Looking for Wide Angle lens recommendations that don't cost the earth.

ZeljkoS · 02-10-2020, 11:06 AM - **1 Like**

I sold my tamron 17-50 and I was looking for a replacement. Pentax 16-45 fits the bill perfectly as I don't need 2.8 and I wanted more on the wide end. It's not too big and the image quality is there. BUT I really want a WR lens....

Bertrand3000 · 02-10-2020, 12:16 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ZeljkoS

I sold my tamron 17-50 and I was looking for a replacement. Pentax 16-45 fits the bill perfectly as I don't need 2.8 and I wanted more on the wide end. It's not too big and the image quality is there. BUT I really want a WR lens....

Then you have the DA 16-85, which is WR unlike the DA 16-45. But it's not exactly a cheap option unfortunately.

ChristianRock · 02-10-2020, 12:32 PM - **2 Likes**

The OP said wide, not ultrawide, so for the price that it's going for in the used market (less than 100 dollars) the DA 16-45mm f4 is unbeatable in my opinion as a cheap good wide angle lens. The great image quality all the way to 45mm and the very close focus ability are added bonuses.
The only downside is that when you're shooting very wide (16mm) you can't use the camera flash as the lens will give a shadow. I always use a mounted flash anyway, so for me it hasn't been an issue.
By the way, I was shooting with mine while the snow was falling here in north Georgia on Saturday. The K-50 with the DA 16-45 got wet but never skipped a beat. Dried it up when I got home, left the lens extended to fully dry, and once again all is well. I've done this before and the good thing about very cheap lenses like this DA 16-45 and the DA 35 2.4 is that you don't don't end up worrying so much.

ZeljkoS · 02-10-2020, 12:34 PM - **1 Like**

Yes... exactly. 16-85 looks like a wonderful lens, but it's not cheap. I guess there's no such thing as good cheap WR lens that starts at 16mm AND has a good IQ

myrdinn · 02-10-2020, 03:04 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by dlh

Irix manual focus in 11mm and 15mm fixed focal lengths, the "firefly" version is cheaper with a plastic housing but not weather-resistant as is the "blackstone". I've seen used ones for sale on this site from other members. Terrific optics, really sharp rectilinear images.

The Irix 15 mm is fine: good quality, not over-expensive. And it's a full frame lens, so in case you might change one day you can keep it. (That's the problem with the Sigma 10-20: great for APS-C but disappointing results on full frame).

bigbaz · 02-10-2020, 03:18 PM

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

some budget parameters would be helpful...

I have wide angle lens for sale, but please PM me if interested...

Where are you located, I’m in the UK

---------- Post added 02-10-20 at 03:23 PM ----------

Quote:

. Do you know what types of photos you wish to take with the lens. .

Initially on a city break and what ever that throws up.

---------- Post added 02-10-20 at 03:29 PM ----------

Quote:

. How wide does the OP want? !

Initially to try on a city break ( I did think one of the old 28mm lenses but decided to ask for recommendations first) and if I like what i see then I would move to a better more modern lens later.

D1N0 · 02-10-2020, 03:47 PM - **1 Like**

28mm is equivalent to 42mm on full frame. Not very wide. For aps-c there are no cheap legacy wide options because those are super wides on full frame. I payed €100 for a Pentax-m 20mm F4 in 2012 and that was a good deal then. Now they are more expensive. If you have the Kit lens you already have the wide angle that doesn't cost the earth. You can in improve on it with a 16-45 or a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 or a Sigma 17-70mm 1:2.8-4(or 4.5).

**paulh** · 02-10-2020, 03:58 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by D1N0

You can in improve on it with a 16-45 or a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 or a Sigma 17-70mm 1:2.8-4(or 4.5).

My recommendation as well.

noelpolar · 02-10-2020, 04:12 PM - **1 Like**

I'd buy a second hand DA15..... almost no way you could not enjoy a relationship with one for a year or two. I'd budget $250ish and just wait until one finds you. I say this mostly because you have a KP.... you don't seem to be a cheap type person.... more a good value type that appreciates quality. Good cheap wide's are so 10 years ago.... if ever!

