Wide angle lenses

wmsnyder65 · 06-09-2018, 07:10 AM

I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices?

**jlstrawman** · 06-09-2018, 07:39 AM

Originally posted by wmsnyder65

I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices?

It is a very small company with limited resources. Quite a few wide angle lenses listed here:

Pentax Lens Search | PentaxForums.com

The newest D FA 15-30, 24-70, and 28-105 are readily available.

DeadJohn · 06-09-2018, 08:04 AM

It's a common question here. There is a new prime on the roadmap but we won't see that released for a while.

The DFA 15-30 is a good lens. Sharp, fast aperture, handles flare well, well built, weather sealed. IMO its limitations are bulk and awkward filter usage.

Samyang/Rokinon offer several prime full frame lenses: 14mm/f2.8, 20/1.8, and 24/1.4. The 20 and 24 have filter threads. Irix and Venus Optics also have wide lenses for Pentax k-mount.

I don't know of any very compact wides made new, like the discontinued Pentax FA 20.

**robgski** · 06-09-2018, 08:33 AM - **1 Like**

The K-1 makes the most of quality older lenses, it's worth considering used Pentax glass, especially what is on offer here on the PF marketplace. My favorite vintage lens is a 17mm Takumar Fisheye.

Wheatfield · 06-09-2018, 09:31 AM

Originally posted by wmsnyder65

I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices?

At the moment, Ricoh isn't offering very much by way of lens choices, period.
The K1, as the first full frame camera from Pentax in close to 2 decades, and the first full frame DSLR to be consumer available ever from Pentax (the MZ-D doesn't count, it was never sold to the public) means that Pentax/Ricoh has a job on their hands to flesh out the lens line. More zooms and more primes are needed. Unfortunately, since the market for interchangeable lens cameras is shrinking, and Pentax is a small market share brand, Ricoh isn't putting a lot of resources into creating a complete lens system.
They did a good job of getting the three zooms that cover 15mm to 450mm on the market fairly concurrent with the K1, but everything else is going to be a long, slow burn to market.

In the end, it comes down to the amount of resources Ricoh is willing to put into the brand considering that any investment stands a good chance of having a poor ROI.

Fcsnt54 · 06-09-2018, 09:40 AM

Originally posted by wmsnyder65

I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices?

They offer quite a range of lenses, but you will find that lens complaint thrown about all over the place. From the sounds of it they are working on it, but it is a slow process. One of the reasons why you see people jump to other brands or add other brands to their bags because of pentax not offering what certain photographers need.

stevebrot · 06-09-2018, 09:41 AM

Good question. Many of us here have been wondering why the obvious wide-angle primes (28mm, 24mm, and/or 20mm) have not been added to the lineup. The D FA 15-30/2.8 is a nice lens, but cumbersome and, frankly, a bit of overkill in the field. It is also expensive. Two wide angles are on the roadmap, but release is at least 6-9 months away. It would be very nice to simply have the option of high-quality compact f/2.8 24mm or 28mm in addition to the flagship zooms and projected "boutique" primes, but alas such is not even available third-party.

Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 06-09-2018 at 09:51 AM.

**robgski** · 06-09-2018, 09:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

Good question. Many of us here have been wondering why the obvious wide-angle primes (28mm, 24mm, and/or 20mm) have not been added to the lineup. Steve

Perhaps Ricoh is looking at three things: The demand for DSLRs as a whole, the demand for its K-1 series DSLR, and how well third-party manufacturers are doing in selling their own Pentax compatible lenses. "If you build it, they will come " is a nice tagline for a film, not necessarily a sound business plan in an uncertain market.

For me, new lenses for the K-1 Are far less important than the release of the K-1 itself. Kudos to Ricoh for releasing the K-1, which is for me a real fulfillment of my personal photographic wish list. I have rented one several times until I can purchase my own, and really appreciate how it revitalizes my old glass.

LensBeginner · 06-09-2018, 11:51 AM

Originally posted by wmsnyder65

I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices?

