Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 
Log in or register to remove ads.

Pentax Lens Review Database » Digital Era Pentax K-Mount Lenses » DA Prime Lenses
SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited Review RSS Feed

SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited

Sharpness 
 8.8
Aberrations 
 8.6
Bokeh 
 8.4
Autofocus 
 9.4
Handling 
 9.4
Value 
 8.7
Reviews Views Date of last review
96 382,563 Sat February 10, 2024
spacer
Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
95% of reviewers $404.17 9.11
SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited

SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited
supersize
SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited
supersize
SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited
supersize

Description:
The SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited is a compact "pancake" lens designed for use on Pentax DSLR's only.

SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Image Format
APS-C
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Aperture Ring
No
Diaphragm
Automatic, 7 blades
Optics
8 elements, 5 groups
Mount Variant
KAF
Check camera compatibility
Max. Aperture
F3.2
Min. Aperture
F22
Focusing
AF (screwdrive)
Quick-shift
Yes
Min. Focus
20 cm
Max. Magnification
0.17x
Filter Size
49 mm
Internal Focus
No
Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.)

APS-C: 68 ° / 59 °
Hood
MH-RBA 43mm
Case
Dedicated pouch
Lens Cap
Dedicated metal push-on
Coating
SMC,SP
Weather Sealing
No
Other Features
Diam x Length
63 x 25 mm (2.5 x 1 in.)
Weight
140 g (4.9 oz.)
w/ Hood: +15g
Production Years
2006 to 2013
Engraved Name
smc PENTAX-DA 1:3.2 21mm AL Limited
Product Code
21590 (black)
Reviews
User reviews
In-depth review
Unofficial Full-Frame Compatibility Tests by Pentax Forums
☆☆☆ No coverage at any setting
Show details
Notes
The filter thread on the lens is 49 mm. The dedicated hood which screws into the filter thread has a 43 mm filter thread.
One aspherical element.
Variants

Black and silver

Features:
Screwdrive AutofocusQuick ShiftAutomatic ApertureAPS-C Digital OnlyDiscontinued
Purchase: Buy the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited
In-Depth Review: Read our SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited in-depth review!
Sample Photos: View Sample Photos
Price History:



Add Review of SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited Buy the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited
Author:
Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 31-45 of 96
New Member

Registered: July, 2009
Location: Denver, Colorado
Posts: 13

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: August 5, 2009 Recommended | Price: $426.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: size, focus speed, build quality
Cons: can't use filter and hood at the same time

At the time of my purchase, I had a 50mm 1.4 prime in my bag, and desperately wanted something other than a bulky zoom lens for use as a quick, and relatively wide lens. The 21mm was very good to me, and became my primary lens (i never use the 50mm). It handles well, the focus ring is placed just right, and it's as good at night as it is in the day.

It's not as sharp as the FA35 that I thought would fill the gap between the 21mm and 50mm, but it focuses faster than the 35 and the 50, while producing good images. Focus speed is important to me. It's colors were nearly always spot on as well.

One of my favorite aspects of the lens though is how compact it is. Everywhere I went, the 21mm went with me, and did not stand out at all. Coupled with my K200d, this combo looked like an advanced point and shoot. It's portability allowed me to take quick, off-the-hip shots, something no zoom can do.

I regrettably sold off all my primes in order to fund the purchase of the DA* 16-50. The source of the regret was because of how poorly my time with the DA 16-50 has gone. My plan now is to purchase a zoom to complement my new-to-me F 28mm. Maybe a 16-45. Either way, i never knew how good I had it with all my primes, and in particular, my 21mm. HIGHLY recommended.
   
Forum Member

Registered: September, 2021
Posts: 62

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: February 10, 2024 Recommended | Price: $120.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Size, built quality, lens hood, focal length
Cons: Sharpness outside of the center, sharpness in general

Like many users said before, the size is just awesome and the lens hood is something I like a lot.

The focal length is perfect for a lot of purposes.

But one thing to notice is, that this lens does produce horrible images if it has not been stopped down to at least F8 !!

Purple areas are simply dramatic of not stopped down, as well as a significant lack of sharpness in the corners.

If there is enough light, or you are using a tripod so that stopping down is possible, it produces really nice pictures.

Just don't buy this lens if shooting wide open is something you need :-)
   
New Member

Registered: April, 2019
Posts: 5

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: May 28, 2023 Recommended | Price: $260.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Colour & contrast
Cons: Bit soft at the edges.. but not by much
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 7    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 10    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K3   

This is my most used lens for walking about. Love the images it produces, great colour and contrast. Lightweight and compact. Sharp and focus is good.
Anyway not much of a lens reviewer... here's some images taken on a recent walkabout.
You can make your own mind up - all SOOC jpegs.

