| Author: | | Pentaxian Registered: January, 2012 Location: Tokyo Posts: 2,821
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 16, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Build quality, built-in hood, generally good image quality, close focusing ability | | Cons: | Screw-on lens cap, soft image quality at the edges | | Sharpness: 6
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 7
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-5 IIs, K-01, K-3 III
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I think of all the Limited lenses I own, this is the one I get along with least. A lot of that is subjective, because I'm just not skilled at making good compositions with ultra wide angles, but I think there are some objective reasons as well.
As with all of the Limited lenses, this one has a nice compact design. I don't hesitate to bring out with me in case I see the opportunity to take a wide shot. The integrated slide-out lens hood is convenient, but then all that convenience is tossed aside by the fiddly nature of the screw-in lens cap. This takes so much more time and hand coordination than a pull-off or pinch lens cap that it actually dissuades me from using the lens sometimes.
One other thing that stops me from using this lens is that I have a GR III and a DA10-17 FE, so there is some competition that I often find more practical or fun to use.
I also find that this lens has a bit of a magenta tint to the images. This is not difficult to fix, but I just have to treat images taken with it a bit differently to other Pentax lenses, both newer and older. I wish I'd got the SMC version to keep a consistent look with the other SMC limiteds. I wonder if this is a characteristic of the earliest "HD" lenses, because I have newer HD lenses that don't seem to do the same thing.
However, there are a lot of good things about this lens too. The close-up ability is impressive. I have taken some images I really like (mainly landscape) when I can get the composition right. Also, it takes me out of my comfort zone, looking for reflections and foreground items to create interest.
 | | | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: May, 2015 Posts: 3,306
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 2, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $619.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | size, rendering, flare resistance | | Cons: | unsharp edges regardless of stopping down | | Sharpness: 6
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 7
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-5 and K-3 II
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A really great compact lens for reportage and environmental portraits. It's incredible contrasty and delivers punchy images. The tiny size makes it effortless to bring along. Close up photographs of objects render really well with great depth.
The lens works best when the subject is in the central part of the frame and the edges are there for context only. For many this will be the primary use case for a wide angle lens.
The main weakness of the lens is the soft mushy edges that stay mushy as you stop down. This makes the lens less suitable for descriptive architecture shots and landscape images where there is detail and interest across the frame.
I have given an average sharpness score because it is razor sharp in the center but soft at the edges.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: February, 2009 Posts: 876
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 16, 2014 | Not Recommended
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Great center sharpness, build quality, quick-shift, & the way it feels in your hand | | Cons: | Corner Sharpness | | Sharpness: 6
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 6
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K5 IIs
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It was apparent during the short time I owned my copy of this highly regarded lens that it has many positive attributes, but if you, like I, primarily intend to shoot landscapes, are looking for sharpness across the frame, or intend to make large prints, I would look elsewhere.
I think the pros and cons I've listed above pretty much explains the low ratings I've given this lens (all things considered, I feel I've honestly been pretty generous, considering it has no use to me whatsoever). If its corner sharpness was on par with its center sharpness this would be a must own; maybe even the lens to own. Unfortunately it's nowhere close, not even stopped down, in my experience.
My advice to those considering purchasing one: research it, don't look at tiny pics online and get your hopes up too high. It might fit your needs, it might not.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: February, 2021 Posts: 119
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 10, 2022 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Compact, center sharpness, close focusing | | Cons: | Built in Hood Dings easily, soft corners wide open | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 7
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: KP
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An awesome 21mm FF equivalent on APS-C, I paired mine with the KP, and it was the first Pentax Da Limited piece of glass I ever bought. Personally it made for a great compact landscape lens in a small package with a small front element that's typically not found in wider aperture lenses of the same focal length. My only complaint is the built in hood, is very susceptible to being dented and scratched when I was hiking with it, and typically the corners were very soft at wide open at F5.6 & below. I was able to throw this in my flight bag as a traveling A/C mechanic at my old job, with the 55-300PLM, 18-135, and 40 Limited to make an awesome compact all around travel kit.
 | | | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: April, 2021 Location: Arlon, Belgium Posts: 100 | | Review Date: May 16, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $300.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | very sharp | | Cons: | auto-focus bug | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 6
Autofocus: 6
Handling: 9
Value: 6
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K3II
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I love this lens, but i bought it too late because i didn't have it yet when i was in New Zealand , and i really needed it for those fabulous landscapes and montains , i regret it so much !!!
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: July, 2016 Location: Alps Posts: 35
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 29, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $465.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | limited handling, rendition | | Cons: | corners/borders not sharp, screw cap | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 8
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-3 II
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Awesome handling and great overall rendition, colors and contrast.
IQ is great in the center, not that much in corners/borders - understandable for a small and lightweight ultra wide.
Screw cap use is not that great - not a major issue.
Good lens that does not control my mind as some others  | | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2014 Location: Montreal Posts: 16
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 5, 2014 | Recommended
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Rectilinear wide angle | | Cons: | a bit soft on the edges | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-3
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I already have a the 10-17 fish eye and wanted something not as wide and producing less deformation (which isn't difficult). I'm very happy with the DA 15. It's a pleasure to use and the fact that it is so compact means I don't have to compromise and take out another lens from my bag to make room for it.
