Which 20mm to 24mm FF lens should I get for landscapes for my K-1

y0chang · 10-01-2019, 12:35 PM

I currently own a Pentax F 24-50mm f4 and Sigma 17-35mm f2.8-f4.0 as my ultra wide light weight lens that I use for landscapes. The issue with the Sigma is that its pretty long in the tooth, and it flares quite badly. It doesn't quite resolve on the corners at any focal length. This is the second one I own (I own both the 82mm and 77mm version) but both have been usable but not great. I have owned two Samyang 14mm...and I have had QC issues with both and I vowed never to buy another Samyang product again.

I have been looking for a FA 20 or FA 24 or the FA 20-35mm but all 3 are becoming quite rare and therefore quickly moving out of my price range. I am also worried about the resolving power on a K-1.
I am also looking at the Sigma 20 f1.8 and Sigma 24mm f1.8 but they have the same issue as the FAs.

if anyone has images or first hand experience taken by the FAs or sigmas on full frame that would be great, the reviews on PF of the film era lenses are often on APS-c which don't really tell me anything about the corners on FF.

Should I just wait and save for the 15-30mm? Are there any other options, preferably lighter than a huge f2.8 zoom.

**jatrax** · 10-01-2019, 12:44 PM - **2 Likes**

I used the FA 20-35 f/4 on the K-1 for some time and I was quite happy with it. Performance was acceptable, even good if not quite great. I needed something faster for an astrophotography shoot and decided to give the DFA 15-30 a try. After a short testing period I sold the FA 20-35 as redundant. I also have and use a Pentax A 20mm f/2.8 which is a lot of fun to use and is part of my Pentax A collection.

Short answer: If you can afford it, and don't mind the weight just get the DFA 15-30 and be done with it. Exceptional lens IMHO. If weight is an issue the FA 20-35 is a nifty little lens but is not quite up to modern standards in my opinion. That does not make it bad, just the DFA 15-30 is noticeably better.

I have not used either the FA 20 or the FA 24.

pschlute · 10-01-2019, 01:28 PM - **1 Like**

Agree that the 15-30 zoom is the best option, but an expensive one. You will need a tripod !

Any of the classic 20's will do a fine job, so "K" or M, but like the FA lenses getting quite expensive. I use the FA* 24mm f2.0. It gets mixed reviews but I really like its rendering.

For landscape work they will all resolve just fine.

y0chang · 10-01-2019, 01:49 PM

My main issue right now is that the FAs are now running in the 500-600 dollar range...which is getting to the point where I am just thinking a DFA 15-30 is a better value for my uses (landscape and astrophotography)

pschlute · 10-01-2019, 02:05 PM

Originally posted by pschlute

For landscape work they will all resolve just fine.

No-one looks at the edges of a landscape photo. Do they ...... ?

K1N8 · 10-01-2019, 02:34 PM

Originally posted by y0chang

if anyone has images or first hand experience taken by the FAs or sigmas on full frame that would be great,

I have the smc PENTAX-A 1:2.8 24mm on K-1

Always struggled to get corner to corner sharp, even at F8 and up.

Some SOOC JPEG's with EXIF.

https://k1.n8photos.com/201711/IMGP8852.thumb.jpg
https://k1.n8photos.com/201711/IMGP8893.thumb.jpg
https://k1.n8photos.com/201708/IMGP0190.thumb.jpg
https://k1.n8photos.com/201909/IMGP0449.thumb.jpg

Sandy Hancock · 10-01-2019, 02:52 PM - **1 Like**

I have the FA20 and FA*24. Both are superb, and easily do justice to the K-1's 36 MP sensor.

In your case I'd recommend the FA20 as a compliment to your F24-50. It's almost shockingly compact for what it offers.

The DFA15-30 is the ultimate option, but size, cost and filter options need to be considered.

pschlute · 10-01-2019, 03:07 PM - **2 Likes**

K10D with the M series 20mm f4

**Fries** · 10-01-2019, 03:20 PM

To bad you had bad experiences with Samyang. Perhaps I got lucky but I am extremely satisfied with my Saymyang 24mm F1.4. Look up my threads in the photo section to see why.

y0chang · 10-01-2019, 05:07 PM

Beautiful rendering though even if the corner resolution is a bit blurred, thank you for sharing.

Originally posted by K1N8

I have the smc PENTAX-A 1:2.8 24mm on K-1

Always struggled to get corner to corner sharp, even at F8 and up.

