First new glass for my KP is a DA 20-40 Limited and Im very excited !

HelenJo · 02-28-2018, 08:32 PM

Since buying the KP , as most likely the last Camera I will eve use . I have decided that I also need to update some of my old glass for something more modern and up to date !
I have a drawer full of various Pentax primes , and a few old Pentax Zooms , but nothing even remotely considered recent since about the 80's.

.
Today that has changed , and Ive moved into the modern world ! I ordered a DA 20-40 limited from B&H and cant wait to try it out.
My decision was based largely on two criteria. First being size and weight , and second being the high ratings in the review section for this lens.

Is there anything to watch out for , or to check , when I get my copy in a few days ?
I read that a few lenses have de-centering issues ? I ordered from B&H so returns arent an issue.

I have always liked wide rendering , and although I still need a 15mm lens to make me happy , I rarely go wider than about 80mm on Aps-c.
Most likely I will add the HD DA15 limited , and the HD DA 77 limited next week , but still shopping , and doing my homework for now.

This most likely will be my only modern zoom lens.

If there is anything someone would like to contribute with my choice ? Please feel free.
I feel confident in it , but there may be something I havent considered.

SSGGeezer · 02-28-2018, 08:43 PM - **1 Like**

Just take some shots at varied apertures and see what it looks like. Then you can see if you need to do any in camera focus adjustments. If so then you can use a focus checker. I can heartily recommend the FA 77 for portrait length. It is a very capable lens.

aleonx3 · 02-28-2018, 08:44 PM - **1 Like**

Congrats... I am confident you will like the DA 20-40 limited lens, especially on the KP. I had this lens since 2015 on my k-3 and now often left on the k-1. I do mostly event photography and I do find this lens to be quite good as a walk-around indoor lens. Here is an example of the ones I did recently.

**clackers** · 02-28-2018, 08:51 PM - **1 Like**

Congratulations, HJ, it's always seemed to me do be a great choice for a walkabout lens.

HelenJo · 02-28-2018, 09:02 PM

Originally posted by SSGGeezer

Just take some shots at varied apertures and see what it looks like. Then you can see if you need to do any in camera focus adjustments. If so then you can use a focus checker. I can heartily recommend the FA 77 for portrait length. It is a very capable lens.

I meant to say the HD DA 70 , not the 77.
I have used the FA 77 lens in the past , and yes it is a spectacular lens. I dont know "why" I never replaced it after I absent mindlessly , left it in the bathroom cabinet while on a cruise to the Antarctic . Somebody got real lucky !

---------- Post added 02-28-18 at 10:03 PM ----------

Originally posted by clackers

Congratulations, HJ, it's always seemed to me do be a great choice for a walkabout lens.

Great ! Thats Exactly why I wanted one. Thanks.

---------- Post added 02-28-18 at 10:06 PM ----------

Originally posted by SSGGeezer

Just take some shots at varied apertures and see what it looks like. Then you can see if you need to do any in camera focus adjustments. If so then you can use a focus checker. I can heartily recommend the FA 77 for portrait length. It is a very capable lens.

When you say a focus checker ? You mean a front/back focus scale ? If so , Ive got that covered for any lens adjustment. Thanks.

**twilhelm** · 02-28-2018, 09:08 PM - **2 Likes**

The DA 20-40 quickly became one of my favorite lenses after I bought it. I used it on my K-1 at the last wedding I shot with stunning results. That and the 77 (I don’t have the 70) make a great 2 lens walk around kit.

**bkpix** · 02-28-2018, 09:10 PM - **2 Likes**

You'll love the DA 15 Limited.

lytrytyr · 02-28-2018, 09:17 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by HelenJo

If there is anything someone would like to contribute with my choice ? Please feel free.
I feel confident in it , but there may be something I havent considered.

It's a superb lens, and has been my most used on APS-C more or less since it was released.

On some no longer fresh bodies (e.g., K-50), there could be issues with PDAF (viewfinder) focus at wider angles.
This seems to be the root cause of some early testers' negative attitude to the lens.
(That, and the fact that it wasn't the Sigma 18-35, which was the big excitement at the time.)
So I normally used CDAF from live view to focus it when zoomed out to below 30mm.

My newest APS-C body is a K-S2, where I still tend to use the CDAF technique.
However, I've recently been trying the DA 20-40 on a K-1,
and that camera's more modern PDAF seems to cope better.
So you may not need to worry about this on your KP.
But if the wide end does look soft, you could try using live view to focus.

