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

follansbee · 06-14-2018, 08:18 AM

I like my 21 as the perfect walk around lens for most of my photo opportunities with apc...as I used 35 in old film days If I want something a little longer will use my 40 pancake but also have the 15 which I love and the 70. I am not a zoom guy

**aslyfox** · 06-14-2018, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by pres589

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.

I have to admit that I do enjoy my Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm F2 MC P/KA

rptdc · 06-14-2018, 12:24 PM

Originally posted by rptdc

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.

Darn you all for giving me one more lens the think about! The 20-40 mm.

I now am figuring out how to afford it if I go in that direction. Skip my life sustaining medications? My son's college education is way overrated. Do we really need 2 cars in the Midwest, or can I ride my bike to work year round, as it only hits -20 degrees F for a few weeks?

Seriously, functionally the only negative for me would be the loss of the smaller size of, say, the 21mm. It is somewhat lighter than the 55-300 that I typically carry along. Also, as pointed out by others, it covers 2 lens' that I was considering, the 21 or the 35. I originally intended to go primes only. :-( My collection would then be my current DA 15mm F4; the possible DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited; and my current DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE. The coverage makes sense.

**pres589** · 06-14-2018, 12:37 PM

The DA 15, the 20-40, and the 55-300 PLM? That's an awesome range BUT it has one issue; it's all kind of slow glass. So the answer is the Sigma 30 EX.

**TER-OR** · 06-14-2018, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by rptdc

Darn you all for giving me one more lens the think about! The 20-40 mm.

the possible DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited; and my current DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE. The coverage makes sense.

It's compelling, but so is the pair of pancakes. I can say I greatly enjoy the 21mm. It's honestly a fun little lens. I don't use the 40mm very often, but it's very nice and pocket-sized. I have made many Nikon users jealous with this pair of lenses. The 21mm is nearly a macro lens, too.

I got both the 21 and 40 for very good used prices. Were I considering new lenses, I'm honestly not sure what I would decide.

pakinjapan · 06-14-2018, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by rptdc

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.

I considered 20-40 before end up with 21 green ring because I couldn't resist its starburst effect. If you want good looking starburst effect becuaus you mainly shoot at night in urban setting like me, you can not go wrong with either 21 or 35 ltd "Green ring version" Otherwise, 20-40 is a lovely weather sealed walkaround zoom.

DeadJohn · 06-14-2018, 04:40 PM - **1 Like**

The 21 and 35 Limited are very good lenses. Since you already have the 15, my recommendation is the 35 solely for focal length reasons.

The 35 will alllow general photography and good closeups. It's awkward to use for true 1:1 macro because you have to get so close.

rptdc · 06-14-2018, 04:59 PM

Originally posted by caliscouser

how about the DA 20-40 Limited? covers the gap nicely, WR, DC AF, compact, handles like a prime with wriggle room. A lot to like.....

If one uses the provided hood for a DA 20 - 40, is there an alternative lens cap that one can use? It appears that the lens cover is an external friction fit from what I can tell. Other options?

Gianclaudio · 06-14-2018, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by rptdc

Seriously, functionally the only negative for me would be the loss of the smaller size of, say, the 21mm. It is somewhat lighter than the 55-300 that I typically carry along. Also, as pointed out by others, it covers 2 lens' that I was considering, the 21 or the 35. I originally intended to go primes only. :-( My collection would then be my current DA 15mm F4; the possible DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited; and my current DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE. The coverage makes sense.

20-40mm ltd is very light, specially for a zoom, at just around 280 grams or 10 oz.
15mm ltd, 20-40mm ltd and 55-300mm pld sound as great combo to me, I've something similar, with the 50-135 instead of the 55-300 plm (and willing to buy that lens to have extra reach adn smaller size when hiking, or travelling).

As a side note, I'll like to recommend you a Manfrotto Bella V shoulder bag for carrying your kit...you'll be able to pack your camera and those 3 lenses perfectly and at the current 15 usd, is a steal:
https://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MB-SSB-5BC-BELLA-Shoulder/dp/B004TA72OE/ref=sr_ph_1?tag=pentaxforums-20&ie=UTF8&qid=1529023367&sr=sr-1&keywords=manfrotto+bella+v

Good luck!

**pepperberry farm** · 06-14-2018, 06:48 PM

Originally posted by rptdc

Darn you all for giving me one more lens the think about! The 20-40 mm.

I have been interested/lusting after the HD 20-40mm zoom for awhile; purchased an HD DA 35/2.8 Limited for a stupidly-low price....

I no longer crave the HD 20-40; the 35 Limited is that good...

SSGGeezer · 06-14-2018, 06:53 PM - **1 Like**

The 20-40 is a stack of Limited Primes at heart although you will probably use it at either 20mm or 40mm and rarely in between unless you are in going between 20 and 40. Still a great piece of gear.

Eyewanders · 06-14-2018, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by SSGGeezer

The 20-40 is a stack of Limited Primes at heart although you will probably use it at either 20mm or 40mm and rarely in between unless you are in going between 20 and 40. Still a great piece of gear.