I find that 15mm is probably as wide as you can get without getting unnaturally wide.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: December, 2013 Posts: 796
5 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 15, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $430.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Small, sharp | | Cons: | No starbursts, filter thread behind retracted hood | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 7
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 7
Value: 8
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: KP, K-30
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This is an excelent wide angle lens, sharp and well corrected. The main advantage is it always fits in my bag. Perfectly complements the FA31, FA43, FA77 set or the DA18-135. I have only two problems with the lens. The first is the filter thread which is behind the retracted hood, so I can't use step up rings or a conventional lens cap. The other is the speed of the lens. F4 is slower than F2.8 on the DA*16-50 or F3.5 on the DA16-85. Altough the distorsion of the DA*16-50 is much worse than the distorsion of DA15 Ltd. I think the sharpness is good from corner to corner, but I think I never used the lens wide open after the testshots (there is the Da*16-50 for dark situations).
Sometimes I miss the sturbursts, which I see with the older not HD version.
Here are some examples:
 IMG171104_0007 by Benjámin Czétényi, on Flickr
 IMG171229_0002 by Benjámin Czétényi, on Flickr
 IMG171229_0004 by Benjámin Czétényi, on Flickr
 IMG180331_0065 by Benjámin Czétényi, on Flickr
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: February, 2018 Location: Hérouville Saint Clair, Normandy, France Posts: 143
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 15, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $549.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Compact, sharp, light, well built | | Cons: | Not WR | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 7
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: KP
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Almost perfect.
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2016 Location: Sydney Posts: 6
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 3, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $496.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | size, wide angle, sharpness, solid build | | Cons: | screw on cap, small-hard to grab | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 6
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 6
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: k-50
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nNeTXMP6Sk | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: February, 2015 Posts: 12,253
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 6, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Size, focal lenght, build quality, rendering | | Cons: | field curvature, price | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-5 / K-3
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Great little add-on lens to have for use indoors where field curvature may even help to get sharper edge than with the flat field lens. It's my preferred lens for indoor architectural photographs. I wouldn't recommend this lens for landscapes, there are better alternatives, either use another wide angle third party lens or the highly rated Pentax DA 12-24.
DA 15 Ltd
> Pros:
- small size
- great metal build quality
- color rendering
- center sharpness
> Cons:
- field curvature when used for lansdcapes/cityscapes, even stopped down to f11 or more
- a bit expensive for being f/4 and not full frame usable
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: July, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 97
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 28, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $496.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | IQ, vivid color (polarized skies w/o polarizer), build quality, hood | | Cons: | wide open is F4 | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 7
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-30, K-x
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I can't complain at all. Even the F4-wide open is fine for the types of wide-angle shots one will use this lens for. I was most struck by the rich, dark blue skies and color I get with it (vs. my other limiteds which are all SMC-coated). I wouldn't use a CPL polarizer on such a wide-angle lens due to the gradient effect, but with THIS lens, I get dark blue skies WITHOUT one! Only thing I'd be hesitant to do with it is make large, blown up landscape posters with it, since the sharpness in the corners falls to just above "kit-quality", but only if blown up 1-1. This is most likely a tradeoff for such a wide-angle in such a compact lens. If doing that, I'd use the 21mm pancake and step back a bit. Also, hide your beautiful cap away for safekeeping and get yourself a cheap snap-on one and USE it if you plan to carry it around in your pocket (the front element is large and exposed to scratching). The hood slides perfectly, not too tight or loose and remains where you put it, so you don't need to used the included cap with a lip, you just have to REMEMBER to extend the hood! Here's my full, detailed review and images: If you love your other pancake limiteds, you'll love this one too. If forced to choose between this and the 21mm, get this one and crop, except as I explained above!
https://wildstar84.wordpress.com/2015/02/27/hd-pentax-da-15mm-f4-ed-al-limited-lens-review/ | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: August, 2012 Location: Queensland Posts: 4,299 | | Review Date: October 30, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $660.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Beautiful build | | Cons: | Limited lenses are expensive. | | Sharpness: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K5
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There are enough comments on the photographic aspects of this lens, and I haven't enough experience to add anything useful in that regard, especially since it had had a full review on this Forum. I have the silver HD version.
I will say one thing, where I disagree with many others; that is in regards to the lens cap and the lens hood. I love the lens cap and the way it fits. The quality just oozes from the construction and fit. The lens hood is very convenient, one just has to pull it out if one needs it. This lens, like the other Limiteds is a pleasure to own, and so far has worked well for me. For those who find fault, mostly pertaining to edge sharpness, perhaps a little context is in order. After all, this is a wide angle lens, and certain allowances for flatness of field should be considered. Otherwise stick with the normal macro 35mm/f2.8 (perhaps my favourite Limited)
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2014 Location: Paris Posts: 1,939 | | Review Date: October 23, 2014 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | IQ, small, wide, lack of distortion | | Cons: | not full frame ? | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K5 IIs
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Detail review will be updated with photos soon !
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: July, 2008 Posts: 154
4 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 10, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $820.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Short focussing distance, no flare, barely any CA, lightweight | | Cons: | the metal lenscover (see review), sharpness in the corners | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: Pentax K-5 and K-5 II
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I am a wildlife photographer and I was searching for something different to add to my lens lineup. I bought this lens because I wanted a wide angle lens with short focussing distance. I wanted to make close-up wide angle photos. After using it for six months I can tell you that this lens does what I wanted to do!
This lens is extremely good in backlight situations. When you photograph into the sun there is no flare and barely any chromatic aberrations. Another advantage is that this lens is lightweight and easy to cary with you.
There are downsides. The corner sharpness is not great, but most of the time the subject is not there. So you will have unsharp bokkeh.
The lenscover is made of metal. I have the black version and I bought it brand new. There are already a lot of scratches on it. I know it is just cosmetically, but it annoys me. I also do not like it that the lenscover is a screw on. It takes too long to screw it of and screw it back on.
Should you buy it? Yes, if you want to make close-up (or macro-ish) wide angle shots, landscape shots, or travel photography (people in a landscape or in front of an touristic attraction).
Samples:
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