Originally posted by Mikesul Yes, 15-30 does seem a bit overwhelming when you first use it. But after a few outings the size is less of an issue and the quality and range of the lens start to win you over. The DFA 21 looks great and early reviews are encouraging.
Yeah its just carrying more than 2 lenses with the k1 makes your pack heavy real quick. I have a few day of ice caves planned so it makes me think twice.
---------- Post added 12-04-21 at 08:49 PM ----------
Originally posted by dlhawes I've got the Irix 15 (and 11, too, for that matter) and the Pentax 15-30. I don't have the 21. The Irix wide-angle lenses have had some history of occasional decentering. I haven't had that problem, myself, but you wouldn't want to be in Iceland, give the lens a little bump and find it then less than usable. The Pentax 15-30 is a wonderful lens, and will give you more flexibility in controlling the viewing angle in your compositions. I'd go with that one. Both are pretty well weather sealed, by the way, I've used both in the rain with no problems.
If the weight and size represent a significant issue for you, I wonder if you'd rather take a KP, K-70 or K3 with the DA* 11-18mm F2.8, which is also a wonderful lens.
I currently have a k1. I used to have a K3 but sold it after getting my K1. I found that I just wasn't using my K3 and preferred the IQ of the k1 in all aspects even cropped. Going back to an aps-c isnt really a choice for me. The K1 has ruined all other pentax cameras for me hahah
---------- Post added 12-04-21 at 08:57 PM ----------
Originally posted by Wheatridger Let's talk focal lengths. A 15 is very different from a 21. If you've often used 15mm perspective in your photography, or if you really want to try, you won't be satisfied with a mere 21. Now look at the next longest lens you have. Does it start at 24, a 28, or more? The Irix 15 will leave you with a huge gap in coverage... unless you're comfortable cropping 1.5x in your K-1 (I am).
Generally I avoid F2.8 zooms. They're bigger and costlier than I want, while also being slower than primes. I see them as the Photojournalist's Compromise, jacks of all trades, but masters of none.
I used to have the 20-40 limited and a rokinon 14mm. Unfortunately they were both for Asp-c so I wasn't a big fan of the vignette so I ended up getting rid of them. That being said I found the 20mm end of the 20-40 more than enough for what I wanted and never really needed to go a less than 20mm. I didnt find the difference as noticeable on the K1 vs using a k3. For me what Im considering is more what would be more convenient picture quality wise vs size. My big gripe with the 20-40 was that it wasn't particularly good at fast AF.
My other lenses are the pentax DFA* 50 f1.4 and the HD DA 55-300. I am really just missing a wide angle lens tbh. Im leaning towards the DFA 21mm f2.4 but I would be really let down if the AF system with that lens is as finicky as the DA20-40 ltd.
---------- Post added 12-04-21 at 09:01 PM ----------
Originally posted by Paul the Sunman I presume you are talking about a FF camera? There are better options on APS-C.
Of the three mentioned, I only have the DFA 15-30, and it is stellar. The only drawbacks are some rather attractive rainbow flaring when sunlight directly hits the bulbous front element from the side, and its physical width. It is an awkward lens to pack. For others, the lack of filter thread is an issue, but that doesn't concern me.
Yes sorry I forgot to mention. I have the K1 which I will be taking with me. I used to have some aps-c lenses ( the DA 20-40 ltd and the rokinon 16mm f2) but I ultimately sold them because of the heavy vignetting and much less than perfect AF on the 20-40.
Have you tried taking you 15-30 along on long trips? what has that been like. And what solution did you find for filters?