D FA 21mm F2.4 Limited reports/samples starting to appear

biz-engineer · 10-23-2021, 12:42 AM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

That was my point. Despite being a more difficult task, Pentax made a top quality lens that is much lighter than Sigma's 35. Good on 'em.

I checked edge sharpness on images from the 21 ltd, and I have to say I'm rather impressed. First time I see such wide angle lens well defined in corners. So far, the only edge sharp 20mm I had spotted was the latest Sony 20mm lens, but now it seem the D-FA 21 ltd closed that gap.

cport · 10-23-2021, 01:39 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

I checked edge sharpness on images from the 21 ltd, and I have to say I'm rather impressed. First time I see such wide angle lens well defined in corners. So far, the only edge sharp 20mm I had spotted was the latest Sony 20mm lens, but now it seem the D-FA 21 ltd closed that gap.

Indeed? How about 11-18/2,8 or 15-30/2,8? Having experience with the first one, I have expected that the quality of the second one will be very good as well.

house · 10-23-2021, 03:17 AM

Originally posted by cport

Indeed? How about 11-18/2,8 or 15-30/2,8? Having experience with the first one, I have expected that the quality of the second one will be very good as well.

Its all relative but the DA1118 doesnt fully clear up from I've seen? Pentax seem to go often go slightly tight with the image circle for wide lenses. It does well though. Being a zoom and for apsc makes it a different challenge.

We don't have enough full res exaples of the DFA21 to really know. The downsampled images look *very* detailed so I expect very good performance.

**ThorSanchez** · 10-23-2021, 05:11 AM

Originally posted by jersey

Nice, images look pleasant to look at. I frankly do not care about sharpness (unless I shoot technical stuff like planes) so this lens looks great. Now we need DA equivalent for K-3/3. Yeah, I know, not gonna happen.

Originally posted by repaap

ummm, HD DA15/4 should be that? Yes, DFA21 is faster, but it is closest and as well a limited already

Just need a few WR gaskets.

**UncleVanya** · 10-23-2021, 06:11 AM

My current full frame 21mm is the Sony FE 28 w/the wide angle converter (21mm f2.8) [used on a Sony A7riii] which combines with the lens weighs more than this and is front heavy and has so so corners. This clearly beats that in all ways except price. (My point being I manage to carry and use a 21mm that is as big or bigger and heavier and less well balanced - the new lens isn’t very big actually. )

The 20mm FE 1.8 is a closer comparison I suspect. The Sony FE 21 street price is around $900 new at most places and it’s a little lighter and offers good close focus but not as good a closeup ratio as the new D FA. As a short registration distance lens the Sony lens has an advantage in size and weight that’s surprisingly small compared to what I might have expected without direct specifications. Image samples look good with both lenses and the Sony is very well respected which is good company to be in. Hopefully the new 21 will get a lot of traction as it appears to have a winning formula.
Kudos Pentax!

borisII · 10-23-2021, 11:51 AM - **3 Likes**

---------- Post added 10-23-21 at 11:58 AM ----------

I'd like to see the final lens in series DFA120/2.4 Limited WR
Why 120 mm? 77+43 mm

)))

---------- Post added 10-23-21 at 12:01 PM ----------

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The 20mm FE 1.8 is a closer comparison I suspect.

I suppose no any sense comparing different lenses of different brands...Even with the same focal length.

**UncleVanya** · 10-23-2021, 04:19 PM

Originally posted by borisII

I suppose no any sense comparing different lenses of different brands...Even with the same focal length.

Clearly we don’t agree.

JPT · 10-23-2021, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by borisII

I'd like to see the final lens in series DFA120/2.4 Limited WR

Also think this would be a great choice. There was a 355g K lens that was 120/2.8, so something like that would be amazing with modern optics and coatings.

The good thing is that the Limited lens sub-site says that this is the first in a new series of DFA Limiteds. It seems unlikely that they would remake the 31/43/77 lenses so soon after refreshing them, so what comes next is likely to be something new. One of our members who seems to have inside information said that they are already at work on the next Limited lens.

I think the obvious choices are either the tele Limited you suggest, or a full frame version of the DA 20-40 Limited zoom.

**Digitalis** · 10-23-2021, 06:19 PM - **6 Likes**

Originally posted by JPT

he good thing is that the Limited lens sub-site says that this is the first in a new series of DFA Limiteds. It seems unlikely that they would remake the 31/43/77 lenses so soon after refreshing them, so what comes next is likely to be something new.

