Wide angle decision

**FozzFoster** · 02-04-2020, 10:48 AM

Originally posted by photoptimist

a camera with IBIS needs a lens that provides good image quality over a 47.4 mm circle because that's how far the sensor might wander.

really interesting! never knew this - thanks!

bikehead90 · 02-04-2020, 11:02 AM

When I got my k1, I sold off my k7, so I am shooting both crop and FF. It sounds pompous of me, but I’ve never been blown away by 3rd party lenses. I have considered the Tamron (I believe) 15-30 instead of the Pentax, but I’d rather spend a little more and get the 1st party.

**pres589** · 02-04-2020, 11:04 AM

The Tamron branded 15-30 isn't available in k-mount, so it's Pentax or not with that one.

**acoufap** · 02-04-2020, 11:14 AM

Your choice really depends on what angles you want to achieve and what are your additional demands like maybe WR, build and IQ quality and maybe not too heavy and ability to attach filters via filter thread?!

I decided to go for the DA*11-18 and I'm happy with it since it fullfills all my current demands ...

It gives me UWA flexibility in FF mode (FF mode: 15-18mm, with Haida M10 filter system 17/18mm; Square mode: 12-18mm, 14-18 mm with Haida M10 filter system) and with APSC (11-18mm without restriction). Something you even can't get with the DFA15-30.

sculptor666 · 02-04-2020, 11:21 AM

i would wait a few weeks and see if anything new is announced. 24mm is pretty wide... i find that the low end of 15-30 is sometimes too wide, and i'm more of a prime person... so it usually sits at home. there are also zeiss wa primes that can be pretty similar in price/cheaper than the fa 24mm. iq across the 24, 15-30, and zeiss lenses are pretty similar (i don't know how much better the hollywood lens is though, it's a 28)

D1N0 · 02-04-2020, 11:51 AM

If 24mm is enough for you you can also get the D FA 24-70mm which is also weather sealed. I think the Tamron 15-30mm is a beast but not one for casual shooters because of it's size (apart from cost). But if you are willing to lug it around it is really the best option.

**BarryE** · 02-04-2020, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by bikehead90

I have been pining over the DFA 15-30 for awhile and will be getting it by the end of the year. However, the prices of the fa* 24mm/2 are acting as the siren’s song, luring me away from the ultimate prize. While it’s not as wide as the 15-30, would the 24mm be a satisfying alternative?

fa* 24mm/2 and Irix 15mm ? The Irix is a fabulous lens, IMO. It is an essential piece of kit for me. The 15-30 is just tooooo big.

VSTAR · 02-04-2020, 12:32 PM

The 20-35 is reported to be a wonderful lens...if you can find one at a reasonable price. Small, compact, and excellent results. For wider, and not expensive, 17-28 is enjoyable to use. Or for more exotic...28mm Pentax shift lens!

**Papa_Joe** · 02-05-2020, 03:33 AM

To the contrary of what has been said in some posts above about it, the 2.0/24 mm is a portrait lens and not one for landscapes. You will be better of with nearly any other 24 mm or one of the proposed zooms. If you look mainly for a lens for astrophpotography I would really support to get an IRIX or Samyang with 24 mm or less.

Pentax SMC-FA* 24mm f/2 AL [IF] - Review / Lab Test Report - Analysis

bikehead90 · 02-05-2020, 04:21 AM

Originally posted by VSTAR

The 20-35 is reported to be a wonderful lens...if you can find one at a reasonable price. Small, compact, and excellent results. For wider, and not expensive, 17-28 is enjoyable to use. Or for more exotic...28mm Pentax shift lens!

I don’t know why I never considered the 20-35. It looks to perform just what I want/need, and cost half of what the 15-30 does, with the added benefit of being cheaper/more affordable filters. Please don’t kill me, but I’m adding the the FA 20mm to this question. I like shooting primes and I use the FA* 28-70 on a regular basis, so I’m wondering if I need a zoom that gets covered by one of my favorite FF lenses.

**UncleVanya** · 02-13-2020, 11:03 PM

Originally posted by Papa_Joe

To the contrary of what has been said in some posts above about it, the 2.0/24 mm is a portrait lens and not one for landscapes. You will be better of with nearly any other 24 mm or one of the proposed zooms. If you look mainly for a lens for astrophpotography I would really support to get an IRIX or Samyang with 24 mm or less.

Pentax SMC-FA* 24mm f/2 AL [IF] - Review / Lab Test Report - Analysis

Considering that landscapes are often shot at f8 or more I didn't see anything wrong in that days. The edge performed at very good level at f8.