I put one on several times in a local shop in the months after its release and nearly left with it each of those times but never quite did, for exactly that reason. For some reason I didn't love how it handled, not entirely sure why, but hard to not like it and its results though.

victormeldrew · 06-14-2018, 10:14 PM

Originally posted by rptdc

If one uses the provided hood for a DA 20 - 40, is there an alternative lens cap that one can use? It appears that the lens cover is an external friction fit from what I can tell. Other options?

I have never had a problem with the cap...partly because it spends most of its time in my bag, partly because it works fine. It doesn't slip off, unlike my Lensbaby's push-on, but it goes on and off easily enough.

You could find a generic screw-in hood and pinch cap, but I'd guess you would have problems with vignetting at 20mm unless it was very small.

**caliscouser** · 06-14-2018, 10:20 PM

Originally posted by rptdc

If one uses the provided hood for a DA 20 - 40, is there an alternative lens cap that one can use? It appears that the lens cover is an external friction fit from what I can tell. Other options?

The other option is to remove the small metal hood and use any conventional 55mm lens cap. Having said that I found the included lens cap to be just fine, it's quite snug. But that's just based on my sample size of one.

For those wondering about the size and handling of the 20-40 it is no pancake, but it is light and compact for it's specifications. Here is a pic to get a sense of relative sizes.

I also have the DA 21 SMC, DA 35 2.4 and DA 40 HD. I don't really use them that much as I don't like changing lenses frequently around the 'normal' focal range and there is no compromise in image quality using the 20-40.

The main use cases for the SMC 21 for me are low profile street photography and nightscapes (starbursts). The 35 2.4 as a light all-rounder for situations like travel where I'm not too worried about damage or loss.
The 40 HD is a harder use case for me, but it is hard to part with because the image quality is superb, better than the 21 in my opinion. The 35 2.8 I have never used.

You can't go wrong with any of them. I'm pretty sure you'll be happy with whatever you get. Just pick the ones that fit your use cases best.

Jonathan Mac · 06-14-2018, 10:54 PM

Originally posted by Saltwater Images

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.

I always regard this as the "technical" normal rather than "true" normal, as I find 50-55mm equivalent the perfect focal length for general use, so 35mm on APS-C. 43mm has this (meaningless really) technical specification behind it but that's all. There's a good reason why the majority of modern normal primes for APS-C are 35mm rather than 28mm.

06-14-2018, 12:24 PM	#48
rptdc Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 49 Original Poster	Originally posted by rptdc 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. Darn you all for giving me one more lens the think about! The 20-40 mm. I now am figuring out how to afford it if I go in that direction. Skip my life sustaining medications? My son's college education is way overrated. Do we really need 2 cars in the Midwest, or can I ride my bike to work year round, as it only hits -20 degrees F for a few weeks? Seriously, functionally the only negative for me would be the loss of the smaller size of, say, the 21mm. It is somewhat lighter than the 55-300 that I typically carry along. Also, as pointed out by others, it covers 2 lens' that I was considering, the 21 or the 35. I originally intended to go primes only. :-( My collection would then be my current DA 15mm F4; the possible DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited; and my current DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE. The coverage makes sense. Last edited by rptdc; 06-14-2018 at 12:26 PM. Reason: Grammar

06-14-2018, 04:09 PM	#51
pakinjapan Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,041	Originally posted by rptdc 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. I considered 20-40 before end up with 21 green ring because I couldn't resist its starburst effect. If you want good looking starburst effect becuaus you mainly shoot at night in urban setting like me, you can not go wrong with either 21 or 35 ltd "Green ring version" Otherwise, 20-40 is a lovely weather sealed walkaround zoom. Last edited by pakinjapan; 06-14-2018 at 07:17 PM.

06-14-2018, 04:59 PM	#53
rptdc Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 49 Original Poster	Originally posted by caliscouser how about the DA 20-40 Limited? covers the gap nicely, WR, DC AF, compact, handles like a prime with wriggle room. A lot to like..... If one uses the provided hood for a DA 20 - 40, is there an alternative lens cap that one can use? It appears that the lens cover is an external friction fit from what I can tell. Other options? Last edited by rptdc; 06-14-2018 at 04:59 PM. Reason: better choice of word

06-14-2018, 10:20 PM	#59
caliscouser Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,037	Originally posted by rptdc If one uses the provided hood for a DA 20 - 40, is there an alternative lens cap that one can use? It appears that the lens cover is an external friction fit from what I can tell. Other options? The other option is to remove the small metal hood and use any conventional 55mm lens cap. Having said that I found the included lens cap to be just fine, it's quite snug. But that's just based on my sample size of one. For those wondering about the size and handling of the 20-40 it is no pancake, but it is light and compact for it's specifications. Here is a pic to get a sense of relative sizes. I also have the DA 21 SMC, DA 35 2.4 and DA 40 HD. I don't really use them that much as I don't like changing lenses frequently around the 'normal' focal range and there is no compromise in image quality using the 20-40. The main use cases for the SMC 21 for me are low profile street photography and nightscapes (starbursts). The 35 2.4 as a light all-rounder for situations like travel where I'm not too worried about damage or loss. The 40 HD is a harder use case for me, but it is hard to part with because the image quality is superb, better than the 21 in my opinion. The 35 2.8 I have never used. You can't go wrong with any of them. I'm pretty sure you'll be happy with whatever you get. Just pick the ones that fit your use cases best. Last edited by caliscouser; 06-14-2018 at 10:26 PM.

