Your favorite "Landscape" lens?

**csa** · 11-07-2018, 10:58 AM

Just curious which lens is your favorite for landscapes, and why it's your favorite?

aaacb · 11-07-2018, 11:20 AM - **2 Likes**

If it's a zoom, the da 16-85 for versatility, though it feels short at times and I prefer to have a second longer lens.

Per focal length, I think most of my favorites have been in the normal range, if I were to take just one prime for landscape it would be the da 40.

I have landscape photos with ultra wide angles that I like (da 15), but it's not my range of comfort.

**Alex645** · 11-07-2018, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by csa

Just curious which lens is your favorite for landscapes, and why it's your favorite?

For film, it's the SMC Pentax-A 645 35mm F3.5 on 120 Ektar. Why? Angle of view, 645 aspect ratio, and large negative for enlargements or scans. It's just one of those WOW lenses that takes the ordinary into the extraordinary and inspires me to shoot.

If you'll forgive me, for digital my favorite is a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED on Nikon D750. Does anyone have a Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UMC that they have an opinion on the K-1 or K-1ii? I know many love their Rokis and Samys but my first and last experience was with a 14mm Rokinon on an APS-C and it was so mediocre, I haven't given them a second chance.

bdery · 11-07-2018, 11:26 AM - **2 Likes**

On APS-C, definitely the DA 21 Limited. Gorgeous rendering, colours, sharpness. It's even better at night, creating superb starbursts.

On FF, I haven't tested as many lenses but for the moment my favourite is the FA 20-35. It lacks some of the character of the 21 but is an excellent lens in its own right.

Now if Pentax release an equivalent to the 21 on FF (think a 24 Limited maybe) I'd be al over it.

timb64 · 11-07-2018, 11:33 AM - **2 Likes**

DA16-85WR, perfect range for landscapes,WR for more extreme conditions.

Ketsuppi11 · 11-07-2018, 11:40 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by timb64

DA16-85WR, perfect range for landscapes,WR for more extreme conditions.

Same for me!
31mm ltd is nice as well

DeadJohn · 11-07-2018, 11:45 AM - **3 Likes**

DFA 28-105. It's compact, very sharp, and a versatile zoom range.

DFA 15-30 comes in 2nd. The ultrawide angle is more of a special purpose lens. I use it mostly for long exposure nightscapes when I want to see the ground and a lot of sky.

**csa** · 11-07-2018, 11:51 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Alex645

If you'll forgive me, for digital my favorite is a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED on Nikon D750. Does anyone have a Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UMC that they have an opinion on the K-1 or K-1ii? I know many love their Rokis and Samys but my first and last experience was with a 14mm Rokinon on an APS-C and it was so mediocre, I haven't given them a second chance.

I'm only interested in the Pentax system. I use a K3.

As far as your other questions, perhaps start a thread of your own.

**csa** · 11-07-2018, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by bdery

On APS-C, definitely the DA 21 Limited. Gorgeous rendering, colours, sharpness. It's even better at night, creating superb starbursts.

Interesting, I'd not heard of the starbursts with this lens. I'll definitely consider this one! Thanks!

**sergysergy** · 11-07-2018, 11:58 AM - **2 Likes**

Sigma 10-20 3.5. I love the wide shots. 15 limited is good too.

**csa** · 11-07-2018, 12:06 PM

Originally posted by sergysergy

Sigma 10-20 3.5. I love the wide shots. 15 limited is good too.

I should mention I do have the Tamron 10-24. Was mainly interested in a prime lens.

normhead · 11-07-2018, 12:28 PM - **1 Like**

Pentax K-3 as requested.

Sigma 8-16
DA 18-135
DA* 60-250.

Depending on the situation.
IN primes
21 ltd.
40 XS
DA*55 1.4.
DFA 100 macro

Overall, the 18-135 is probably the most used for landscape.

**Alex645** · 11-07-2018, 12:34 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by csa

I'm only interested in the Pentax system. I use a K3.

As far as your other questions, perhaps start a thread of your own.

I understand, but I thought if someone had either a 20mm FF or 14mm APS-C that they thought were exceptional, it would help for your inquiry.

Also note that in your original post, you asked what is YOUR favorite landscape lens, so I didn't know you were only interested in Pentax APS-C.

**mikesbike** · 11-07-2018, 12:37 PM - **2 Likes**

For APS-C, another vote for the DA 21mm Limited which I've had since 2011. Very compact and great IQ. More recently, I've also been using my DA 20-40mm Limited, which of course is not as compact as its prime cousins, but it offers WR and the versatility of multiple FLs via the zoom, and is still compact for what it is. It couples well with the DA* 50-135mm, which is also quite compact for what it is. The DA 15mm Limited is also an easy-carrying addition to this kit.

If the main interest is wide angle, the DA 12-24mm f/4 is excellent.

**csa** · 11-07-2018, 12:44 PM

I see two more are recommending the DA 21 limited. This is really interesting!

11-07-2018, 10:58 AM	#1
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Your favorite "Landscape" lens? Just curious which lens is your favorite for landscapes, and why it's your favorite?

