Pentax-DA 15mm F4 Limited Review
Specifications
The Pentax 15mm Limited is designed exclusively for digital cameras and only covers the APS-C image circle. It features a built-in lens hood and quick-shift manual focusing, meaning you can make manual focus adjustments at all times. In addition to being multi-coated, the front lens element features Pentax's "Super Protect" coating that protects the glass from dust and scratches. Inside the lens there's one aspherical and one extra-low dispersion element, which help minimize distortion.
The Pentax 15mm employs the traditional Pentax screwdrive focusing mechanism, meaning that this lens will focus on all older Pentax DSLRs.
Below are the official lens specifications:
| Lens Name | SMC PENTAX-DA 1:4 15mm ED AL Limited |
| Optical Formula | 8 elements in 6 groups |
| Image Circle | APS-C Only |
| Field of View | 77° horizontal, 86° diagonal |
| Aperture Range | F4 - F22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 |
| Aperture Ring | N/A |
| Max. Magnification | 0.15x |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.18m |
| Filter Diameter | 49mm |
| Cap | Metal screw-in cap (Catalog #31525) |
| Hood | Built-in, petal-style |
| Case | Leather pouch (Included) |
| Diameter x Length | 63x39.5mm |
| Weight | 212 g |
| Mount Designation | KAF2 |
| Price | Current (US): $549.95 MSRP: $649.95 |
As this is a modern DA-series lens, the last few generations of Pentax DSLRs support in-camera distortion and aberration correction when used with this lens. Later on in the review we'll show you what kind of difference lens correction makes (but be advised- it also reduces your camera's framerate and adds noticeable processing time when enabled).
What's in the Box
In the box there are no surprises: you'll find the lens, the corresponding cap, a leather pouch, warranty paperwork, and the lens manual. If you're lucky, you might also get a slip of paper which states that "Hoya Pentax" has been renamed to "Pentax Ricoh".
The small, fancy box alone makes the lens look tempting.
