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10-01-2019, 06:11 PM   #16
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QuoteOriginally posted by K1N8 Quote
Try finding a store where you can test the lens before buying, to make sure you get a good copy?
Or order through B&H or Adorama so returns are painless until you get a copy that isn't decentered. The calibration issue can easily be fixed after that should the need arise.

10-01-2019, 06:25 PM   #17
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haven't tried most of the others, but the Rokinon/Samyang 24/1.4 has been good to me.
10-01-2019, 06:30 PM   #18
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Samyang 20 f1.8, other sell Pentax and get a Canon, Nikon or Sony camera system. I have the D-FA 15-30 (very good , kinda "pro" lens) and had to buy a dedicated 150mm filter system for it, which is Ok because I had the 15-30 already purchased with the K1, so it was cheaper to buy a dedicated filter system vs switching brands. But next time I'd get the Samyang 20 f1.8 K mount...or eventually bye bye Pentax.

---------- Post added 02-10-19 at 03:47 ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by Sandy Hancock Quote
The DFA15-30 is the ultimate option, but size, cost and filter options need to be considered.
For the 15-30 I had to spend an extra $700 for a 150mm filter system because I couldn't mount the 100mm filter system I use on the 24-70. So now I have to carry two filter systems with me, or simply not use filters on the 24-70. The size of the 15-30 with 150-170mm filters make me look like a Pro, because obviously one must be rather motivated to carry such think for taking landscape pictures. I have to recognize that life would have been more simple if I had lenses with 77mm filter threads as Canon, Nikon and Sony tend to do with their wide to standard FoV lenses. Although 100mm filters are a stretch for UWA lenses regardless of filter thread size, vignetting to be expected. The lack of Pentax 20mm prime with 77mm filter thread is kinda weird choice by Ricoh for a Pentax K1 best featured for landscape and astro, not sure if Ricoh realize that, but they are wrong anyway (unless Ricoh gets royalties for every Samyang 20mm sold).

Last edited by biz-engineer; 10-01-2019 at 06:54 PM.
10-01-2019, 07:19 PM   #19
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QuoteOriginally posted by y0chang Quote
I have thought about the Samyangs but I have had bad QC experiences with the 14mm.
Try B&H, and just keep exchanging it until good. They are very good to deal with, and I would be shocked if they gave you trouble swapping multiple copies. It took me three tries to get a DA* 16-50 that I was happy with. No problem.

10-01-2019, 07:24 PM - 2 Likes   #20
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I couldn't make up my mind between the FA20 & FA*24 so bought the FA20-35 way before the K-1 launched (prices were still high then for all three). Since buying the K-1 the FA20-35 has hardly been off the camera.

It's not perfect, there's some distortion which is probably more important than outright IQ, but it's compact and works very well. I've thought briefly about the 15-30 for it's WR but it looks huge in comparison. The shot below was taken on the K-1 with the FA20-45 at 29mm & f/4 showing slight barrel distortion:


Last edited by johnha; 10-01-2019 at 07:40 PM.
10-01-2019, 07:34 PM - 1 Like   #21
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Last month I rented the DFA 15-30 from lensrentals.com to try it out on my K-1. It is a great lens and makes some beautiful images. My main problem is the weight. I first noticed the weight when I tried walking around with it in one hand and my hand started to hurt. My other concern with the weight was that the lens was so big and so heavy, it would be difficult to bring it along with me on flights. (Fine for car trips.)

I went back to the drawing board and found an FA-20 2.8 at KEH. The lens only weighs 9 ounces and is about the same size as the FA-35 or a 50 mm lens, so it is easy to carry around. The center sharpness is great, but the edges are a little soft, but still good. I wanted to have a wide-angle with auto focus, so the Samyangs were not an option for me.

I did test the FA-20 for astrophotography and it has pretty significant coma up to at least f/4. My Rikinon/Samyang 14 mm at f/3.5 blew it away for star shots. Oh well, can’t have everything. (The DFA 15-30 was comparable to the Samyang 14mm for astro, but there was some corner distortion/streaking with both lenses.)

I got my used FA 20 in excellent condition for less than half the price of a new DFA 15-30.

