What is your favorite DA limited?

Eagle_Friends · 02-05-2012, 11:27 AM

All the DA Limiteds are exceptional, but I feel one just rise above the rest. The 15mm f4 is really a special lens, probably the one one that can matcch with the leica crowd and holds its own. The 40mm is also incredible. You just have to buy them all. =)

mecrox · 02-05-2012, 02:52 PM

Impossible to say, over here. Each one is different, works for a different kind of scene, renders a different kind of photograph, at least in my experience. My most used one is the DA 21mm, the one which takes the pictures I often like the most is the DA 70mm, for sharp captures close in the 35mm has it, while in the right light the DA 15mm can offer gorgeous colours and a real wow factor. You takes your choice, etc. If I could afford only one it would be the DA 35mm or DA 40mm, for the more all-round focal lengths, and if two then the second would be the DA 21mm because it is versatile and has amazing centre resolution. Be warned, they are addictive!

Primes4ever · 02-05-2012, 09:27 PM

I own three of the DA limiteds. My most used is the 40 and it is one of the sweetest to use, fantastic IQ, and turns a lot of heads. The 15 is an incredible lens especialy at F8 and the IQ is spectacular for wide angle photography such as waterfalls, lighthouses and street scenes. The 70 is great for portraits and indoor sports. I have a couple of good zoom lenses but believe my best photos come from the primes. Their workmanship is fantastic and the 3 of them weigh about a pound alltogether and along with the K5 fit in a small bag for travelling and hiking.

So in my opinion, which one is next depends on what you like to do most. But it is like snacks, you can't stop at one.

spicy cho · 02-05-2012, 10:12 PM

the 21 is definitely my most used lens, favorite among the DA limiteds. I like the 40 I have as well but I don't find the focal length as useful.

SpecialK · 02-05-2012, 10:39 PM

Originally posted by RagingWinds

Haha i might have to buy them all.

I am really considering the 15, 21, or the 70/77. I know i need to decide which focal length i want but i can't seem to make up my mind lol. Which do you think has the best IQ overall? If some of you could elaborate on why you love each lens that might help, as well as posting pictures! Thanks

Your question has no answer. Buy them all and be done. The sample pictures are in the Lens sample pictures threads.

pilgrimingvine · 02-05-2012, 11:27 PM

I've gotten the most consistent results using DA70. Fast AF, great IQ.. This might be my crazy eyes, but the high ISO images appear to control noise better than DA35/FA43.

twitch · 02-06-2012, 12:26 AM

The best advice I can give is please don't bother chasing "the best" DA limited, buy the limited at the focal length you "need", and the speed you "need". That's what it's about. I couldn't care less if Pentax made the greatest, sharpest 200mm F/4 macro in the world, for me it is next to useless. I have almost no need of 200mm, f/4 would be too slow even if I did, and I have zero interest in macro photography. So even though the A 200/4 macro slaughters a FA*24 in the test chart reviews, I'll take the FA*24 every time because I "need" 24mm and "need" f/2... tests be damned.

Last edited by twitch; 02-06-2012 at 12:35 AM.

Full_Stop · 02-06-2012, 09:27 AM

I agree with Twitch. I wanted the DA 70mm and the DA*55mm, but I needed the DA 15mm so that's what I bought and so far I don't regret it at all.

RubyT · 02-06-2012, 03:12 PM

I love my 77 the most (but I shoot primarily portraits). I don't seem to notice these fractional differences in focus speed. Couldn't get used to the 40, it was either too long or too wide, so I sold it. I tried the 31 and I liked it (loved it on film, but I don't shoot enough film to justify the price). Planning to rent a 15 soon, especially after this thread.

Bob from Aus · 02-06-2012, 03:34 PM

Originally posted by RubyT

Planning to rent a 15 soon, especially after this thread.

Mmm. I must hide my 21mm for a few weeks so I am forced to use my 15mm more.

sheld · 02-06-2012, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by Paultodd

I favour the 21mm because it seems to be my most used focal length.

I also have the 43 & 70, they are both great as well. Got my eye on the 15 as well

Paul, I have the 15mm and it is recommended. However, its usually too wide for people shots. What has been your experience with the DA21?

**WillWeaverRVA** · 02-06-2012, 04:21 PM

Given that I've had awesome results from it on my K-5 AND my SF-10, definitely the 40mm f/2.8. Of course, it's also the only one I own, but I can't say I've ever gotten a bad shot with it.

civiletti · 02-06-2012, 05:16 PM

DA70 - tiny, well-built, has a DOF scale unlike the DA40, and IQ of the gods.

**jlstrawman** · 02-06-2012, 06:00 PM

DA15 ltd is my favorite DA limited, because of its all-around usefulness. FA43 ltd is my favorite lens, because of its pixie dust.

Andi Lo · 02-06-2012, 06:19 PM

This thread doesnt help. It basically says "buy em all"

I only have DA 40 and I love it. If I ever leave pentax, I will definitely keep this lens and the DA 10-17.

