HD Pentax-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR

Conclusion

Most of the time during our tests, we were impressed by the Pentax D FA 15-30mm F2.8.  It certainly belongs right alongside the K-1 full frame camera, the Pentax-D FA 24-70mm F2.8 and D FA* 70-200mm F2.8.

The three aforementioned lenses constitute the spearhead of Pentax's full frame lenses lineup, for the moment at least. Considering that full frame appeals to enthusiasts and professionals, a group of fast zooms is mandatory. Pentax's lenses offer WR, fast and silent focusing, excellent optical performances. They also cover fully the range from 15mm to 200mm, all at F2.8, with minimal overlap.

The 15-30mm is extremely well built. Its exterior matches that of other recent Pentax zooms. Apart from a small cut-out where Tamron versions of the lens give access to image stabilization controls, nothing indicates that this is not a Pentax design. The huge front element is well protected by a large hood and even larger cap. The rings operate well and are easy to find, although their moment could be smoother.

Focusing is both fast and reliable. The lens is in the same league as the 24-70mm and 70-200mm, which is to say among the fastest currently available on K-mount. It performs better when using the viewfinder instead of live view.

At all focal lengths, center sharpness is excellent. The edges are above expectations, especially at 15mm. Corners are not quite as good wide open, but perfectly usable. The resolution figures are better than what we would have expected. This is a lens designed cleverly, with a lot of thought given to the intended use cases.

Colors are in phase with other Pentax products. The lens comes equipped with the company's proprietary coatings, including Super Protect which performs as well on the 15-30mm as it does on "pure Pentax" lenses. Bokeh is surprisingly good for such a wide lens. The fast aperture means that it is possible to separate the subject from the background. The close focusing capabilities also come in handy.

Aberrations are well controlled in general. Flare and ghosting can occur if you push the lens, but in general use it will be hard to notice. Chromatic aberration is non-existent.

Vignetting and distortion are the two main optical flaws of the lens. With such a wide, fast lens, this is not a surprise. Both can easily be corrected in-camera or via software. Only distortion at 15mm is not fully corrected in-camera.

The lens is large, very much so. This cannot be avoided given its optical characteristics, but must absolutely be understood and accepted before deciding on a purchase. Its maximum diameter is larger than that of the 70-200mm, and it is about three quarters of the latter's length. It is heavier than the 24-70mm, and two thirds of the weight of the 70-200mm. Luckily it handles well.

In the 24-70mm review, we agreed that the omission of the star moniker made sense. With the 15-30mm, this is harder to argue. The only real optical flaws are, to some extent, unavoidable for an ultra-wide zoom. Globally, this lens offers superb performances and a high level of reliability. 

Pros

• Very good build quality, near star level
• AF both fast and reliable
• No chromatic aberrations to speak of
• Flare generally well controlled
• High resolution at all focal lengths in the center and at longer focal lengths on the edges
• Pleasing bokeh
• Fast aperture

Cons

• Large and heavy
• No filter thread
• Occasional ghosting
• Strong vignetting (can be corrected in-camera or via software)
• Strong distortion at 15mm not fully corrected in-camera

Rating

Who is it For

The HD Pentax-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 is a reliable lens well adapted for landscapes, cityscapes, architecture. It is also ideal for indoor photography in small spaces, such as real estate. Its expensive price matches its performances but can put off beginners with a tighter budget. As such, it is a better choice for enthusiasts and professionals.

Pricing

Since its launch in 2016, this lens has maintained a mostly constant price of approximately $1449.95 in the US. The lowest price recorded was $1246.95.

This pricing policy is typical of Pentax full-frame lenses and ultimately lets users buy with more confidence.

The Bottom Line

The HD D FA 15-30mm F2.8 is large, heavy and expensive. It is also an optically stellar lens, with a high level of sharpness, good control over aberrations and flare, pleasing bokeh and few optical flaws. Its ultra wide angle, coupled with its fast aperture, great build quality, fast AF and WR make it a compelling product that we do not hesitate to recommend.  Current alternatives to this lens are limited to manual lenses or longer focal lengths, so it's a no-brainer if you need a quality ultra-wide zoom.

The lens can be purchased at authorized dealers worldwide, including B&H Photo— the largest Pentax dealer in the US.  Also, be sure to check the user reviews or post your own if you already own this lens.