Pentax DA 12-24mm f4.0 Praise

scorpioh · 08-10-2009, 06:48 AM

Originally posted by Rockdoctor

The first one a little PP. The other 3 are HDR. Thank you.

I apologise if it offends you but the HDRs, especially the third, are overdone.

opiedog · 08-10-2009, 12:13 PM

indeed. the 12-24 is a great lens, not perfect, but excellent.

here are some of my shots from the outer banks of NC :

in raleigh:

Rockdoctor · 08-10-2009, 03:07 PM

Originally posted by scorpioh

I apologise if it offends you but the HDRs, especially the third, are overdone.

It doesn't offend me at all IF you are willing to show off some of your HDR photos. Please post some.

P.S. Yes, the third is overdone.

yeatzee · 08-10-2009, 03:38 PM

I disagree, other than the last HDR (Slightly over-done) the others are ace.

**mtngal** · 08-10-2009, 07:31 PM

opiedog - nice pictures. Since you have them on zenfolio, all you would have to do is put [IMG] and a [/IMG] around the links you posted. There's probably a link that does the same thing, but I never bother with it.

Lucky Sky · 08-10-2009, 08:52 PM

I certainly like my 14 day old DA12-24mm-

opiedog · 08-11-2009, 08:49 AM

Originally posted by mtngal

opiedog - nice pictures. Since you have them on zenfolio, all you would have to do is put [IMG] and a [/IMG] around the links you posted. There's probably a link that does the same thing, but I never bother with it.

thanks! didn't realize it was that easy!

brecklundin · 08-11-2009, 09:02 PM

Originally posted by benjikan

Well if we are going to be praising lenses here, I just have to say that the Pentax DA 12-24 f4.0 lens is one of the finest in the Pentax arsenal. One of the reasons I have NOT opted to go for the 15 Ltd. In fact, it is as sharp as some of my primes. This is one of the lenses I reach for when in tight spots or just looking for that perspective that only this lens can attain.

I would love to see images by those taken with this gem of a lens.

This image shot at 12mm at f8.0

Ben

Really interesting shot....love the lighting. I have been on the fence about this lens or another Sigma 10-20mm...seeing these shots will really help a lot in deciding and right now I am liking the 12-24 a lot more!!

THANKS!!

**mike.hiran** · 08-11-2009, 10:44 PM

Easily my favorite lens... very rarely do I take my kit without this lens. I love the colors, the sharpness, and the perspective.

Great shots everyone; here's some of my faves w/ this lens.

Jonson PL · 08-12-2009, 06:21 AM

some superb shots in this thread !

esman7 · 08-12-2009, 02:14 PM

I love every pic I have seen.

I need you guys' advice: I have the following lenses...

DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 II
DA* 50-135mm f2.8
FA 50mm f1.4

Now I'm contemplating getting a DA* 16-50mm or a DA 12-24mm.

I like wide angle shots, but is it even worth it to consider the 16-50mm or is the 12mm so good that I should just get it?!!?!?

Thanks!

gnaztee · 08-12-2009, 02:34 PM

Originally posted by esman7

I love every pic I have seen.

I need you guys' advice: I have the following lenses...

DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 II
DA* 50-135mm f2.8
FA 50mm f1.4

Now I'm contemplating getting a DA* 16-50mm or a DA 12-24mm.

I like wide angle shots, but is it even worth it to consider the 16-50mm or is the 12mm so good that I should just get it?!!?!?

Thanks!

I think I'll tell you what I was told many months ago when I was contemplating the same choice: They are completely different lenses.

With regards to image-quality, they are both the top of the line for their respective lens types in the Pentax line. That being said, you need to consider other factors:

1) Do you want it to be a "walkaround" lens that can handle a variety of situations? The 16-50 probably wins both for being f2.8 and the focal range.

2) Do you find that your 18-55 just never seems to be wide enough? Not much difference between 18 and 16, you may need the 12-24.

3) Using it in situations where you need weathersealing or silent focus? 16-50 is your lens.

Frankly, if you need a more general purpose lens to replace your 18-55, I'd get the 16-50. Many will tell you that 12mm is a big difference from 16mm, and it IS noticeable, but 16 is still plenty wide (I used to have the DA 16-45). I LOVE ultrawide, so I got the 12-24 instead.

Good luck!

esman7 · 08-12-2009, 03:26 PM

Originally posted by gnaztee

I think I'll tell you what I was told many months ago when I was contemplating the same choice: They are completely different lenses.

With regards to image-quality, they are both the top of the line for their respective lens types in the Pentax line. That being said, you need to consider other factors:

1) Do you want it to be a "walkaround" lens that can handle a variety of situations? The 16-50 probably wins both for being f2.8 and the focal range.

2) Do you find that your 18-55 just never seems to be wide enough? Not much difference between 18 and 16, you may need the 12-24.

3) Using it in situations where you need weathersealing or silent focus? 16-50 is your lens.

