So... where is the DA wide angle lens?: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

Started Jan 23, 2017 | Discussions

A Schamber • Senior Member • Posts: 1,068

So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

Jan 23, 2017

I know I've been away from the forum for way too long. Good ol' days in 2009.

Nevertheless, I am a former Pentax photojournalist. Yep, weird. I worked for two papers (and also did other disgusting work, like marriages and other puky stuff that I hated, but payed the bills) until I decided that it was fine for a hobby. In the meantime, my gear was stolen, with a K-7, K-r (now I can't remember if it was a K-r o a K-x), one AF-540 flash, a DA*16-50 and a DA*50-135. As I am from Argentina, it was quite a rare setup, but finding it was impossible.

Long story short, I am back, but as a hobby, mostly. Bought a K-3 II with a 16-85 and a DA 50 mm, and I never sold the two AF 540s that were left behind by the robbers.

I am planning on a tele photo, and it is tough, but I'd probably go with the DA*60-250 because of the range and price point. But hey... where the heck is a wide angle? I remember talks of a wide angle DA* lens in the work in 2010! 7 years later, we are still stuck with the very same DA 12-24. Even, while being inside Hoya, there were talks of a rebranded 11-16mm F2.8 (and having used it for the Nikon mount, I'd be happy with it).

What are you guys using? Is the Sigma 8-16 the only viable option?

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Alan Schamber
Progress is not possible without deviation from the norm - Frank Zappa

Pentax 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 WR Pentax K-3 II Pentax K-7 Pentax K-r

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Lyff • Regular Member • Posts: 437

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to A Schamber • Jan 23, 2017

I use the sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 while waiting for a f2.8 replacement. A new lense or a rebadge of the tokina 11-20 would be a welcome addition to the f/2.8 apsc zooms (but NOT at 700€ like the Pentax 12-24).

The latest sigma 10-20 f/3.5 is the fastest UWA zoom available for Pentax, it isn't much slower than the tokina (and IBIS make wonders) and can be an alternative.

Lyff's gear list:Lyff's gear list

Sony RX100 IV Pentax K-3 II Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM Pentax smc DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED +3 more

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Mike Arledge • Senior Member • Posts: 2,465

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to A Schamber • Jan 23, 2017

Here are some shots I just posted with the Sigma 10-20 3.5 EX

Mike Arledge's gear list:Mike Arledge's gear list

Nikon Z5 Nikon Z fc Sony a7 IV Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM Sigma 28mm F1.4 DG HSM +5 more

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MightyMike • Forum Pro • Posts: 41,691

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to A Schamber • Jan 23, 2017

The Sigma 8-16 is a great lens, i sold mine after going FF though

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Mike from Canada
"I am not a great photographer! God is a great creator! All I do is capture His creation with the tools He has provided me."
'I like to think so far outside the box that it would require a telephoto lens just to see the box!' ~ 'My Quote :)'
http://www.michaelfastphotography.com/galleries/VP-BDI_3a.jpg
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Mike Hiran • Senior Member • Posts: 1,253

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to MightyMike • Jan 23, 2017

agreed, the 8-16 os probably the best aps-c option for Pentax. Even though I have the k1, I have kept the 8-16 for the times when I want to travel a little lighter.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/55038128@N00/sets/72157608347425374/

Mike Hiran's gear list:Mike Hiran's gear list

Ricoh GR III Pentax K-7 Pentax Q7 Pentax K-3 Pentax K-1 +24 more

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Priscilla Turner • Senior Member • Posts: 1,957

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to Lyff • Jan 23, 2017

Lyff wrote:

I use the sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 while waiting for a f2.8 replacement. A new lense or a rebadge of the tokina 11-20 would be a welcome addition to the f/2.8 apsc zooms (but NOT at 700€ like the Pentax 12-24).

The latest sigma 10-20 f/3.5 is the fastest UWA zoom available for Pentax, it isn't much slower than the tokina (and IBIS make wonders) and can be an alternative.

These are both very useful lenses. I MUST HAVE a filter thread for what I do.

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'To see, not with, but through the eye.' [William Blake]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22905474@N06/

Priscilla Turner's gear list:Priscilla Turner's gear list

Pentax K-3 II Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM Pentax smc DA 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL (IF) Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro +5 more

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miles green • Veteran Member • Posts: 7,827

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to A Schamber • Jan 23, 2017

A Schamber wrote:

I know I've been away from the forum for way too long. Good ol' days in 2009.