I agree, and I hope that Pentax will continue producing lenses with unusual and abstract goals in mind, rather than: will it test well? like many other lens manufacturers seem to be doing now.

Paul the Sunman · 10-23-2021, 06:48 PM

Originally posted by JPT

One of our members who seems to have inside information said that they are already at work on the next Limited lens.

I think the obvious choices are either the tele Limited you suggest, or a full frame version of the DA 20-40 Limited zoom.

Can anybody envisage a DFA 600mm Limited pancake?

**Digitalis** · 10-23-2021, 07:34 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

Can anybody envisage a DFA 600mm Limited pancake?

Well canon made an attempt...

**SelrahCharleS** · 10-23-2021, 07:57 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by borisII

---------- Post added 10-23-21 at 11:58 AM ----------

I'd like to see the final lens in series DFA120/2.4 Limited WR
Why 120 mm? 77+43 mm

)))

---------- Post added 10-23-21 at 12:01 PM ----------

Man the 21 Limited looks wrong next to its siblings with no aperture ring.

I agree with your thoughts on the 120mm. That would be a nice addition to the longer end.

texandrews · 10-24-2021, 09:09 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

I agree, and I hope that Pentax will continue producing lenses with unusual and abstract goals in mind, rather than: will it test well? like many other lens manufacturers seem to be doing now.

Yes, agree completely. Pentax is not going to be competing with the big 3 anytime. Honestly, it would be a fools errand at this point. So distinguishing itself from the other makers is the way to go IMO, and this would indeed be one good way. They have already started on this path with their cameras, so let's go with the lenses. Makes perfect sense.

**mlt** · 10-24-2021, 11:07 AM

With pre-orders now being taken, we just need a firmer shipping time than November.

texandrews · 10-24-2021, 12:50 PM

Originally posted by mlt

With pre-orders now being taken, we just need a firmer shipping time than November.

Well, good luck with that. I predict supply chain problems that are afflicting even domestic shipping, let alone international, are going to make this lens scarce as hens' teeth for a while. Hope I'm wrong. It may be a very odd holiday season, with sales numbers to match.

10-23-2021, 07:57 PM - 1 Like	#42
SelrahCharleS Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 935	Originally posted by borisII ---------- Post added 10-23-21 at 11:58 AM ---------- I'd like to see the final lens in series DFA120/2.4 Limited WR Why 120 mm? 77+43 mm ))) ---------- Post added 10-23-21 at 12:01 PM ---------- Man the 21 Limited looks wrong next to its siblings with no aperture ring. I agree with your thoughts on the 120mm. That would be a nice addition to the longer end. Last edited by SelrahCharleS; 10-23-2021 at 08:02 PM.

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10-23-2021, 12:42 AM	#31
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,225	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman That was my point. Despite being a more difficult task, Pentax made a top quality lens that is much lighter than Sigma's 35. Good on 'em. I checked edge sharpness on images from the 21 ltd, and I have to say I'm rather impressed. First time I see such wide angle lens well defined in corners. So far, the only edge sharp 20mm I had spotted was the latest Sony 20mm lens, but now it seem the D-FA 21 ltd closed that gap.

10-23-2021, 01:39 AM	#32
cport Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 428	Originally posted by biz-engineer I checked edge sharpness on images from the 21 ltd, and I have to say I'm rather impressed. First time I see such wide angle lens well defined in corners. So far, the only edge sharp 20mm I had spotted was the latest Sony 20mm lens, but now it seem the D-FA 21 ltd closed that gap. Indeed? How about 11-18/2,8 or 15-30/2,8? Having experience with the first one, I have expected that the quality of the second one will be very good as well.

10-23-2021, 03:17 AM	#33
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	Originally posted by cport Indeed? How about 11-18/2,8 or 15-30/2,8? Having experience with the first one, I have expected that the quality of the second one will be very good as well. Its all relative but the DA1118 doesnt fully clear up from I've seen? Pentax seem to go often go slightly tight with the image circle for wide lenses. It does well though. Being a zoom and for apsc makes it a different challenge. We don't have enough full res exaples of the DFA21 to really know. The downsampled images look very detailed so I expect very good performance.