There's the 15-30, which is very, very good, and the third-party Irix 15, which I'm actually drooling over...
They have wider holes in the lineup to plug, IMHO.

jimr-pdx · 06-09-2018, 01:13 PM

Originally posted by robgski

The K-1 makes the most of quality older lenses, it's worth considering used Pentax glass, especially what is on offer here on the PF marketplace. My favorite vintage lens is a 17mm Takumar Fisheye.

I definitely enjoyed my times with the SMC 17 and F17-28, but I recognize that fisheye lenses aren't everyone's preference plus I used them on APSc bodies.
A modern prime in the low-mid 20s would be nice.

Adam · 06-09-2018, 01:51 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by wmsnyder65

I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices?

They're working on it- soon we'll be seeing a full-frame fisheye and probably something in the 24mm range. In the mean time, third-party manufacturers have really stepped up the game, with the likes of Irix and Samyang putting out some superb primes:

Full Frame Third Party Lenses between 10mm and 35mm | PentaxForums.com

reh321 · 06-09-2018, 06:54 PM

]There are reports that the Sigma 10-20 vignettes in the 10-15 range, but works fine in the 15-20 range {and the price is reasonable}. From experimenting on my old film camera, I'm guessing it will be less rectilinear on FF than on APS-C

DeadJohn · 06-10-2018, 12:02 AM

The Tamron 10-24 covers the full K-1 sensor in the 15-24mm range. Heavy vignetting wider than 15mm.

wmsnyder65 · 06-10-2018, 04:26 AM

Yes the 15-30 is a cumbersome lens at best especially when you add the filter system. I do have the Rokinon 20mm and th Iris 15mm which are fine manual focus lenses.
I also find the lack of a dedicated L-plate for the K1 with battery grip irritating. I realize there is probably not enough of a demand for this item.

Class A · 06-10-2018, 05:45 AM

Originally posted by Adam

Full Frame Third Party Lenses between 10mm and 35mm | PentaxForums.com

In addition to the two Venus Optics lenses that are already covered, there is also a Venus Optics 25/2.8 Ultra Macro lens.
It doesn't focus to infinity as it is a very specialised ultra macro lens, but probably should still be added to the database.

06-09-2018, 07:10 AM	#1
wmsnyder65 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 52	Wide angle lenses I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices?

06-09-2018, 01:51 PM - 1 Like	#11
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by wmsnyder65 I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices? They're working on it- soon we'll be seeing a full-frame fisheye and probably something in the 24mm range. In the mean time, third-party manufacturers have really stepped up the game, with the likes of Irix and Samyang putting out some superb primes: Full Frame Third Party Lenses between 10mm and 35mm \| PentaxForums.com 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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06-09-2018, 07:39 AM	#2
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	Originally posted by wmsnyder65 I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices? It is a very small company with limited resources. Quite a few wide angle lenses listed here: Pentax Lens Search \| PentaxForums.com The newest D FA 15-30, 24-70, and 28-105 are readily available.

06-09-2018, 08:04 AM	#3
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	It's a common question here. There is a new prime on the roadmap but we won't see that released for a while. The DFA 15-30 is a good lens. Sharp, fast aperture, handles flare well, well built, weather sealed. IMO its limitations are bulk and awkward filter usage. Samyang/Rokinon offer several prime full frame lenses: 14mm/f2.8, 20/1.8, and 24/1.4. The 20 and 24 have filter threads. Irix and Venus Optics also have wide lenses for Pentax k-mount. I don't know of any very compact wides made new, like the discontinued Pentax FA 20.

06-09-2018, 08:33 AM - 1 Like	#4
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,796	The K-1 makes the most of quality older lenses, it's worth considering used Pentax glass, especially what is on offer here on the PF marketplace. My favorite vintage lens is a 17mm Takumar Fisheye.

06-09-2018, 09:31 AM	#5
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by wmsnyder65 I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices? At the moment, Ricoh isn't offering very much by way of lens choices, period. The K1, as the first full frame camera from Pentax in close to 2 decades, and the first full frame DSLR to be consumer available ever from Pentax (the MZ-D doesn't count, it was never sold to the public) means that Pentax/Ricoh has a job on their hands to flesh out the lens line. More zooms and more primes are needed. Unfortunately, since the market for interchangeable lens cameras is shrinking, and Pentax is a small market share brand, Ricoh isn't putting a lot of resources into creating a complete lens system. They did a good job of getting the three zooms that cover 15mm to 450mm on the market fairly concurrent with the K1, but everything else is going to be a long, slow burn to market. In the end, it comes down to the amount of resources Ricoh is willing to put into the brand considering that any investment stands a good chance of having a poor ROI.

