Recommendations for 20mm or so

texandrews · 01-02-2019, 09:23 AM - **1 Like**

Based on a somewhat quick look, your copy of the K is looking pretty good...the FA slightly disappointing by comparison.

**gaweidert** · 01-02-2019, 09:57 AM

Here is a shot I made when I first got my Rokinon 20mm. The only other glass I own that I can compare it with is a Polar (Samyang) 18-28mm lens I got new some 25 years ago and my DA 12-24 that I can use on my K1 from 18mm or so. Much better than the old Samyang and, it seems, just a bit better than the DA. All in all I am pretty happy with the lens. Hopefully it will get a better workout this year than last.

dick897 · 01-02-2019, 10:41 AM

I've had a couple of K and M series primes in the past, I'm definitely not knocking them.
Unfortunately I don't have them anymore.
I never had a 20mm prime before the samyang/ Rokinon so I can't compare.
I can only speak for what I've tried myself, and for me, although the contrast may not be quite what we are used to from pentax glass, it is very easily remedied in post.

**Kerrowdown** · 01-02-2019, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by Ash

I admire your good lady: stopped down she performs very well.

Thank you, I usually run her at F/8.0, but I notice in those examples it was from F/5.6 up to F/22.0...

Wild Mark · 01-02-2019, 02:55 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by texandrews

Based on a somewhat quick look, your copy of the K is looking pretty good...the FA slightly disappointing by comparison.

Yes, but remember I have done no post processing. None whatsoever. Corrections for distortion and CA/PF will bring the FA20-35 up nicely. At this juncture, I wish to say that post processing is almost a necessity if you are serious about your photography. I just decided to not do it in this circumstance to make sure I was not accused of bias.

---------- Post added 03-01-19 at 09:52 AM ----------

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

Thank you, I usually run her at F/8.0, but I notice in those examples it was from F/5.6 up to F/22.0...

Running her at f8 would make sense - the FA20mm is optically the same and is not different. I would use this lens at f2.8 if I intended to crop the bottom and top using a 16:9 ratio.

DSLRnovice · 01-02-2019, 07:56 PM

Originally posted by Wild Mark

Yes, but remember I have done no post processing. None whatsoever. Corrections for distortion and CA/PF will bring the FA20-35 up nicely. At this juncture, I wish to say that post processing is almost a necessity if you are serious about your photography. I just decided to not do it in this circumstance to make sure I was not accused of bias.

---------- Post added 03-01-19 at 09:52 AM ----------

Running her at f8 would make sense - the FA20mm is optically the same and is not different. I would use this lens at f2.8 if I intended to crop the bottom and top using a 16:9 ratio.

It makes sense to me to compare unprocessed images. However, those from the older lenses can be improved in processing as well. Unless there are correction profiles for the newer lenses that are more effective.

---------- Post added 01-02-2019 at 08:05 PM ----------

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

Thank you, I usually run her at F/8.0, but I notice in those examples it was from F/5.6 up to F/22.0...

Since the A20 is supposed to have the same optics as the FA20, I was wondering about the the distortion issue mentioned concerning the FA. Did you do correct any distortion in the images you posted from the A20?

**Kerrowdown** · 01-04-2019, 02:57 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by DSLRnovice

Did you do correct any distortion in the images you posted from the A20?

I'm certainly can't remember doing anything too clever, with me it's just usually a little converging verticals correction, due to pilot error on my part.

dick897 · 01-24-2019, 01:35 AM - **2 Likes**

Here are a few with the samyang 20mm f1.8 at night

5r82 · 01-24-2019, 04:19 AM

Samyang 20mm f1.8 makes beautiful stars.

dick897 · 01-24-2019, 05:28 AM

Originally posted by 5r82

Samyang 20mm f1.8 makes beautiful stars.

It sure does.

Tan68 · 01-25-2019, 06:55 AM

Originally posted by mattt

Yes, slipping the 20 in my pocket with a couple of 49mm filters is a light alternative to the 15-30 and wonderpana.

I’d offer my M20/4 sharper than my copy of K24/2.8 by far.

Yeah, I wasn't really happy with my K24 on FF. I wanted to be happy but the lack of happiness in areas not even close to edge was stark. I would have to look back at pictures I took as sample to quantify the disappointment. I ended up using an A28 for a small wide lens. I realize this is 4-8 mm off topic but thought I would corroborate the comment above with respect to K24...

For a wider than wide lens, I have an IRIX 15 and it is a blipping monster. A nice monster but a bit needy when traveling; who wants to board a plane with a pet carrier full of camera stuff? I know small lens size limits lens design/quality but I wonder if small lenses could project acceptable results with modern lens design technology. There was a song in the 90's and the singer waxed bombastic that him like small lens and he did not lie. It never made it in the Top100.

**gaweidert** · 01-25-2019, 02:11 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by dick897

Here are a few with the samyang 20mm f1.8 at night

That last B&W shot is definitely a gallery print. All are good but that one is the cream of the crop. Well done.

dick897 · 01-25-2019, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by gaweidert

That last B&W shot is definitely a gallery print. All are good but that one is the cream of the crop. Well done.