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02-05-2012, 11:27 AM	#31
Eagle_Friends Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 971	All the DA Limiteds are exceptional, but I feel one just rise above the rest. The 15mm f4 is really a special lens, probably the one one that can matcch with the leica crowd and holds its own. The 40mm is also incredible. You just have to buy them all. =)

02-05-2012, 02:52 PM	#32
mecrox Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oxford, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,375	Impossible to say, over here. Each one is different, works for a different kind of scene, renders a different kind of photograph, at least in my experience. My most used one is the DA 21mm, the one which takes the pictures I often like the most is the DA 70mm, for sharp captures close in the 35mm has it, while in the right light the DA 15mm can offer gorgeous colours and a real wow factor. You takes your choice, etc. If I could afford only one it would be the DA 35mm or DA 40mm, for the more all-round focal lengths, and if two then the second would be the DA 21mm because it is versatile and has amazing centre resolution. Be warned, they are addictive!

02-05-2012, 09:27 PM	#33
Primes4ever Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Posts: 179	I own three of the DA limiteds. My most used is the 40 and it is one of the sweetest to use, fantastic IQ, and turns a lot of heads. The 15 is an incredible lens especialy at F8 and the IQ is spectacular for wide angle photography such as waterfalls, lighthouses and street scenes. The 70 is great for portraits and indoor sports. I have a couple of good zoom lenses but believe my best photos come from the primes. Their workmanship is fantastic and the 3 of them weigh about a pound alltogether and along with the K5 fit in a small bag for travelling and hiking. So in my opinion, which one is next depends on what you like to do most. But it is like snacks, you can't stop at one.

02-05-2012, 10:12 PM	#34
spicy cho Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 73	the 21 is definitely my most used lens, favorite among the DA limiteds. I like the 40 I have as well but I don't find the focal length as useful.

02-05-2012, 10:39 PM	#35
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Originally posted by RagingWinds Haha i might have to buy them all. I am really considering the 15, 21, or the 70/77. I know i need to decide which focal length i want but i can't seem to make up my mind lol. Which do you think has the best IQ overall? If some of you could elaborate on why you love each lens that might help, as well as posting pictures! Thanks Your question has no answer. Buy them all and be done. The sample pictures are in the Lens sample pictures threads.

02-05-2012, 11:27 PM	#36
pilgrimingvine Forum Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Vancouver Photos: Gallery Posts: 54	I've gotten the most consistent results using DA70. Fast AF, great IQ.. This might be my crazy eyes, but the high ISO images appear to control noise better than DA35/FA43.

02-06-2012, 12:26 AM	#37
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	The best advice I can give is please don't bother chasing "the best" DA limited, buy the limited at the focal length you "need", and the speed you "need". That's what it's about. I couldn't care less if Pentax made the greatest, sharpest 200mm F/4 macro in the world, for me it is next to useless. I have almost no need of 200mm, f/4 would be too slow even if I did, and I have zero interest in macro photography. So even though the A 200/4 macro slaughters a FA24 in the test chart reviews, I'll take the FA24 every time because I "need" 24mm and "need" f/2... tests be damned. Last edited by twitch; 02-06-2012 at 12:35 AM.

02-06-2012, 09:27 AM	#38
Full_Stop Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: South Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 30	I agree with Twitch. I wanted the DA 70mm and the DA55mm, but I needed* the DA 15mm so that's what I bought and so far I don't regret it at all.

02-06-2012, 03:12 PM	#39
RubyT Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: TN Photos: Gallery Posts: 621	I love my 77 the most (but I shoot primarily portraits). I don't seem to notice these fractional differences in focus speed. Couldn't get used to the 40, it was either too long or too wide, so I sold it. I tried the 31 and I liked it (loved it on film, but I don't shoot enough film to justify the price). Planning to rent a 15 soon, especially after this thread.

02-06-2012, 03:34 PM	#40
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	Originally posted by RubyT Planning to rent a 15 soon, especially after this thread. Mmm. I must hide my 21mm for a few weeks so I am forced to use my 15mm more.

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02-06-2012, 03:44 PM	#41
sheld Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Austin, TX Photos: Albums Posts: 164	Originally posted by Paultodd I favour the 21mm because it seems to be my most used focal length. I also have the 43 & 70, they are both great as well. Got my eye on the 15 as well Paul, I have the 15mm and it is recommended. However, its usually too wide for people shots. What has been your experience with the DA21?

02-06-2012, 04:21 PM	#42
WillWeaverRVA Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Richmond, VA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,071	Given that I've had awesome results from it on my K-5 AND my SF-10, definitely the 40mm f/2.8. Of course, it's also the only one I own, but I can't say I've ever gotten a bad shot with it.

02-06-2012, 05:16 PM	#43
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	DA70 - tiny, well-built, has a DOF scale unlike the DA40, and IQ of the gods.

02-06-2012, 06:00 PM	#44
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	DA15 ltd is my favorite DA limited, because of its all-around usefulness. FA43 ltd is my favorite lens, because of its pixie dust.

02-06-2012, 06:19 PM	#45
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	This thread doesnt help. It basically says "buy em all" I only have DA 40 and I love it. If I ever leave pentax, I will definitely keep this lens and the DA 10-17.