The DA limited is 20-40? and WR?!

mikemike · 02-02-2014, 10:59 PM

It is pretty compact and fast for a zoom.

abacus07 · 02-02-2014, 11:02 PM

Originally posted by mikemike

It is pretty compact and fast for a zoom.

It's compact but it's not really fast especially at the longer end where people typically need more aperture. The only problem for me is that it's priced too high and is hard to justify at these prices.

Robb Lincoln · 02-02-2014, 11:09 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mikemike

It is pretty compact and fast for a zoom.

true--I guess I'm just an old fashioned prime glass snob. I don't generally mind swapping lenses to achieve the fl I need.

Ishpuini · 02-03-2014, 01:02 AM - **1 Like**

Over the week-end, I walked around in my home city (Antwerp, Belgium) with my DA20-40. I only shot a dozen images or so, but I feel I can already offer some of my conclusions.

The lens balances really nicely on the K-3. The only other standard zoom I own being the DA*16-50/2.8, which to my feeling requires a battery grip for balance, the DA20-40 felt so refreshingly light weight. As if I only had a prime mounted. I love walking around with just a DA21, FA31 or FA43, and this lens was like having all three mounted at once. OK, not quite f/1.8 or f/1.9 at the long end, but the f/2.8 at 20mm does "beat" the DA21/3.2. Besides I am a f/5.6-8 shooter mostly, and when I require a bokeh shot, I'll move close to the subject. I noticed that the DA20-40 actually gives very nice bokeh at 40mm f/4. No sharpness tests, but when browsing through my images I was more than happy with the IQ I got, much better than I expected.

The zoom ring feels nicely dampened, a real joy to use. Even though the zoom range isn't enormous, it is still a 2x zoom, meaning 20mm gives 2x the FoV of 40mm. Putting the lens at 30mm, for a very nice standard focal distance, having 10mm at both ends to adjust FoV, is pretty useful compared to a fixed standard prime. The argument that zooms make lazy photographers (which I happen to agree with) doesn't really apply because of the limited zoom range. So for me it's the best of both worlds, i.e. the perfect walk around zoom.

Remains the question whether it's worth the relatively high price? To me it most certainly is. Not just for the results it *does* deliver, but also for the overall quality of the product.

BTW, did I say I liked it?

Wim

thibs · 02-03-2014, 04:17 AM

Originally posted by Ishpuini

Over the week-end, I walked around in my home city (Antwerp, Belgium) with my DA20-40. I only shot a dozen images or so, but I feel I can already offer some of my conclusions.

The lens balances really nicely on the K-3. The only other standard zoom I own being the DA*16-50/2.8, which to my feeling requires a battery grip for balance, the DA20-40 felt so refreshingly light weight. As if I only had a prime mounted. I love walking around with just a DA21, FA31 or FA43, and this lens was like having all three mounted at once. OK, not quite f/1.8 or f/1.9 at the long end, but the f/2.8 at 20mm does "beat" the DA21/3.2. Besides I am a f/5.6-8 shooter mostly, and when I require a bokeh shot, I'll move close to the subject. I noticed that the DA20-40 actually gives very nice bokeh at 40mm f/4. No sharpness tests, but when browsing through my images I was more than happy with the IQ I got, much better than I expected.

The zoom ring feels nicely dampened, a real joy to use. Even though the zoom range isn't enormous, it is still a 2x zoom, meaning 20mm gives 2x the FoV of 40mm. Putting the lens at 30mm, for a very nice standard focal distance, having 10mm at both ends to adjust FoV, is pretty useful compared to a fixed standard prime. The argument that zooms make lazy photographers (which I happen to agree with) doesn't really apply because of the limited zoom range. So for me it's the best of both worlds, i.e. the perfect walk around zoom.

Remains the question whether it's worth the relatively high price? To me it most certainly is. Not just for the results it *does* deliver, but also for the overall quality of the product.

BTW, did I say I liked it?

Wim

Thanks Wim

I won't be able to afford that one for a long time if ever but very nice to read

lytrytyr · 02-03-2014, 06:38 AM

Originally posted by Ishpuini

Remains the question whether it's worth the relatively high price?

