Pentax FA 20mm f2.8

edin_togger · 01-03-2017, 02:00 PM - **2 Likes**

Didn't see a dedicated thread for this one but given the interest in wide angle options for the Pentax K1 I thought it was worth starting.

I don't go wide an awful lot so picked this up for a fraction of the cost of the much larger, heavier and expensive new "Pentax 15-30 f2.8" lens.

Initial impressions are that the lens is good for the cost, I'm sure that the 15-30 is probably better but I don't believe its worth the cost for me as I don't shoot ultra wide that often.

Couple of shots from me taken in East Lothian, Scotland with the K1 on a grey January day!

jab2980 · 01-03-2017, 03:53 PM

Thanks for sharing, Edin. I've been torn on what to get, ~~as the FA 20 is the only fully supported FF lens wider than 24mm that is AF~~. For now, I'm using the upper end of my DA 12-24 and it is working ok for me. I am pretty jealous of the Nikon 20mm 1.8 at this point. Despite being MF, I'd love to pick up the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8, but that is way too high of a price tag for a Rokinon that doesn't even have any real-world reviews about it yet.

**UncleVanya** · 01-03-2017, 04:33 PM

Originally posted by jab2980

Thanks for sharing, Edin. I've been torn on what to get, as the FA 20 is the only fully supported FF lens wider than 24mm that is AF. For now, I'm using the upper end of my DA 12-24 and it is working ok for me. I am pretty jealous of the Nikon 20mm 1.8 at this point. Despite being MF, I'd love to pick up the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8, but that is way too high of a price tag for a Rokinon that doesn't even have any real-world reviews about it yet.

In addition to the FA 20 there are some other lenses that go this wide with AF:

Pentax:
DFA 15-30
F 17-28
FAJ 18-35
~~F 20-35~~
FA 20-35 (EDITED: Typo earlier indicated F series which doesn't exist!)

Sigma
15mm f2.8 EX DG fisheye
12-24 f4.5-5.6 EX DG
15-30 f/3.5-4.5 EX DG
17-35 f/2.8-4 EX DG
20-40 f/2.8 EX DG
8mm circular fisheye...

Not sure if any of those are helpful to you in your quest for wide on the k-1 but I thought I would point these out. I may have missed some or included one or two by mistake but I think that is a good place to start.

Originally posted by edin_togger

Didn't see a dedicated thread for this one but given the interest in wide angle options for the Pentax K1 I thought it was worth starting.

I don't go wide an awful lot so picked this up for a fraction of the cost of the much larger, heavier and expensive new "Pentax 15-30 f2.8" lens.

Initial impressions are that the lens is good for the cost, I'm sure that the 15-30 is probably better but I don't believe its worth the cost for me as I don't shoot ultra wide that often.

Couple of shots from me taken in East Lothian, Scotland with the K1 on a grey January day!

These are lovely shots.

Wild Mark · 01-03-2017, 04:56 PM - **1 Like**

In my use of the FA20 (which I love) I have found the use of a CPL a must. The CPL really helps with getting the saturation evident in the scene right.

jab2980 · 01-03-2017, 05:03 PM

Sorry, I shouldn't be posting on a forum when sleep deprived, apparently (newborn). I'll edit my post when I get to a computer... I had confused my own lens selection criteria with reality.

Originally posted by UncleVanya

In addition to the FA 20 there are some other lenses that go this wide with AF:

Pentax:
DFA 15-30
F 17-28
FAJ 18-35
F 20-35

Sigma
15mm f2.8 EX DG fisheye
12-24 f4.5-5.6 EX DG
15-30 f/3.5-4.5 EX DG
17-35 f/2.8-4 EX DG
20-40 f/2.8 EX DG
8mm circular fisheye...

Not sure if any of those are helpful to you in your quest for wide on the k-1 but I thought I would point these out. I may have missed some or included one or two by mistake but I think that is a good place to start.

These are lovely shots.

**UncleVanya** · 01-03-2017, 06:03 PM

Originally posted by jab2980

Sorry, I shouldn't be posting on a forum when sleep deprived, apparently (newborn). I'll edit my post when I get to a computer... I had confused my own lens selection criteria with reality.

Not a worry in the world. I figured you might want to check these out if you didn't know about them.

DeadJohn · 01-03-2017, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by Wild Mark

In my use of the FA20 (which I love) I have found the use of a CPL a must. The CPL really helps with getting the saturation evident in the scene right.

Interesting viewpoint. My CPL experience is that wider than 24mm gives uneven sky color.

dave2k · 01-03-2017, 06:10 PM

I found the Sigma 8-16 to be usable on full-frame at 16 mm but with some vignetting as seen below. This example is unedited except for resizing. The lens is pretty sharp and not too large. I may end up selling it if I can tolerate the size and weight of the 15-30.

