The case for a fast super wide

2351HD · 02-19-2016, 10:01 PM

I think you would have a better chance of asking for a 23mm/5.6 lens than a 20.

This I would buy.

Otherwise it will be too big.

Ilovemypentax · 02-19-2016, 10:17 PM

I'd like a circular fisheye for the 645.

672 · 02-19-2016, 10:27 PM

I want a fast prime . Not as wide as Ed's though. I would like a 40mm f2.2. I want it so that I can shoot at 2.8 and have a better look than any of the current offerings. The 90mm DFA at 2.8 shoots an embarrassing bright spot in the middle of a field of underexposure, and no, I don't want to "fix it" in the computer. I want to be able to shoot my fast dream prime at 3.2 and have it look amazing.

**Ed Hurst** · 02-19-2016, 10:43 PM

Looks like I am on my own then. Oh well... Just have to hope high ISO keeps getting better with each new model I suppose :-)

fuent104 · 02-19-2016, 11:41 PM

Originally posted by Ed Hurst

Looks like I am on my own then. Oh well... Just have to hope high ISO keeps getting better with each new model I suppose :-)

You have done some brilliant work, and you have a valid reason for wanting a fast wide lens. "impractical" is in the eye of the beholder. I work with cinema lenses, many of which are "impractical." you keep dreaming. I support your dream. Maybe a larger sensor will help in the future?

Thomasbrowphoto · 02-22-2016, 07:24 PM

Originally posted by Ed Hurst

Looks like I am on my own then. Oh well... Just have to hope high ISO keeps getting better with each new model I suppose :-)

Im with you 100% on this one Ed, I would love to see a new wide lens in the 20-23mm range. For me that would complete my kit.. and I wouldn't have to lug around a second dedicated UWA system.

Gyroscope · 02-23-2016, 12:18 AM

Originally posted by 2351HD

For the same price as that proposed lens you could buy a new K-1 and 15-30 and have change left over. Use Astrotracer on the K-1 and away you go.

Or you could follow Michael from Luminous Landscape and get an Astrotrack for your Z and use the 25mm on it.

This is precisely what I am thinking of doing. My 645z with 28-45 will serve me for most of my landscape work then I have the K1/15-30 for times when I need ultra wide FOV or want to shoot at night. Seems like the perfect setup plus if I need to travel overseas with some of my canon gear I can just take the lighter K1 setup and still get great results. Best of both worlds.

mikeSF · 02-26-2016, 02:40 PM - **1 Like**

ok first things first, Ed Hurst and Digitalis - holy crap you guys rocked some lightning! Those are incredible.

Regarding the subject of astro, I do shoot a good bit of milky way with landscape-type stuff and although a serious solution for 645 mount would make great photos, I am for now very happy using the GPS in the K3 and stitching astro panos for a little better IQ. I am not sure having the capability on 645 mount would really change my workflow from the crop sensor. As such, I probably would not want to pay more than $3500 for a wide prime on 645. A fast and wide lens over $5K would just sit in the store window and taunt me, I'm afraid.

Here is about 8-frames of pano using the FA31 at f/2.8 on K5 with the astrotracer. This is a relatively inexpensive solution and the IQ is likely very comparable to results I would otherwise get with a wide single frame on the Z. For now, I am comfortable with this workflow and don't have much desire for a fast MF WA.

Still of the Night

**Digitalis** · 02-26-2016, 06:45 PM - **1 Like**

And now with the K-1 hitting the market in a few months time, the FA31 witl the new built in astrotracer will be an ever better solution than waiting for an f/2 645 lens from Pentax.

Originally posted by mikeSF

ok first things first, Ed Hurst and Digitalis - holy crap you guys rocked some lightning! Those are incredible.

Thanks mate, you have shown some impressive work over the years yourself!

mikeSF · 02-26-2016, 10:14 PM

Originally posted by Digitalis

And now with the K-1 hitting the market in a few months time, the FA31 witl the new built in astrotracer will be an ever better solution than waiting for an f/2 lens from Pentax.