A solid glass aspherical element is not cheap to produce.

lytrytyr · 02-03-2014, 06:42 AM

Originally posted by Robb Lincoln

nor particularly useful zoom range.

Those of us who have used 20, 24, 35, and 40mm primes find it hard to agree with that assessment.

Kunzite · 02-03-2014, 06:50 AM

Originally posted by lytrytyr

A solid glass aspherical element is not cheap to produce.

Does it have any?
In the press release I only see an ED and a SLD element.

lytrytyr · 02-03-2014, 07:00 AM

Originally posted by Kunzite

In the press release I only see an ED and a SLD element.

That's what I thought at first - no "AL" in the lens designation.
But here's the optical diagram:

Kunzite · 02-03-2014, 07:35 AM

Right, thanks - but is it solid glass? (I hope it is, being a Limited...)

lytrytyr · 02-03-2014, 08:48 AM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Right, thanks - but is it solid glass? (I hope it is, being a Limited...)

The published DA 15 Ltd diagram (and many others) clearly show hybrid elements.
This diagram does not.
I'm afraid that's as much as I can say.

Zygonyx · 02-03-2014, 10:21 AM

Originally posted by Ishpuini

Over the week-end, I walked around in my home city (Antwerp, Belgium) with my DA20-40. I only shot a dozen images or so, but I feel I can already offer some of my conclusions.

The lens balances really nicely on the K-3. The only other standard zoom I own being the DA*16-50/2.8, which to my feeling requires a battery grip for balance, the DA20-40 felt so refreshingly light weight. As if I only had a prime mounted. I love walking around with just a DA21, FA31 or FA43, and this lens was like having all three mounted at once. OK, not quite f/1.8 or f/1.9 at the long end, but the f/2.8 at 20mm does "beat" the DA21/3.2. Besides I am a f/5.6-8 shooter mostly, and when I require a bokeh shot, I'll move close to the subject. I noticed that the DA20-40 actually gives very nice bokeh at 40mm f/4. No sharpness tests, but when browsing through my images I was more than happy with the IQ I got, much better than I expected.

The zoom ring feels nicely dampened, a real joy to use. Even though the zoom range isn't enormous, it is still a 2x zoom, meaning 20mm gives 2x the FoV of 40mm. Putting the lens at 30mm, for a very nice standard focal distance, having 10mm at both ends to adjust FoV, is pretty useful compared to a fixed standard prime. The argument that zooms make lazy photographers (which I happen to agree with) doesn't really apply because of the limited zoom range. So for me it's the best of both worlds, i.e. the perfect walk around zoom.

Remains the question whether it's worth the relatively high price? To me it most certainly is. Not just for the results it *does* deliver, but also for the overall quality of the product.

BTW, did I say I liked it?

Wim

I like your feedback.
Actually i totaly agree : this zoom puts Pentax's ergonomics on top, lens included !

Robb Lincoln · 02-03-2014, 12:03 PM

Originally posted by lytrytyr

Those of us who have used 20, 24, 35, and 40mm primes find it hard to agree with that assessment.

I have a 40 mm pancake that I used as a walk around for years. I'm currently using my 50mm 1.6 in that role, but I'd very much like to add an af 28mm in the 1.6 to 2.8 F range. When I use a zoom I like it to be either a very wide angle or cover a broad range of focal lengths--otherwise, I'd just prefer to swap out my prime lenses whenever needed.

VisualDarkness · 02-03-2014, 12:05 PM

HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 Limited DC WR Lens Review

Only decent sharpness wide open around the center at both FL ends but through the roof stopped down.

Na Horuk · 02-03-2014, 12:51 PM

I just realized its funny that.. Pentax made this lens in the focal length range that they have the most lenses in. 21mm, 31mm, 35mm, 35mm macro, 40mm XS, 40mm ltd.. all the 18-55mm, 18-135mm, 16-50mm also overlap. I wonder if Pentax will make another ltd zoom in a tele range, even though there isn't one on the chart yet. Or is the 50-135mm f2.8 already good enough? Its not very compact, but seems to have great IQ

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02-02-2014, 10:59 PM	#1276
mikemike Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: New Orleans Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,053	It is pretty compact and fast for a zoom.

