[Brumtaffy]

So I have a dilemma. I really love my other D-FA lenses, 70-200 and 24-70, I was saving my pennies to complete the 'holy trinity' with the monster 15-30, all to use with my K-1.
However, as you will all know, the 15-30 will not take filters... so what is a guy to do?

My experience with my other camera, a K-3ii, using wide lenses (Tamron 10-24) is that it is very easy to get a blown out sky, so a ND grad is a godsend. Polarisers also work especially well with wide-angle lenses. I have several Lee filters which I love for landscapes/seascapes, it seems criminal that I can't use them.

Most of my photography is landscapes, but I'm also partial to astrophotography, although this lens is just too expensive to justify buying for astro alone.

Are there other options I might consider? I'd love it if we had wide-angle D-FA prime options, but alas...

[stevebrot]

There is a thread regarding filter holders for the D FA 15-30. Perhaps a solution might be found there?

Pentax D FA 15-30mm filter system - PentaxForums.com

B&H also has a selection...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=3837&fct=fct_lens-attachment-size_6...&N=4026728363&


Steve

(...Tamron 15-30 owners have the same issue...)

[DeadJohn]

The post before this has a link to purchasable filter holders for the 15-30.

Coincidentally, someone else is talking about a filter holder they designed for a 3D printer. See My "ultimate" 150mm filter holder solution (3D printable) - PentaxForums.com

[pschlute]

However, as you will all know, the 15-30 will not take filters... so what is a guy to do?

Whatever gives you that idea ? The 15-30 uses the Lee 150 system holder and filters and I am sure many other brands besides.

[stevebrot]

The 15-30 uses the Lee 150 system holder...

So it does. B&H does not filter that way or list the 15-30 in the description, but the Lee Web site is explicit in its support for both Pentax and Tamron versions:


The LEE SW150 Mark II Filter System especially designed for a range of popular ultra-wideangle lenses.


Steve

[pschlute]

Taken with K1 + DFA 15-30 + Lee 150 system "big stopper" and ND grad

[Brumtaffy]

I suppose so... but goodness, the expense of replicating my 100mm system that I can use for all my other lenses with a 150mm just for this lens. That puts me right off

I feel conflicted... and Black Friday is coming closer

---------- Post added 10-11-18 at 02:23 PM ----------

Thanks for the links, just watched this from the fab Joe Cornish The LEE SW150 Mark II Filter System especially designed for a range of popular ultra-wideangle lenses.

I'd better blooming well start to sell some pictures if I'm going to afford these babies

[pschlute]

suppose so... but goodness, the expense of replicating my 100mm system that I can use for all my other lenses with a 150mm just for this lens. That puts me right off

Yes I understand the dilemma.

One option is that Lee do an adapter which means you can use the 150 system on any lens that would ordinarily be best suited to a 100 system lens. So you could invest in the adapter and the 150 system and sell your 100 system kit

[aaacb]

Another option is to get a prime that would work for your current filter set. Would you ready need 15mm, in which case it may be better to have the versatility of a zoom and those large filters, or just something wider than 24mm, say 20mm?

[Brumtaffy]

Yes I understand the dilemma.

One option is that Lee do an adapter which means you can use the 150 system on any lens that would ordinarily be best suited to a 100 system lens. So you could invest in the adapter and the 150 system and sell your 100 system kit

Thanks for that Peter. If you watch the video I linked, you get an idea of how big these filters are, i.e. they are rather unwieldy. The thought of handling those on a windy beach, or mountaintop

I suppose if I go ahead and get a 15-30, I shall probably end up with at least a ND grad at some point, maybe going filterless whilst using for astro for a bit... Would love a prime though.

Here's my kind of astro, Wales this summer

[TerryL]

I would just get the lens. It's a pleasure to work with. It's worth it, and you will get the filter holder issue worked out. There's plenty of them.
Terry

[pinholecam]

I know that A online photographic equipment store meant for the photo enthusiasts ? photosphere.sg has a filter holder for the DFA 15-35 as my friend uses one.

You might want to contact sales@photospheresg.com for details.
Its the 150mm holder.

[zapp]

The need for a 150mm filter system stopped me from buying in the 15-30. I have a bunch of 100mm filters and don´t want to invest in a 150mm System + carry it.
The DA*11-18 can use 100mm filters, as far as we know today and may cover APS-C+ area on K1. Pentax would do well with a decent wide angle lens/zoom that works with normal filter sizes.

[TerryL]

So I have a dilemma. I really love my other D-FA lenses, 70-200 and 24-70, I was saving my pennies to complete the 'holy trinity' with the monster 15-30, all to use with my K-1.
However, as you will all know, the 15-30 will not take filters... so what is a guy to do?

My experience with my other camera, a K-3ii, using wide lenses (Tamron 10-24) is that it is very easy to get a blown out sky, so a ND grad is a godsend. Polarisers also work especially well with wide-angle lenses. I have several Lee filters which I love for landscapes/seascapes, it seems criminal that I can't use them.

Most of my photography is landscapes, but I'm also partial to astrophotography, although this lens is just too expensive to justify buying for astro alone.

Are there other options I might consider? I'd love it if we had wide-angle D-FA prime options, but alas...

If you are absolutely not going to get the awesome 15-30, then the Irix 15mm useses 100mm filters.

[Brumtaffy]

Thanks to everyone for their helpful comments.

Incidentally the summary page of the 15-30 lens review from last year states ‘no filter thread’ as a con, in an otherwise glowing review HD Pentax-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR Review - Conclusion | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Time will tell if I go for it 😀