| Author: | | Pentaxian Registered: May, 2016 Posts: 3,725
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 31, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | image quality, small, build quality, built-in lens hood | | Cons: | coma, screw-in cap | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-3 II
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With such a wide angle, it can be used for street photo without the viewfinder, at most you'll need to crop the result a little. As with other limited primes, the build quality, colors and contrast are great! I find sharpness to be perfectly fine, but I guess the edges are a little softer than the center wide open. I don't know what to think about the cap... it feels nice and I use it, but I wish it was push-in like on the 70mm.
edit: updated the aberrations rating to account for the coma it shows at max aperture. Does it matter? No, not really, I only noticed after starting to use it indoors and at night. Anything less than f/4 reduces the issue almost entirely so I am not changing the overall rating.
| | | | | | | 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 | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2013 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 1,126
5 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 19, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $359.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | color, contrast, sharpness, field curvature useful for many subjects, work against bright light, size, build quality | | Cons: | screw drive focus | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: k-3
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Lives up to the hype. Colors, contrast are visibly better than good zooms, and even better than primes like DA50mm F1.8.
I find the field curvature to be a positive feature, not a fault. On the contrary - I find it very useful.
I found it quite fun to work with the field curvature of this lens, it makes me think more about the composition and how can I utilize my equipment. I found it be a fun exercise and I think it makes me a better photographer.
Field curvature can, for example:
- help getting both the background and the horizon in focus, when the lens is pointed down.
- help a group of people stay sharp at low F-stop, if they stand in a semicircle
- give an extra depth to the picture
This lens is a solid ten, don't have any second thoughts about buying it.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: February, 2015 Posts: 12,232
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
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: June, 2013 Posts: 1,458
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 4, 2015 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Color rendition, build, lack of distortion | | Cons: | could be faster | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: k-3
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I decided t add this review after being so impressed by a commonly overlooked aspect of this lens...the color rendition....For me, it is far superior to even my fa primes, which was a completely unexpected surprise when I first started shooting with this lens.....Actually this lens has surprised me on many levels. The virtual lack of distortion, the clarity(after reading other reviews), and its ability to focus quickly and accurately at close range for a wide angle....I love this lens and find the wide angle to be surprisingly playful and very useful.....I am enclosing a photo to show the color rendition, with no added vibrancy or saturation in post...I hope the coming Pentax FF will have adaptability to these DA lenses....would love to see how this rolls as a true 15mm on the FF | | | | | 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/ | | | | | Forum Member Registered: December, 2009 Posts: 94
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 12, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | IQ, contrast, rendering | | Cons: | small aperture | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 7
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-m
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First I would just like to suggest that the negative reviews found here are probably due to front- or back focusing or other issues such as decentering. My copy is flawless and incredibly sharp.
Best is to close it down to f/8 or f/11.
To me this lens shines most with respect to rendering, contrast, microcontrast and an extraordinary ability to reproduce highlights as well as low lights. The example below tries to illustrate this.
 | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: August, 2011 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 328
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 28, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $430.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Size, build, image quality, autofocus | | Cons: | a bit soft corners, but not really noticeable in practice | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-3
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This is my first Limited lens and I am impressed with how well built it is. Every bit the equal of old SMC lenses. The images are quite good so far and I love the size. I sold my Tamron 10-24 because it was just too big and I prefer primes where possible. I already had one of the wonderful Pentax FA 20-35 lenses and wanted something wider. After experiencing my first Limited, I have just ordered a DA 70 . The rest of my Pentax kit is a 50 1.4 SMC-A, 50 Macro SMC-A, and a Tamron AF 28-75. I have never cared for long lenses, having used Leica rangefinders primarily. The 15 fits very well and is so small that you can always have it with you. It makes my K-3 feel so nice in my hand. Reminds me of a Leitz Super-Angulon without the corner vignetting and better color.
Here are two images I made yesterday evening with the 15
 
This second photo could have benefited from having a level camera. Pointed a bit down makes the building tops wider than their base.
| | | | | 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.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: August, 2012 Location: Queensland Posts: 4,294 | | 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:
 | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: November, 2010 Location: San Rafael, CA Posts: 806 | | Review Date: September 29, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $566.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, compact | | Cons: | None | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-5 IIs
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This is my first HD lens, and I have to say I am extremely pleased. And it's a Limited, so the build quality is excellent. I'd researched the heck out of this lens, so I had pretty high expectations, and this lens easily exceeded them. Just a joy to use. And sharp. The autofocus is very good, though I do use manual focus more often, just my habit. I bought this lens to be my new daily driver, replaces my DA16-50mm which I love. But I think I love this lens more. My only wish is that it was weather resistant.
Still getting used to this lens but I already know it's going to be on my camera for long long time.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: February, 2009 Location: egypt Posts: 435
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 4, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | sharp.compact.flare killer! | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: k3
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I used both SMC and HD version.
the HD one is more flare controlled.
you can get starburst at f4 . it is VERY clear.
I like mine and happy da15 HD user!
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: April, 2013 Location: Northern Minnesota Posts: 1,812 | | Review Date: November 18, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $749.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharpness | | Cons: | Maybe slow | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: Pentax K-30
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Just got it! Without doubt the best lens this novice DSLR shooter has used. On landscapes at f22 you can enlarge and crop forever without losing sharpness. Shots into a rising sun have no flare and even shadow areas are sharp. I have no experience with the earlier 15mm Limited, but the one I have is great. The bokeh is very nice when wide open. Sharpness is also great wide open.
I also shoot the 18-135 and the 55-300. The 15mm is incredible compared to those lenses. Kit lensm18-55 is a poor third place.
The 15mm Limited has given me Lens Lust. Which lens should be next?
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