**mwilky55** · 01-03-2017, 07:38 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

In addition to the FA 20 there are some other lenses that go this wide with AF:

Pentax:
DFA 15-30
F 17-28
FAJ 18-35
F 20-35

Sigma
15mm f2.8 EX DG fisheye
12-24 f4.5-5.6 EX DG
15-30 f/3.5-4.5 EX DG
17-35 f/2.8-4 EX DG
20-40 f/2.8 EX DG
8mm circular fisheye...

Not sure if any of those are helpful to you in your quest for wide on the k-1 but I thought I would point these out. I may have missed some or included one or two by mistake but I think that is a good place to start.

These are lovely shots.

Isn't there also an FA20-35?

**UncleVanya** · 01-03-2017, 08:28 PM

Originally posted by mwilky55

Isn't there also an FA20-35?

LOL - Yes - and there is NO F 20-35. Sorry it was a typo.

**ehrwien** · 01-04-2017, 03:47 AM

There's also a Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX aspherical DG

**UncleVanya** · 01-04-2017, 07:07 AM

Originally posted by ehrwien

There's also a Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX aspherical DG

Yup. I ran out of steam. The list isn't fully comprehensive.

vaidynatarajan · 05-12-2017, 07:11 PM

Originally posted by edin_togger

Didn't see a dedicated thread for this one but given the interest in wide angle options for the Pentax K1 I thought it was worth starting.

I don't go wide an awful lot so picked this up for a fraction of the cost of the much larger, heavier and expensive new "Pentax 15-30 f2.8" lens.

Initial impressions are that the lens is good for the cost, I'm sure that the 15-30 is probably better but I don't believe its worth the cost for me as I don't shoot ultra wide that often.

Couple of shots from me taken in East Lothian, Scotland with the K1 on a grey January day!

Hi, Spectacular Pictures with a lot of details and contrast. I am looking for a UWA Fast Autofocus lens for my new K1. While the 15-30 is great, it is quite heavy (for travel) and 'expensive' for me.

I am not able to find Pentax FA 20mm f2.8 available in any site/stores. Wondering, if the Pentax FA 20mm f2.8 has been discontinued?

jab2980 · 05-12-2017, 10:55 PM

Originally posted by vaidynatarajan

. Wondering, if the Pentax FA 20mm f2.8 has been discontinued?

Yes, quite some time ago.

**UncleVanya** · 05-14-2017, 08:53 AM

Look on ebay, keh, here in the marketplace and you may find a good used copy.

01-03-2017, 02:00 PM - 2 Likes	#1
edin_togger Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 76	Pentax FA 20mm f2.8 Didn't see a dedicated thread for this one but given the interest in wide angle options for the Pentax K1 I thought it was worth starting. I don't go wide an awful lot so picked this up for a fraction of the cost of the much larger, heavier and expensive new "Pentax 15-30 f2.8" lens. Initial impressions are that the lens is good for the cost, I'm sure that the 15-30 is probably better but I don't believe its worth the cost for me as I don't shoot ultra wide that often. Couple of shots from me taken in East Lothian, Scotland with the K1 on a grey January day!

01-03-2017, 03:53 PM	#2
jab2980 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 578	Thanks for sharing, Edin. I've been torn on what to get, ~~as the FA 20 is the only fully supported FF lens wider than 24mm that is AF~~. For now, I'm using the upper end of my DA 12-24 and it is working ok for me. I am pretty jealous of the Nikon 20mm 1.8 at this point. Despite being MF, I'd love to pick up the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8, but that is way too high of a price tag for a Rokinon that doesn't even have any real-world reviews about it yet. Last edited by jab2980; 01-04-2017 at 05:52 PM. Reason: Out of mind

01-03-2017, 04:33 PM	#3
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by jab2980 Thanks for sharing, Edin. I've been torn on what to get, as the FA 20 is the only fully supported FF lens wider than 24mm that is AF. For now, I'm using the upper end of my DA 12-24 and it is working ok for me. I am pretty jealous of the Nikon 20mm 1.8 at this point. Despite being MF, I'd love to pick up the Rokinon 20mm f/1.8, but that is way too high of a price tag for a Rokinon that doesn't even have any real-world reviews about it yet. In addition to the FA 20 there are some other lenses that go this wide with AF: Pentax: DFA 15-30 F 17-28 FAJ 18-35 ~~F 20-35~~ FA 20-35 (EDITED: Typo earlier indicated F series which doesn't exist!) Sigma 15mm f2.8 EX DG fisheye 12-24 f4.5-5.6 EX DG 15-30 f/3.5-4.5 EX DG 17-35 f/2.8-4 EX DG 20-40 f/2.8 EX DG 8mm circular fisheye... Not sure if any of those are helpful to you in your quest for wide on the k-1 but I thought I would point these out. I may have missed some or included one or two by mistake but I think that is a good place to start. Originally posted by edin_togger Didn't see a dedicated thread for this one but given the interest in wide angle options for the Pentax K1 I thought it was worth starting. I don't go wide an awful lot so picked this up for a fraction of the cost of the much larger, heavier and expensive new "Pentax 15-30 f2.8" lens. Initial impressions are that the lens is good for the cost, I'm sure that the 15-30 is probably better but I don't believe its worth the cost for me as I don't shoot ultra wide that often. Couple of shots from me taken in East Lothian, Scotland with the K1 on a grey January day! These are lovely shots. Last edited by UncleVanya; 01-03-2017 at 08:29 PM.

