Which wide angle lens to bye

lduncan14 · 05-05-2009, 12:11 PM

Okay I have a Pentax K200D and would like to buy a wide angle lens as I do a lot of landscape photography and photos with a wide group of people reenactment soldiers in action actually. As I don't want to make a mistake and because of the cost of a lens I could really do with a few suggestions as to which would be most suitable for the photos I wish to take. I read an article by a couple of guys a photographer and a journalist who felt the DA 35mm f/2.8 macro was a good lens that they really enjoyed using but then I read that this lens is more suitable for close up photography. Now I'm more confused. Can anyone help me on this.

Wheatfield · 05-05-2009, 12:25 PM

The 35/2.8 macro is about as close to a standard lens as it looks like we are going to get. It is neither wide angle nor telephoto (though someone is sure to correct me that it is 3.2745mm on the telephoto side of things).
The 21/3.2 is a very nice wide angle, I am sure the new 15/4 is very nice, but I have no expereince with it.
A really good option is the 12-24/4.

Damn Brit · 05-05-2009, 12:29 PM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

The 35/2.8 macro is about as close to a standard lens as it looks like we are going to get. It is neither wide angle nor telephoto (though someone is sure to correct me that it is 3.2745mm on the telephoto side of things).
The 21/3.2 is a very nice wide angle, I am sure the new 15/4 is very nice, but I have no expereince with it.
A really good option is the 12-24/4.

Or the Sigma 10-20 if you are budget minded.

**Canada_Rockies** · 05-05-2009, 12:41 PM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

The 35/2.8 macro is about as close to a standard lens as it looks like we are going to get. It is neither wide angle nor telephoto (though someone is sure to correct me that it is 3.2745mm on the telephoto side of things).
The 21/3.2 is a very nice wide angle, I am sure the new 15/4 is very nice, but I have no expereince with it.
A really good option is the 12-24/4.

I agree with Wheatfield. There are some images on my Flickr site taken with the DA 12-24. I find no fault with the lens, and many virtues.

Sean Nelson · 05-05-2009, 01:02 PM

Originally posted by lduncan14

Okay I have a Pentax K200D and would like to buy a wide angle lens as I do a lot of landscape photography and photos with a wide group of people reenactment soldiers in action actually.

I'll second the recommendation for the DA12-24. It's an excellent lens, and if you're trying to get shots of people in action I have a feeling that the 2:1 zoom range will be more useful than a prime like the DA15. Be aware, though, that the DA12-24 is a large, heavy lens.

Marc Sabatella · 05-05-2009, 02:31 PM

Did you camera come with the 18-55 "kit" lens? If so, then you should be able to use that to tell what focal length you are interested in getting better results from. As Wheatfield says, 35mm isn't wide at all. But while it does excel at closeups (it is a "macro" lens), that doens't mean it isn't great at landscapes and other kinds of shots too. But its field of view will be the same as your zoom when dialed to the 35mm mark, so dcide for yourself if that's wide enough. Also ask yourself what sort of improvement you'd be hoping for - the 1855 is already oretty good at 35mm, especially is you stop down to f/8 as you should presumably be able to during the day.

If the problem is simply that the 18-55 isn't wide enough even at the 18mm mark, then the 21 won't help either - you need something wider than 18mm. So the DA 12-24 or Sigma 10-20 are both good options, and so might the new DA15 or the DA14 if you should decide that you want smaller size (DA15) or larger aperture (DA14).

rburgoss · 05-06-2009, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

....

If the problem is simply that the 18-55 isn't wide enough even at the 18mm mark, then the 21 won't help either - you need something wider than 18mm. So the DA 12-24 or Sigma 10-20 are both good options, and so might the new DA15 or the DA14 if you should decide that you want smaller size (DA15) or larger aperture (DA14).

I can talk about the 12-24. It is a great lens. About the new DA15 or the fast DA14 (I dont have either one) I would think twice about this two lenses before, considering the following:

1) The new DA15 is small, but optically questionable, since a couple of reviews have stated that even the DA 12-24 zoom has far better image quality. That is a BIG STATEMENT to say that a zoom has better IQ than any prime.

2) The DA14 f/2.8 is two stops faster than the new DA15. It is also a bit wider and it sells for the same price of the DA15, and about the same price of the DA 12-24.

3) Both the DA14/2.8 and the DA 12/24 zoom are about the same size (bulky). The only thing in favor of the new DA 15 is size (and probably construction).

lduncan14 · 05-06-2009, 11:55 AM

I have a pentax K200D and want to buy a wide angle lens for panoramic views and also to get a good photo of a wide crown of people. I do not have a pentax camera shop near me where I can go for advice and as buying a lens is going to cost me quite a bit for a decent one I don't want to make a mistake.

Help I am a bit green about all this.

Noisychip · 05-06-2009, 12:25 PM

That's not an easy question. Maybe you could let us know what you already have and what you mean by "wide". How about your budget?