11-07-2018, 12:34 PM - 2 Likes	#13
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by csa I'm only interested in the Pentax system. I use a K3. As far as your other questions, perhaps start a thread of your own. I understand, but I thought if someone had either a 20mm FF or 14mm APS-C that they thought were exceptional, it would help for your inquiry. Also note that in your original post, you asked what is YOUR favorite landscape lens, so I didn't know you were only interested in Pentax APS-C. Last edited by Alex645; 11-07-2018 at 02:10 PM.

11-07-2018, 12:37 PM - 2 Likes	#14
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,547	For APS-C, another vote for the DA 21mm Limited which I've had since 2011. Very compact and great IQ. More recently, I've also been using my DA 20-40mm Limited, which of course is not as compact as its prime cousins, but it offers WR and the versatility of multiple FLs via the zoom, and is still compact for what it is. It couples well with the DA* 50-135mm, which is also quite compact for what it is. The DA 15mm Limited is also an easy-carrying addition to this kit. If the main interest is wide angle, the DA 12-24mm f/4 is excellent. Last edited by mikesbike; 11-07-2018 at 12:42 PM.

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11-07-2018, 11:20 AM - 2 Likes	#2
aaacb Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,723	If it's a zoom, the da 16-85 for versatility, though it feels short at times and I prefer to have a second longer lens. Per focal length, I think most of my favorites have been in the normal range, if I were to take just one prime for landscape it would be the da 40. I have landscape photos with ultra wide angles that I like (da 15), but it's not my range of comfort.

11-07-2018, 11:22 AM	#3
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by csa Just curious which lens is your favorite for landscapes, and why it's your favorite? For film, it's the SMC Pentax-A 645 35mm F3.5 on 120 Ektar. Why? Angle of view, 645 aspect ratio, and large negative for enlargements or scans. It's just one of those WOW lenses that takes the ordinary into the extraordinary and inspires me to shoot. If you'll forgive me, for digital my favorite is a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED on Nikon D750. Does anyone have a Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UMC that they have an opinion on the K-1 or K-1ii? I know many love their Rokis and Samys but my first and last experience was with a 14mm Rokinon on an APS-C and it was so mediocre, I haven't given them a second chance.

11-07-2018, 11:26 AM - 2 Likes	#4
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	On APS-C, definitely the DA 21 Limited. Gorgeous rendering, colours, sharpness. It's even better at night, creating superb starbursts. On FF, I haven't tested as many lenses but for the moment my favourite is the FA 20-35. It lacks some of the character of the 21 but is an excellent lens in its own right. Now if Pentax release an equivalent to the 21 on FF (think a 24 Limited maybe) I'd be al over it.

11-07-2018, 11:33 AM - 2 Likes	#5
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	DA16-85WR, perfect range for landscapes,WR for more extreme conditions.

11-07-2018, 11:40 AM - 1 Like	#6
Ketsuppi11 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Photos: Albums Posts: 217	Originally posted by timb64 DA16-85WR, perfect range for landscapes,WR for more extreme conditions. Same for me! 31mm ltd is nice as well

11-07-2018, 11:45 AM - 3 Likes	#7
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	DFA 28-105. It's compact, very sharp, and a versatile zoom range. DFA 15-30 comes in 2nd. The ultrawide angle is more of a special purpose lens. I use it mostly for long exposure nightscapes when I want to see the ground and a lot of sky.

11-07-2018, 11:51 AM - 1 Like	#8
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	Originally posted by Alex645 If you'll forgive me, for digital my favorite is a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED on Nikon D750. Does anyone have a Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UMC that they have an opinion on the K-1 or K-1ii? I know many love their Rokis and Samys but my first and last experience was with a 14mm Rokinon on an APS-C and it was so mediocre, I haven't given them a second chance. I'm only interested in the Pentax system. I use a K3. As far as your other questions, perhaps start a thread of your own.

11-07-2018, 11:53 AM	#9
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	Originally posted by bdery On APS-C, definitely the DA 21 Limited. Gorgeous rendering, colours, sharpness. It's even better at night, creating superb starbursts. Interesting, I'd not heard of the starbursts with this lens. I'll definitely consider this one! Thanks!

11-07-2018, 11:58 AM - 2 Likes	#10
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,168	Sigma 10-20 3.5. I love the wide shots. 15 limited is good too.

11-07-2018, 12:06 PM	#11
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	Originally posted by sergysergy Sigma 10-20 3.5. I love the wide shots. 15 limited is good too. I should mention I do have the Tamron 10-24. Was mainly interested in a prime lens.

11-07-2018, 12:28 PM - 1 Like	#12
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,448	Pentax K-3 as requested. Sigma 8-16 DA 18-135 DA* 60-250. Depending on the situation. IN primes 21 ltd. 40 XS DA*55 1.4. DFA 100 macro Overall, the 18-135 is probably the most used for landscape.

11-07-2018, 12:44 PM	#15
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	I see two more are recommending the DA 21 limited. This is really interesting!

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