Ultra wide angle Irix 15mm or Irix 11mm

**matroxication** · 06-10-2018, 09:55 PM

Thanks Tas. The GST will apply from Jul 1st and hence can shop now from B&H I guess. Hopefully it would be shipped before then. I cannot afford Blackstone model if I buy in Aussie.

Thanks Krebss, I completely agree that I need to spend some time to learn using the UWA lens before I can take it on to the spin. Let me know how you go with the Irix 15mm. Is it Firefly or Blackstone?

krebss · 06-10-2018, 11:16 PM

Firefly. Only one available here. Was going to be too much to import the Blackstone unfortunately.

Where are you planning to go in NZ? Any locations you're really keen on? Or you haven't decided yet?

**matroxication** · 06-10-2018, 11:22 PM

Thanks Krebss. Probably Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch.

Am interested in Firefly since the optical performance is same as blackstone but fellow pentaxians are recommending to go for Blackstone. Hence bit confused at the moment. Am also looking for a light weight travel tripod and currently keen on Mefoto RoadTrip Aluminium. Unless there is some good discounts, photographic accessories are expensive in Aussie.

rawr · 06-11-2018, 01:15 AM

Originally posted by matroxication

photographic accessories are expensive in Aussie.

Generally true, depending where and when you buy. I hope you are aware of dcxpert on eBay.

**Tas** · 06-11-2018, 02:20 AM

Originally posted by matroxication

Am interested in Firefly since the optical performance is same as blackstone but fellow pentaxians are recommending to go for Blackstone. Hence bit confused at the moment.

Some good timing to be looking at this then: Irix 15mm F2.4 Firefly & Blackstone Review Posted - Review Announcements | PentaxForums.com

**matroxication** · 06-11-2018, 03:01 AM

Thanks Tas.

**matroxication** · 06-11-2018, 05:32 AM

@rawr, I have purchased all my existing kit from dcxpert. Unfortunately they have not stocked Irix.

---------- Post added 06-11-18 at 05:45 AM ----------

There is also "HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR" which is currently on special. The reviews are very good but I think I would require anything wider than 28.

**matroxication** · 06-12-2018, 02:49 PM

Hi all,

Am now overly confused whether to go with Irix 15mm UWA or compromise and go with HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR since fee review suggested it's a great walk around lens .

. Both comes in similar price range

But am not sure about the image quality on the zoom when compared to the prime. Too hard to choose a lens when you have multiple options and really not sure what photography you wish to shoot.

rawr · 06-12-2018, 04:11 PM

Originally posted by matroxication

HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm

A very decent lens optically with no real flaws that I can report, a handy walk-around focal range with WR and quick AF, and much more flexible than an ultra-wide, of course, for travel purposes. Pentax did a good job with that lens. Plus with full support in DxO, Lightroom etc.

**matroxication** · 06-12-2018, 04:45 PM

Thanks rawr. Can you share any pictures If you own that lens ?

**clackers** · 06-12-2018, 04:54 PM

Originally posted by matroxication

Hi all,

Am now overly confused whether to go with Irix 15mm UWA or compromise and go with HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR since fee review suggested it's a great walk around lens .

. Both comes in similar price range

But am not sure about the image quality on the zoom when compared to the prime. Too hard to choose a lens when you have multiple options and really not sure what photography you wish to shoot.

I think you need to sort this out in your own head before asking us, Matroxication.

We're not mind readers, and a good photographer really has to nail the concept in their head before executing. It's just not a hobby for ditherers.

If you want a walkaround, you want the 28-105.

If you want an epic landscape lens, you want the Firefly.

I have both, because they do very different things. Just so you know, the Irix is a properly heavy piece of glass.

**matroxication** · 06-12-2018, 05:32 PM

I completely agree clackers. My evil mind is playing tricks on me

**matroxication** · 07-11-2018, 06:33 PM

Finally made up my mind and got SMC 24 2.8 lens to add to my collection. And my evil mind also tricked me and u ended up ordering 77 Ltd. So am no planning to take 24, 35 and 77 for my newzealand trip

mtgmansf · 07-13-2018, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by matroxication

Finally made up my mind and got SMC 24 2.8 lens to add to my collection. And my evil mind also tricked me and u ended up ordering 77 Ltd. So am no planning to take 24, 35 and 77 for my newzealand trip

Good choice! 24mm is way more usable for regular travel photography than a 15mm.

**Mikesul** · 07-13-2018, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by mtgmansf

Good choice! 24mm is way more usable for regular travel photography than a 15mm.

I second that. 15 for me seems more for carefully thoughtout compositions than for landscapes etc. Although it certainly works well for tight interiors and some landscapes.

