DFA21 vs DFA 15-30 side by side

biz-engineer · 01-27-2022, 05:05 AM - **2 Likes**

Hi all. Did anyone compare same image taken with the DFA21 and DFA15-30 side by side, closed & distant?

I experimented with my 15-30 at the minimum focus distance. What surprised me is that the min focus distance is fairly close to the front of the lens, and even wide open (2.8) produces interesting background blur, although I'm not sure exactly how it compare with the OOF blur from the DFA21 at f2.8.
Would be nice to compare both lenses for closeup photography and edge to edge sharpness for "distant" scenery. Thanks.

**Digitalis** · 01-27-2022, 05:23 AM - **3 Likes**

I'll add this to the ever-growing list of things I need to test....

bdery · 01-27-2022, 06:04 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by biz-engineer

Did anyone compare same image taken with the DFA21 and DFA15-30 side by side, closed & distant?

Why, yes! The in-depth reviews have exactly that. You can compare the resolution images taken by both lenses, they were shot in exactly the same conditions.

biz-engineer · 01-27-2022, 10:19 AM

Originally posted by bdery

Why, yes! The in-depth reviews have exactly that.

Really? I checked and I haven't found side by side image comparison between the DFA21 and the DFA1530.

Medex · 01-27-2022, 10:33 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

Really? I checked and I haven't found side by side image comparison between the DFA21 and the DFA1530.

Could be same images in different reviews but not in same review

normhead · 01-27-2022, 12:01 PM - **3 Likes**

You made me curious....

In terms of out of focus areas, it appears there is no comparison. The 21 rules.

For a sunset

Not so much difference.

gatorguy · 01-27-2022, 12:28 PM

I agree with Norm. The OOF areas are really impressively rendered on the HD FA 21. It's not that the 15-30's is bad, far from it. But IMO there's no question that the 21 is noticeably better, both smoother and less Busy", wonderful transitions even with backgrounds with a lot going on. It's nearly enough to get me to open ye olde wallet and that's a major turnaround since early on I had said it was a lens that had zero interest for me. It's changing my mind the more I see photos from it.

Specs aren't telling the story of the new Pentax lens.

house · 01-27-2022, 01:01 PM

I've seen somedfa21 da1530 comparisons! I think one of our users living in perhaps australia or somesuch warm place took comparative photos in a harbour. Think username has sun in it. I've also seen samples from what I'm guessing is south east asia shooting across some red tile roofs towards a CBD.

Thing to note is that it's almost impossible to figure out what is going on with the actual performance. The focus points tend to differ. First thing to compare is lower center vs upper center. If you look at corners you'll be confused.

gatorguy · 01-27-2022, 02:38 PM

Originally posted by house

.

Thing to note is that it's almost impossible to figure out what is going on with the actual performance. The focus points tend to differ. First thing to compare is lower center vs upper center. If you look at corners you'll be confused.

I simply look at the overall image. FWIW I don't recall ever singling out a corner. Personally there's no question in my eyes that the HDFA 21 OOF/bokeh is some of the most captivating I've seen. I suppose I could nitpick some specific area and just not enjoy the image itself but I don't see any reason to do so. I see what I see, and appreciate it or not. The DFA21 photos I'm seeing are appreciated.

**Digitalis** · 01-27-2022, 03:07 PM - **5 Likes**

It is a bit unfair expecting a zoom to compete against a prime even when the differences in aperture are relatively small. The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 ART was close to the performance of the the FA31 which overall, had better Boken and Past f/2.8 superior in resolution - though the Zoom trailed behind only slightly.

Pentax K-1 SMCP-HD D-FA 21mm f/2.4 ED ASPH Limited @ f/2.4

normhead · 01-27-2022, 05:44 PM

As Clint Eastwood would say. "fair's got nothing to do with it."

biz-engineer · 01-27-2022, 11:30 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by normhead

In terms of out of focus areas, it appears there is no comparison. The 21 rules.

The second closeup image (21 ltd) is shot much closer than the first image (15-30), I can't conclude anything unless both images are taken with identical focal length and identical sensor-subject distance.

Sandy Hancock · 01-28-2022, 12:22 AM

I have both. If conditions allow, I might give them a whirl in the garden over the weekend if you're willing to wait.

Don't expect cutting edge artistry though

**acoufap** · 01-28-2022, 12:28 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

I have both. If conditions allow, I might give them a whirl in the garden over the weekend if you're willing to wait.

Don't expect cutting edge artistry though

Simply try your best

gatorguy · 01-28-2022, 05:49 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by biz-engineer

The second closeup image (21 ltd) is shot much closer than the first image (15-30), I can't conclude anything unless both images are taken with identical focal length and identical sensor-subject distance.

Isn't the close focus ability of the 21 one of its perks? I realize there's not a massive difference, 11 inches compared to 7.