I remember talks of a wide angle DA* lens in the work in 2010!

No, no, they meant 2017, at CP+ (in a month).

Ehm, maybe not a * lens though. I'd wait a month anyway. I have the Sigma 8-16, a horkhorse lens, but as i shoot with the K-1 now, i'll be selling it. The 10-20 3.5 accepts filters.

You could also consider the DA 15. You've got to close it down for landscapes to get it sharp all over (almost?), but the colors, sun stars and flare resistance are exemplary.

I think there are some aps-c UWA primes from Samyang and Laowa as well.

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Miles Green
Pentaxian with chronic LBA since 1997
Corfu, Greece
N.B. All my images are protected by Copyright

miles green's gear list:miles green's gear list

Pentax K-1 Pentax K-1 II Pentax smc FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited Pentax smc FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Pentax smc FA 77mm 1.8 Limited +7 more

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Tatouzou • Senior Member • Posts: 2,081

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to miles green • Jan 23, 2017

miles green wrote:

A Schamber wrote:

I know I've been away from the forum for way too long. Good ol' days in 2009.

I remember talks of a wide angle DA* lens in the work in 2010!

No, no, they meant 2017, at CP+ (in a month).

Ehm, maybe not a * lens though. I'd wait a month anyway. I have the Sigma 8-16, a horkhorse lens, but as i shoot with the K-1 now, i'll be selling it. The 10-20 3.5 accepts filters.

You could also consider the DA 15. You've got to close it down for landscapes to get it sharp all over (almost?), but the colors, sun stars and flare resistance are exemplary.

Me and my son we both have it, and it is an outstanding lens. And with the improvements in high ISO performance and stabilization, it delivers.

For hobby, IMO, a compact UWA lens easy to carry around and such high contrast, appealing colour and 3D-like rendition, low distorsion and resistance to flare is much more convenient than a big and heavy large aperture lens.

Two samples, one from my flickr gallery, the second one from my son's gallery:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/70066783@N06/27669930071/in/album-72157669819332676/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolasbousquet/22426107962/in/album-72157659862067660/

I think there are some aps-c UWA primes from Samyang and Laowa as well.

-- hide signature --
Miles Green
Pentaxian with chronic LBA since 1997
Corfu, Greece
N.B. All my images are protected by Copyright

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Tatouzou,
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70066783@N06/

Tatouzou's gear list:Tatouzou's gear list

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 Pentax K-3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Pentax smc DA 17-70mm F4.0 AL (IF) SDM +24 more

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OP A Schamber • Senior Member • Posts: 1,068

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to Lyff • Jan 23, 2017

The Sigma 10-20 3.5 was known for not holding up good against the first 10-20 version. Specially, wide open.

I might be waiting, or just buy the sigma. But weather sealing was always one of the strong points for Pentax...

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Alan Schamber
Progress is not possible without deviation from the norm - Frank Zappa

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OP A Schamber • Senior Member • Posts: 1,068

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to MightyMike • Jan 23, 2017

Everything I know about the Sigma 8-16 and Tokina 11-16 is marvellous. I've used them both, and I'd be happy with any of them.

But: weather sealing, SDM (or HSM), and I'd prefer faster if possible. I am not selling the DA 16-85 for now, but I might and buy again 2.8 glass.

FF is not for me, btw. Specially, because of speed.

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Alan Schamber
Progress is not possible without deviation from the norm - Frank Zappa

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OP A Schamber • Senior Member • Posts: 1,068

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to miles green • Jan 23, 2017

miles green wrote:

A Schamber wrote:

I know I've been away from the forum for way too long. Good ol' days in 2009.

I remember talks of a wide angle DA* lens in the work in 2010!

No, no, they meant 2017, at CP+ (in a month).

Thank God you only had to wait 8 years.

Ehm, maybe not a * lens though. I'd wait a month anyway. I have the Sigma 8-16, a horkhorse lens, but as i shoot with the K-1 now, i'll be selling it. The 10-20 3.5 accepts filters.

I don't care if it's a DA* lens or not. Weathersealing is peace of mind. I've shot with the DA* and sealed lenses even inside falls. Never failed, never a drop entered. I'll always choose that if I have the chance.

You could also consider the DA 15. You've got to close it down for landscapes to get it sharp all over (almost?), but the colors, sun stars and flare resistance are exemplary.