01-03-2017, 06:10 PM	#8
dave2k Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery Posts: 419	Sigma 8-16 I found the Sigma 8-16 to be usable on full-frame at 16 mm but with some vignetting as seen below. This example is unedited except for resizing. The lens is pretty sharp and not too large. I may end up selling it if I can tolerate the size and weight of the 15-30.

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01-03-2017, 04:56 PM - 1 Like	#4
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	In my use of the FA20 (which I love) I have found the use of a CPL a must. The CPL really helps with getting the saturation evident in the scene right.

01-03-2017, 05:03 PM	#5
jab2980 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 578	Sorry, I shouldn't be posting on a forum when sleep deprived, apparently (newborn). I'll edit my post when I get to a computer... I had confused my own lens selection criteria with reality. Originally posted by UncleVanya In addition to the FA 20 there are some other lenses that go this wide with AF: Pentax: DFA 15-30 F 17-28 FAJ 18-35 F 20-35 Sigma 15mm f2.8 EX DG fisheye 12-24 f4.5-5.6 EX DG 15-30 f/3.5-4.5 EX DG 17-35 f/2.8-4 EX DG 20-40 f/2.8 EX DG 8mm circular fisheye... Not sure if any of those are helpful to you in your quest for wide on the k-1 but I thought I would point these out. I may have missed some or included one or two by mistake but I think that is a good place to start. These are lovely shots.

01-03-2017, 06:03 PM	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by jab2980 Sorry, I shouldn't be posting on a forum when sleep deprived, apparently (newborn). I'll edit my post when I get to a computer... I had confused my own lens selection criteria with reality. Not a worry in the world. I figured you might want to check these out if you didn't know about them.

01-03-2017, 06:07 PM	#7
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	Originally posted by Wild Mark In my use of the FA20 (which I love) I have found the use of a CPL a must. The CPL really helps with getting the saturation evident in the scene right. Interesting viewpoint. My CPL experience is that wider than 24mm gives uneven sky color.

01-03-2017, 07:38 PM	#9
mwilky55 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Southeastern Connecticut Photos: Albums Posts: 816	Originally posted by UncleVanya In addition to the FA 20 there are some other lenses that go this wide with AF: Pentax: DFA 15-30 F 17-28 FAJ 18-35 F 20-35 Sigma 15mm f2.8 EX DG fisheye 12-24 f4.5-5.6 EX DG 15-30 f/3.5-4.5 EX DG 17-35 f/2.8-4 EX DG 20-40 f/2.8 EX DG 8mm circular fisheye... Not sure if any of those are helpful to you in your quest for wide on the k-1 but I thought I would point these out. I may have missed some or included one or two by mistake but I think that is a good place to start. These are lovely shots. Isn't there also an FA20-35?

01-03-2017, 08:28 PM	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by mwilky55 Isn't there also an FA20-35? LOL - Yes - and there is NO F 20-35. Sorry it was a typo.

01-04-2017, 03:47 AM	#11
ehrwien Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 2,782	There's also a Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX aspherical DG

01-04-2017, 07:07 AM	#12
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by ehrwien There's also a Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX aspherical DG Yup. I ran out of steam. The list isn't fully comprehensive.

05-12-2017, 07:11 PM	#13
vaidynatarajan New Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 1	Originally posted by edin_togger Didn't see a dedicated thread for this one but given the interest in wide angle options for the Pentax K1 I thought it was worth starting. I don't go wide an awful lot so picked this up for a fraction of the cost of the much larger, heavier and expensive new "Pentax 15-30 f2.8" lens. Initial impressions are that the lens is good for the cost, I'm sure that the 15-30 is probably better but I don't believe its worth the cost for me as I don't shoot ultra wide that often. Couple of shots from me taken in East Lothian, Scotland with the K1 on a grey January day! Hi, Spectacular Pictures with a lot of details and contrast. I am looking for a UWA Fast Autofocus lens for my new K1. While the 15-30 is great, it is quite heavy (for travel) and 'expensive' for me. I am not able to find Pentax FA 20mm f2.8 available in any site/stores. Wondering, if the Pentax FA 20mm f2.8 has been discontinued?

05-12-2017, 10:55 PM	#14
jab2980 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 578	Originally posted by vaidynatarajan . Wondering, if the Pentax FA 20mm f2.8 has been discontinued? Yes, quite some time ago.

05-14-2017, 08:53 AM	#15
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Look on ebay, keh, here in the marketplace and you may find a good used copy.