02-02-2014, 11:02 PM	#1277
abacus07 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Taiwan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,075	Originally posted by mikemike It is pretty compact and fast for a zoom. It's compact but it's not really fast especially at the longer end where people typically need more aperture. The only problem for me is that it's priced too high and is hard to justify at these prices.

02-02-2014, 11:09 PM - 1 Like	#1278
Robb Lincoln New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 10	Originally posted by mikemike It is pretty compact and fast for a zoom. true--I guess I'm just an old fashioned prime glass snob. I don't generally mind swapping lenses to achieve the fl I need.

02-03-2014, 01:02 AM - 1 Like	#1279
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	Over the week-end, I walked around in my home city (Antwerp, Belgium) with my DA20-40. I only shot a dozen images or so, but I feel I can already offer some of my conclusions. The lens balances really nicely on the K-3. The only other standard zoom I own being the DA16-50/2.8, which to my feeling requires a battery grip for balance, the DA20-40 felt so refreshingly light weight. As if I only had a prime mounted. I love walking around with just a DA21, FA31 or FA43, and this lens was like having all three mounted at once. OK, not quite f/1.8 or f/1.9 at the long end, but the f/2.8 at 20mm does "beat" the DA21/3.2. Besides I am a f/5.6-8 shooter mostly, and when I require a bokeh shot, I'll move close to the subject. I noticed that the DA20-40 actually gives very nice bokeh at 40mm f/4. No sharpness tests, but when browsing through my images I was more than happy with the IQ I got, much better than I expected. The zoom ring feels nicely dampened, a real joy to use. Even though the zoom range isn't enormous, it is still a 2x zoom, meaning 20mm gives 2x the FoV of 40mm. Putting the lens at 30mm, for a very nice standard focal distance, having 10mm at both ends to adjust FoV, is pretty useful compared to a fixed standard prime. The argument that zooms make lazy photographers (which I happen to agree with) doesn't really apply because of the limited zoom range. So for me it's the best of both worlds, i.e. the perfect walk around zoom. Remains the question whether it's worth the relatively high price? To me it most certainly is. Not just for the results it does* deliver, but also for the overall quality of the product. BTW, did I say I liked it? Wim

02-03-2014, 04:17 AM	#1280
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by Ishpuini Over the week-end, I walked around in my home city (Antwerp, Belgium) with my DA20-40. I only shot a dozen images or so, but I feel I can already offer some of my conclusions. The lens balances really nicely on the K-3. The only other standard zoom I own being the DA16-50/2.8, which to my feeling requires a battery grip for balance, the DA20-40 felt so refreshingly light weight. As if I only had a prime mounted. I love walking around with just a DA21, FA31 or FA43, and this lens was like having all three mounted at once. OK, not quite f/1.8 or f/1.9 at the long end, but the f/2.8 at 20mm does "beat" the DA21/3.2. Besides I am a f/5.6-8 shooter mostly, and when I require a bokeh shot, I'll move close to the subject. I noticed that the DA20-40 actually gives very nice bokeh at 40mm f/4. No sharpness tests, but when browsing through my images I was more than happy with the IQ I got, much better than I expected. The zoom ring feels nicely dampened, a real joy to use. Even though the zoom range isn't enormous, it is still a 2x zoom, meaning 20mm gives 2x the FoV of 40mm. Putting the lens at 30mm, for a very nice standard focal distance, having 10mm at both ends to adjust FoV, is pretty useful compared to a fixed standard prime. The argument that zooms make lazy photographers (which I happen to agree with) doesn't really apply because of the limited zoom range. So for me it's the best of both worlds, i.e. the perfect walk around zoom. Remains the question whether it's worth the relatively high price? To me it most certainly is. Not just for the results it does* deliver, but also for the overall quality of the product. BTW, did I say I liked it? Wim Thanks Wim I won't be able to afford that one for a long time if ever but very nice to read

02-03-2014, 06:38 AM	#1281
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Ishpuini Remains the question whether it's worth the relatively high price? A solid glass aspherical element is not cheap to produce.