I can try to post a picture from the K-1 with my FA-20, but it will take me a couple days before I can.
10-01-2019, 07:53 PM   #22
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QuoteOriginally posted by MaineNative Quote
My other concern with the weight was that the lens was so big and so heavy, it would be difficult to bring it along with me on flights.
I have taken the DFA15-30 on two big overseas trips - to the UK and Ireland in 2016 and to Argentina and Antarctica last year. No problem keeping my camera bag under the carry-on weight limit.

10-01-2019, 08:25 PM   #23
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I agree with Sandy that the 15-30 won’t push any weight limits and it really isn’t that much bigger than the DA 16-85 or DFA 28-105. However, I always take my 28-105 and the 15-30 would probably take up as much space as 4 prime lenses combined or as much space as a spare body. The 28-105 with the 15-30 and my K-1 does not leave much space in a small backpack bag. Usually in Europe I am traveling by train or walking and that extra 3 pounds is noticeable on my back. Depending on where I am staying, I often keep my photo gear with me, so I am selective about how much I want to carry.

The 15-30 is a great lens though.
10-01-2019, 08:56 PM - 1 Like   #24
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I have the FA 20mm and FA* 24 here is a link to 2 albums of each lens used in the single in challenge
Single in Sept 2019 SMC PENTAX-FA 1:2.8 20mm | Flickr
Single October 2018 FA*24mm | Flickr
10-02-2019, 02:03 AM - 1 Like   #25
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I tried to fill this range with a Tamron 17-35 and later with an M4.0 / 20. Both were not good enough for me. Meanwhile I bought the DA 11-18 and this is a great 18mm on my K-1, without any restriction! Of course this is mainly used on my K-3. But I am happy that finally the UWA range on FF is covered. As another forum member has previously commented on this lens: "the wait is over"
10-02-2019, 02:23 AM   #26
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The Irix Blackstone 15mm F2.4 is also an option to consider, it's wider than 20mm but very sharp and cheap.

Here you can find all my shots with my K-1...
10-02-2019, 02:58 AM   #27
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A 24-50 f:4

Hello ,
I currently own an A 24-50 f:4.0. I am using it on my K1 and find it to be a very good low cost alternative.
I got it some time ago for a very good price.
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10-02-2019, 03:02 AM   #28
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I'm also happy with my Samyang 24mm F1.4.

Additionally, I would recommend the Zuiko 18mm f3.5 with a Leitax adapter.
10-02-2019, 06:35 AM - 1 Like   #29
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If 15mm is an option, I am quite happy so far with the Irix Blackstone:
10-02-2019, 07:36 AM   #30
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QuoteOriginally posted by garywakeling Quote
I have the FA 20mm and FA* 24 here is a link to 2 albums of each lens used in the single in challenge
Single in Sept 2019 SMC PENTAX-FA 1:2.8 20mm | Flickr
Single October 2018 FA*24mm | Flickr
Those are some stunning images. Now I want a FA 20 and FA 24. That is the closest I've seen to my beloved DA 15mm quality rendering.

Thank you everyone for their suggestions and sample images they are much appreciated.

My priorities for a landscape lens are:

Rendering - Color and Contrast are important to me, there is an almost 3d quality that great lenses exhibit (My FA 31mm comes to mind)

Flare Resistance - I shoot into the sun a lot due to shooting panoramas. My sigma has ruined a few panoramas or at least created post processing issues with its flare.

Vignetting - The Sigma has terrible vignetting this has ruined a few panoramas due to the lack of a good lens correction. Vignetting creates dark spots in skies if you are not very careful in overlapping with each shot. This has been partially solved by the reissue of the Tamron 17-35mm, I started using that new correction profile now, but even then that means that in wide or close to wide open aperture astrophotography im raising the exposure by 1 to 1 1/2 stops in the corners due to vignette correction.

Resolution - It is actually more important to me for consistency of resolution rather than trying to hit high numbers on tests. The Sigma sometimes is so blurry at the edges that it has to be cropped out.

I do not want a manual lens, because this will be my go to wide-angle lens.

Part of reason why the 15-30 is such a jump in price for me is that its not only the lens price itself, but as mentioned by biz-engineer, you need very expensive ND filter system that means another thing in the bag that now has be brought along. It is unlikely I would ever take this rig backpacking, I already hesitate carrying my K-1 on longer hikes.

Last edited by y0chang; 10-02-2019 at 07:50 AM.
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