Sandy Hancock · 02-14-2020, 12:09 AM - **1 Like**

If you enjoy your FA* 28-70 and don't feel strongly about weather resistance, the FA 20/2.8 would be an excellent complimentary ultra-wide. It's remarkably small - almost a pancake. I have been very happy with both copies I have owned.

And I tend to agree that the FA* 24/2.0 is more of an environmental portrait lens. At wide apertures it has almost a soft-focus filter glow to it.

johnha · 02-14-2020, 12:14 AM

Originally posted by bikehead90

I don’t know why I never considered the 20-35. It looks to perform just what I want/need, and cost half of what the 15-30 does, with the added benefit of being cheaper/more affordable filters. Please don’t kill me, but I’m adding the the FA 20mm to this question. I like shooting primes and I use the FA* 28-70 on a regular basis, so I’m wondering if I need a zoom that gets covered by one of my favorite FF lenses.

Before the K-1 arrived I was looking at either the FA20/2.8 or FA*24/2 - both were hard to find and expensive. The 24/2 looked quite a lump. Due to the costs involved I played it safe with an FA20-35 which has hardly been off the K-1 since I bought it (even pushing my 43 off). It's such a versatile lens (although it is a bit plasticky).

Filters on the 15-30 are not only expensive but huge with it. One user on the UK forum bought a 15-30 but sold it almost immediately, because it was too big and heavy and the focus ring runs in the opposite direction.

Oldbayrunner · 02-14-2020, 07:25 AM

I've have the Sigma 10-20mm I've used for a few years on my K5lls & K3ll and have been well pleased with it's performance. Being on a poor mans budget for full frame I just picked up a Sigma 17-35mm Ex Dg for my K1 mkll so I am looking forward to seeing how well that one works.

bikehead90 · 02-15-2020, 07:02 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

If you enjoy your FA* 28-70 and don't feel strongly about weather resistance, the FA 20/2.8 would be an excellent complimentary ultra-wide. It's remarkably small - almost a pancake. I have been very happy with both copies I have owned.

And I tend to agree that the FA* 24/2.0 is more of an environmental portrait lens. At wide apertures it has almost a soft-focus filter glow to it.

[

I would like WR, but it’s not a steadfast requirement. What do you mean about “environmental portrait lens”? Also, is the 24 more on the soft-end of the spectrum?

02-05-2020, 03:33 AM	#24
Papa_Joe Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: SW Bavaria Posts: 562	To the contrary of what has been said in some posts above about it, the 2.0/24 mm is a portrait lens and not one for landscapes. You will be better of with nearly any other 24 mm or one of the proposed zooms. If you look mainly for a lens for astrophpotography I would really support to get an IRIX or Samyang with 24 mm or less. Pentax SMC-FA* 24mm f/2 AL [IF] - Review / Lab Test Report - Analysis Last edited by Papa_Joe; 02-05-2020 at 03:40 AM.

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02-04-2020, 10:48 AM	#16
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by photoptimist a camera with IBIS needs a lens that provides good image quality over a 47.4 mm circle because that's how far the sensor might wander. really interesting! never knew this - thanks!

02-04-2020, 11:02 AM	#17
bikehead90 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 193 Original Poster	When I got my k1, I sold off my k7, so I am shooting both crop and FF. It sounds pompous of me, but I’ve never been blown away by 3rd party lenses. I have considered the Tamron (I believe) 15-30 instead of the Pentax, but I’d rather spend a little more and get the 1st party.

02-04-2020, 11:04 AM	#18
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	The Tamron branded 15-30 isn't available in k-mount, so it's Pentax or not with that one.

02-04-2020, 11:14 AM	#19
acoufap Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Munich, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,187	Your choice really depends on what angles you want to achieve and what are your additional demands like maybe WR, build and IQ quality and maybe not too heavy and ability to attach filters via filter thread?! I decided to go for the DA*11-18 and I'm happy with it since it fullfills all my current demands ... It gives me UWA flexibility in FF mode (FF mode: 15-18mm, with Haida M10 filter system 17/18mm; Square mode: 12-18mm, 14-18 mm with Haida M10 filter system) and with APSC (11-18mm without restriction). Something you even can't get with the DFA15-30.

02-04-2020, 11:21 AM	#20
sculptor666 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 675	i would wait a few weeks and see if anything new is announced. 24mm is pretty wide... i find that the low end of 15-30 is sometimes too wide, and i'm more of a prime person... so it usually sits at home. there are also zeiss wa primes that can be pretty similar in price/cheaper than the fa 24mm. iq across the 24, 15-30, and zeiss lenses are pretty similar (i don't know how much better the hollywood lens is though, it's a 28)

02-04-2020, 11:51 AM	#21
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	If 24mm is enough for you you can also get the D FA 24-70mm which is also weather sealed. I think the Tamron 15-30mm is a beast but not one for casual shooters because of it's size (apart from cost). But if you are willing to lug it around it is really the best option.