I for one use a Sigma 10-20 and an old Pentax SMC-M 20/4, and I like both of them a lot.

lduncan14 · 05-06-2009, 01:28 PM

i have a pentax 18 - 55 lens at the moment

Sean Nelson · 05-06-2009, 01:41 PM

You're already getting a bunch of replies in the first thread you started on this same subject:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/59281-wide-angle-lens-bye.html

**NaClH2O** · 05-06-2009, 02:17 PM

Another vote for the Pentax DA 12-24. For some samples check here: http://saltwater.smugmug.com/gallery/4238697_ituo7#248007305_YcCi5

Unfortunately not a cheap lens, but well worth it if you want distortion free very wide angle.

NaCl(it is ideal for landscapes and architecture )H2O

flyer · 05-06-2009, 04:22 PM

The DA 12-24 is a superb lens, but the DA 14 is one stop faster and slightly shorter. The focus clutch is not the same on both lenses. The 12-24 clutch will stop at the end of it's travel range, so you can't leave your hand on the focus ring while the AF is doing it's job. The 14, on the other hand, has a focus ring which disengage completely while the AF is working, so you can leave your hand on the ring and always be ready to change focus, like following a moving subject. And the focus ring on the DA 14 is a lot wider than the one on the DA 12-24. The latter has a very narrow focus ring. Both lenses produce above average results, but I tend to favor the DA 14.

res3567 · 05-06-2009, 05:57 PM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

The 35/2.8 macro is about as close to a standard lens as it looks like we are going to get. It is neither wide angle nor telephoto (though someone is sure to correct me that it is 3.2745mm on the telephoto side of things).
The 21/3.2 is a very nice wide angle, I am sure the new 15/4 is very nice, but I have no expereince with it.
A really good option is the 12-24/4.

I read that it is an awesome lens.

Is that why it is so expensive?

I always thought fisheeyes were among the most expensive wide angle lenses.

But the Pentax 10-17 is way cheaper than the 12-24.

Is it because the 12-24 is a constant aperture and the 10-17 is not?

Damn Brit · 05-06-2009, 06:10 PM

Duplicated threads merged.

OP, don't start duplicate threads please.

05-05-2009, 12:11 PM	#1
lduncan14 New Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: London Posts: 3	Which wide angle lens to bye Okay I have a Pentax K200D and would like to buy a wide angle lens as I do a lot of landscape photography and photos with a wide group of people reenactment soldiers in action actually. As I don't want to make a mistake and because of the cost of a lens I could really do with a few suggestions as to which would be most suitable for the photos I wish to take. I read an article by a couple of guys a photographer and a journalist who felt the DA 35mm f/2.8 macro was a good lens that they really enjoyed using but then I read that this lens is more suitable for close up photography. Now I'm more confused. Can anyone help me on this.

05-06-2009, 11:55 AM	#8
lduncan14 New Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: London Posts: 3 Original Poster	wide angle lens needed I have a pentax K200D and want to buy a wide angle lens for panoramic views and also to get a good photo of a wide crown of people. I do not have a pentax camera shop near me where I can go for advice and as buying a lens is going to cost me quite a bit for a decent one I don't want to make a mistake. Help I am a bit green about all this.

05-06-2009, 05:57 PM	#14
res3567 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houston Tx. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,876	Originally posted by Wheatfield The 35/2.8 macro is about as close to a standard lens as it looks like we are going to get. It is neither wide angle nor telephoto (though someone is sure to correct me that it is 3.2745mm on the telephoto side of things). The 21/3.2 is a very nice wide angle, I am sure the new 15/4 is very nice, but I have no expereince with it. A really good option is the 12-24/4. I read that it is an awesome lens. Is that why it is so expensive? I always thought fisheeyes were among the most expensive wide angle lenses. But the Pentax 10-17 is way cheaper than the 12-24. Is it because the 12-24 is a constant aperture and the 10-17 is not? Last edited by res3567; 05-06-2009 at 07:45 PM.

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05-05-2009, 12:25 PM	#2
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	The 35/2.8 macro is about as close to a standard lens as it looks like we are going to get. It is neither wide angle nor telephoto (though someone is sure to correct me that it is 3.2745mm on the telephoto side of things). The 21/3.2 is a very nice wide angle, I am sure the new 15/4 is very nice, but I have no expereince with it. A really good option is the 12-24/4.

05-05-2009, 12:29 PM	#3
Damn Brit Guest	Originally posted by Wheatfield The 35/2.8 macro is about as close to a standard lens as it looks like we are going to get. It is neither wide angle nor telephoto (though someone is sure to correct me that it is 3.2745mm on the telephoto side of things). The 21/3.2 is a very nice wide angle, I am sure the new 15/4 is very nice, but I have no expereince with it. A really good option is the 12-24/4. Or the Sigma 10-20 if you are budget minded.