HelenJo · 02-28-2018, 09:17 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by twilhelm

The DA 20-40 quickly became one of my favorite lenses after I bought it. I used it on my K-1 at the last wedding I shot with stunning results. That and the 77 (I don’t have the 70) make a great 2 lens walk around kit.

Yes. Im thinking the 15 limited , 20-40 , and the 70 or 77 . I just found that they still sell the FA 77 Limited ! This was the last lens my husband bought me (and I lost it about 5 years ago

) before he passed away. I had NO idea it was still in production ? Im so excited , i wont be able to sleep tonight...Ha.
Ive used the 77 on film and digital , I agree that is simply "stunning" to say the least.

---------- Post added 02-28-18 at 10:20 PM ----------

Originally posted by lytrytyr

It's a superb lens, and has been my most used on APS-C more or less since it was released.

On some no longer fresh bodies (e.g., K-50), there could be issues with PDAF (viewfinder) focus at wider angles.
This seems to be the root cause of some early testers' negative attitude to the lens.
(That, and the fact that it wasn't the Sigma 18-35, which was the big excitement at the time.)
So I normally used CDAF from live view to focus it when zoomed out to below 30mm.

My newest APS-C body is a K-S2, where I still tend to use the CDAF technique.
However, I've recently been trying the DA 20-40 on a K-1,
and that camera's more modern PDAF seems to cope better.
So you may not need to worry about this on your KP.
But if the wide end does look soft, you could try using live view to focus.

Im a PRO at live view ! I shoot in M mode with manual lenses. Thats going to change very soon.

**mike.hiran** · 02-28-2018, 09:43 PM - **2 Likes**

So many good choices, but the DA20-40 seems like the perfect match for the KP. I recently traveled with the KP and the 16-50 because I thought the weather could get pretty bad (February in Denver) and it just doesn't have the same feel as the 20-40 in terms of balance. I too have the FA77 and it's amazing on the KP. The FA43 and DA15 are also a really good fit if you're wanting a small kit. Speaking of small, you might be familiar with the 40mm pancakes Pentax made - well the new version, the DA40 f2.8, is super sharp and it still retains it's pancake form.

Hope you enjoy getting familiar with the KP! It really is a special little camera that takes stunning photos!

Jonathan Mac · 03-01-2018, 01:17 AM - **1 Like**

I have all the (old SMC) DA limited primes and they're fantastic. I'd love a 20-40mm too, I'm sure you'll like it.

HelenJo · 03-01-2018, 06:39 AM

Originally posted by mike.hiran

So many good choices, but the DA20-40 seems like the perfect match for the KP. I recently traveled with the KP and the 16-50 because I thought the weather could get pretty bad (February in Denver) and it just doesn't have the same feel as the 20-40 in terms of balance. I too have the FA77 and it's amazing on the KP. The FA43 and DA15 are also a really good fit if you're wanting a small kit. Speaking of small, you might be familiar with the 40mm pancakes Pentax made - well the new version, the DA40 f2.8, is super sharp and it still retains it's pancake form.

Hope you enjoy getting familiar with the KP! It really is a special little camera that takes stunning photos!

Yes , I want a small kit of small lenses. However I will most likely forego the 40mm. Probably go with the 15mm , 20-40mm , and follow up with the 70 or 77mm lens.

ruggiex · 03-01-2018, 09:14 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by HelenJo

Yes , I want a small kit of small lenses. However I will most likely forego the 40mm. Probably go with the 15mm , 20-40mm , and follow up with the 70 or 77mm lens.

I have 15, 21, 35, 40xs, and 77. (I really should sell a couple of these...) I bought 20-40 because I often want weather sealing while traveling. 15, 20-40 plus 70 or 77 is great 3 lenses travel kit!

**Eagle94VT** · 03-01-2018, 11:46 AM - **1 Like**

Love the 20-40 on my K3. The typical K3 bag is the 10-17, 20-40 and the 55-300PLM/50-135. I like the funkiness of the fish-eye. And I've migrated towards stitching a few 20mm shots together for wide angle shots. The 15mm lens takes great shots - I love the lens thread for that one, but I've never owned one.

**Ex Finn.** · 03-01-2018, 07:27 PM - **1 Like**

KP and the DA 20-40 ltd feel very good together. The zoom is "well damped" taking two fingers to move.
Only thing that concerns me about the lens is the front cap using friction-fit to hold it on the lens.
I can see me loosing it at some point because of it accidentally getting snagged on something.