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06-10-2018, 09:55 PM	#31
matroxication Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 169 Original Poster	Thanks Tas. The GST will apply from Jul 1st and hence can shop now from B&H I guess. Hopefully it would be shipped before then. I cannot afford Blackstone model if I buy in Aussie. Thanks Krebss, I completely agree that I need to spend some time to learn using the UWA lens before I can take it on to the spin. Let me know how you go with the Irix 15mm. Is it Firefly or Blackstone?

06-10-2018, 11:16 PM	#32
krebss Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Posts: 43	Firefly. Only one available here. Was going to be too much to import the Blackstone unfortunately. Where are you planning to go in NZ? Any locations you're really keen on? Or you haven't decided yet?

06-10-2018, 11:22 PM	#33
matroxication Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 169 Original Poster	Thanks Krebss. Probably Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch. Am interested in Firefly since the optical performance is same as blackstone but fellow pentaxians are recommending to go for Blackstone. Hence bit confused at the moment. Am also looking for a light weight travel tripod and currently keen on Mefoto RoadTrip Aluminium. Unless there is some good discounts, photographic accessories are expensive in Aussie.

06-11-2018, 01:15 AM	#34
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by matroxication photographic accessories are expensive in Aussie. Generally true, depending where and when you buy. I hope you are aware of dcxpert on eBay.

06-11-2018, 02:20 AM	#35
Tas Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Brisbane, QLD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,202	Originally posted by matroxication Am interested in Firefly since the optical performance is same as blackstone but fellow pentaxians are recommending to go for Blackstone. Hence bit confused at the moment. Some good timing to be looking at this then: Irix 15mm F2.4 Firefly & Blackstone Review Posted - Review Announcements \| PentaxForums.com

06-11-2018, 03:01 AM	#36
matroxication Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 169 Original Poster	Thanks Tas.

06-11-2018, 05:32 AM	#37
matroxication Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 169 Original Poster	@rawr, I have purchased all my existing kit from dcxpert. Unfortunately they have not stocked Irix. ---------- Post added 06-11-18 at 05:45 AM ---------- There is also "HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR" which is currently on special. The reviews are very good but I think I would require anything wider than 28.

06-12-2018, 02:49 PM	#38
matroxication Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 169 Original Poster	Hi all, Am now overly confused whether to go with Irix 15mm UWA or compromise and go with HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR since fee review suggested it's a great walk around lens . . Both comes in similar price range But am not sure about the image quality on the zoom when compared to the prime. Too hard to choose a lens when you have multiple options and really not sure what photography you wish to shoot.

06-12-2018, 04:11 PM	#39
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by matroxication HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm A very decent lens optically with no real flaws that I can report, a handy walk-around focal range with WR and quick AF, and much more flexible than an ultra-wide, of course, for travel purposes. Pentax did a good job with that lens. Plus with full support in DxO, Lightroom etc.

06-12-2018, 04:45 PM	#40
matroxication Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 169 Original Poster	Thanks rawr. Can you share any pictures If you own that lens ?

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06-12-2018, 04:54 PM	#41
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by matroxication Hi all, Am now overly confused whether to go with Irix 15mm UWA or compromise and go with HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR since fee review suggested it's a great walk around lens . . Both comes in similar price range But am not sure about the image quality on the zoom when compared to the prime. Too hard to choose a lens when you have multiple options and really not sure what photography you wish to shoot. I think you need to sort this out in your own head before asking us, Matroxication. We're not mind readers, and a good photographer really has to nail the concept in their head before executing. It's just not a hobby for ditherers. If you want a walkaround, you want the 28-105. If you want an epic landscape lens, you want the Firefly. I have both, because they do very different things. Just so you know, the Irix is a properly heavy piece of glass.

06-12-2018, 05:32 PM	#42
matroxication Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 169 Original Poster	I completely agree clackers. My evil mind is playing tricks on me

07-11-2018, 06:33 PM	#43
matroxication Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 169 Original Poster	Finally made up my mind and got SMC 24 2.8 lens to add to my collection. And my evil mind also tricked me and u ended up ordering 77 Ltd. So am no planning to take 24, 35 and 77 for my newzealand trip

07-13-2018, 01:21 PM	#44
mtgmansf Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 321	Originally posted by matroxication Finally made up my mind and got SMC 24 2.8 lens to add to my collection. And my evil mind also tricked me and u ended up ordering 77 Ltd. So am no planning to take 24, 35 and 77 for my newzealand trip Good choice! 24mm is way more usable for regular travel photography than a 15mm.

07-13-2018, 01:52 PM	#45
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by mtgmansf Good choice! 24mm is way more usable for regular travel photography than a 15mm. I second that. 15 for me seems more for carefully thoughtout compositions than for landscapes etc. Although it certainly works well for tight interiors and some landscapes.