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01-15-2010, 10:46 AM   #1
emr
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Any bargain WA lenses?

I have naturally the kit zoom to reach 18mm, but would like to get a lens that is faster aperture-wise and has better IQ. Smaller physical size wouldn't be bad either and a few mm of less FL would be nice.

Well, the obvious answer would be the DA 15mm ltd - even though it's not that fast - but after the price hikes it's out of my self-made limits (as I posted in another thread it's $800 shipped from the US and $1000 bought locally).

So are there any "sleepers" out there: AF or MF lenses that would have a good IQ and would be relatively cheap, fast and small? I assume the Sigma 10-20mm zoom would be one choice but not really sure how well it fits in (aperture, size etc.)

Any ideas?

01-15-2010, 11:01 AM   #2
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The DA 16-45mm can be bought used for about $250. Considering its stellar reputation and its fairly wide 16mm reach, it seems like this one might be a good option.
01-15-2010, 11:03 AM   #3
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Sigma is a goodd choice if you get good copy. But it's neither faster nor smaller than DA18-55. If you want zoom that is faster, you can forget about going smaller than the kit!
There is DA14/2.8 which is faster and reportedly a good performer, but again not smaller.
Out of legacy glass, I know of K series 15/3.5 and 18/3.5 but both of them are fairly rare and being made of metal they weight a bit. Then there's A15/3.5 which is supposed to be super rare. And host of 20mm but only A and FA being faster at f2.8 and smaller(or the same size) but not really wider. Unfortunately, there isn't many Pentax branded lenses in this area, well not primes anyway. Good luck searching

Peter
01-15-2010, 11:05 AM   #4
emr
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I hadn't thought about that option, but it's true that it goes wider and is f/4. Thanks. EDIT: 16-45mm that is...

01-15-2010, 11:05 AM   #5
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MF Vivitar WA Primes

Read through this: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/34654-vivitar-...placement.html

If 28mm isn't wide enough, Vivitar/Komine/Cosina also made similar 24mm lenses.

I have the 16-45 but often find myself just bringing a MF 24mm and using hyperfocal techniques (f8-f11, preset focus)
01-15-2010, 11:07 AM   #6
emr
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QuoteOriginally posted by axl Quote
Out of legacy glass, I know of K series 15/3.5 and 18/3.5 but both of them are fairly rare and being made of metal they weight a bit. Then there's A15/3.5 which is supposed to be super rare. And host of 20mm but only A and FA being faster at f2.8 and smaller(or the same size) but not really wider.
Thanks. But as you said those lenses seem to be rare nowadays - and I assume not really bargains?
01-15-2010, 11:13 AM   #7
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i agree with Aegon, the 16-45 offers so much for a low price.
and the range is quite useful. i also have the DA 12-24, but still use the 16-45 a lot.
regarding your wishes: it is not small and not fast, but has better iq and it is wider.

01-15-2010, 12:25 PM   #8
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The Sigma mini-wide 28mm f2.8 is out there in both mf and af versions as is its sibling the 24mm f2.8.

If I didn't have the DA 21mm ltd, I'd be tracking down the AF version of the Sigma 24mm. I can't justify the AF sigma just for my MZ-3 since I have the Tamron AD-2 version of the 24mm. That's another mf option. I think the Tamron ad-2 24mm is better than the AD-2 28mm.
01-15-2010, 12:34 PM   #9
emr
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QuoteOriginally posted by PentHassyKon Quote
If 28mm isn't wide enough, Vivitar/Komine/Cosina also made similar 24mm lenses.
I'm afraid neither is wide enough on an APS-C camera. I actually already have a Tamron Adaptall 28mm f/2.5 which might be great - if it was 18mm...
01-15-2010, 12:43 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by emr Quote
I'm afraid neither is wide enough on an APS-C camera. I actually already have a Tamron Adaptall 28mm f/2.5 which might be great - if it was 18mm...
"bargain" becomes subjective and relative for lenses wider than 24mm.
01-15-2010, 12:44 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by emr Quote
I'm afraid neither is wide enough on an APS-C camera. I actually already have a Tamron Adaptall 28mm f/2.5 which might be great - if it was 18mm...
Well, if 24mm isn't wide enough then you're looking for UWA (Ultra Wide Angle).
There is occasionally an M42 20mm. I've got a vivitar M42 20mm/3.8. Only drawback is that it has an 82mm filter thread mount on the front - ginormous!

So..... you'll find that "bargain" becomes a relative term when you're looking for an UWA lens.
edit: looks like Blue and I are on the same brain wavelenghth!

Last edited by PentHassyKon; 01-15-2010 at 12:45 PM. Reason: "bargain" and relative
01-15-2010, 12:46 PM   #12
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16-45

Agreed - the DA 16-45 f/4 is nearly perfect as a budget wide-angle on aps-c.

$200 - $300, very usable at f/4 and 16mm. Stop down to f/5.6 or f/8 and you're getting some incredible contrast and sharpness.

See ----> this thread.


.
01-15-2010, 12:54 PM   #13
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When you find the bargain WA for APS-C, let me know. When I looked for the combination of good, fast, small, and cheap, I came up with the Zenitar 16/2.8 Fisheye. That was before the price went through the roof.

At under $300 the DA 16-45 is probably your best bet.

Steve
01-15-2010, 01:25 PM   #14
emr
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OK, thanks again. I'm just a bit hesitant to buy another Pentax zoom since I already have two v II kit zooms. I could naturally sell one, but I'm much better at buying than selling. Fisheye isn't really what I'm looking for. I'd hate to correct every picture. And I actually already have an 8mm Samyang FE which I bought mainly to shoot the sky (atmospheric phenomena).
01-15-2010, 01:41 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by emr Quote
OK, thanks again. I'm just a bit hesitant to buy another Pentax zoom since I already have two v II kit zooms.
of course in the end it is up to you.
But why do you have 2 Kit zooms?

Just in time with your thread i prepared a thread including Travel-Pics using the DA 16-45, maybe you want to have a look: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/87020-travel-turkey-da-1...tml#post883816
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