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02-23-2021, 01:21 PM   #1
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Wide angle lenses ?

Well I'm totally confused (nothing new there) I've been looking for a good wide angle lens. Have been reading the lens reviews and trying to figure out which one would be best for me, good quality, inexpensive (?) or at least affordable. Have seen everything from 11mm to 48mm with f stops all over the place.and I just don't know enough about photography to even know if I really need one. However, what I need to know is which lens would be best (??) for someone like me, new to the DSLR game, average photographer, like landscapes, and outdoor work, work slowly so auto focus is not necessary. Just looking for some suggestions, and you won,t hurt my feelings. My current lenses are super multi coated takumar 55mm 1.8, super tak 85mm f1.9,super tak 135mm f 3.5,SMC DA L 18MM - 55MM f 3.5, SMC DA L 55mm - 200mm f 4.5 and I have a Spotmatic, and a K5. Thanks for any advice.

02-23-2021, 01:34 PM - 1 Like   #2
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DA 21 Limited would be my suggestion...
02-23-2021, 01:37 PM   #3
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OK, if you want affordable, have a look at the Miranda/cosina 24mm f2.8 macro and theTokina RMC 28mm f2.8, both come in k mount and are sub £25. Whatever you consider, make sure you read the Pentax forums reviews
02-23-2021, 01:47 PM - 1 Like   #4
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Are you looking for something wider than your 18-55mm for the K-5 or is quality your concern? Something also usable on your Spotmatic?

02-23-2021, 02:18 PM - 1 Like   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by dipo 1 Quote
I have a Spotmatic, and a K5
For your K-5, my suggestion would be the DA 15/4.0 Limited or DA 21/3.2 Limited or a third-party offering in the range 15mm to 24mm (FF equivalent 22mm to 35mm).

For the Spotmatic a 28mm as a minimum with addition of a 24mm and/or a 35mm would do it. On my shelf, I have the following for M42 and can recommend any:
  • Super/SMC/S-M-C Takumar 28/3.5 (v2 with 49mm filter)
  • Tamron 28/2.5 (02B), requires M42 adapter
  • Tamron 24/2.5 (01BB), or earlier 01B version*, requires M42 adapter
Not on my shelf, but with huge reputation...Super/SMC/S-M-C Takumar 35/3.5. Note that the two Tamron's above may be adapted to your K-5 as well.


Steve

* Truth be told and assuming equal condition, I consider the 01B version to be more durable.

Last edited by stevebrot; 02-23-2021 at 02:31 PM.
02-23-2021, 02:56 PM - 4 Likes   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by dipo 1 Quote
...like landscapes, and outdoor work...
That's a very broad photography category. You'll get dozens of opinions on what to buy.

How is your current 18-55 lens limiting your photos? Consider posting some photos that you think would be better with a different lens and we can provide better feedback.
  • Do you needs a lens that is wider than 18mm? The DA 15 Limited is an excellent choice if it fits within your budget.
  • Sharper? Maybe you would actually benefit from a sharper lens, but maybe you are getting blur from bad technique, or not enough depth of field due to your aperture choices.
  • More resistant to flare?
  • Better in dim light?
  • Something else?
02-23-2021, 03:00 PM - 1 Like   #7
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You've got some good suggestions already. I would have to agree with the DA21 at the top of the list, even though I don't have one. I would also throw the DA20-40 into the mix, and even the DA 15. Of these I have the 20-40 and the 15, which are both great, but the 20-40 is more useful, I have always wanted a 21, but the 20-40 pretty well has quenched that thirst. Anyway, these are all Limited series lenses, and then IQ will be far better than your 18-55. The 21 will win the smallest size battle, a lot of people p-refer it for street shooting because of the small size and superior quality.

02-23-2021, 03:06 PM - 3 Likes   #8
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I would recommend the DA 12-24. Superb zoom range and great lens.
02-23-2021, 03:14 PM - 1 Like   #9
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It sounds like you have a fair bit of equipment already but little experience with it?

Your k5 and spotmatic are different size formats. 18mm on the k5 would have a similar field of view as 28mm on the spotmatic. But 28mm on the k5 would be closer to normal. The lenses do not change but rather the difference in the camera.

The 18-55 and 50-200 can be used on the k5. That is a pretty standard range to get started with (it would compare to 28-300 on the spotmatic). There are a lot of people who never venture outside of this range. I would use those 2 lenses for awhile and then we could have a better discussions of what you might like to do. You might not need wider, you might want something in that range that is sharper or faster (let's in more light), better auto focus(speed or quietness) or more durable etc.

The other lenses can be used on the k5 with an adaptor. I would put all of those to the side for now but do not get rid of them you have some examples of that are faster (let's in more light).

Trying to focus on too many pieces can be overwhelming. Narrow your study then expand
02-23-2021, 03:18 PM   #10
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+1 for the DA-15mm. On the K-5, it will work fabulous.
02-23-2021, 03:27 PM   #11
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One thing about the limited lenses is the price. 21mm starts around £200, a 15mm starts at £250, the 20-40mm &12-24mm is probably £400+ so it all depends on your budget. The limited lenses don't have an aperture ring so wouldn't work on your spotmatic even if the mount was right. A 28mm m42 would be wide on your spotty and fairly wide on the K5. If you are not bothered about AF then pentax-m and pentax-a lenses do a great job without costing the earth, of course they only work on the K5. If you want something sharp, small and RELATIVELY inexpensive for your K5, then its limiteds all day long. If you want a lens that will work on both bodies then Takumar 35mm f3.5 are gorgeous and way cheaper than Zeiss flektagons
02-23-2021, 04:02 PM - 1 Like   #12
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Like several others I’d like to understand:

1) which camera is this intended for?

2) what are the limitations of your current lenses in your mind?

3) do you want a lens you can use on both cameras or only on one?

4) would you be willing to post examples of your images? Ideally some you like and some you don’t...
02-23-2021, 04:14 PM   #13
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Not really a recommendation of a lens, but more a general point. The wider you go the more concerned you need to be about distortion.
However this becomes an almost irrelevant concern it your camera is completely level. I have extensively shot real estate photography at 10mm on my Tamron 10-24mm with little to no distortion. So don’t believe everything you may hear about distortion.
02-23-2021, 04:28 PM - 1 Like   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
Like several others I’d like to understand:

1) which camera is this intended for?

2) what are the limitations of your current lenses in your mind?

3) do you want a lens you can use on both cameras or only on one?

4) would you be willing to post examples of your images? Ideally some you like and some you don’t...
+1
For the OP
Perhaps take your existing photos and run a program like Exif plot to understand how much time you spend at each focal length you now own

Once you understand how you shoot, and what the limits of your current gear are, the sooner you will define what you need / want next
02-23-2021, 04:51 PM - 1 Like   #15
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If you are not too worried about AF, have you considered the Tamron adaptall range ? With the appropriate adapter, an Adaptall lens will work on either of your bodies - and any others you may decided to acquire!
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