02-28-2018, 08:32 PM	#1
HelenJo Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Sun City , Arizona. Posts: 72	First new glass for my KP is a DA 20-40 Limited and Im very excited ! Since buying the KP , as most likely the last Camera I will eve use . I have decided that I also need to update some of my old glass for something more modern and up to date ! I have a drawer full of various Pentax primes , and a few old Pentax Zooms , but nothing even remotely considered recent since about the 80's. . Today that has changed , and Ive moved into the modern world ! I ordered a DA 20-40 limited from B&H and cant wait to try it out. My decision was based largely on two criteria. First being size and weight , and second being the high ratings in the review section for this lens. Is there anything to watch out for , or to check , when I get my copy in a few days ? I read that a few lenses have de-centering issues ? I ordered from B&H so returns arent an issue. I have always liked wide rendering , and although I still need a 15mm lens to make me happy , I rarely go wider than about 80mm on Aps-c. Most likely I will add the HD DA15 limited , and the HD DA 77 limited next week , but still shopping , and doing my homework for now. This most likely will be my only modern zoom lens. If there is anything someone would like to contribute with my choice ? Please feel free. I feel confident in it , but there may be something I havent considered.

02-28-2018, 09:02 PM	#5
HelenJo Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Sun City , Arizona. Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by SSGGeezer Just take some shots at varied apertures and see what it looks like. Then you can see if you need to do any in camera focus adjustments. If so then you can use a focus checker. I can heartily recommend the FA 77 for portrait length. It is a very capable lens. I meant to say the HD DA 70 , not the 77. I have used the FA 77 lens in the past , and yes it is a spectacular lens. I dont know "why" I never replaced it after I absent mindlessly , left it in the bathroom cabinet while on a cruise to the Antarctic . Somebody got real lucky ! ---------- Post added 02-28-18 at 10:03 PM ---------- Originally posted by clackers Congratulations, HJ, it's always seemed to me do be a great choice for a walkabout lens. Great ! Thats Exactly why I wanted one. Thanks. ---------- Post added 02-28-18 at 10:06 PM ---------- Originally posted by SSGGeezer Just take some shots at varied apertures and see what it looks like. Then you can see if you need to do any in camera focus adjustments. If so then you can use a focus checker. I can heartily recommend the FA 77 for portrait length. It is a very capable lens. When you say a focus checker ? You mean a front/back focus scale ? If so , Ive got that covered for any lens adjustment. Thanks. Last edited by HelenJo; 03-01-2018 at 01:25 PM.

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02-28-2018, 08:43 PM - 1 Like	#2
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Just take some shots at varied apertures and see what it looks like. Then you can see if you need to do any in camera focus adjustments. If so then you can use a focus checker. I can heartily recommend the FA 77 for portrait length. It is a very capable lens.

02-28-2018, 08:44 PM - 1 Like	#3
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Congrats... I am confident you will like the DA 20-40 limited lens, especially on the KP. I had this lens since 2015 on my k-3 and now often left on the k-1. I do mostly event photography and I do find this lens to be quite good as a walk-around indoor lens. Here is an example of the ones I did recently.

02-28-2018, 08:51 PM - 1 Like	#4
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Congratulations, HJ, it's always seemed to me do be a great choice for a walkabout lens.

02-28-2018, 09:08 PM - 2 Likes	#6
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	The DA 20-40 quickly became one of my favorite lenses after I bought it. I used it on my K-1 at the last wedding I shot with stunning results. That and the 77 (I don’t have the 70) make a great 2 lens walk around kit.

02-28-2018, 09:10 PM - 2 Likes	#7
bkpix Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Creswell, Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 568	You'll love the DA 15 Limited.

02-28-2018, 09:17 PM - 2 Likes	#8
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by HelenJo If there is anything someone would like to contribute with my choice ? Please feel free. I feel confident in it , but there may be something I havent considered. It's a superb lens, and has been my most used on APS-C more or less since it was released. On some no longer fresh bodies (e.g., K-50), there could be issues with PDAF (viewfinder) focus at wider angles. This seems to be the root cause of some early testers' negative attitude to the lens. (That, and the fact that it wasn't the Sigma 18-35, which was the big excitement at the time.) So I normally used CDAF from live view to focus it when zoomed out to below 30mm. My newest APS-C body is a K-S2, where I still tend to use the CDAF technique. However, I've recently been trying the DA 20-40 on a K-1, and that camera's more modern PDAF seems to cope better. So you may not need to worry about this on your KP. But if the wide end does look soft, you could try using live view to focus.