Some SOOC JPEG's with EXIF.

https://k1.n8photos.com/201711/IMGP8852.thumb.jpg
https://k1.n8photos.com/201711/IMGP8893.thumb.jpg
https://k1.n8photos.com/201708/IMGP0190.thumb.jpg
https://k1.n8photos.com/201909/IMGP0449.thumb.jpg

Adam · 10-01-2019, 05:42 PM

Samyang offers some solid options in this space, such as the 24mm F1.4 and 20mm F1.8. Manual focus, but modern optics which will outperform film-era lenses (if you're fine with the added bulk):

Third Party Lenses between 20mm and 24mm | PentaxForums.com

K1N8 · 10-01-2019, 05:46 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by y0chang

Beautiful rendering though even if the corner resolution is a bit blurred, thank you for sharing.

It's a great lens for street photography, even with manual focus.

The 24mm a 50mm or ~80mm and the 135mm prime is what I usually carry in my bag. Best low light combo.

I got the 24mm originally for the MX and it was just plain fun to use. I almost prefer using the MX over the K-1. Almost

y0chang · 10-01-2019, 05:47 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Samyang offers some solid options in this space, such as the 24mm F1.4 and 20mm F1.8. Manual focus, but modern optics which will outperform film-era lenses (if you're fine with the added bulk):

Third Party Lenses between 20mm and 24mm | PentaxForums.com

I have thought about the Samyangs but I have had bad QC experiences with the 14mm.

Ronald Oakes · 10-01-2019, 05:51 PM

I know its not quite a 20mm lens , but the SMC-K 24mm f3.5 makes me quite happy !
Im in the same boat that you are on the FA 20-35. Was able to use one for a couple months and found it completely satisfactory for my needs. I would be happy to find a nice priced FA 20-35 but they just don't exist !
As far as the Samyang 14mm goes ? I have it and YES there is quality control issues and calibration issues that must be taken into consideration when purchasing. However on FF for me it is simply way too wide. On Apsc its a great lens.

K1N8 · 10-01-2019, 05:57 PM

Originally posted by y0chang

I have thought about the Samyangs but I have had bad QC experiences with the 14mm.

Try finding a store where you can test the lens before buying, to make sure you get a good copy?

10-01-2019, 12:35 PM	#1
y0chang Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: United States Posts: 793	Which 20mm to 24mm FF lens should I get for landscapes for my K-1 I currently own a Pentax F 24-50mm f4 and Sigma 17-35mm f2.8-f4.0 as my ultra wide light weight lens that I use for landscapes. The issue with the Sigma is that its pretty long in the tooth, and it flares quite badly. It doesn't quite resolve on the corners at any focal length. This is the second one I own (I own both the 82mm and 77mm version) but both have been usable but not great. I have owned two Samyang 14mm...and I have had QC issues with both and I vowed never to buy another Samyang product again. I have been looking for a FA 20 or FA 24 or the FA 20-35mm but all 3 are becoming quite rare and therefore quickly moving out of my price range. I am also worried about the resolving power on a K-1. I am also looking at the Sigma 20 f1.8 and Sigma 24mm f1.8 but they have the same issue as the FAs. if anyone has images or first hand experience taken by the FAs or sigmas on full frame that would be great, the reviews on PF of the film era lenses are often on APS-c which don't really tell me anything about the corners on FF. Should I just wait and save for the 15-30mm? Are there any other options, preferably lighter than a huge f2.8 zoom.

10-01-2019, 05:07 PM	#10
y0chang Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: United States Posts: 793 Original Poster	Beautiful rendering though even if the corner resolution is a bit blurred, thank you for sharing. Originally posted by K1N8 I have the smc PENTAX-A 1:2.8 24mm on K-1 Always struggled to get corner to corner sharp, even at F8 and up. Some SOOC JPEG's with EXIF. https://k1.n8photos.com/201711/IMGP8852.thumb.jpg https://k1.n8photos.com/201711/IMGP8893.thumb.jpg https://k1.n8photos.com/201708/IMGP0190.thumb.jpg https://k1.n8photos.com/201909/IMGP0449.thumb.jpg Last edited by y0chang; 10-01-2019 at 05:13 PM.