   
New Member

Registered: September, 2016
Posts: 8

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: February 2, 2021 Recommended | Price: $470.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: my standard–go to lens since 2007
Cons: none
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 8    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-10 through K-1   

I bought this lens for my first digital K-10 Pentax in 2007 and it has been my primary go-to lens through a succession of Pentax bodies, through the K-20d, K-5, K-3, K-1, and K-70 and, although I have added other limited primes since then, it is still my favorite.

FWIW, I almost always default to an f/8 aperture priority. Had to have it repaired locally for loose screws, but been great since. Given the opportunity, I might someday update to the newer version (red band, versus the green band). And waiting to see what the 21mm full-frame will be (and cost).

For many examples, see: https://originalrefrigeratorart.blogspot.com and https://ora2.blogspot.com
   
Senior Member

Registered: June, 2018
Posts: 131

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: January 5, 2020 Recommended | Price: $220.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Small, lovely colours
Cons: Could be faster, but I wouldn't want it any heavier
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K50, K3ii   

As others have said, an excellent walk-around focal length. Colours (especially blues) are beautiful. Centre sharpness is very good from f4. Floaty light, lovely to use. Out of focus areas look very natural. Would replace immediately if I lost it.



   
Forum Member

Registered: December, 2011
Location: Somewhere in Northern NJ, USA
Posts: 74

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: September 2, 2019 Recommended | Price: $200.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: great viewing angle, fast focus in low light esp. with K-70, compact design
Cons:
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 8    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-70   

I primarily bought this as a lens to take with me for low light street shooting. Will try it soon with a bounce flash, and daylight stuff.

I'm pleased with the results thus far. Definitely worth the money to add to one's Pentax lens collection.
   
Senior Member

Registered: April, 2011
Location: LODINGEN, Northern Norway
Posts: 275

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: May 6, 2015 Recommended | Price: $714.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Small, Color rendering, focal length
Cons: A bit soft on the borders
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K5 and K3   



Its small, and light
Funny shade
Fantastic color rendering
Almost perfect for street photo


   
Site Supporter

Registered: November, 2010
Location: California
Posts: 2,223

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: December 21, 2014 Recommended | Price: $400.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Small, compact, Pentax colors, no noticeable distortion, walk lens
Cons: not so fast, but who cares
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-3   

Excellent lens, no distortion, great colors and compact enough to walk with it around.

Pentax DA 21mm f3.2 - Palmeras en la Playa-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr

Pentax DA 21mm f3.2 by Palenquero, on Flickr


x21mmf3.2-Laguna-8-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr

x21mmf3.2-Laguna-7-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr


x21mmf3.2-Laguna-4-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
   
Senior Member

Registered: December, 2012
Posts: 135

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: May 26, 2014 Recommended | Price: $470.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Small, light, built quality
Cons: Average IQ, soft corners, some CA, pronounced geometric distortion, noisy AF, "slow" max aperture, focus ring turns on AF
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 8    Value: 6    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: Pentax k-5II   

This lens is light, small and very well built.

In my view it would make a very good street/travel photography lens if it weren't for the overly wide field of view.

Image quality was a bit of a disapointment (soft corners, some chromatic aberration, pronounced geometric distortion, vignetting wide open).
Focus ring shouldn't turn on AF mode…and they could perfectly have made it wider for easier handling when focusing manually, or added a finger tab ŕ la Leica.

Expensive.
   
New Member

Registered: July, 2011
Posts: 8

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: April 10, 2014 Recommended | Price: $320.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Color, size
Cons: working with filters and the lens hood combined
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 10    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K5   

Quite simply an excellent lens for street photography, but also for landscapes (although there I might prefer the 15mm). The quality is up to the limited standard, and this lens is very compact and light. It's size makes it an excellent compagnon in the town or on a hike.
The screw drive autofocus is slower than some SDM systems, but reliable and the quick shift is ideal. 3.2 is not very fast, but who needs speed (or a very wide bokeh) from a 21 mm lens.

I will not comment on the field of view: 21mm is 21mm. How does Pentax gets the limited to get so color-rich images - I almost get suspicious that they have a hidden setting somewhere in the camera...

Edit/addtition. I lived for two month in another place and obviously took my K5, but in the plane the gear was limited. I brought my DA 18-250, DA 35 2.4 and M 50 1.7. Of the number of other lenses I own, here was one lens I missed: my 21 limited....
   