Wow , thanks for that

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
So many 50mm and so little money (and experience)	gump	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	10	09-23-2018 10:04 PM
Do you own a sharp (& cheap, so manual ok!) wide lens? Need recommendations!	mishmatta	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	34	10-23-2011 07:30 PM
Nature So so tall, small, so beautiful	newmikey	Post Your Photos!	3	06-03-2011 03:11 AM
Wanted - Acquired: Pentax FA 20mm or Pentax A 20mm	loveisageless	Sold Items	2	01-13-2011 12:00 PM
New to DSLR so I bought a K-X, any recommendations?	buffalobrian	Welcomes and Introductions	20	03-12-2010 06:57 PM

01-02-2019, 09:23 AM - 1 Like	#46
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,397	Based on a somewhat quick look, your copy of the K is looking pretty good...the FA slightly disappointing by comparison.

01-02-2019, 10:41 AM	#48
dick897 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 339	I've had a couple of K and M series primes in the past, I'm definitely not knocking them. Unfortunately I don't have them anymore. I never had a 20mm prime before the samyang/ Rokinon so I can't compare. I can only speak for what I've tried myself, and for me, although the contrast may not be quite what we are used to from pentax glass, it is very easily remedied in post.

01-02-2019, 02:49 PM	#49
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	Originally posted by Ash I admire your good lady: stopped down she performs very well. Thank you, I usually run her at F/8.0, but I notice in those examples it was from F/5.6 up to F/22.0...

01-02-2019, 02:55 PM - 2 Likes	#50
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	Originally posted by texandrews Based on a somewhat quick look, your copy of the K is looking pretty good...the FA slightly disappointing by comparison. Yes, but remember I have done no post processing. None whatsoever. Corrections for distortion and CA/PF will bring the FA20-35 up nicely. At this juncture, I wish to say that post processing is almost a necessity if you are serious about your photography. I just decided to not do it in this circumstance to make sure I was not accused of bias. ---------- Post added 03-01-19 at 09:52 AM ---------- Originally posted by Kerrowdown Thank you, I usually run her at F/8.0, but I notice in those examples it was from F/5.6 up to F/22.0... Running her at f8 would make sense - the FA20mm is optically the same and is not different. I would use this lens at f2.8 if I intended to crop the bottom and top using a 16:9 ratio.

01-02-2019, 07:56 PM	#51
DSLRnovice Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 192 Original Poster	Originally posted by Wild Mark Yes, but remember I have done no post processing. None whatsoever. Corrections for distortion and CA/PF will bring the FA20-35 up nicely. At this juncture, I wish to say that post processing is almost a necessity if you are serious about your photography. I just decided to not do it in this circumstance to make sure I was not accused of bias. ---------- Post added 03-01-19 at 09:52 AM ---------- Running her at f8 would make sense - the FA20mm is optically the same and is not different. I would use this lens at f2.8 if I intended to crop the bottom and top using a 16:9 ratio. It makes sense to me to compare unprocessed images. However, those from the older lenses can be improved in processing as well. Unless there are correction profiles for the newer lenses that are more effective. ---------- Post added 01-02-2019 at 08:05 PM ---------- Originally posted by Kerrowdown Thank you, I usually run her at F/8.0, but I notice in those examples it was from F/5.6 up to F/22.0... Since the A20 is supposed to have the same optics as the FA20, I was wondering about the the distortion issue mentioned concerning the FA. Did you do correct any distortion in the images you posted from the A20?

01-04-2019, 02:57 PM - 1 Like	#52
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	Originally posted by DSLRnovice Did you do correct any distortion in the images you posted from the A20? I'm certainly can't remember doing anything too clever, with me it's just usually a little converging verticals correction, due to pilot error on my part.

01-24-2019, 01:35 AM - 2 Likes	#53
dick897 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 339	Here are a few with the samyang 20mm f1.8 at night

01-24-2019, 04:19 AM	#54
5r82 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2017 Photos: Gallery Posts: 462	Samyang 20mm f1.8 makes beautiful stars.

01-24-2019, 05:28 AM	#55
dick897 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 339	Originally posted by 5r82 Samyang 20mm f1.8 makes beautiful stars. It sure does.

01-25-2019, 06:55 AM	#56
Tan68 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 501	Originally posted by mattt Yes, slipping the 20 in my pocket with a couple of 49mm filters is a light alternative to the 15-30 and wonderpana. I’d offer my M20/4 sharper than my copy of K24/2.8 by far. Yeah, I wasn't really happy with my K24 on FF. I wanted to be happy but the lack of happiness in areas not even close to edge was stark. I would have to look back at pictures I took as sample to quantify the disappointment. I ended up using an A28 for a small wide lens. I realize this is 4-8 mm off topic but thought I would corroborate the comment above with respect to K24... For a wider than wide lens, I have an IRIX 15 and it is a blipping monster. A nice monster but a bit needy when traveling; who wants to board a plane with a pet carrier full of camera stuff? I know small lens size limits lens design/quality but I wonder if small lenses could project acceptable results with modern lens design technology. There was a song in the 90's and the singer waxed bombastic that him like small lens and he did not lie. It never made it in the Top100.

01-25-2019, 02:11 PM - 1 Like	#57
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,327	Originally posted by dick897 Here are a few with the samyang 20mm f1.8 at night That last B&W shot is definitely a gallery print. All are good but that one is the cream of the crop. Well done.

01-25-2019, 03:09 PM	#58
dick897 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 339	Originally posted by gaweidert That last B&W shot is definitely a gallery print. All are good but that one is the cream of the crop. Well done. Wow , thanks for that