Lens Acquisition Syndrome is active: DA 20-40mm Limited what to do, what to do ?

**aslyfox** · 08-16-2021, 11:09 AM

HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited DC WR

a zoom limited

Limiteds are supposed to be prime lenses so why get a zoom limited ?

especially when your other lenses cover the focal lengths

HD Pentax-DA 16 - 85mm F3.5-5.6 WR
SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited
Sigma 24mm F2.8 AF Super Wide II F2.8
Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm F2 MC P/KA
SMC Pentax-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited ( MIJ )
SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 35mm AL
SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
SMC Pentax-M 40mm F2.8
SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS
SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited
SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited ( MIJ )

[ yes my wife has been very nice to me

]

so folks, please advise me

should I go with it or pass it by

pro or con

with reasons for your responses please

thanks

Last edited by aslyfox; 08-16-2021 at 11:17 AM.

jslifoaw · 08-16-2021, 11:18 AM

You get the build quality and craftsmanship of a Limited with the benefits of quiet focusing (DC vs screw drive), WR, and multiple focal lengths! (though the 16-85 has all but the first, plus more range)

**DonV** · 08-16-2021, 11:19 AM - **1 Like**

Buy it; you're "weak" in the 20mm zone!

**Pentax Syntax** · 08-16-2021, 11:58 AM

Shoot for a week using the 16-85 at between 20-40 only. Do you feel limited (excuse the pun)? If not, go for it. If so you have your answer.

**ramseybuckeye** · 08-16-2021, 12:01 PM - **2 Likes**

I always wanted the 21, but after getting the 20-40 I really don't feel I need the 21 any more, (it would still be nice to have). After getting it I sold my Sigma 17-50, and I have a 35 that doesn't come out of the cabinet. It has the limited IQ and it is a WR lens. I love this lens as many do, but everybody doesn't, because everybody is different. Whatever you do, keep your Kiron 28, that's the only lens I ever had and sold and regretted it.

AfterPentax Mark II · 08-16-2021, 12:18 PM

Ah, Seeker of Knowledge, The 20-40 is a unique Limited, the first zoom in the series, the first with an almost silent DC motor in the series and on top a that WR, but you know that of course. It is perhaps known that I do not like Limiteds, but this one is a special one. It gives fabulous results. It had for me the WOW effect that the 40mm, the 21mm and 70mm lacked. But then I tried them after acquiring the 20-40mm. If you have some spare money I would go for it. You will not regret it. At the moment I use it on the KP. Before I used it on the K-3 II and K-01 (but that one is more a "primes" camera than a zoom camera). It is a brilliant lens that will give you brilliant colours and detailed images. And as I described in another thread, you get 21 Limited primes with silent focusing

. (https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/426797-lim...ml#post5323263)
(The affliction is spreading, I just bought a 77mm Limited this weekend...

)

**aslyfox** · 08-16-2021, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by AfterPentax Mark II

A. . . And as I described in another thread, you get 21 Limited primes with silent focusing

.

will you link to that thread please ?

**Ex Finn.** · 08-16-2021, 12:27 PM

I have the 20-40 ltd. and the 11-18. If I had to choose between the two, 11-18 would stay.

AfterPentax Mark II · 08-16-2021, 12:40 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by aslyfox

will you link to that thread please ?

If have done so in my message, did not think about it to do so, but yes it was a nice discussion about limiteds to share in this thread.

Originally posted by Ex Finn.

I have the 20-40 ltd. and the 11-18. If I had to choose between the two, 11-18 would stay

I own the 11-18 as well, if I had to choose between them, I would refuse to do so, I keep them both, they are complementing each other.

biz-engineer · 08-16-2021, 01:44 PM - **2 Likes**

What if you are really unlucky, your M40, DA 40XS, DA 40 amd FA 43 stop working, do you have a backup for 40mm?

**microlight** · 08-16-2021, 02:10 PM

Allen, what a predicament! Although maybe not such a predicament as all that. I got my 20-40 in mid-2015, when it was mounted on a K-5, and the results were very good. On the K-3II, results are even better, and it’s such a tactile beast with a gorgeous retro-Tak touch in the zoom ring.

It’s not for everyone; there are comments in the forums about finding the zoom range limiting, or queries about optical correction. All I know is that I wouldn’t be without mine.

I think that if I had the 11-18, then I’d want to keep both too!

