Originally posted by luftfluss Keep in mind that the DA15 has excessive field curvature. This sometimes works well for me, because I don't shoot "flat" landscapes as often as I shoot immersive stuff - like being surrounded by brush - where having a curved focal plane can be beneficial.
Weighing the pros and cons of each lens, despite my fondness for the DA15 - and some of that has to do with the beauty of the lens itself and the tactile sensation of handling it - I would keep the 12-24 and sell the 15, if I had to.
My observations match those at Optical Limits...
My observations also. But I would not sell my DA 15mm Limited, because it is so small I carry it in the frontal pocket of my camera case all the time. A lens is as good as it can be only when it is carried along.
The most reasonable explanation for the discontinuance of the long-established and fine-performing DA 12-24mm is the Pentax/Tokina relationship with this lens. Then there is the competition from the lower-priced but excellent Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM, which I now have as well.
Despite offering the superb DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 lens, it would be a deficit not to also offer a fine-performing linear ultra-wide DA zoom lens for those unable to afford or justify spending for the DA* lens. A less expensive lens than the old DA model could be in the mix. It would not have to be a constant-aperture design, say f/3.5-4.5 and with HD coatings, a DC motor, and WR. It could even surpass the performance of the old lens, by having less CA problems.