06-09-2018, 09:40 AM	#6
Fcsnt54 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: California Posts: 621	Originally posted by wmsnyder65 I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices? They offer quite a range of lenses, but you will find that lens complaint thrown about all over the place. From the sounds of it they are working on it, but it is a slow process. One of the reasons why you see people jump to other brands or add other brands to their bags because of pentax not offering what certain photographers need.

06-09-2018, 09:41 AM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Good question. Many of us here have been wondering why the obvious wide-angle primes (28mm, 24mm, and/or 20mm) have not been added to the lineup. The D FA 15-30/2.8 is a nice lens, but cumbersome and, frankly, a bit of overkill in the field. It is also expensive. Two wide angles are on the roadmap, but release is at least 6-9 months away. It would be very nice to simply have the option of high-quality compact f/2.8 24mm or 28mm in addition to the flagship zooms and projected "boutique" primes, but alas such is not even available third-party. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 06-09-2018 at 09:51 AM.

06-09-2018, 09:56 AM - 1 Like	#8
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,796	Originally posted by stevebrot Good question. Many of us here have been wondering why the obvious wide-angle primes (28mm, 24mm, and/or 20mm) have not been added to the lineup. Steve Perhaps Ricoh is looking at three things: The demand for DSLRs as a whole, the demand for its K-1 series DSLR, and how well third-party manufacturers are doing in selling their own Pentax compatible lenses. "If you build it, they will come " is a nice tagline for a film, not necessarily a sound business plan in an uncertain market. For me, new lenses for the K-1 Are far less important than the release of the K-1 itself. Kudos to Ricoh for releasing the K-1, which is for me a real fulfillment of my personal photographic wish list. I have rented one several times until I can purchase my own, and really appreciate how it revitalizes my old glass.

06-09-2018, 11:51 AM	#9
LensBeginner Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,696	Originally posted by wmsnyder65 I think the K1 is a landscape photographers dream camera but I don't understand why Ricoh/Pentax does not offer more wide angle lens choices? There's the 15-30, which is very, very good, and the third-party Irix 15, which I'm actually drooling over... They have wider holes in the lineup to plug, IMHO.

06-09-2018, 01:13 PM	#10
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	Originally posted by robgski The K-1 makes the most of quality older lenses, it's worth considering used Pentax glass, especially what is on offer here on the PF marketplace. My favorite vintage lens is a 17mm Takumar Fisheye. I definitely enjoyed my times with the SMC 17 and F17-28, but I recognize that fisheye lenses aren't everyone's preference plus I used them on APSc bodies. A modern prime in the low-mid 20s would be nice.

06-09-2018, 06:54 PM	#12
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	]There are reports that the Sigma 10-20 vignettes in the 10-15 range, but works fine in the 15-20 range {and the price is reasonable}. From experimenting on my old film camera, I'm guessing it will be less rectilinear on FF than on APS-C

06-10-2018, 12:02 AM	#13
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	The Tamron 10-24 covers the full K-1 sensor in the 15-24mm range. Heavy vignetting wider than 15mm.

06-10-2018, 04:26 AM	#14
wmsnyder65 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 52 Original Poster	Yes the 15-30 is a cumbersome lens at best especially when you add the filter system. I do have the Rokinon 20mm and th Iris 15mm which are fine manual focus lenses. I also find the lack of a dedicated L-plate for the K1 with battery grip irritating. I realize there is probably not enough of a demand for this item.

06-10-2018, 05:45 AM	#15
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by Adam Full Frame Third Party Lenses between 10mm and 35mm \| PentaxForums.com In addition to the two Venus Optics lenses that are already covered, there is also a Venus Optics 25/2.8 Ultra Macro lens. It doesn't focus to infinity as it is a very specialised ultra macro lens, but probably should still be added to the database.