**aslyfox** · 02-10-2020, 04:22 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by noelpolar

I'd buy a second hand DA15..... almost no way you could not enjoy a relationship with one for a year or two. I'd budget $250ish and just wait until one finds you.

only problem with buying a DA 15mm limited

is that it can be habit forming and the OP might want more limited lenses

noelpolar · 02-10-2020, 04:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by aslyfox

only problem with buying a DA 15mm limited

is that it can be habit forming and the OP might want more limited lenses

Live dangerously or go home I reckon..... unless wife is listening of course.....

**pepperberry farm** · 02-10-2020, 04:47 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bigbaz

Where are you located, I’m in the UK

Midwest U.S.

I sent you a PM with a link the lens in question....

**clickclick** · 02-11-2020, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by dlh

Irix manual focus in 11mm and 15mm fixed focal lengths, the "firefly" version is cheaper with a plastic housing but not weather-resistant as is the "blackstone". I've seen used ones for sale on this site from other members. Terrific optics, really sharp rectilinear images.

They are actually the same on weather sealing. Here's a rundown of the two models:

I have the 11mm Firefly and love it.

Bertrand3000 · 02-11-2020, 11:12 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

only problem with buying a DA 15mm limited

is that it can be habit forming and the OP might want more limited lenses

Please explain why someone can become addicted to limited lens. I've seen the report sharpness is not that great, max aperture is average, screwdrive, there are very small lenses all metal, they are stylish okay but what is that so different in the image produced compared to a non limited lens?

Wasp · 02-11-2020, 11:15 AM

For going wide on a budget, check out the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5. Here is one I made with my copy.

02-10-2020, 04:12 PM - 1 Like	#24
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	I'd buy a second hand DA15..... almost no way you could not enjoy a relationship with one for a year or two. I'd budget $250ish and just wait until one finds you. I say this mostly because you have a KP.... you don't seem to be a cheap type person.... more a good value type that appreciates quality. Good cheap wide's are so 10 years ago.... if ever! Last edited by noelpolar; 02-10-2020 at 04:30 PM.

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02-10-2020, 11:06 AM - 1 Like	#16
ZeljkoS Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 421	I sold my tamron 17-50 and I was looking for a replacement. Pentax 16-45 fits the bill perfectly as I don't need 2.8 and I wanted more on the wide end. It's not too big and the image quality is there. BUT I really want a WR lens....

02-10-2020, 12:16 PM - 1 Like	#17
Bertrand3000 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 2,009	Originally posted by ZeljkoS I sold my tamron 17-50 and I was looking for a replacement. Pentax 16-45 fits the bill perfectly as I don't need 2.8 and I wanted more on the wide end. It's not too big and the image quality is there. BUT I really want a WR lens.... Then you have the DA 16-85, which is WR unlike the DA 16-45. But it's not exactly a cheap option unfortunately.

02-10-2020, 12:32 PM - 2 Likes	#18
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	The OP said wide, not ultrawide, so for the price that it's going for in the used market (less than 100 dollars) the DA 16-45mm f4 is unbeatable in my opinion as a cheap good wide angle lens. The great image quality all the way to 45mm and the very close focus ability are added bonuses. The only downside is that when you're shooting very wide (16mm) you can't use the camera flash as the lens will give a shadow. I always use a mounted flash anyway, so for me it hasn't been an issue. By the way, I was shooting with mine while the snow was falling here in north Georgia on Saturday. The K-50 with the DA 16-45 got wet but never skipped a beat. Dried it up when I got home, left the lens extended to fully dry, and once again all is well. I've done this before and the good thing about very cheap lenses like this DA 16-45 and the DA 35 2.4 is that you don't don't end up worrying so much.