10-23-2021, 05:11 AM	#34
ThorSanchez Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,804	Originally posted by jersey Nice, images look pleasant to look at. I frankly do not care about sharpness (unless I shoot technical stuff like planes) so this lens looks great. Now we need DA equivalent for K-3/3. Yeah, I know, not gonna happen. Originally posted by repaap ummm, HD DA15/4 should be that? Yes, DFA21 is faster, but it is closest and as well a limited already Just need a few WR gaskets.

10-23-2021, 06:11 AM	#35
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,385	My current full frame 21mm is the Sony FE 28 w/the wide angle converter (21mm f2.8) [used on a Sony A7riii] which combines with the lens weighs more than this and is front heavy and has so so corners. This clearly beats that in all ways except price. (My point being I manage to carry and use a 21mm that is as big or bigger and heavier and less well balanced - the new lens isn’t very big actually. ) The 20mm FE 1.8 is a closer comparison I suspect. The Sony FE 21 street price is around $900 new at most places and it’s a little lighter and offers good close focus but not as good a closeup ratio as the new D FA. As a short registration distance lens the Sony lens has an advantage in size and weight that’s surprisingly small compared to what I might have expected without direct specifications. Image samples look good with both lenses and the Sony is very well respected which is good company to be in. Hopefully the new 21 will get a lot of traction as it appears to have a winning formula. Kudos Pentax!

10-23-2021, 11:51 AM - 3 Likes	#36
borisII Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 323	---------- Post added 10-23-21 at 11:58 AM ---------- I'd like to see the final lens in series DFA120/2.4 Limited WR Why 120 mm? 77+43 mm ))) ---------- Post added 10-23-21 at 12:01 PM ---------- Originally posted by UncleVanya The 20mm FE 1.8 is a closer comparison I suspect. I suppose no any sense comparing different lenses of different brands...Even with the same focal length.

10-23-2021, 04:19 PM	#37
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,385	Originally posted by borisII I suppose no any sense comparing different lenses of different brands...Even with the same focal length. Clearly we don’t agree.

10-23-2021, 05:56 PM	#38
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821 Original Poster	Originally posted by borisII I'd like to see the final lens in series DFA120/2.4 Limited WR Also think this would be a great choice. There was a 355g K lens that was 120/2.8, so something like that would be amazing with modern optics and coatings. The good thing is that the Limited lens sub-site says that this is the first in a new series of DFA Limiteds. It seems unlikely that they would remake the 31/43/77 lenses so soon after refreshing them, so what comes next is likely to be something new. One of our members who seems to have inside information said that they are already at work on the next Limited lens. I think the obvious choices are either the tele Limited you suggest, or a full frame version of the DA 20-40 Limited zoom.

10-23-2021, 06:19 PM - 6 Likes	#39
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by JPT he good thing is that the Limited lens sub-site says that this is the first in a new series of DFA Limiteds. It seems unlikely that they would remake the 31/43/77 lenses so soon after refreshing them, so what comes next is likely to be something new. I agree, and I hope that Pentax will continue producing lenses with unusual and abstract goals in mind, rather than: will it test well? like many other lens manufacturers seem to be doing now.

10-23-2021, 06:48 PM	#40
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,842	Originally posted by JPT One of our members who seems to have inside information said that they are already at work on the next Limited lens. I think the obvious choices are either the tele Limited you suggest, or a full frame version of the DA 20-40 Limited zoom. Can anybody envisage a DFA 600mm Limited pancake?

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10-23-2021, 07:34 PM - 1 Like	#41
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman Can anybody envisage a DFA 600mm Limited pancake? Well canon made an attempt...

10-24-2021, 09:09 AM	#43
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,390	Originally posted by Digitalis I agree, and I hope that Pentax will continue producing lenses with unusual and abstract goals in mind, rather than: will it test well? like many other lens manufacturers seem to be doing now. Yes, agree completely. Pentax is not going to be competing with the big 3 anytime. Honestly, it would be a fools errand at this point. So distinguishing itself from the other makers is the way to go IMO, and this would indeed be one good way. They have already started on this path with their cameras, so let's go with the lenses. Makes perfect sense.

10-24-2021, 11:07 AM	#44
mlt Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,159	With pre-orders now being taken, we just need a firmer shipping time than November.

10-24-2021, 12:50 PM	#45
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,390	Originally posted by mlt With pre-orders now being taken, we just need a firmer shipping time than November. Well, good luck with that. I predict supply chain problems that are afflicting even domestic shipping, let alone international, are going to make this lens scarce as hens' teeth for a while. Hope I'm wrong. It may be a very odd holiday season, with sales numbers to match.