So Little News, So Many Rumors: 15mm LTD announced $650 USA

clawhammer · 03-03-2009, 12:20 AM

for applications like backpacking or canyoneering where every ounce count, the smaller size of this lens is awesome! If I had the money, I'd buy this + Km and make one sweet canyoneering kit.

Eigengrau · 03-03-2009, 08:50 AM

I have to say I'm thrilled about this one as well. The 49mm filter really sold it for me, as you can now have anything from 15 wide to 100mm macro as a small(ish) prime with the 49mm filter size.
For me, this will complete my kit beautifully: 35/2 normal, 50/1.4 portrait lens, and a 15/4 wide. All using the same filters, all fitting easily in an inconspicuous photo bag. Maybe sometime I'll swap the 50 for the 77 and the 35/2 for the 35 macro, but in any case there are a great variety of "have it your way" kits to piece together.

I'm not an expert on other brands' offerings, but it seems to me that Pentax is the undisputed champion in the area of small, sharp primes now. There are a lot of photographers that would dig this quality and setup. I know it will be ideal for me for weddings, street photography, and backpacking. Sport and wildlife photographers might be out, but it looks like Pentax is (wisely?) choosing to let the big dogs fight for that turf, while they quietly target markets that are less saturated.

jsherman999 · 03-03-2009, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by Eigengrau

..

I'm not an expert on other brands' offerings, but it seems to me that Pentax is the undisputed champion in the area of small, sharp primes now.

Pentax absolutely has a lock on this niche.

slocant · 03-03-2009, 10:38 AM

Originally posted by grainbelt

Given that the 16-45 is supposed to be nearly distortion free on the wide end, can someone explain the rationale of a prime that is 1mm wider, no faster, and twice the cost?

The FA and DA Limited series lenses are also designed to have superior optical qualities (apart from build, size etc), such as those described by Mike Johnston in his review of the DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited (co-written with Carl Weese):

An Optical Paragon - photo.net

And some previous posts that mention the same lens:

The Online Photographer: Just Published! Pentax 35mm ?/2.8 DA Macro Limited Review
The Online Photographer: The SMC Pentax DA 35mm ?/2.8 Macro Limited

Cheers,

Alfisti · 03-03-2009, 11:04 AM

All we need now is a camera to bolt them onto

Originally posted by Eigengrau

I have to say I'm thrilled about this one as well. The 49mm filter really sold it for me, as you can now have anything from 15 wide to 100mm macro as a small(ish) prime with the 49mm filter size.
For me, this will complete my kit beautifully: 35/2 normal, 50/1.4 portrait lens, and a 15/4 wide. All using the same filters, all fitting easily in an inconspicuous photo bag. Maybe sometime I'll swap the 50 for the 77 and the 35/2 for the 35 macro, but in any case there are a great variety of "have it your way" kits to piece together.

I'm not an expert on other brands' offerings, but it seems to me that Pentax is the undisputed champion in the area of small, sharp primes now. There are a lot of photographers that would dig this quality and setup. I know it will be ideal for me for weddings, street photography, and backpacking. Sport and wildlife photographers might be out, but it looks like Pentax is (wisely?) choosing to let the big dogs fight for that turf, while they quietly target markets that are less saturated.

gazonk · 03-03-2009, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by whatever7

To the guy who said the 1645 is distortion free,

1, You are a funny guy.
2, The 1645 blocks the build-in flash.
3, It's a very long lense at 16mm, you can barely shoot 1/60 handheld. The DA15 being a much more compact lens it's definitely possible to shoot at 1/30s handheld.

It's a perfect travel lens IMO. I will sell my 16-45mm soon. Originally I wantd to switch to the Sigma 17-70mm. Now I am thinking either the DA15 or the new Voilgtlander 20mm. I am leaning toward the Voilgtlander myself.

The 16-45 definitely isn't distortion free at 16mm, while the 15mm looks very good from Ned's samples. I have to disagree on the shutter times, though, IMHO the long barrel just makes it easier to use long shutter times. I use shutter speeds down to 1/8 on a regular basis at 16mm. I even managed to shoot a sharp pic at 1/4 with the SR off (accidently).
The 15mm is high on my wish list now, but I will no doubt keep the excellent 16-45 for those times when a zoom comes handy.

lbam · 03-03-2009, 03:35 PM

Less distortion, less aberration, greater resistance to flare, higher resolution, less weight, faster focus speed, better colour etc etc... there are many factors to a lenses ability/value...
Like the DA*55 before it was handled and actualy tested :
( Pentax Lens: Primes - Pentax 55mm f/1.4 SDM SMC DA* (Tested) - SLRgear.com!)

let's not jump to conclusions yet..

nathancombs · 03-04-2009, 04:12 AM

i wish Pentax would come out with a lens i could use

AndrewG NY · 03-04-2009, 10:59 AM

Originally posted by nathancombs

i wish Pentax would come out with a lens i could use

What is your application that Pentax doesn't offer a solution for? I think there are plenty who are attracted to the new DA15/4.

ajuett · 03-04-2009, 12:03 PM

$650 is not bad for a lens like the DA15 Ltd. Look at the competition and you'll see why. If the DA15 is as good or better than the DA14 I'll buy it.