Thanks mate, you have shown some impressive work over the years yourself!

thx and yes, K1 will be even better for astro, one imagines.

itshimitis · 02-27-2016, 04:04 AM

I am missing my 28 - 45. It is still at repair. Put it in at the end of November/beginning of December, and heard back about it yesterday. Was thinking "Great!" I get my 28 - 45 just in time for a trip to Innsbruck and then Tokyo. Not so great. They've got in touch just to give me an estimate and if I want to proceed with the repair. £800 for the repair and it takes them 3 months to even give an estimate. Fantastic.

texandrews · 02-27-2016, 05:05 AM

Originally posted by itshimitis

I am missing my 28 - 45. It is still at repair. Put it in at the end of November/beginning of December, and heard back about it yesterday. Was thinking "Great!" I get my 28 - 45 just in time for a trip to Innsbruck and then Tokyo. Not so great. They've got in touch just to give me an estimate and if I want to proceed with the repair. £800 for the repair and it takes them 3 months to even give an estimate. Fantastic.

This is so far is one of only 2 knocks for me on Pentax and Ricoh. My gear has been working just fine, and my Z is splendid, but the repair situation is really scary to me. And 3 months to get just a quote is so unacceptable it is hard to know what to say. It is especially bewildering because Ricoh is known for good service in the business printer sector, you would think someone in management would understand what a huge difference that makes.

itshimitis · 02-27-2016, 06:47 AM

Originally posted by texandrews

This is so far is one of only 2 knocks for me on Pentax and Ricoh. My gear has been working just fine, and my Z is splendid, but the repair situation is really scary to me. And 3 months to get just a quote is so unacceptable it is hard to know what to say. It is especially bewildering because Ricoh is known for good service in the business printer sector, you would think someone in management would understand what a huge difference that makes.

I have one of those faults that has occurred with the remote release socket, plus the camera locks sometimes with PCS flashing. I'm scared to put it in in case it takes them a year to fix it! I get around the first by using a cheap infra red remote (I bought two at £6 each from amazon) the second I switch the camera off and then back on. It's happened 3 or 4 times. I still have 4 months of the 2 year guarantee left.

texandrews · 02-27-2016, 10:26 AM

Originally posted by itshimitis

I have one of those faults that has occurred with the remote release socket, plus the camera locks sometimes with PCS flashing. I'm scared to put it in in case it takes them a year to fix it! I get around the first by using a cheap infra red remote (I bought two at £6 each from amazon) the second I switch the camera off and then back on. It's happened 3 or 4 times. I still have 4 months of the 2 year guarantee left.

Believe me, I have been paying close attention to your and several other people's difficulties.....

I will say that the one time I've had an opportunity to speak to someone in Pentax U.S. management about this (at a big show), he was receptive to and very much understood my concerns. He hoped as I do that Ricoh will finally also understand and make the proper moves.

**Ed Hurst** · 02-29-2016, 12:23 AM

Originally posted by mikeSF

ok first things first, Ed Hurst and Digitalis - holy crap you guys rocked some lightning! Those are incredible.

Regarding the subject of astro, I do shoot a good bit of milky way with landscape-type stuff and although a serious solution for 645 mount would make great photos, I am for now very happy using the GPS in the K3 and stitching astro panos for a little better IQ. I am not sure having the capability on 645 mount would really change my workflow from the crop sensor. As such, I probably would not want to pay more than $3500 for a wide prime on 645. A fast and wide lens over $5K would just sit in the store window and taunt me, I'm afraid.

Here is about 8-frames of pano using the FA31 at f/2.8 on K5 with the astrotracer. This is a relatively inexpensive solution and the IQ is likely very comparable to results I would otherwise get with a wide single frame on the Z. For now, I am comfortable with this workflow and don't have much desire for a fast MF WA.

Still of the Night

Thanks Mike - very kind of you. Admire yours very much too!

With the use of the astrotracer with that 8-frame pano, how did you manage the static elements (horizon, tree, etc.)? Did you just take not traced frames for the lower part of the shot and stitch those in manually? Or some other method?