10-01-2019, 05:42 PM	#11
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Samyang offers some solid options in this space, such as the 24mm F1.4 and 20mm F1.8. Manual focus, but modern optics which will outperform film-era lenses (if you're fine with the added bulk): Third Party Lenses between 20mm and 24mm \| PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

10-01-2019, 05:46 PM - 1 Like	#12
K1N8 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 242	Originally posted by y0chang Beautiful rendering though even if the corner resolution is a bit blurred, thank you for sharing. It's a great lens for street photography, even with manual focus. The 24mm a 50mm or ~80mm and the 135mm prime is what I usually carry in my bag. Best low light combo. I got the 24mm originally for the MX and it was just plain fun to use. I almost prefer using the MX over the K-1. Almost Last edited by K1N8; 10-01-2019 at 05:54 PM.

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10-01-2019, 12:44 PM - 2 Likes	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	I used the FA 20-35 f/4 on the K-1 for some time and I was quite happy with it. Performance was acceptable, even good if not quite great. I needed something faster for an astrophotography shoot and decided to give the DFA 15-30 a try. After a short testing period I sold the FA 20-35 as redundant. I also have and use a Pentax A 20mm f/2.8 which is a lot of fun to use and is part of my Pentax A collection. Short answer: If you can afford it, and don't mind the weight just get the DFA 15-30 and be done with it. Exceptional lens IMHO. If weight is an issue the FA 20-35 is a nifty little lens but is not quite up to modern standards in my opinion. That does not make it bad, just the DFA 15-30 is noticeably better. I have not used either the FA 20 or the FA 24.

10-01-2019, 01:28 PM - 1 Like	#3
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,216	Agree that the 15-30 zoom is the best option, but an expensive one. You will need a tripod ! Any of the classic 20's will do a fine job, so "K" or M, but like the FA lenses getting quite expensive. I use the FA* 24mm f2.0. It gets mixed reviews but I really like its rendering. For landscape work they will all resolve just fine.

10-01-2019, 01:49 PM	#4
y0chang Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: United States Posts: 793 Original Poster	My main issue right now is that the FAs are now running in the 500-600 dollar range...which is getting to the point where I am just thinking a DFA 15-30 is a better value for my uses (landscape and astrophotography)

10-01-2019, 02:05 PM	#5
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,216	Originally posted by pschlute For landscape work they will all resolve just fine. No-one looks at the edges of a landscape photo. Do they ...... ?

10-01-2019, 02:34 PM	#6
K1N8 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 242	Originally posted by y0chang if anyone has images or first hand experience taken by the FAs or sigmas on full frame that would be great, I have the smc PENTAX-A 1:2.8 24mm on K-1 Always struggled to get corner to corner sharp, even at F8 and up. Some SOOC JPEG's with EXIF. https://k1.n8photos.com/201711/IMGP8852.thumb.jpg https://k1.n8photos.com/201711/IMGP8893.thumb.jpg https://k1.n8photos.com/201708/IMGP0190.thumb.jpg https://k1.n8photos.com/201909/IMGP0449.thumb.jpg

10-01-2019, 02:52 PM - 1 Like	#7
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	I have the FA20 and FA*24. Both are superb, and easily do justice to the K-1's 36 MP sensor. In your case I'd recommend the FA20 as a compliment to your F24-50. It's almost shockingly compact for what it offers. The DFA15-30 is the ultimate option, but size, cost and filter options need to be considered.

10-01-2019, 03:20 PM	#9
Fries Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gauw Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,582	To bad you had bad experiences with Samyang. Perhaps I got lucky but I am extremely satisfied with my Saymyang 24mm F1.4. Look up my threads in the photo section to see why.

10-01-2019, 05:47 PM	#13
y0chang Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: United States Posts: 793 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam Samyang offers some solid options in this space, such as the 24mm F1.4 and 20mm F1.8. Manual focus, but modern optics which will outperform film-era lenses (if you're fine with the added bulk): Third Party Lenses between 20mm and 24mm \| PentaxForums.com I have thought about the Samyangs but I have had bad QC experiences with the 14mm.

10-01-2019, 05:51 PM	#14
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585	I know its not quite a 20mm lens , but the SMC-K 24mm f3.5 makes me quite happy ! Im in the same boat that you are on the FA 20-35. Was able to use one for a couple months and found it completely satisfactory for my needs. I would be happy to find a nice priced FA 20-35 but they just don't exist ! As far as the Samyang 14mm goes ? I have it and YES there is quality control issues and calibration issues that must be taken into consideration when purchasing. However on FF for me it is simply way too wide. On Apsc its a great lens.

10-01-2019, 05:57 PM	#15
K1N8 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 242	Originally posted by y0chang I have thought about the Samyangs but I have had bad QC experiences with the 14mm. Try finding a store where you can test the lens before buying, to make sure you get a good copy?