DA 15, 35 and 70 are on my list for the future.

**rparmar** · 03-04-2009, 01:24 PM

Originally posted by Jonson PL

I would have preferred a f/4.5 lens, for even lighter and more compact size. But if it is good, I'll go for it

Wow, I am totally the opposite. I would wish for something not so slow, even if it was a bit bigger. All of the DA Limiteds are too slow for me.

Originally posted by Eigengrau

I have to say I'm thrilled about this one as well. The 49mm filter really sold it for me, as you can now have anything from 15 wide to 100mm macro as a small(ish) prime with the 49mm filter size.

This is a good point for those that use filters. It hadn't crossed my mind.

If the IQ on this one stands up it will be a very popular lens I am sure. Lots of zooms will be picking up dust on the shelf!

elkarrde · 03-04-2009, 02:01 PM

nikonian friend of mine says nikonians are drooling jealously over DA15, nobody really expected that lens, especially not from pentax. that made me smile.

Bophoto · 03-04-2009, 02:41 PM

Originally posted by rparmar

Wow, I am totally the opposite. I would wish for something not so slow, even if it was a bit bigger. All of the DA Limiteds are too slow for me. ........................

DA14/2,8, is fast, but i agree about a fast DA18/2.
Later on a no fisheye 10mm can come too ...
For me, DA15/4 limited is perfect except the price is to high, i guess on 950$ in Sweden

Arpe · 03-04-2009, 05:02 PM

Yet another f4 lens from Pentax. Why do they do that?

MidwestMax · 03-04-2009, 05:50 PM

Originally posted by Arpe

Yet another f4 lens from Pentax. Why do they do that?

I agree. Why so slow for a prime?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Suggestion News and Rumors	PrimeObjectif	Site Suggestions and Help	6	10-06-2010 09:19 AM
This made me think of News And Rumors:	Ratmagiclady	General Talk	17	06-30-2010 11:32 AM
NEWS, OVER 2000 viewers on News and Rumors	Steelski	Pentax News and Rumors	18	05-20-2009 07:08 AM
Moved to News and Rumors	benjikan	Pentax DSLR Discussion	1	04-01-2009 04:54 AM
Pentax news and rumors - everything goes there	Matjazz	Site Suggestions and Help	7	04-02-2008 07:17 PM

03-03-2009, 12:20 AM	#31
clawhammer Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Logan, Utah Photos: Gallery Posts: 971	for applications like backpacking or canyoneering where every ounce count, the smaller size of this lens is awesome! If I had the money, I'd buy this + Km and make one sweet canyoneering kit.

03-03-2009, 08:50 AM	#32
Eigengrau Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 250	I have to say I'm thrilled about this one as well. The 49mm filter really sold it for me, as you can now have anything from 15 wide to 100mm macro as a small(ish) prime with the 49mm filter size. For me, this will complete my kit beautifully: 35/2 normal, 50/1.4 portrait lens, and a 15/4 wide. All using the same filters, all fitting easily in an inconspicuous photo bag. Maybe sometime I'll swap the 50 for the 77 and the 35/2 for the 35 macro, but in any case there are a great variety of "have it your way" kits to piece together. I'm not an expert on other brands' offerings, but it seems to me that Pentax is the undisputed champion in the area of small, sharp primes now. There are a lot of photographers that would dig this quality and setup. I know it will be ideal for me for weddings, street photography, and backpacking. Sport and wildlife photographers might be out, but it looks like Pentax is (wisely?) choosing to let the big dogs fight for that turf, while they quietly target markets that are less saturated.

03-03-2009, 08:53 AM	#33
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by Eigengrau .. I'm not an expert on other brands' offerings, but it seems to me that Pentax is the undisputed champion in the area of small, sharp primes now. Pentax absolutely has a lock on this niche.

03-03-2009, 10:38 AM	#34
slocant Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Rio de Janeiro Posts: 65	Originally posted by grainbelt Given that the 16-45 is supposed to be nearly distortion free on the wide end, can someone explain the rationale of a prime that is 1mm wider, no faster, and twice the cost? The FA and DA Limited series lenses are also designed to have superior optical qualities (apart from build, size etc), such as those described by Mike Johnston in his review of the DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited (co-written with Carl Weese): An Optical Paragon - photo.net And some previous posts that mention the same lens: The Online Photographer: Just Published! Pentax 35mm ?/2.8 DA Macro Limited Review The Online Photographer: The SMC Pentax DA 35mm ?/2.8 Macro Limited Cheers,