New Member

Registered: March, 2014
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Posts: 13

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: April 7, 2014 Recommended | Price: $500.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: close focus distance, sharpness, colour rendition
Cons: none
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K-5 II   

This is among my very favourite of the Pentax Limited lenses. It is small, light, discrete and versatile--a perfect walk around lens. It is a handsome looking lens and the lens hood does a great job of protecting the lens itself. Because it stays firmly in place the hood really eliminates the need to use a protective UV filter. The sharpness and colour rendition are spot on. Photos look great straight out of the camera.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/jengel-aiello/10469614523/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jengel-aiello/8803323049/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jengel-aiello/8442410229/
   
Veteran Member

Registered: September, 2013
Location: Sydney
Posts: 844

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: September 8, 2013 Recommended | Price: $439.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Great image quality.
Cons: Takes some getting used to. Not so great in low light.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 8    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-x   

This lens is a bit of an odd ball. This was my second limited (after the 40mm), and initially I was a little underwhelmed (I'd been spoilt by the 40mm I think!). With the 40mm, almost every shot you take gives you an immediate 'wow' factor, and initially I didn't get that same feeling with this lens. Shots felt a bit flat, and a little bland. As a landscape lens, I actually find it a bit disappointing (although I've not tried it myself, it does sound as though the 15mm would be better for that purpose).

After forcing myself to get to know the lens better, I finally figured out how to get the best from it. It's not an all-rounder like the DA40, but once you discover it's strengths and weaknesses, you'll find that the focal length can add more 'drama' to your shots than is possible with the DA40 (one of the reasons why the 21mm is now my most used lens). At f3.2, it does struggle a little bit in low light (you wouldn't want it for evening shots of friends), although tripod shots at night are fantastic! I find it's best used for 'street shots with a subject'.

If the focal length is right for you, and you're willing to invest some time getting to know it, then it is a great lens. I think it's a fantastic lens, but I would perfectly understand someone who said it's not for them. My advice would be to try before you buy!
   
New Member

Registered: May, 2011
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 15

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: October 27, 2012 Recommended | Price: $600.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Optics, Size
Cons: Distortion
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 7    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-01   

Solid wide-angle lens - I picked it up as a companion to my 40 XS and DA 70 Limteds and it has served its role very well. Others have complained that the lens is a little slow, but I've never found that to be an issue, especially on newer bodies with higher ISO capabilities.

I do, however find the distortion to be a little much at times, and it does take a little getting used to.

That said, this is a great walk around lens, and it definitely has its uses. It is a very useful focal length, especially on APS-C sensors, and Pentax's implementation is quite good.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: July, 2007
Location: North West UK
Posts: 390

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: April 3, 2012 Recommended | Price: $300.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Size, Build, sharpness.
Cons: Slight pincushioning, slight CA, can't use hood with poloriser.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-5   

One of a pair of Limiteds I have recently bought, the other was the 40mm. Both are my first ownership of Limiteds.
To be honest, I can't believe it has taken this long to indulge in some Limited lenses.

So, what do I think? Well I love the build, the size, and even more, the sharpness. This lens is something special.
Lets mention the Build. Well metal bodied (like K and M lenses of yesteryear) so it is a tactile delight. The focus ring is beautifully damped and smooth, you just want to keep turning it.
So the size. Well it is tiny, but not small enough to be useless. On the contrary, it is a nice discreet lens that people won't notice.
Sharpness? One thing I can say is yes. This lens is sharp!
Dedicated hood. Great, nice thinking Pentax, a small hood that works. Only downside is that you can't use it with a poloriser.
Oh and yes, as with all Limiteds (save the 40mm) you get a velvet lined cap. How luxurious is that? Wonderful!

Downsides (and they are minor)
The hood, as mentioned above
There is a slight pincushion in the images. I did'nt notice until I processed through LR3, and then it was "oh gosh there IS pincushion" Still, throw it through software and what is there can be easily corrected.
There CA, but again it is only in extremis, and again Software will rid it.

Overall.
Yes, it is "only" F3.2, but in reality that is not a problem, this lens is small and you are more than likely use it at its sweet spot of F8-F11 anyway, especially for landscapes and cityscapes (remember it is a wide lens and at these apertures most things will be in focus anyway - well for panoramas)

Conclusion
A lens that clearly matches the old legends, and if you get this the 15mm, 35mm and 40mm Limiteds, you will never want to use a zoom again.


MediaCityUK by IHD Photography, on Flickr
   
Veteran Member

Registered: October, 2010
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 327

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: March 20, 2012 Recommended | Price: $400.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: size, versatile FL, colours, great walkabout prime lens especially for street shooters
Cons: only f3.2, a little distortion evident, lens cap
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 7    New or Used: New   

if you're looking for a small prime setup, this is a must have lens

great colours, and a very versatile focal length for street shooting, as well as the tiny size

i have moved on to the fa31 but would say that this lens is more of a specialty lens for those who want a small size walkabout lens and not obsessed with "bokeh"

there's a little distortion evident but not noticable in most of the photos ive done with it

highly recommended for street shooters who want a compact setup and dont mind slower speed
Add Review of SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited Buy the SMC Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:29 PM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top