[Bui]

I dropped my Pentax 15mm Ltd (SMC version) when messing with too many stuffs on my hands, in a very tight parking space 2 months ago. Physically and mechanically the lens is still fine but it became badly decentering, to the extent that it's now essentially a 30mm, since I have to crop a lot to get rid of the blurry area on the edges, at even f11.

I sent the lens to a a camera repair shop in Paris, they in turn sent it to Pentax. 2 weeks ago, in came back to me, with a letter saying it they could not fix it since it was too old (???)

Granted, I only use 15mm occasionally, less than 10% or even 5% of my photos for sure, but when I do, it's really needed. I like the lens because of it's color and exceptional flare resistance, it's also very compact that I don't even mind bringing it back from a trip without touching it once. Now with the lens becoming an expensive (albeit beautiful) paperweight, should I invest in a replacement? The widest I have now is the 16-85 at 16mm, I purchased this lens not long ago, and I'm not able to tell how big is the gap in IQ between these 2 lenses.

Should I also look at the wide zoom, for more flexibility but also more bulky? The Pentax 12-24 is quite expensive (11-18 is out of question), and the Sigma have at least 2 10-20 and a 8-16 versions. Which one is the best one?

[pepperberry farm]

buy another DA15 Ltd?

[Sandy Hancock]

Why not just buy another DA15?

None of the others are in the same ballpark with regard to size and flare resistance.

Another option to consider is the DA10-17 fisheye zoom. It's amazingly versatile and fun to use.

[aslyfox]

this thread might convince you to look at another DA 15mm limited

the limiteds do they live up to the reputation and why - Page 17 - PentaxForums.com

_______________

as to whether to acquire an HD or SMC version, perhaps this article will help:

HD vs. SMC Pentax Limited Primes

Introduction

HD vs. SMC Pentax Limited Primes Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

" Subjectively, we prefer the SMC 15mm over the HD 15mm for its beautiful star bust rendering; we can safely settle for the SMC version because the observable improvement that the HD coating delivers on this particular lens is smaller than on the others. We wouldn't mind having the HD versions of the remaining 4 lenses, however! "

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-pentax-limited-primes/conclusion.html#ixzz5xQtRSFk8

good luck

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Last edited by aslyfox; 08-23-2019 at 07:01 AM.

[Kozlok]

The 15 is not the sharpest lens available. But the colors, flare resistance and starbursts make its rendering unique. It also focuses fairly closely, making for some fun close ups.

The 15’s size means you will have it actually in the bag. I leave my 8-16 at home too frequently just because it’s heavy.

If you love the 15, there is no other lens like it. Buy another.

[Ronald Oakes]

Simple....Buy another 15mm Ltd....OR....a DA 20-40 Ltd

[beachboy2]

The Irix 15mm F2.4 is beautifully crafted. Very sharp. FF.

[SSGGeezer]

The Irix 15mm F2.4 is beautifully crafted. Very sharp. FF.

But a lot larger and more expensive.

[Qman]

To differentiate more between the wide end of the 16-85 and the new lens, you could get the DA 14mm. Good colors, contrast, sharpness, and flare resistance. Very close focusing. Gives the option of going to f2.8. Star bursts not quite as nice as the DA 15, and larger. Take a look at the sample photos section and type in DA 14 to get an idea of what it (and the other lenses) can do.

[aslyfox]

But a lot larger and more expensive.

what do you want - egg in your beer ?

[SSGGeezer]

what do you want - egg in your beer ?

Nope! in my Orange Juice only!

[Saltwater Images]

How about a DA* 16-50? Covers a lot of bases, is a stop faster, Weather sealed, and the colours on the DA* lenses are outstanding. I usually shoot Limited’s but just shot 2 Weddings with the DA* 16-50 on the KP. It did not disappoint and allowed me to shoot 95% of both events with a single camera and lens.

[Rondec]

You already have the 16-85. If you need/want wider than that options are in the zoom category the DA 12-24, DA * 11-18, DFA 15-30, and then a couple of used Sigma/Tamron options. In the prime category, there are several lenses from Irix and Samyang that would work. They are also full frame compatible so if you ever go that direction you could still use them. Pentax also has the DA 14 and DA 15.

You already know this, but you can't beat the DA 15 for small size, flare resistance, but it isn't the sharpest lens out there wide open. But only you can tell which lens fits both your short and long term plans from a photographic standpoint.

[reeftool]

While my DA 15 isn't used often, the things it does best can't really be done with another lens. If I end up breaking it or loosing it, I would either replace it or just have to learn to live without it. The real question here is whether there is a "cheaper" option for a replacement lens. IMO, there isn't. There are other wide lenses that are pretty good but much larger and not as easy to carry around and they are almost as expensive anyhow. I use mine for car shows, motorcycle shows and our annual hot air balloon festival where I have to get in close due to crowded conditions and get my shots. Car owners love the starbursts on their highly polished vehicles and the flare resistance is superb. I would be looking in the Marketplace for a used SMC version.

[mikesbike]

I rarely am interested in pronounced star burst effects, so I am very happy with my HD version of the DA 15mm, and I do have the older non-HD 21mm which is very star-burst capable. My HD DA 15mm LTD delivers excellent imaging, and since I don't need to go that wide all that often, it is so small I have it packed along in the front accessory pocket of my camera holster case, not even noticing its presence. So regardless of several kits I often use, there it is when needed. This is its size advantage, which is a rarity it is designed to achieve.

That said, if you don't mind the lack of compactness, another fine option is the DA 12-24mm f/4 which offers more versatility with its zoom range along with fine IQ. Distortion at 15mm is practically nil, and great for shots having architectural or other linear properties. I've had mine for numerous years, so now I have both of these fine lenses.