02-28-2018, 09:17 PM - 1 Like	#9
HelenJo Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Sun City , Arizona. Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by twilhelm The DA 20-40 quickly became one of my favorite lenses after I bought it. I used it on my K-1 at the last wedding I shot with stunning results. That and the 77 (I don’t have the 70) make a great 2 lens walk around kit. Yes. Im thinking the 15 limited , 20-40 , and the 70 or 77 . I just found that they still sell the FA 77 Limited ! This was the last lens my husband bought me (and I lost it about 5 years ago ) before he passed away. I had NO idea it was still in production ? Im so excited , i wont be able to sleep tonight...Ha. Ive used the 77 on film and digital , I agree that is simply "stunning" to say the least. ---------- Post added 02-28-18 at 10:20 PM ---------- Originally posted by lytrytyr It's a superb lens, and has been my most used on APS-C more or less since it was released. On some no longer fresh bodies (e.g., K-50), there could be issues with PDAF (viewfinder) focus at wider angles. This seems to be the root cause of some early testers' negative attitude to the lens. (That, and the fact that it wasn't the Sigma 18-35, which was the big excitement at the time.) So I normally used CDAF from live view to focus it when zoomed out to below 30mm. My newest APS-C body is a K-S2, where I still tend to use the CDAF technique. However, I've recently been trying the DA 20-40 on a K-1, and that camera's more modern PDAF seems to cope better. So you may not need to worry about this on your KP. But if the wide end does look soft, you could try using live view to focus. Im a PRO at live view ! I shoot in M mode with manual lenses. Thats going to change very soon.

02-28-2018, 09:43 PM - 2 Likes	#10
mike.hiran Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: portland Photos: Albums Posts: 1,491	So many good choices, but the DA20-40 seems like the perfect match for the KP. I recently traveled with the KP and the 16-50 because I thought the weather could get pretty bad (February in Denver) and it just doesn't have the same feel as the 20-40 in terms of balance. I too have the FA77 and it's amazing on the KP. The FA43 and DA15 are also a really good fit if you're wanting a small kit. Speaking of small, you might be familiar with the 40mm pancakes Pentax made - well the new version, the DA40 f2.8, is super sharp and it still retains it's pancake form. Hope you enjoy getting familiar with the KP! It really is a special little camera that takes stunning photos!

03-01-2018, 01:17 AM - 1 Like	#11
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,897	I have all the (old SMC) DA limited primes and they're fantastic. I'd love a 20-40mm too, I'm sure you'll like it.

03-01-2018, 06:39 AM	#12
HelenJo Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Sun City , Arizona. Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by mike.hiran So many good choices, but the DA20-40 seems like the perfect match for the KP. I recently traveled with the KP and the 16-50 because I thought the weather could get pretty bad (February in Denver) and it just doesn't have the same feel as the 20-40 in terms of balance. I too have the FA77 and it's amazing on the KP. The FA43 and DA15 are also a really good fit if you're wanting a small kit. Speaking of small, you might be familiar with the 40mm pancakes Pentax made - well the new version, the DA40 f2.8, is super sharp and it still retains it's pancake form. Hope you enjoy getting familiar with the KP! It really is a special little camera that takes stunning photos! Yes , I want a small kit of small lenses. However I will most likely forego the 40mm. Probably go with the 15mm , 20-40mm , and follow up with the 70 or 77mm lens.

03-01-2018, 09:14 AM - 2 Likes	#13
ruggiex Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: East Bay Area Photos: Gallery Posts: 811	Originally posted by HelenJo Yes , I want a small kit of small lenses. However I will most likely forego the 40mm. Probably go with the 15mm , 20-40mm , and follow up with the 70 or 77mm lens. I have 15, 21, 35, 40xs, and 77. (I really should sell a couple of these...) I bought 20-40 because I often want weather sealing while traveling. 15, 20-40 plus 70 or 77 is great 3 lenses travel kit!

03-01-2018, 11:46 AM - 1 Like	#14
Eagle94VT Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 291	Love the 20-40 on my K3. The typical K3 bag is the 10-17, 20-40 and the 55-300PLM/50-135. I like the funkiness of the fish-eye. And I've migrated towards stitching a few 20mm shots together for wide angle shots. The 15mm lens takes great shots - I love the lens thread for that one, but I've never owned one.

03-01-2018, 07:27 PM - 1 Like	#15
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	KP and the DA 20-40 ltd feel very good together. The zoom is "well damped" taking two fingers to move. Only thing that concerns me about the lens is the front cap using friction-fit to hold it on the lens. I can see me loosing it at some point because of it accidentally getting snagged on something.