03-03-2009, 11:04 AM	#35
Alfisti Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto (for now) Posts: 1,748	All we need now is a camera to bolt them onto Originally posted by Eigengrau I have to say I'm thrilled about this one as well. The 49mm filter really sold it for me, as you can now have anything from 15 wide to 100mm macro as a small(ish) prime with the 49mm filter size. For me, this will complete my kit beautifully: 35/2 normal, 50/1.4 portrait lens, and a 15/4 wide. All using the same filters, all fitting easily in an inconspicuous photo bag. Maybe sometime I'll swap the 50 for the 77 and the 35/2 for the 35 macro, but in any case there are a great variety of "have it your way" kits to piece together. I'm not an expert on other brands' offerings, but it seems to me that Pentax is the undisputed champion in the area of small, sharp primes now. There are a lot of photographers that would dig this quality and setup. I know it will be ideal for me for weddings, street photography, and backpacking. Sport and wildlife photographers might be out, but it looks like Pentax is (wisely?) choosing to let the big dogs fight for that turf, while they quietly target markets that are less saturated.

03-03-2009, 11:08 AM	#36
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Originally posted by whatever7 To the guy who said the 1645 is distortion free, 1, You are a funny guy. 2, The 1645 blocks the build-in flash. 3, It's a very long lense at 16mm, you can barely shoot 1/60 handheld. The DA15 being a much more compact lens it's definitely possible to shoot at 1/30s handheld. It's a perfect travel lens IMO. I will sell my 16-45mm soon. Originally I wantd to switch to the Sigma 17-70mm. Now I am thinking either the DA15 or the new Voilgtlander 20mm. I am leaning toward the Voilgtlander myself. The 16-45 definitely isn't distortion free at 16mm, while the 15mm looks very good from Ned's samples. I have to disagree on the shutter times, though, IMHO the long barrel just makes it easier to use long shutter times. I use shutter speeds down to 1/8 on a regular basis at 16mm. I even managed to shoot a sharp pic at 1/4 with the SR off (accidently). The 15mm is high on my wish list now, but I will no doubt keep the excellent 16-45 for those times when a zoom comes handy.

03-03-2009, 03:35 PM	#37
lbam Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 442	Less distortion, less aberration, greater resistance to flare, higher resolution, less weight, faster focus speed, better colour etc etc... there are many factors to a lenses ability/value... Like the DA55 before it was handled and actualy tested : ( Pentax Lens: Primes - Pentax 55mm f/1.4 SDM SMC DA (Tested) - SLRgear.com!) let's not jump to conclusions yet..

03-04-2009, 04:12 AM	#38
nathancombs Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Waysboro va Photos: Gallery Posts: 517	i wish Pentax would come out with a lens i could use

03-04-2009, 10:59 AM	#39
AndrewG NY Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chappaqua, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 688	Originally posted by nathancombs i wish Pentax would come out with a lens i could use What is your application that Pentax doesn't offer a solution for? I think there are plenty who are attracted to the new DA15/4.

03-04-2009, 12:03 PM	#40
ajuett Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 1,100	$650 is not bad for a lens like the DA15 Ltd. Look at the competition and you'll see why. If the DA15 is as good or better than the DA14 I'll buy it. DA 15, 35 and 70 are on my list for the future.

03-04-2009, 01:24 PM	#41
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,823	Originally posted by Jonson PL I would have preferred a f/4.5 lens, for even lighter and more compact size. But if it is good, I'll go for it Wow, I am totally the opposite. I would wish for something not so slow, even if it was a bit bigger. All of the DA Limiteds are too slow for me. Originally posted by Eigengrau I have to say I'm thrilled about this one as well. The 49mm filter really sold it for me, as you can now have anything from 15 wide to 100mm macro as a small(ish) prime with the 49mm filter size. This is a good point for those that use filters. It hadn't crossed my mind. If the IQ on this one stands up it will be a very popular lens I am sure. Lots of zooms will be picking up dust on the shelf!

03-04-2009, 02:01 PM	#42
elkarrde Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Zagreb, Croatia Posts: 387	nikonian friend of mine says nikonians are drooling jealously over DA15, nobody really expected that lens, especially not from pentax. that made me smile.

03-04-2009, 02:41 PM	#43
Bophoto Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 429	Originally posted by rparmar Wow, I am totally the opposite. I would wish for something not so slow, even if it was a bit bigger. All of the DA Limiteds are too slow for me. ........................ DA14/2,8, is fast, but i agree about a fast DA18/2. Later on a no fisheye 10mm can come too ... For me, DA15/4 limited is perfect except the price is to high, i guess on 950$ in Sweden

03-04-2009, 05:02 PM	#44
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	Yet another f4 lens from Pentax. Why do they do that?

03-04-2009, 05:50 PM	#45
MidwestMax Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 199	Originally posted by Arpe Yet another f4 lens from Pentax. Why do they do that? I agree. Why so slow for a prime?