02-10-2020, 12:34 PM - 1 Like	#19
ZeljkoS Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 421	Yes... exactly. 16-85 looks like a wonderful lens, but it's not cheap. I guess there's no such thing as good cheap WR lens that starts at 16mm AND has a good IQ

02-10-2020, 03:04 PM - 1 Like	#20
myrdinn Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: belgium Posts: 96	Originally posted by dlh Irix manual focus in 11mm and 15mm fixed focal lengths, the "firefly" version is cheaper with a plastic housing but not weather-resistant as is the "blackstone". I've seen used ones for sale on this site from other members. Terrific optics, really sharp rectilinear images. The Irix 15 mm is fine: good quality, not over-expensive. And it's a full frame lens, so in case you might change one day you can keep it. (That's the problem with the Sigma 10-20: great for APS-C but disappointing results on full frame).

02-10-2020, 03:18 PM	#21
bigbaz Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Seaton Carew Posts: 108 Original Poster	Originally posted by pepperberry farm some budget parameters would be helpful... I have wide angle lens for sale, but please PM me if interested... Where are you located, I’m in the UK ---------- Post added 02-10-20 at 03:23 PM ---------- Quote: . Do you know what types of photos you wish to take with the lens. . Initially on a city break and what ever that throws up. ---------- Post added 02-10-20 at 03:29 PM ---------- Quote: . How wide does the OP want? ! Initially to try on a city break ( I did think one of the old 28mm lenses but decided to ask for recommendations first) and if I like what i see then I would move to a better more modern lens later.

02-10-2020, 03:47 PM - 1 Like	#22
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	28mm is equivalent to 42mm on full frame. Not very wide. For aps-c there are no cheap legacy wide options because those are super wides on full frame. I payed €100 for a Pentax-m 20mm F4 in 2012 and that was a good deal then. Now they are more expensive. If you have the Kit lens you already have the wide angle that doesn't cost the earth. You can in improve on it with a 16-45 or a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 or a Sigma 17-70mm 1:2.8-4(or 4.5).

02-10-2020, 03:58 PM - 1 Like	#23
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,301	Originally posted by D1N0 You can in improve on it with a 16-45 or a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 or a Sigma 17-70mm 1:2.8-4(or 4.5). My recommendation as well.

02-10-2020, 04:22 PM - 2 Likes	#25
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,582	Originally posted by noelpolar I'd buy a second hand DA15..... almost no way you could not enjoy a relationship with one for a year or two. I'd budget $250ish and just wait until one finds you. only problem with buying a DA 15mm limited is that it can be habit forming and the OP might want more limited lenses

02-10-2020, 04:37 PM - 1 Like	#26
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by aslyfox only problem with buying a DA 15mm limited is that it can be habit forming and the OP might want more limited lenses Live dangerously or go home I reckon..... unless wife is listening of course.....

02-10-2020, 04:47 PM - 1 Like	#27
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,751	Originally posted by bigbaz Where are you located, I’m in the UK Midwest U.S. I sent you a PM with a link the lens in question....

02-11-2020, 10:24 AM	#28
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Originally posted by dlh Irix manual focus in 11mm and 15mm fixed focal lengths, the "firefly" version is cheaper with a plastic housing but not weather-resistant as is the "blackstone". I've seen used ones for sale on this site from other members. Terrific optics, really sharp rectilinear images. They are actually the same on weather sealing. Here's a rundown of the two models: I have the 11mm Firefly and love it.

02-11-2020, 11:12 AM	#29
Bertrand3000 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 2,009	Originally posted by aslyfox only problem with buying a DA 15mm limited is that it can be habit forming and the OP might want more limited lenses Please explain why someone can become addicted to limited lens. I've seen the report sharpness is not that great, max aperture is average, screwdrive, there are very small lenses all metal, they are stylish okay but what is that so different in the image produced compared to a non limited lens?

02-11-2020, 11:15 AM	#30
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,661	For going wide on a budget, check out the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5. Here is one I made with my copy.