Frankly, if you need a more general purpose lens to replace your 18-55, I'd get the 16-50. Many will tell you that 12mm is a big difference from 16mm, and it IS noticeable, but 16 is still plenty wide (I used to have the DA 16-45). I LOVE ultrawide, so I got the 12-24 instead.

Good luck!

AHH! That's my problem - I can't decide on those factors. I just love the images that I've seen from the 12-24mm. Not to knock the 16-50mm, but I prefer the distortion on the edges, it gives it a great appeal.

Just curious as I have never held the 12-24mm. does the quality compare to the 18-55mm kit lens in terms of build? Or does it feel more sturdy?

Rockdoctor · 08-12-2009, 06:13 PM

Originally posted by esman7

AHH! That's my problem - I can't decide on those factors. I just love the images that I've seen from the 12-24mm. Not to knock the 16-50mm, but I prefer the distortion on the edges, it gives it a great appeal.

Just curious as I have never held the 12-24mm. does the quality compare to the 18-55mm kit lens in terms of build? Or does it feel more sturdy?

The 12-24mm is much better quality in your hand. You will feel the difference. It is "sturdy".

My take on your situation. If you want wide go wide and pick up the 12-24mm. If you want distortion go with the Fisheye 10-17mm (I have both) they are used for entirely different situations. The distortion on the 12-24mm is not great for Landscape shots. But up close to a subject you will have significant distortion. My suggestion to you is to pick up a 12-24mm and a 10-17mm. Don't fool around.

**mtngal** · 08-12-2009, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by esman7

AHH! That's my problem - I can't decide on those factors. I just love the images that I've seen from the 12-24mm. Not to knock the 16-50mm, but I prefer the distortion on the edges, it gives it a great appeal.

Just curious as I have never held the 12-24mm. does the quality compare to the 18-55mm kit lens in terms of build? Or does it feel more sturdy?

I agree that the 12-24 feels much sturdier than the old kit lens I had (mine was the first version). I liked the kit lens and so there was no question when I got the 12-24. After I got the K20, the kit lens ended up on the shelf and it didn't seem so bad to go straight from 24 to 50 most of the time (I've been shooting like that for the past 2 years, but finally gave into desire and have a 16-50 arriving tomorrow). The front element is pretty big (77mm!) but the lens itself isn't huge and it's easy to shoot with.

08-10-2009, 12:13 PM	#32
opiedog Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NC Posts: 787	indeed. the 12-24 is a great lens, not perfect, but excellent. here are some of my shots from the outer banks of NC : in raleigh: Last edited by opiedog; 08-11-2009 at 08:51 AM. Reason: image links

08-10-2009, 08:52 PM	#36
Lucky Sky Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lone Tree, Colorado, USA Posts: 77	New Lense, Early Efforts I certainly like my 14 day old DA12-24mm-

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08-10-2009, 06:48 AM	#31
scorpioh Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 182	Originally posted by Rockdoctor The first one a little PP. The other 3 are HDR. Thank you. I apologise if it offends you but the HDRs, especially the third, are overdone.

08-10-2009, 03:07 PM	#33
Rockdoctor Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Western Canada Posts: 199	Originally posted by scorpioh I apologise if it offends you but the HDRs, especially the third, are overdone. It doesn't offend me at all IF you are willing to show off some of your HDR photos. Please post some. P.S. Yes, the third is overdone.

08-10-2009, 03:38 PM	#34
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	I disagree, other than the last HDR (Slightly over-done) the others are ace.

08-10-2009, 07:31 PM	#35
mtngal Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wherever I’m Parked Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,003	opiedog - nice pictures. Since you have them on zenfolio, all you would have to do is put [IMG] and a [/IMG] around the links you posted. There's probably a link that does the same thing, but I never bother with it.

08-11-2009, 08:49 AM	#37
opiedog Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NC Posts: 787	Originally posted by mtngal opiedog - nice pictures. Since you have them on zenfolio, all you would have to do is put [IMG] and a [/IMG] around the links you posted. There's probably a link that does the same thing, but I never bother with it. thanks! didn't realize it was that easy!

08-11-2009, 09:02 PM	#38
brecklundin Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,674	Originally posted by benjikan Well if we are going to be praising lenses here, I just have to say that the Pentax DA 12-24 f4.0 lens is one of the finest in the Pentax arsenal. One of the reasons I have NOT opted to go for the 15 Ltd. In fact, it is as sharp as some of my primes. This is one of the lenses I reach for when in tight spots or just looking for that perspective that only this lens can attain. I would love to see images by those taken with this gem of a lens. This image shot at 12mm at f8.0 Ben Really interesting shot....love the lighting. I have been on the fence about this lens or another Sigma 10-20mm...seeing these shots will really help a lot in deciding and right now I am liking the 12-24 a lot more!! THANKS!!

08-11-2009, 10:44 PM	#39
mike.hiran Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: portland Photos: Albums Posts: 1,491	Easily my favorite lens... very rarely do I take my kit without this lens. I love the colors, the sharpness, and the perspective. Great shots everyone; here's some of my faves w/ this lens.