MrB1 · 08-16-2021, 02:15 PM

For a limited quality lens - it's not expensive; it's motorised; it's WR.

On a Pentax camera - feel it, handle it, use it, or simply just look at it - it's wonderful.

Philip

**aslyfox** · 08-16-2021, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

What if you are really unlucky, your M40, DA 40XS, DA 40 amd FA 43 stop working,

what a frightening thought

Quote:

do you have a backup for 40mm?

well no

__________________________

another lens ???

Originally posted by microlight

. . . I think that if I had the 11-18, then I’d want to keep both too

Originally posted by AfterPentax Mark II

. . . I own the 11-18 as well, if I had to choose between them, I would refuse to do so, I keep them both, they are complementing each other. :

Originally posted by Ex Finn.

I have the 20-40 ltd. and the 11-18. If I had to choose between the two, 11-18 would stay.

You Tube

but I have the Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM already

**mlag** · 08-16-2021, 04:21 PM

The fact you're asking shows a need. Go for it.

Any reason is good. Silly and obvious ones also.
1) why a zoom (ltd) : zooms are flexible. There are occasions where you don't want to take with you all your quality primes...but still need more focal lengths. So it can't be bad to add a quality zoom.
2) you have only one zoom, you definitely have an unbalance in your lens portfolio in this range. What happens if your zoom fails? How can you ever justify needing so many primes if you only can compare to one zoom? How do you know your existing zoom is the one you need? You have to add a backup zoom option and a zoom comparison point. A limited is a good differentiator. It adds a high quality option to your zoom range.
3) you need an extra zoom for low light conditions, this new one gains about one stop over your existing one. The only trade-off is less focal flexibility. Of course there is soon also a new lens f2.8 16-50. Maybe you need both... a * & Ltd. Or go for the cheaper one (for now).
4) you need a silver color variant ?
5) Limited 's have something special ?

To justify the price : use the technical arguments in the thread...

...

**boriscleto** · 08-16-2021, 04:55 PM - **1 Like**

I've got a 10-20/3.5 and still think about the 11-18 all the time. I'll never be able to afford it...This year alone I've bought a K-3 III, DA 1.4x Rear Converter (Used Photo Pro), DA 40 Ltd (MPB), DA* 16-50 SDM (very good deal on eBay), and today a LX (Facebook). Plus a Fujifilm X-T20 and several film cameras (Nikon F2, Kodak Retinas etc) and misc lenses/converters...

08-16-2021, 11:09 AM	#1
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Lens Acquisition Syndrome is active: DA 20-40mm Limited what to do, what to do ? HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited DC WR a zoom limited Limiteds are supposed to be prime lenses so why get a zoom limited ? especially when your other lenses cover the focal lengths HD Pentax-DA 16 - 85mm F3.5-5.6 WR SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited Sigma 24mm F2.8 AF Super Wide II F2.8 Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm F2 MC P/KA SMC Pentax-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited ( MIJ ) SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 35mm AL SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited SMC Pentax-M 40mm F2.8 SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited ( MIJ ) [ yes my wife has been very nice to me ] so folks, please advise me should I go with it or pass it by pro or con with reasons for your responses please thanks Last edited by aslyfox; 08-16-2021 at 11:17 AM.

08-16-2021, 12:18 PM	#6
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,461	The unlimited Limited (between 20 to and including 40) Ah, Seeker of Knowledge, The 20-40 is a unique Limited, the first zoom in the series, the first with an almost silent DC motor in the series and on top a that WR, but you know that of course. It is perhaps known that I do not like Limiteds, but this one is a special one. It gives fabulous results. It had for me the WOW effect that the 40mm, the 21mm and 70mm lacked. But then I tried them after acquiring the 20-40mm. If you have some spare money I would go for it. You will not regret it. At the moment I use it on the KP. Before I used it on the K-3 II and K-01 (but that one is more a "primes" camera than a zoom camera). It is a brilliant lens that will give you brilliant colours and detailed images. And as I described in another thread, you get 21 Limited primes with silent focusing . (https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/426797-lim...ml#post5323263) (The affliction is spreading, I just bought a 77mm Limited this weekend...) Last edited by AfterPentax Mark II; 08-16-2021 at 12:34 PM. Reason: additonal information added

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08-16-2021, 11:18 AM	#2
jslifoaw Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto/Victoria Posts: 460	You get the build quality and craftsmanship of a Limited with the benefits of quiet focusing (DC vs screw drive), WR, and multiple focal lengths! (though the 16-85 has all but the first, plus more range)

08-16-2021, 11:19 AM - 1 Like	#3
DonV Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Near Charlotte NC Photos: Albums Posts: 693	Buy it; you're "weak" in the 20mm zone!