02-03-2014, 06:42 AM	#1282
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Robb Lincoln nor particularly useful zoom range. Those of us who have used 20, 24, 35, and 40mm primes find it hard to agree with that assessment.

02-03-2014, 06:50 AM	#1283
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by lytrytyr A solid glass aspherical element is not cheap to produce. Does it have any? In the press release I only see an ED and a SLD element.

02-03-2014, 07:00 AM	#1284
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Kunzite In the press release I only see an ED and a SLD element. That's what I thought at first - no "AL" in the lens designation. But here's the optical diagram:

02-03-2014, 07:35 AM	#1285
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Right, thanks - but is it solid glass? (I hope it is, being a Limited...)

02-03-2014, 08:48 AM	#1286
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Kunzite Right, thanks - but is it solid glass? (I hope it is, being a Limited...) The published DA 15 Ltd diagram (and many others) clearly show hybrid elements. This diagram does not. I'm afraid that's as much as I can say.

02-03-2014, 10:21 AM	#1287
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,033	Originally posted by Ishpuini Over the week-end, I walked around in my home city (Antwerp, Belgium) with my DA20-40. I only shot a dozen images or so, but I feel I can already offer some of my conclusions. The lens balances really nicely on the K-3. The only other standard zoom I own being the DA16-50/2.8, which to my feeling requires a battery grip for balance, the DA20-40 felt so refreshingly light weight. As if I only had a prime mounted. I love walking around with just a DA21, FA31 or FA43, and this lens was like having all three mounted at once. OK, not quite f/1.8 or f/1.9 at the long end, but the f/2.8 at 20mm does "beat" the DA21/3.2. Besides I am a f/5.6-8 shooter mostly, and when I require a bokeh shot, I'll move close to the subject. I noticed that the DA20-40 actually gives very nice bokeh at 40mm f/4. No sharpness tests, but when browsing through my images I was more than happy with the IQ I got, much better than I expected. The zoom ring feels nicely dampened, a real joy to use. Even though the zoom range isn't enormous, it is still a 2x zoom, meaning 20mm gives 2x the FoV of 40mm. Putting the lens at 30mm, for a very nice standard focal distance, having 10mm at both ends to adjust FoV, is pretty useful compared to a fixed standard prime. The argument that zooms make lazy photographers (which I happen to agree with) doesn't really apply because of the limited zoom range. So for me it's the best of both worlds, i.e. the perfect walk around zoom. Remains the question whether it's worth the relatively high price? To me it most certainly is. Not just for the results it does* deliver, but also for the overall quality of the product. BTW, did I say I liked it? Wim I like your feedback. Actually i totaly agree : this zoom puts Pentax's ergonomics on top, lens included !

02-03-2014, 12:03 PM	#1288
Robb Lincoln New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 10	Originally posted by lytrytyr Those of us who have used 20, 24, 35, and 40mm primes find it hard to agree with that assessment. I have a 40 mm pancake that I used as a walk around for years. I'm currently using my 50mm 1.6 in that role, but I'd very much like to add an af 28mm in the 1.6 to 2.8 F range. When I use a zoom I like it to be either a very wide angle or cover a broad range of focal lengths--otherwise, I'd just prefer to swap out my prime lenses whenever needed.

02-03-2014, 12:05 PM	#1289
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 Limited DC WR Lens Review Only decent sharpness wide open around the center at both FL ends but through the roof stopped down.

02-03-2014, 12:51 PM	#1290
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	I just realized its funny that.. Pentax made this lens in the focal length range that they have the most lenses in. 21mm, 31mm, 35mm, 35mm macro, 40mm XS, 40mm ltd.. all the 18-55mm, 18-135mm, 16-50mm also overlap. I wonder if Pentax will make another ltd zoom in a tele range, even though there isn't one on the chart yet. Or is the 50-135mm f2.8 already good enough? Its not very compact, but seems to have great IQ