08-12-2009, 06:21 AM	#40
Jonson PL Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Copenhagen Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,842	some superb shots in this thread !

08-12-2009, 02:14 PM	#41
esman7 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 322	I love every pic I have seen. I need you guys' advice: I have the following lenses... DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 II DA* 50-135mm f2.8 FA 50mm f1.4 Now I'm contemplating getting a DA* 16-50mm or a DA 12-24mm. I like wide angle shots, but is it even worth it to consider the 16-50mm or is the 12mm so good that I should just get it?!!?!? Thanks!

08-12-2009, 02:34 PM	#42
gnaztee Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 772	Originally posted by esman7 I love every pic I have seen. I need you guys' advice: I have the following lenses... DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 II DA* 50-135mm f2.8 FA 50mm f1.4 Now I'm contemplating getting a DA* 16-50mm or a DA 12-24mm. I like wide angle shots, but is it even worth it to consider the 16-50mm or is the 12mm so good that I should just get it?!!?!? Thanks! I think I'll tell you what I was told many months ago when I was contemplating the same choice: They are completely different lenses. With regards to image-quality, they are both the top of the line for their respective lens types in the Pentax line. That being said, you need to consider other factors: 1) Do you want it to be a "walkaround" lens that can handle a variety of situations? The 16-50 probably wins both for being f2.8 and the focal range. 2) Do you find that your 18-55 just never seems to be wide enough? Not much difference between 18 and 16, you may need the 12-24. 3) Using it in situations where you need weathersealing or silent focus? 16-50 is your lens. Frankly, if you need a more general purpose lens to replace your 18-55, I'd get the 16-50. Many will tell you that 12mm is a big difference from 16mm, and it IS noticeable, but 16 is still plenty wide (I used to have the DA 16-45). I LOVE ultrawide, so I got the 12-24 instead. Good luck!

08-12-2009, 03:26 PM	#43
esman7 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 322	Originally posted by gnaztee I think I'll tell you what I was told many months ago when I was contemplating the same choice: They are completely different lenses. With regards to image-quality, they are both the top of the line for their respective lens types in the Pentax line. That being said, you need to consider other factors: 1) Do you want it to be a "walkaround" lens that can handle a variety of situations? The 16-50 probably wins both for being f2.8 and the focal range. 2) Do you find that your 18-55 just never seems to be wide enough? Not much difference between 18 and 16, you may need the 12-24. 3) Using it in situations where you need weathersealing or silent focus? 16-50 is your lens. Frankly, if you need a more general purpose lens to replace your 18-55, I'd get the 16-50. Many will tell you that 12mm is a big difference from 16mm, and it IS noticeable, but 16 is still plenty wide (I used to have the DA 16-45). I LOVE ultrawide, so I got the 12-24 instead. Good luck! AHH! That's my problem - I can't decide on those factors. I just love the images that I've seen from the 12-24mm. Not to knock the 16-50mm, but I prefer the distortion on the edges, it gives it a great appeal. Just curious as I have never held the 12-24mm. does the quality compare to the 18-55mm kit lens in terms of build? Or does it feel more sturdy?

08-12-2009, 06:13 PM	#44
Rockdoctor Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Western Canada Posts: 199	Originally posted by esman7 AHH! That's my problem - I can't decide on those factors. I just love the images that I've seen from the 12-24mm. Not to knock the 16-50mm, but I prefer the distortion on the edges, it gives it a great appeal. Just curious as I have never held the 12-24mm. does the quality compare to the 18-55mm kit lens in terms of build? Or does it feel more sturdy? The 12-24mm is much better quality in your hand. You will feel the difference. It is "sturdy". My take on your situation. If you want wide go wide and pick up the 12-24mm. If you want distortion go with the Fisheye 10-17mm (I have both) they are used for entirely different situations. The distortion on the 12-24mm is not great for Landscape shots. But up close to a subject you will have significant distortion. My suggestion to you is to pick up a 12-24mm and a 10-17mm. Don't fool around.

08-12-2009, 08:17 PM	#45
mtngal Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wherever I’m Parked Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,003	Originally posted by esman7 AHH! That's my problem - I can't decide on those factors. I just love the images that I've seen from the 12-24mm. Not to knock the 16-50mm, but I prefer the distortion on the edges, it gives it a great appeal. Just curious as I have never held the 12-24mm. does the quality compare to the 18-55mm kit lens in terms of build? Or does it feel more sturdy? I agree that the 12-24 feels much sturdier than the old kit lens I had (mine was the first version). I liked the kit lens and so there was no question when I got the 12-24. After I got the K20, the kit lens ended up on the shelf and it didn't seem so bad to go straight from 24 to 50 most of the time (I've been shooting like that for the past 2 years, but finally gave into desire and have a 16-50 arriving tomorrow). The front element is pretty big (77mm!) but the lens itself isn't huge and it's easy to shoot with.