is very rarely used as it's so close to the front element, but it's close focus ability is extremely useful. The DA 35mm also excels at landscapes, so for hiking it's perfect (except for not having weather resistance. In the 35 mm format, 43 mm is true normal. On APS-C normal would be 28 mm ( I wish that Ricoh would make a HD DA 28). The 21 and 35 are compromises. 35 being a tight normal and 21 being a wide normal on APS-C. As others have stated, having the ability to crop in post positions the 21 well.

06-14-2018, 02:52 AM - 1 Like	#37
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,793	IMO, the most convenient "walk-around" lens in the DA 40mm XS, it takes up almost no space in a pocket, one the camera it's practically a lens cap. The images it produces are fantastic In the end, there is no "right" answer, I've walked around a city with a 21mm and a 77mm and hiked the hills with a 17mm, a 50mm, and a 135mm, as long as it is a quality lens, you can make a great image, if you are will to move closer, or stand back, or crop, or stitch. What is your style? Get the lens that suits your preferred method of shooting.

06-14-2018, 03:02 AM - 1 Like	#38
pjsaure Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Toulouse Posts: 82	Originally posted by BigMackCam EDIT: I would love to see your diffuser if you have time to take a photo of it I made a dedicated thread to stop polluting this one : Homemade macro flash diffuser for 35 macro Ltd - PentaxForums.com

06-14-2018, 04:28 AM	#39
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by rptdc Well, that is what I am asking for. Opinions, thoughts. DA21. No opinions or thoughts. Just pictures.

06-14-2018, 05:01 AM	#41
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,576	Originally posted by robgski IMO, the most convenient "walk-around" lens in the DA 40mm XS, it takes up almost no space in a pocket, one the camera it's practically a lens cap. The images it produces are fantastic . . . I agree it is, without a doubt, the best lens in its class

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06-14-2018, 05:40 AM	#42
rptdc Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 49 Original Poster	Originally posted by rptdc HD Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited ..or.. HD Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro I currently have 15 mm Prime and Pentax 55 to 300 Zoom. I would like an in-between walk around/hiking lens. I am considering one of the two above. Size matters, and both of these particular lenses are nicely compact. I know I am going to be lectured about the subjectivity of my question. Well, that is what I am asking for. Opinions, thoughts. There is no right or wrong. Also, do I need the macro of the 35 mm? Or would close-ups for flowers and some insects be adequate with just a regular lens? The thoughts to date are exactly what I wanted. ...still can't decide, but more directions to consider. Several have recommended adding the 20-40 2.8 Zoom to my options, in addition to my original considerations of the 21 and the 35 prime. I agree, the 20-40 would cover both and be weather resistant, matching my K-70. With the 20-40, though yet fairly compact, would take away the lovely of seemingly 'nothingness' on my camera with the 21mm lens at only 1 inch in length and 4 ounces. ...also, there is that price thing to consider with the 20-40. Thank you to all for your input to date. This forum has allowed me to make good calculated choices on my Pentax photo purchases to in the past.

06-14-2018, 05:44 AM	#43
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	The 21mm is my favorite casual lens. By that I mean not my 100mm macro, 300mm tele etc. It's got a great "eye-view" image and has outstanding IQ. Indoors, it seems perfect for putting the viewer in the scene. Though a 20-40 is compelling if you don't want to swap lenses between the DA21 and DA40 (at significantly higher price).

06-14-2018, 06:13 AM - 1 Like	#44
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,528	Neither! Get a 28. There's an F 28 f2.8 for sale here in the Marketplace for under $200 that I really want but cannot justify right now. If it had to be a 21 or a 35, I'd get the 21. But seriously just buy a 28.

06-14-2018, 07:08 AM	#45
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,168	Although the my DA 21 may not be my absolute best lens (technically, my DA 35 Ltd, DFA 100, and DA* 300 are slightly better), it's my favorite lens --- largely because I'm very comfortable with its FOV. I can shoot all day at 21mm. I can't shoot all day at 35mm (which I find a bit too tight) or the DA 15 (which is often way too wide). But I'm primarily a landscape photographer, and even on those rare occasions when I'm in a "street" setting, I'm still shooting what amount to "urban" landscapes rather than "street" photography. In short, it's what you're comfortable shooting that determines FOV. I see primes as either specialty lenses (e.g., macro lenses, supertelephotos, soft focus lenses, etc.) or lenses covering one's favorite FOV. Neither the 21 or the 35 Ltds are really specialty lenses. So just buy whichever lens covers the FOV you're most comfortable shooting at. I own both and use the DA 21 almost twice as often as the DA 35.