HD PENTAX-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 ED Limited DC WR

[pinholecam]

I came across an interesting article/reference to the Leica Tri-Elmar (28-35-50mm f4) on Steve Huff
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2010/...-review-medium-angle-tri-elmar-by-ashwin-rao/

Its a lens that only works on the exact 3 focal lengths.
But the FL 28-50mm is rather similar to the DA 20-40 (30-60mm) and its f4 as compared to f2.8-f4.
Not too small a lens, but not to big either.

Just sharing it as in interesting read to the users thoughts about a lens with this focal length.

 

[SyncGuy]

You never read properly, DA HD, yet to be released DA HD 10-20; DA HD 50-135 small size version.

Haha! With Pentax, don't bother about anything "yet to be released"..

 

[Tiredofallthese]

I came across an interesting article/reference to the Leica Tri-Elmar (28-35-50mm f4) on Steve Huff
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2010/11/11/the-leica-mate-lens-review-medium-angle-tri-elmar-by-ashwin-rao/

Its a lens that only works on the exact 3 focal lengths.
But the FL 28-50mm is rather similar to the DA 20-40 (30-60mm) and its f4 as compared to f2.8-f4.
Not too small a lens, but not to big either.

Just sharing it as in interesting read to the users thoughts about a lens with this focal length.

Thx jk.

 

[JohnTaylor]

Bro, you've just state the value:

- 150grams lighter
- 1 stop faster
- smaller

For SGD$1200-1400?

Obviously money means different things to different people. Still can't see the value.

 

[JohnTaylor]

The Sigma 18-35/1.8 is a fantastic lens, but it's a monster too. Don't think many people would carry that one around.

On the other hand, the DA20-40 is small and light, WR too. Hopefully the IQ will be as good as those DA pancake lenses, that'd be a great walkabout lens.

I also thought of that lens. On paper, the Sigma looks great.

In reality, it's 810 grams, which is heavier than any pentax DSLR body (without grip or other accessory)

It's still better value than the 20-40mm Pentax though.

 

[SyncGuy]

For SGD$1200-1400?

Obviously money means different things to different people. Still can't see the value.

Yea... Different strokes for different folks..
Not that I want it (unless it's free), but i've learned to appreciate that different tools have different purposes and for different people.

Try not to "bash" it too hard if it happens to not suit your style of photography.

 

[PhilipKr35]

APD just received demo lens in their office, anyone want to join me to test? Test only, after work at 5-6pm?

 

[SyncGuy]

APD just received demo lens in their office, anyone want to join me to test? Test only, after work at 5-6pm?

TEST only? With Pentax, you need money for testing also...

No, not that you need to pay for trial.. Rather, chances are, you won't be able to resist whatever you "tested".. ;P

 

[poseur]

APD just received demo lens in their office, anyone want to join me to test? Test only, after work at 5-6pm?

i want to test with my xmm....i want to test with my xmm.....

 

[ranchy]

APD just received demo lens in their office, anyone want to join me to test? Test only, after work at 5-6pm?

Man.. too early.. cant even reach by 6pm... lol...

 

[ranchy]

i want to test with my xmm....i want to test with my xmm.....

:heart::heart:
Make it happen.. :devil:
:rbounce::rbounce:

 

[PhilipKr35]

i want to test with my xmm....i want to test with my xmm.....

Bring XMM to APD !
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=621149004612277&set=a.235060739887774.58764.126865700707279&type=1&theater&notif_t=photo_reply

 

[PhilipKr35]

Man.. too early.. cant even reach by 6pm... lol...

Maybe Michael can help ? Hands on at Ya Kun again ?

 

[PhilipKr35]

I am going down to APD today 5:30pm, to try out. Anything I should test out specifically?

 

[SyncGuy]

I am going down to APD today 5:30pm, to try out. Anything I should test out specifically?

Bring tripod... Shoot the hell out of every focal length and aperture.. Set XMM as target...

Haha! Honestly, just shoot as how you would shoot.. You're reviewing it for a possible purchase of your own, do it your own style..

 

[pinholecam]

I am going down to APD today 5:30pm, to try out. Anything I should test out specifically?

Wish I can afford time to go down...

Here's my wish checklist :
(all shot on tripod or on a table with timer)
1. 20/30/40mm wide open (pref at infinity focus)
2. 20/30/40mm stopped down to f8 (pref at infinity focus)
3. 20/24/30/35/40mm and observe the f-stop at each setting
4. Minimum focus distance and wide open aperture at 20/30/40mm and check for bokeh
5. Shots wide open of half body portraits or something similar sized and focus distance.

 

[PhilipKr35]

Bring tripod... Shoot the hell out of every focal length and aperture.. Set XMM as target... Haha! Honestly, just shoot as how you would shoot.. You're reviewing it for a possible purchase of your own, do it your own style..

I am checking why it is worth that much more !
The wow factor if any at all!

 

[fengwei]

Got one w me right now, the initial feeling is that it's a very well made lens with great feeling in hands or mounted on camera. IQ is pretty good with great sharpness and bokeh, CA (or is it called purple fringe) is very well controlled, one of the best in this regard among all Pentax lenses I've ever used, far better than the FA31 at least (I'm talking about CA here). The AF can be faster though, maybe it's due to the WR sealing or indoor light condition last night when I tried. It's probably as fast as the 18-135WR, but I hoped it'd be faster given its focal range and price tag.

The only complain I have on the lens is its size. It's a bit too big for its focal range and apertures. It balances very well on the camera, but it'd be perfect if it's just a bit smaller.

Oh btw, it's not FF compatible lens that's for sure, at least not the 20mm end (which showed dark rings/corners in the viewfinder when I mounted it on my Super Program).

Will take some actual photos over the weekend, if I'm not too tired after the full Marathon run.

 

[fengwei]

Wish I can afford time to go down...

Here's my wish checklist :
(all shot on tripod or on a table with timer)
1. 20/30/40mm wide open (pref at infinity focus)
2. 20/30/40mm stopped down to f8 (pref at infinity focus)
3. 20/24/30/35/40mm and observe the f-stop at each setting
4. Minimum focus distance and wide open aperture at 20/30/40mm and check for bokeh
5. Shots wide open of half body portraits or something similar sized and focus distance.

I've tested the lens last night and this morning, here I try to answer your Qs:

1-2: I can confirm 1 and 2 are very good, good enough that I don't even need to worry about which aperture to use for infinity target.
3: I'll check tonight when I'm home.
4. min focus distance marked on the lens is 28cm, I don't know if it's for full range, but most likely it is. Bokeh is really smooth and nice, better than most zoom lenses or even prime lenses I've used
5. I took some shots of my kids at home last night, seems pretty good. But I'd better comment on this w/ proper setup and targets (kids moving too much)

 

[pinholecam]

I've tested the lens last night and this morning, here I try to answer your Qs:

1-2: I can confirm 1 and 2 are very good, good enough that I don't even need to worry about which aperture to use for infinity target.
3: I'll check tonight when I'm home.
4. min focus distance marked on the lens is 28cm, I don't know if it's for full range, but most likely it is. Bokeh is really smooth and nice, better than most zoom lenses or even prime lenses I've used
5. I took some shots of my kids at home last night, seems pretty good. But I'd better comment on this w/ proper setup and targets (kids moving too much)

Wow!
Thanks for the fast info