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06-14-2018, 08:18 AM	#46
follansbee Site Supporter Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 26	I like my 21 as the perfect walk around lens for most of my photo opportunities with apc...as I used 35 in old film days If I want something a little longer will use my 40 pancake but also have the 15 which I love and the 70. I am not a zoom guy

06-14-2018, 09:59 AM	#47
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,582	Originally posted by pres589 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. I have to admit that I do enjoy my Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm F2 MC P/KA

06-14-2018, 12:37 PM	#49
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	The DA 15, the 20-40, and the 55-300 PLM? That's an awesome range BUT it has one issue; it's all kind of slow glass. So the answer is the Sigma 30 EX.

06-14-2018, 02:24 PM	#50
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Originally posted by rptdc Darn you all for giving me one more lens the think about! The 20-40 mm. the possible DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited; and my current DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE. The coverage makes sense. It's compelling, but so is the pair of pancakes. I can say I greatly enjoy the 21mm. It's honestly a fun little lens. I don't use the 40mm very often, but it's very nice and pocket-sized. I have made many Nikon users jealous with this pair of lenses. The 21mm is nearly a macro lens, too. I got both the 21 and 40 for very good used prices. Were I considering new lenses, I'm honestly not sure what I would decide.

06-14-2018, 04:40 PM - 1 Like	#52
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834	The 21 and 35 Limited are very good lenses. Since you already have the 15, my recommendation is the 35 solely for focal length reasons. The 35 will alllow general photography and good closeups. It's awkward to use for true 1:1 macro because you have to get so close.

06-14-2018, 05:53 PM	#54
Gianclaudio Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Hannover Photos: Gallery Posts: 163	Originally posted by rptdc Seriously, functionally the only negative for me would be the loss of the smaller size of, say, the 21mm. It is somewhat lighter than the 55-300 that I typically carry along. Also, as pointed out by others, it covers 2 lens' that I was considering, the 21 or the 35. I originally intended to go primes only. :-( My collection would then be my current DA 15mm F4; the possible DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited; and my current DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE. The coverage makes sense. 20-40mm ltd is very light, specially for a zoom, at just around 280 grams or 10 oz. 15mm ltd, 20-40mm ltd and 55-300mm pld sound as great combo to me, I've something similar, with the 50-135 instead of the 55-300 plm (and willing to buy that lens to have extra reach adn smaller size when hiking, or travelling). As a side note, I'll like to recommend you a Manfrotto Bella V shoulder bag for carrying your kit...you'll be able to pack your camera and those 3 lenses perfectly and at the current 15 usd, is a steal: https://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MB-SSB-5BC-BELLA-Shoulder/dp/B004TA72OE/ref=sr_ph_1?tag=pentaxforums-20&ie=UTF8&qid=1529023367&sr=sr-1&keywords=manfrotto+bella+v Good luck!

06-14-2018, 06:48 PM	#55
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,751	Originally posted by rptdc Darn you all for giving me one more lens the think about! The 20-40 mm. I have been interested/lusting after the HD 20-40mm zoom for awhile; purchased an HD DA 35/2.8 Limited for a stupidly-low price.... I no longer crave the HD 20-40; the 35 Limited is that good...

06-14-2018, 06:53 PM - 1 Like	#56
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	The 20-40 is a stack of Limited Primes at heart although you will probably use it at either 20mm or 40mm and rarely in between unless you are in going between 20 and 40. Still a great piece of gear.

06-14-2018, 07:17 PM	#57
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by SSGGeezer The 20-40 is a stack of Limited Primes at heart although you will probably use it at either 20mm or 40mm and rarely in between unless you are in going between 20 and 40. Still a great piece of gear. I put one on several times in a local shop in the months after its release and nearly left with it each of those times but never quite did, for exactly that reason. For some reason I didn't love how it handled, not entirely sure why, but hard to not like it and its results though.

06-14-2018, 10:14 PM	#58
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Originally posted by rptdc If one uses the provided hood for a DA 20 - 40, is there an alternative lens cap that one can use? It appears that the lens cover is an external friction fit from what I can tell. Other options? I have never had a problem with the cap...partly because it spends most of its time in my bag, partly because it works fine. It doesn't slip off, unlike my Lensbaby's push-on, but it goes on and off easily enough. You could find a generic screw-in hood and pinch cap, but I'd guess you would have problems with vignetting at 20mm unless it was very small.

06-14-2018, 10:54 PM	#60
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,902	Originally posted by Saltwater Images 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. I always regard this as the "technical" normal rather than "true" normal, as I find 50-55mm equivalent the perfect focal length for general use, so 35mm on APS-C. 43mm has this (meaningless really) technical specification behind it but that's all. There's a good reason why the majority of modern normal primes for APS-C are 35mm rather than 28mm.