08-16-2021, 11:58 AM	#4
Pentax Syntax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 595	Shoot for a week using the 16-85 at between 20-40 only. Do you feel limited (excuse the pun)? If not, go for it. If so you have your answer.

08-16-2021, 12:01 PM - 2 Likes	#5
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,291	I always wanted the 21, but after getting the 20-40 I really don't feel I need the 21 any more, (it would still be nice to have). After getting it I sold my Sigma 17-50, and I have a 35 that doesn't come out of the cabinet. It has the limited IQ and it is a WR lens. I love this lens as many do, but everybody doesn't, because everybody is different. Whatever you do, keep your Kiron 28, that's the only lens I ever had and sold and regretted it.

08-16-2021, 12:25 PM	#7
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581 Original Poster	Originally posted by AfterPentax Mark II A. . . And as I described in another thread, you get 21 Limited primes with silent focusing . will you link to that thread please ?

08-16-2021, 12:27 PM	#8
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	I have the 20-40 ltd. and the 11-18. If I had to choose between the two, 11-18 would stay.

08-16-2021, 12:40 PM - 1 Like	#9
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,461	Originally posted by aslyfox will you link to that thread please ? If have done so in my message, did not think about it to do so, but yes it was a nice discussion about limiteds to share in this thread. Originally posted by Ex Finn. I have the 20-40 ltd. and the 11-18. If I had to choose between the two, 11-18 would stay I own the 11-18 as well, if I had to choose between them, I would refuse to do so, I keep them both, they are complementing each other.

08-16-2021, 01:44 PM - 2 Likes	#10
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	What if you are really unlucky, your M40, DA 40XS, DA 40 amd FA 43 stop working, do you have a backup for 40mm?

08-16-2021, 02:10 PM	#11
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,129	Allen, what a predicament! Although maybe not such a predicament as all that. I got my 20-40 in mid-2015, when it was mounted on a K-5, and the results were very good. On the K-3II, results are even better, and it’s such a tactile beast with a gorgeous retro-Tak touch in the zoom ring. It’s not for everyone; there are comments in the forums about finding the zoom range limiting, or queries about optical correction. All I know is that I wouldn’t be without mine. I think that if I had the 11-18, then I’d want to keep both too!

08-16-2021, 02:15 PM	#12
MrB1 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 845	For a limited quality lens - it's not expensive; it's motorised; it's WR. On a Pentax camera - feel it, handle it, use it, or simply just look at it - it's wonderful. Philip

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08-16-2021, 04:21 PM	#14
mlag Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Zuiderkempen - Grote Netewoud - Belgium Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,397	The fact you're asking shows a need. Go for it. Any reason is good. Silly and obvious ones also. 1) why a zoom (ltd) : zooms are flexible. There are occasions where you don't want to take with you all your quality primes...but still need more focal lengths. So it can't be bad to add a quality zoom. 2) you have only one zoom, you definitely have an unbalance in your lens portfolio in this range. What happens if your zoom fails? How can you ever justify needing so many primes if you only can compare to one zoom? How do you know your existing zoom is the one you need? You have to add a backup zoom option and a zoom comparison point. A limited is a good differentiator. It adds a high quality option to your zoom range. 3) you need an extra zoom for low light conditions, this new one gains about one stop over your existing one. The only trade-off is less focal flexibility. Of course there is soon also a new lens f2.8 16-50. Maybe you need both... a * & Ltd. Or go for the cheaper one (for now). 4) you need a silver color variant ? 5) Limited 's have something special ? To justify the price : use the technical arguments in the thread... ...

08-16-2021, 04:55 PM - 1 Like	#15
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	I've got a 10-20/3.5 and still think about the 11-18 all the time. I'll never be able to afford it...This year alone I've bought a K-3 III, DA 1.4x Rear Converter (Used Photo Pro), DA 40 Ltd (MPB), DA* 16-50 SDM (very good deal on eBay), and today a LX (Facebook). Plus a Fujifilm X-T20 and several film cameras (Nikon F2, Kodak Retinas etc) and misc lenses/converters...