01-27-2022, 05:05 AM - 2 Likes	#1
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,622	DFA21 vs DFA 15-30 side by side Hi all. Did anyone compare same image taken with the DFA21 and DFA15-30 side by side, closed & distant? I experimented with my 15-30 at the minimum focus distance. What surprised me is that the min focus distance is fairly close to the front of the lens, and even wide open (2.8) produces interesting background blur, although I'm not sure exactly how it compare with the OOF blur from the DFA21 at f2.8. Would be nice to compare both lenses for closeup photography and edge to edge sharpness for "distant" scenery. Thanks.

01-27-2022, 02:38 PM	#9
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,320	Originally posted by house . Thing to note is that it's almost impossible to figure out what is going on with the actual performance. The focus points tend to differ. First thing to compare is lower center vs upper center. If you look at corners you'll be confused. I simply look at the overall image. FWIW I don't recall ever singling out a corner. Personally there's no question in my eyes that the HDFA 21 OOF/bokeh is some of the most captivating I've seen. I suppose I could nitpick some specific area and just not enjoy the image itself but I don't see any reason to do so. I see what I see, and appreciate it or not. The DFA21 photos I'm seeing are appreciated. Last edited by gatorguy; 01-27-2022 at 05:54 PM.

01-27-2022, 03:07 PM - 5 Likes	#10
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Adelaide,South Australia. Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,990	It is a bit unfair expecting a zoom to compete against a prime even when the differences in aperture are relatively small. The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 ART was close to the performance of the the FA31 which overall, had better Boken and Past f/2.8 superior in resolution - though the Zoom trailed behind only slightly. Pentax K-1 SMCP-HD D-FA 21mm f/2.4 ED ASPH Limited @ f/2.4 Last edited by Digitalis; 01-27-2022 at 11:31 PM.

01-28-2022, 05:49 AM - 1 Like	#15
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,320	Originally posted by biz-engineer The second closeup image (21 ltd) is shot much closer than the first image (15-30), I can't conclude anything unless both images are taken with identical focal length and identical sensor-subject distance. Isn't the close focus ability of the 21 one of its perks? I realize there's not a massive difference, 11 inches compared to 7. Last edited by gatorguy; 01-28-2022 at 05:57 AM.

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01-27-2022, 05:23 AM - 3 Likes	#2
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Adelaide,South Australia. Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,990	I'll add this to the ever-growing list of things I need to test....

01-27-2022, 06:04 AM - 3 Likes	#3
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,913	Originally posted by biz-engineer Did anyone compare same image taken with the DFA21 and DFA15-30 side by side, closed & distant? Why, yes! The in-depth reviews have exactly that. You can compare the resolution images taken by both lenses, they were shot in exactly the same conditions.

01-27-2022, 10:19 AM	#4
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,622 Original Poster	Originally posted by bdery Why, yes! The in-depth reviews have exactly that. Really? I checked and I haven't found side by side image comparison between the DFA21 and the DFA1530.

01-27-2022, 10:33 AM	#5
Medex Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 697	Originally posted by biz-engineer Really? I checked and I haven't found side by side image comparison between the DFA21 and the DFA1530. Could be same images in different reviews but not in same review

01-27-2022, 12:01 PM - 3 Likes	#6
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 39,431	You made me curious.... In terms of out of focus areas, it appears there is no comparison. The 21 rules. For a sunset Not so much difference.

01-27-2022, 12:28 PM	#7
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,320	I agree with Norm. The OOF areas are really impressively rendered on the HD FA 21. It's not that the 15-30's is bad, far from it. But IMO there's no question that the 21 is noticeably better, both smoother and less Busy", wonderful transitions even with backgrounds with a lot going on. It's nearly enough to get me to open ye olde wallet and that's a major turnaround since early on I had said it was a lens that had zero interest for me. It's changing my mind the more I see photos from it. Specs aren't telling the story of the new Pentax lens.

01-27-2022, 01:01 PM	#8
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,892	I've seen somedfa21 da1530 comparisons! I think one of our users living in perhaps australia or somesuch warm place took comparative photos in a harbour. Think username has sun in it. I've also seen samples from what I'm guessing is south east asia shooting across some red tile roofs towards a CBD. Thing to note is that it's almost impossible to figure out what is going on with the actual performance. The focus points tend to differ. First thing to compare is lower center vs upper center. If you look at corners you'll be confused.

01-27-2022, 05:44 PM	#11
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 39,431	As Clint Eastwood would say. "fair's got nothing to do with it."

01-27-2022, 11:30 PM - 1 Like	#12
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,622 Original Poster	Originally posted by normhead In terms of out of focus areas, it appears there is no comparison. The 21 rules. The second closeup image (21 ltd) is shot much closer than the first image (15-30), I can't conclude anything unless both images are taken with identical focal length and identical sensor-subject distance.

01-28-2022, 12:22 AM	#13
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,214	I have both. If conditions allow, I might give them a whirl in the garden over the weekend if you're willing to wait. Don't expect cutting edge artistry though

01-28-2022, 12:28 AM	#14
acoufap Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Munich, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,223	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock I have both. If conditions allow, I might give them a whirl in the garden over the weekend if you're willing to wait. Don't expect cutting edge artistry though Simply try your best

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