02-04-2020, 12:25 PM	#22
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,653	Originally posted by bikehead90 I have been pining over the DFA 15-30 for awhile and will be getting it by the end of the year. However, the prices of the fa* 24mm/2 are acting as the siren’s song, luring me away from the ultimate prize. While it’s not as wide as the 15-30, would the 24mm be a satisfying alternative? fa* 24mm/2 and Irix 15mm ? The Irix is a fabulous lens, IMO. It is an essential piece of kit for me. The 15-30 is just tooooo big.

02-04-2020, 12:32 PM	#23
VSTAR Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 390	The 20-35 is reported to be a wonderful lens...if you can find one at a reasonable price. Small, compact, and excellent results. For wider, and not expensive, 17-28 is enjoyable to use. Or for more exotic...28mm Pentax shift lens!

02-05-2020, 04:21 AM	#25
bikehead90 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 193 Original Poster	Originally posted by VSTAR The 20-35 is reported to be a wonderful lens...if you can find one at a reasonable price. Small, compact, and excellent results. For wider, and not expensive, 17-28 is enjoyable to use. Or for more exotic...28mm Pentax shift lens! I don’t know why I never considered the 20-35. It looks to perform just what I want/need, and cost half of what the 15-30 does, with the added benefit of being cheaper/more affordable filters. Please don’t kill me, but I’m adding the the FA 20mm to this question. I like shooting primes and I use the FA* 28-70 on a regular basis, so I’m wondering if I need a zoom that gets covered by one of my favorite FF lenses.

02-13-2020, 11:03 PM	#26
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by Papa_Joe To the contrary of what has been said in some posts above about it, the 2.0/24 mm is a portrait lens and not one for landscapes. You will be better of with nearly any other 24 mm or one of the proposed zooms. If you look mainly for a lens for astrophpotography I would really support to get an IRIX or Samyang with 24 mm or less. Pentax SMC-FA* 24mm f/2 AL [IF] - Review / Lab Test Report - Analysis Considering that landscapes are often shot at f8 or more I didn't see anything wrong in that days. The edge performed at very good level at f8.

02-14-2020, 12:09 AM - 1 Like	#27
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	If you enjoy your FA* 28-70 and don't feel strongly about weather resistance, the FA 20/2.8 would be an excellent complimentary ultra-wide. It's remarkably small - almost a pancake. I have been very happy with both copies I have owned. And I tend to agree that the FA* 24/2.0 is more of an environmental portrait lens. At wide apertures it has almost a soft-focus filter glow to it.

02-14-2020, 12:14 AM	#28
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	Originally posted by bikehead90 I don’t know why I never considered the 20-35. It looks to perform just what I want/need, and cost half of what the 15-30 does, with the added benefit of being cheaper/more affordable filters. Please don’t kill me, but I’m adding the the FA 20mm to this question. I like shooting primes and I use the FA* 28-70 on a regular basis, so I’m wondering if I need a zoom that gets covered by one of my favorite FF lenses. Before the K-1 arrived I was looking at either the FA20/2.8 or FA*24/2 - both were hard to find and expensive. The 24/2 looked quite a lump. Due to the costs involved I played it safe with an FA20-35 which has hardly been off the K-1 since I bought it (even pushing my 43 off). It's such a versatile lens (although it is a bit plasticky). Filters on the 15-30 are not only expensive but huge with it. One user on the UK forum bought a 15-30 but sold it almost immediately, because it was too big and heavy and the focus ring runs in the opposite direction.

02-14-2020, 07:25 AM	#29
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	I've have the Sigma 10-20mm I've used for a few years on my K5lls & K3ll and have been well pleased with it's performance. Being on a poor mans budget for full frame I just picked up a Sigma 17-35mm Ex Dg for my K1 mkll so I am looking forward to seeing how well that one works.

02-15-2020, 07:02 PM	#30
bikehead90 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 193 Original Poster	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock If you enjoy your FA* 28-70 and don't feel strongly about weather resistance, the FA 20/2.8 would be an excellent complimentary ultra-wide. It's remarkably small - almost a pancake. I have been very happy with both copies I have owned. And I tend to agree that the FA* 24/2.0 is more of an environmental portrait lens. At wide apertures it has almost a soft-focus filter glow to it. [ I would like WR, but it’s not a steadfast requirement. What do you mean about “environmental portrait lens”? Also, is the 24 more on the soft-end of the spectrum?