Not weather sealed. That has been the key point for holding on the Ltd lenses. I'd buy the 15 (for street photography), 35 (for anything) and 70 (well, portraits) in a heartbeat if they were sealed.

I think there are some aps-c UWA primes from Samyang and Laowa as well.

AF is not a must, but again... I'd prefer it. But I'll check them out. Thanks!

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Alan Schamber
Progress is not possible without deviation from the norm - Frank Zappa

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Lyff • Regular Member • Posts: 437

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to A Schamber • Jan 24, 2017

A Schamber wrote:

miles green wrote:

A Schamber wrote:

I know I've been away from the forum for way too long. Good ol' days in 2009.

I remember talks of a wide angle DA* lens in the work in 2010!

No, no, they meant 2017, at CP+ (in a month).

Thank God you only had to wait 8 years.

Ehm, maybe not a * lens though. I'd wait a month anyway. I have the Sigma 8-16, a horkhorse lens, but as i shoot with the K-1 now, i'll be selling it. The 10-20 3.5 accepts filters.

I don't care if it's a DA* lens or not. Weathersealing is peace of mind. I've shot with the DA* and sealed lenses even inside falls. Never failed, never a drop entered. I'll always choose that if I have the chance.

You could also consider the DA 15. You've got to close it down for landscapes to get it sharp all over (almost?), but the colors, sun stars and flare resistance are exemplary.

Not weather sealed. That has been the key point for holding on the Ltd lenses. I'd buy the 15 (for street photography), 35 (for anything) and 70 (well, portraits) in a heartbeat if they were sealed.

I think there are some aps-c UWA primes from Samyang and Laowa as well.

AF is not a must, but again... I'd prefer it. But I'll check them out. Thanks!

Even if not weather sealed and no af the samyang 10mm f2.8 is very wide, fast and is one of the sharpest UWA for APSC with the samyang 16mm f2.

They surely aren't as convenient as the autofocus tokina 11-20 f2.8 & 14-20 f2.8 but the samyang lenses certainly offer the best resolution you can find on APSC. Even better with pixel shift.

Lyff's gear list:Lyff's gear list

Sony RX100 IV Pentax K-3 II Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM Pentax smc DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED +3 more

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FantasticMrFox • Regular Member • Posts: 210

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to A Schamber • Jan 24, 2017

It's been on the roadmap for four or five years. The fact that it's still there seems to suggest that they haven't forgotten about it, whereas the fact that it's taken so long means it's really not a priority.

With them working hard to get these new full-frame primes out this year, I really wouldn't hold my breath ...

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Portfolio, travelogues and reviews on my website: http://www.thefoxtakespictures.com

FantasticMrFox's gear list:FantasticMrFox's gear list

Pentax K-r Pentax K-3 Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR Pentax smc DA 35mm F2.4 AL +3 more

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DPPMetro • Regular Member • Posts: 408

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to A Schamber • Jan 24, 2017

It's a shame that we can't get a 20 1,4, 24 1,4 like from Sigma's line in Pentax. At a minimum, the 24 is a staple of photography and has been missing forever from Pentax's line, leaving people to deal with 2.8 zooms and, at best, the 18-35. This absence is definitely hurting Pentax/Ricoh and will affect long-term loyalty.

The other problem is that if/when Pentax relabels and comes out with their own variants, how unreasonable will the prices be compared to their counterparts for other mounts (ie: Tamron's 15-30 and 24-70)? I've discussed it with the distributor and it appears Tamron's primes will eventually be relabeled as Pentax lenses, but I really hope they are reasonable. They are good lenses, but if they nearly double the prices again, then consumers might not be so forgiving anymore.

It would also be nice to see an update to the FA31 as a WR lens with a bit of tuning for the digital era. It would be a stellar photojournalist lens and help to bring Pentax back into it. However, it appears pretty strong that the Tamron 35 will be the next lens in this range. Since we have three (FA31 FA35 and DA35) in this range, why not just focus on the wide and ultra wide first?

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edwinD • Regular Member • Posts: 273

Re: So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

In reply to DPPMetro • Jan 25, 2017

I love my DA 14, a lot of people don't but I have a great copy. When I want to go wider, I just stitch 2 or 3 images together!

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There is no one so lonely as a person without their PENTAX........I said that!
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edwinD's gear list:edwinD's gear list

Pentax K-5 Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM Pentax smc DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED (IF) SDM Pentax smc DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED Pentax smc DA 14mm F2.8 ED (IF) +1 more

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So... where is the DA wide angle lens?

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