Pentax D FA 15-30mm/f2.8 Zoom Failure

Kingman · 02-22-2018, 12:15 PM

Can anyone advise incidences of the zoom control knob completely locking up on this lens? I just rented this lens from LensRental and the copy I received the zoom controls completely locked up after less than 5 minutes of initial testing. The nice folks at LensRental did immediately sent out another copy next day FedEx (shout to LensRental, thanks!). I am considering the Pentax 15-30mm/f2.8 or the Venus Laowa 12mm/f2.8. I have already tested the Venus 12mm as a rental and was not at all impressed with it's edge performance on the lower edges from my particular lens rental copy. I suspect the lens was mounted off center. I have not eliminated the Venus, if I find a decent copy. My initial testing with the Pentax is that its edge performance is very nice with some edge CA wide open with the CA virtually gone by f8. BTW: The Pentax 15-30mm front lens is an impressive work of glass and I just wanted to hear anyone who can report similar locking zoom issues. Comments about the Venus 12mm would also be appreciated. These are being mounted on the K-1. Other zooms I have include the D FA 24-70 and the D FA* 70-200 and a multitude of FA and FA* primes.

skierd · 02-22-2018, 12:17 PM

It’s very possible that the previous renter(s) of that lens damaged it. That would be my guess before assuming any quality issues with the lens.

Adam · 02-22-2018, 01:37 PM

Faulty lock switch perhaps?

**hyyz** · 02-22-2018, 01:46 PM

Check out this link: Lens Rentals | Blog. Maybe same or related issue?

Pentax 15-30mm is of same design as tamron 15-30mm.

02-22-2018, 12:15 PM	#1
Kingman Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: North Texas Posts: 199	Pentax D FA 15-30mm/f2.8 Zoom Failure Can anyone advise incidences of the zoom control knob completely locking up on this lens? I just rented this lens from LensRental and the copy I received the zoom controls completely locked up after less than 5 minutes of initial testing. The nice folks at LensRental did immediately sent out another copy next day FedEx (shout to LensRental, thanks!). I am considering the Pentax 15-30mm/f2.8 or the Venus Laowa 12mm/f2.8. I have already tested the Venus 12mm as a rental and was not at all impressed with it's edge performance on the lower edges from my particular lens rental copy. I suspect the lens was mounted off center. I have not eliminated the Venus, if I find a decent copy. My initial testing with the Pentax is that its edge performance is very nice with some edge CA wide open with the CA virtually gone by f8. BTW: The Pentax 15-30mm front lens is an impressive work of glass and I just wanted to hear anyone who can report similar locking zoom issues. Comments about the Venus 12mm would also be appreciated. These are being mounted on the K-1. Other zooms I have include the D FA 24-70 and the D FA* 70-200 and a multitude of FA and FA* primes.

02-22-2018, 12:17 PM	#2
skierd Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Fairbanks, AK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,472	It’s very possible that the previous renter(s) of that lens damaged it. That would be my guess before assuming any quality issues with the lens. Last edited by Racer X 69; 02-25-2018 at 04:57 PM. Reason: Should report these things, not complain about them.

02-22-2018, 01:37 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Faulty lock switch perhaps? Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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02-22-2018, 01:46 PM	#4
hyyz Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 478	Check out this link: Lens Rentals \| Blog. Maybe same or related issue? Pentax 15-30mm is of same design as tamron 15-30mm.