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08-11-2019, 09:11 PM   #1
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DA 21 or HD DA 21 What's the right price?

$360 used for HD DA 21 or $290 used for DA 21?

08-11-2019, 09:22 PM - 1 Like   #2
dbs
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LBA talking get both

SMC for better starburst
HD its newer

I have the SMC

Dave
08-11-2019, 09:27 PM - 1 Like   #3
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I’d save the money and get the SMC version. Already amazing flare resistance, and $70 closer to getting the 15.
08-11-2019, 09:37 PM   #4
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Those B&H prices are high though

08-11-2019, 10:15 PM - 2 Likes   #5
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I have the SMC version, and there's no way I would change to the HD.



08-12-2019, 02:49 AM - 1 Like   #6
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only reason that I'd buy the HD vs the SMC is if the HD was the same price as the SMC version....
08-12-2019, 04:17 AM - 1 Like   #7
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turns out

there is an " in depth " review on HD vs. SMC:

HD vs. SMC Pentax Limited Primes

Introduction

At Photokina 2012, Pentax announced a brand new lens coating which they named the "HD Coating". This coating is slowly starting to replace the conventional "Super Multi Coating" (SMC) on high-end Pentax glass. . . .



Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-pentax-limited-primes/introduction.html#ixzz5wNvpD3gE

HD vs. SMC Pentax Limited Primes

Conclusion

So, which lens series is better: the old SMC or the new HD Limiteds? It turns out that most of the changes made between these two lineups can only be compared subjectively, including the external appearance, bokeh, and star burst effects. What we can objectively conclude is that the HD lenses do a much better job of suppressing ghosting, and in harsh lighting they may produce images with more contrast. Although ghosting is never fully eliminated, in some cases it is so hard to spot with HD lenses that you won't need to have to apply any post-processing whatsoever to your photos. . . .



Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-pentax-limited-primes/conclusion.html#ixzz5wNv8AcG7

08-12-2019, 04:30 AM - 2 Likes   #8
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The SMC version of the DA21 (and the DA15 for that matter - even moreso actually) is already incredibly flare resistant. Any improvement in the HD version has got to be marginal IMHO, at the expense of the uniquely rendered 14 point starbursts.

I have the HD version of the 35 Macro Limited, but won't be "upgrading" my 15 and 21. Ever.

I'm looking forward to using my HD DA 10-17 Fisheye though. It arrived today
08-12-2019, 04:59 AM - 2 Likes   #9
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The only reason I'd pay more for the HD is if someone was able to demonstrate that it performed better with regards to the DA 21mm's green blob flare problem. So far I've not seen any evidence that it does.

Star bursts on the 21mm can be pretty cool, especially for tripod work at night, so I'd be very hesitant to jeopardise that with the HD's rounded aperture blades.
08-12-2019, 06:03 AM - 4 Likes   #10
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Of course, the HD version has those rounded blades, for better bokeh.
It's not like the SMC version's bokeh sucks, mind you....



Some more from the archives.



08-12-2019, 06:19 AM - 1 Like   #11
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First, I'd take whichever is cheaper - they're both good.

Second, and IMO, YMMV, etc, etc, if the prices were equal I'd take the SMC version of the 15 and 21, but the HD version of the 35, 40, and 70. As it is, though, I have only SMC Limiteds and don't intend to change that.
08-12-2019, 07:48 AM - 1 Like   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by brightseal Quote
Those B&H prices are high though
I didn't wait that long to see a used SMC one for $200 in the marketplace. Shipping should be cheaper because the lens is so small and light.
08-12-2019, 08:13 PM   #13
dbs
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QuoteOriginally posted by Sandy Hancock Quote
The SMC version of the DA21 (and the DA15 for that matter - even moreso actually) is already incredibly flare resistant. Any improvement in the HD version has got to be marginal IMHO, at the expense of the uniquely rendered 14 point starbursts.

I have the HD version of the 35 Macro Limited, but won't be "upgrading" my 15 and 21. Ever.

I'm looking forward to using my HD DA 10-17 Fisheye though. It arrived today
Hi Sandy

The newer fisheye is it better behaved into the sun than the older version ?
I have the older one


Dave
08-12-2019, 08:23 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by dbs Quote
The newer fisheye is it better behaved into the sun than the older version?
I haven't used it yet, so can't say. I'll let you know when I get back from Alaska.

My SMC version was always pretty flare resistant anyway - I'd be disappointed if the new one isn't better.
08-12-2019, 08:33 PM   #15
dbs
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QuoteOriginally posted by Sandy Hancock Quote
I haven't used it yet, so can't say. I'll let you know when I get back from Alaska.

My SMC version was always pretty flare resistant anyway - I'd be disappointed if the new one isn't better.
Hi Sandy

I guess I am using mine wrong then

Alaska now that sounds interesting but a bit cold for me. have a good trip

Dave
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