All the best,

Ed

02-26-2016, 02:40 PM - 1 Like	#23
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	ok first things first, Ed Hurst and Digitalis - holy crap you guys rocked some lightning! Those are incredible. Regarding the subject of astro, I do shoot a good bit of milky way with landscape-type stuff and although a serious solution for 645 mount would make great photos, I am for now very happy using the GPS in the K3 and stitching astro panos for a little better IQ. I am not sure having the capability on 645 mount would really change my workflow from the crop sensor. As such, I probably would not want to pay more than $3500 for a wide prime on 645. A fast and wide lens over $5K would just sit in the store window and taunt me, I'm afraid. Here is about 8-frames of pano using the FA31 at f/2.8 on K5 with the astrotracer. This is a relatively inexpensive solution and the IQ is likely very comparable to results I would otherwise get with a wide single frame on the Z. For now, I am comfortable with this workflow and don't have much desire for a fast MF WA. Still of the Night Last edited by mikeSF; 02-26-2016 at 02:46 PM.

02-26-2016, 06:45 PM - 1 Like	#24
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	And now with the K-1 hitting the market in a few months time, the FA31 witl the new built in astrotracer will be an ever better solution than waiting for an f/2 645 lens from Pentax. Originally posted by mikeSF ok first things first, Ed Hurst and Digitalis - holy crap you guys rocked some lightning! Those are incredible. Thanks mate, you have shown some impressive work over the years yourself! Last edited by Digitalis; 02-26-2016 at 11:32 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
When will Pentax release a fast wide angle lens?	TrailRunner	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	19	04-25-2015 01:04 PM
fast wide prime for full-frame	LFLee	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	13	04-01-2015 10:41 PM
Choosing a fast, wide, normal zoom makes my head hurt.	AquaDome	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	18	10-29-2014 10:00 AM
Suggestions for a Fast Wide Prime	walro	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	30	08-17-2011 04:47 AM

02-19-2016, 10:01 PM	#16
2351HD Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 750	I think you would have a better chance of asking for a 23mm/5.6 lens than a 20. This I would buy. Otherwise it will be too big.

02-19-2016, 10:17 PM	#17
Ilovemypentax Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 121	I'd like a circular fisheye for the 645.

02-19-2016, 10:27 PM	#18
672 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: santa monica Photos: Gallery Posts: 486	I want a fast prime . Not as wide as Ed's though. I would like a 40mm f2.2. I want it so that I can shoot at 2.8 and have a better look than any of the current offerings. The 90mm DFA at 2.8 shoots an embarrassing bright spot in the middle of a field of underexposure, and no, I don't want to "fix it" in the computer. I want to be able to shoot my fast dream prime at 3.2 and have it look amazing.

02-19-2016, 10:43 PM	#19
Ed Hurst Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,657 Original Poster	Looks like I am on my own then. Oh well... Just have to hope high ISO keeps getting better with each new model I suppose :-)

02-19-2016, 11:41 PM	#20
fuent104 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,356	Originally posted by Ed Hurst Looks like I am on my own then. Oh well... Just have to hope high ISO keeps getting better with each new model I suppose :-) You have done some brilliant work, and you have a valid reason for wanting a fast wide lens. "impractical" is in the eye of the beholder. I work with cinema lenses, many of which are "impractical." you keep dreaming. I support your dream. Maybe a larger sensor will help in the future?

02-22-2016, 07:24 PM	#21
Thomasbrowphoto Veteran Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 335	Originally posted by Ed Hurst Looks like I am on my own then. Oh well... Just have to hope high ISO keeps getting better with each new model I suppose :-) Im with you 100% on this one Ed, I would love to see a new wide lens in the 20-23mm range. For me that would complete my kit.. and I wouldn't have to lug around a second dedicated UWA system.

02-23-2016, 12:18 AM	#22
Gyroscope Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 166	Originally posted by 2351HD For the same price as that proposed lens you could buy a new K-1 and 15-30 and have change left over. Use Astrotracer on the K-1 and away you go. Or you could follow Michael from Luminous Landscape and get an Astrotrack for your Z and use the 25mm on it. This is precisely what I am thinking of doing. My 645z with 28-45 will serve me for most of my landscape work then I have the K1/15-30 for times when I need ultra wide FOV or want to shoot at night. Seems like the perfect setup plus if I need to travel overseas with some of my canon gear I can just take the lighter K1 setup and still get great results. Best of both worlds.

