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12-23-2018, 05:27 PM   #1
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Recommendations for 20mm or so

To round out my lens selection for the K-1, I would like a wider lens. I already have the DA 16-45, which is usable to about 20mm in FF without vignetting. I also have a Sigma A24/2.8 Superwide II manual focus. I am not expecting to use it enough to spend $500 for the FA20, at this time. But I am not sure if the M20 will offer better IQ than the DA16-45.

My use is for landscape and I need decent edge sharpness. Any recommendations for the best bang for buck wide angle of any era?

12-23-2018, 05:34 PM - 1 Like   #2
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I just bought a copy of the Sigma 20/1.8 EX DG... I don't have it yet, but it's definitely an option...
12-23-2018, 06:16 PM - 1 Like   #3
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I do not recommend the M20/4 as it will disappoint. Good lens, but not to a standard that would warrant its price (almost as pricey as the FA20)

The A20/2.8 is optically identical to the FA20 and is also pricey.

Hard place to satisfy in the Pentax lineup for low dollars. Perhaps try the Sigma or even Samyang alternative. Otherwise, save up for the FA20/2.8 or even the FA20-35/4
12-23-2018, 06:58 PM - 2 Likes   #4
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M20/4 is hardly disappointing.
I have a badly abused copy and it still makes me smile at the results.

The price is more a comment on the rarity of a pocket sized prime in that F/L for K mount.

If I didn’t have an M20/4 I would certainly be looking at Samyang.

12-23-2018, 07:23 PM - 3 Likes   #5
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I have also gone for a second hand Sigma 20/1.8 EX DG, although I would love to have a FA20 (if it was available within my budget which so far it has not been).

They are quite variable in terms of corner & edge sharpness it would seem but the f1.8 aperture is an advantage creativity wise and overall I'm happy with the lens. Mine is sharp enough in the centre wide open and sharp enough in the corners stopped down to f8 (due to effect of curvature of field in sometimes I can get sharp edges at f2.8).

f2.8:


f9.5:


f1.8:

Last edited by kiwi_jono; 12-23-2018 at 07:24 PM. Reason: Fix image links
12-23-2018, 09:40 PM - 1 Like   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by mattt Quote
M20/4 is hardly disappointing.
I have a badly abused copy and it still makes me smile at the results.

The price is more a comment on the rarity of a pocket sized prime in that F/L for K mount.

If I didn’t have an M20/4 I would certainly be looking at Samyang.

I concur with Mattt. The M20/4 is a great little lens. And like Mattt, I have an M20/4 that has seen a lot of wear and tear, looks rough on the outside but still produces excellent images. The price of the M20/4, as has the price of the A20/2.8 and the FA20/2.8, has definitely climbed since the release of the K-1.

Lastly, I'm going to guess that the IQ of your DA16-45 is probably going to be similar, if not slightly better than the IQ on the M20/4. Plus the DA has the advantage of modern lens coatings, which do make a difference.
12-23-2018, 11:30 PM - 2 Likes   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by david94903 Quote
I concur with Mattt. The M20/4 is a great little lens. And like Mattt, I have an M20/4 that has seen a lot of wear and tear, looks rough on the outside but still produces excellent images. The price of the M20/4, as has the price of the A20/2.8 and the FA20/2.8, has definitely climbed since the release of the K-1.

Lastly, I'm going to guess that the IQ of your DA16-45 is probably going to be similar, if not slightly better than the IQ on the M20/4. Plus the DA has the advantage of modern lens coatings, which do make a difference.
Good for you both. Clearly you haven't tried better then.

12-24-2018, 01:06 AM - 1 Like   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by Wild Mark Quote
Clearly you haven't tried better then.
Oh, I've definitely tried better. And as nice of lens as the M20/4 is (especially when you're talking bang for the buck, which was something the OP was concerned about) (and yes, there are few better UWA, more expensive, options out there) it hasn't been getting much use since I purchased the D-FA 15-30mm during the Black Friday sale. Now that's a lens worth talking about. But I think that's a bit beyond the price point the OP was indicating.


For the OP's price point, there aren't a lot of UWA options out there at the moment.
12-24-2018, 04:49 AM - 1 Like   #9
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You can go even wider with the DA12-24. Fine from 17mm or so onwards, secondhand will save you money.
12-24-2018, 05:37 AM   #10
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Find a used FA20

It's a terrific LITTLE lens. Did I say "little". Yes I did. I have an Irix15 (sometimes too wide, but excellent when needed), and I got a 15-30 new on at a B&H sale (not even black Friday) that I think still marks the lowest price for that lens new. It's also great and useful....but it is my largest and heaviest lens for my K1(upgraded), similar in weight and size to a couple of my 645 lenses. I think the 20 is a dandy little lens, and I use it despite having other options.
12-24-2018, 06:51 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by david94903 Quote
I concur with Mattt. The M20/4 is a great little lens. And like Mattt, I have an M20/4 that has seen a lot of wear and tear, looks rough on the outside but still produces excellent images. The price of the M20/4, as has the price of the A20/2.8 and the FA20/2.8, has definitely climbed since the release of the K-1.

Lastly, I'm going to guess that the IQ of your DA16-45 is probably going to be similar, if not slightly better than the IQ on the M20/4. Plus the DA has the advantage of modern lens coatings, which do make a difference.
I was wondering if the DA16-45 might come out similar or better than the M20. While the color and contrast is really terrific, the edge and corners can go soft in FF probably due to field curvature. The real disadvantage in FF is the size for using only the 20-24mm FL. (My DFA 28-105 performs well at 28MM) There is something very appealing to the size of the M20 that would make it worth the trade offs.

If I find one locally that allows a testing period, I would be willing to check it out. The A20 does not seem such a good value since the FA20 is not going for much more.
12-24-2018, 06:53 AM - 1 Like   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by texandrews Quote
. I think the 20 is a dandy little lens, and I use it despite having other options.
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.
12-24-2018, 07:02 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Wild Mark Quote
I do not recommend the M20/4 as it will disappoint. Good lens, but not to a standard that would warrant its price (almost as pricey as the FA20)

The A20/2.8 is optically identical to the FA20 and is also pricey.

Hard place to satisfy in the Pentax lineup for low dollars. Perhaps try the Sigma or even Samyang alternative. Otherwise, save up for the FA20/2.8 or even the FA20-35/4
How would you compare the FA20 with the FA20-35?
12-24-2018, 08:39 AM   #14
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I have the Rokinon/Samyang 20mm f1.8. Manual focus and kind of a beast, but I got it on sale and it has not disappointed me.
12-24-2018, 10:18 AM   #15
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I have Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon MC 20mm f2.8 and I'm yet to find out how good it is on K-1. Initial impressions before I had it serviced were not very good, i.e. it was as good as Pentax kit lens 18-55mm both being stopped down to f8. I had literally been gifted this lens. You may also consider Voigtlander 20mm f3.5 which is really small lens and it can also be found new online. But that can cost you. Well, Pentax A 20mm costs too.

Last edited by 5r82; 12-24-2018 at 03:04 PM.
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