05-05-2009, 12:41 PM	#4
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by Wheatfield The 35/2.8 macro is about as close to a standard lens as it looks like we are going to get. It is neither wide angle nor telephoto (though someone is sure to correct me that it is 3.2745mm on the telephoto side of things). The 21/3.2 is a very nice wide angle, I am sure the new 15/4 is very nice, but I have no expereince with it. A really good option is the 12-24/4. I agree with Wheatfield. There are some images on my Flickr site taken with the DA 12-24. I find no fault with the lens, and many virtues.

05-05-2009, 01:02 PM	#5
Sean Nelson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 353	Originally posted by lduncan14 Okay I have a Pentax K200D and would like to buy a wide angle lens as I do a lot of landscape photography and photos with a wide group of people reenactment soldiers in action actually. I'll second the recommendation for the DA12-24. It's an excellent lens, and if you're trying to get shots of people in action I have a feeling that the 2:1 zoom range will be more useful than a prime like the DA15. Be aware, though, that the DA12-24 is a large, heavy lens.

05-05-2009, 02:31 PM	#6
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Did you camera come with the 18-55 "kit" lens? If so, then you should be able to use that to tell what focal length you are interested in getting better results from. As Wheatfield says, 35mm isn't wide at all. But while it does excel at closeups (it is a "macro" lens), that doens't mean it isn't great at landscapes and other kinds of shots too. But its field of view will be the same as your zoom when dialed to the 35mm mark, so dcide for yourself if that's wide enough. Also ask yourself what sort of improvement you'd be hoping for - the 1855 is already oretty good at 35mm, especially is you stop down to f/8 as you should presumably be able to during the day. If the problem is simply that the 18-55 isn't wide enough even at the 18mm mark, then the 21 won't help either - you need something wider than 18mm. So the DA 12-24 or Sigma 10-20 are both good options, and so might the new DA15 or the DA14 if you should decide that you want smaller size (DA15) or larger aperture (DA14).

05-06-2009, 09:48 AM	#7
rburgoss Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose, Costa Rica Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 972	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella .... If the problem is simply that the 18-55 isn't wide enough even at the 18mm mark, then the 21 won't help either - you need something wider than 18mm. So the DA 12-24 or Sigma 10-20 are both good options, and so might the new DA15 or the DA14 if you should decide that you want smaller size (DA15) or larger aperture (DA14). I can talk about the 12-24. It is a great lens. About the new DA15 or the fast DA14 (I dont have either one) I would think twice about this two lenses before, considering the following: 1) The new DA15 is small, but optically questionable, since a couple of reviews have stated that even the DA 12-24 zoom has far better image quality. That is a BIG STATEMENT to say that a zoom has better IQ than any prime. 2) The DA14 f/2.8 is two stops faster than the new DA15. It is also a bit wider and it sells for the same price of the DA15, and about the same price of the DA 12-24. 3) Both the DA14/2.8 and the DA 12/24 zoom are about the same size (bulky). The only thing in favor of the new DA 15 is size (and probably construction).

05-06-2009, 12:25 PM	#9
Noisychip Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 282	That's not an easy question. Maybe you could let us know what you already have and what you mean by "wide". How about your budget? I for one use a Sigma 10-20 and an old Pentax SMC-M 20/4, and I like both of them a lot.

05-06-2009, 01:28 PM	#10
lduncan14 New Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: London Posts: 3 Original Poster	i have a pentax 18 - 55 lens at the moment

05-06-2009, 01:41 PM	#11
Sean Nelson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 353	You're already getting a bunch of replies in the first thread you started on this same subject: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/59281-wide-angle-lens-bye.html

05-06-2009, 02:17 PM	#12
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	Another vote for the Pentax DA 12-24. For some samples check here: http://saltwater.smugmug.com/gallery/4238697_ituo7#248007305_YcCi5 Unfortunately not a cheap lens, but well worth it if you want distortion free very wide angle. NaCl(it is ideal for landscapes and architecture )H2O

05-06-2009, 04:22 PM	#13
flyer Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ste-Anne des Plaines, Qc., Canada Posts: 2,013	The DA 12-24 is a superb lens, but the DA 14 is one stop faster and slightly shorter. The focus clutch is not the same on both lenses. The 12-24 clutch will stop at the end of it's travel range, so you can't leave your hand on the focus ring while the AF is doing it's job. The 14, on the other hand, has a focus ring which disengage completely while the AF is working, so you can leave your hand on the ring and always be ready to change focus, like following a moving subject. And the focus ring on the DA 14 is a lot wider than the one on the DA 12-24. The latter has a very narrow focus ring. Both lenses produce above average results, but I tend to favor the DA 14.

05-06-2009, 06:10 PM	#15
Damn Brit Guest	Duplicated threads merged. OP, don't start duplicate threads please.