02-26-2016, 10:14 PM	#25
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	Originally posted by Digitalis And now with the K-1 hitting the market in a few months time, the FA31 witl the new built in astrotracer will be an ever better solution than waiting for an f/2 lens from Pentax. Thanks mate, you have shown some impressive work over the years yourself! thx and yes, K1 will be even better for astro, one imagines.

02-27-2016, 04:04 AM	#26
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	I am missing my 28 - 45. It is still at repair. Put it in at the end of November/beginning of December, and heard back about it yesterday. Was thinking "Great!" I get my 28 - 45 just in time for a trip to Innsbruck and then Tokyo. Not so great. They've got in touch just to give me an estimate and if I want to proceed with the repair. £800 for the repair and it takes them 3 months to even give an estimate. Fantastic.

02-27-2016, 05:05 AM	#27
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,390	Originally posted by itshimitis I am missing my 28 - 45. It is still at repair. Put it in at the end of November/beginning of December, and heard back about it yesterday. Was thinking "Great!" I get my 28 - 45 just in time for a trip to Innsbruck and then Tokyo. Not so great. They've got in touch just to give me an estimate and if I want to proceed with the repair. £800 for the repair and it takes them 3 months to even give an estimate. Fantastic. This is so far is one of only 2 knocks for me on Pentax and Ricoh. My gear has been working just fine, and my Z is splendid, but the repair situation is really scary to me. And 3 months to get just a quote is so unacceptable it is hard to know what to say. It is especially bewildering because Ricoh is known for good service in the business printer sector, you would think someone in management would understand what a huge difference that makes.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

02-27-2016, 06:47 AM	#28
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	Originally posted by texandrews This is so far is one of only 2 knocks for me on Pentax and Ricoh. My gear has been working just fine, and my Z is splendid, but the repair situation is really scary to me. And 3 months to get just a quote is so unacceptable it is hard to know what to say. It is especially bewildering because Ricoh is known for good service in the business printer sector, you would think someone in management would understand what a huge difference that makes. I have one of those faults that has occurred with the remote release socket, plus the camera locks sometimes with PCS flashing. I'm scared to put it in in case it takes them a year to fix it! I get around the first by using a cheap infra red remote (I bought two at £6 each from amazon) the second I switch the camera off and then back on. It's happened 3 or 4 times. I still have 4 months of the 2 year guarantee left.

02-27-2016, 10:26 AM	#29
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,390	Originally posted by itshimitis I have one of those faults that has occurred with the remote release socket, plus the camera locks sometimes with PCS flashing. I'm scared to put it in in case it takes them a year to fix it! I get around the first by using a cheap infra red remote (I bought two at £6 each from amazon) the second I switch the camera off and then back on. It's happened 3 or 4 times. I still have 4 months of the 2 year guarantee left. Believe me, I have been paying close attention to your and several other people's difficulties..... I will say that the one time I've had an opportunity to speak to someone in Pentax U.S. management about this (at a big show), he was receptive to and very much understood my concerns. He hoped as I do that Ricoh will finally also understand and make the proper moves.

02-29-2016, 12:23 AM	#30
Ed Hurst Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,657 Original Poster	Originally posted by mikeSF ok first things first, Ed Hurst and Digitalis - holy crap you guys rocked some lightning! Those are incredible. Regarding the subject of astro, I do shoot a good bit of milky way with landscape-type stuff and although a serious solution for 645 mount would make great photos, I am for now very happy using the GPS in the K3 and stitching astro panos for a little better IQ. I am not sure having the capability on 645 mount would really change my workflow from the crop sensor. As such, I probably would not want to pay more than $3500 for a wide prime on 645. A fast and wide lens over $5K would just sit in the store window and taunt me, I'm afraid. Here is about 8-frames of pano using the FA31 at f/2.8 on K5 with the astrotracer. This is a relatively inexpensive solution and the IQ is likely very comparable to results I would otherwise get with a wide single frame on the Z. For now, I am comfortable with this workflow and don't have much desire for a fast MF WA. Still of the Night Thanks Mike - very kind of you. Admire yours very much too! With the use of the astrotracer with that 8-frame pano, how did you manage the static elements (horizon, tree, etc.)? Did you just take not traced frames for the lower part of the shot and stitch those in manually? Or some other method? All the best, Ed