wide-angle landscapes: Pentax 18-35 mm ??

[forrest_andrew]

I've been looking off and on for a lens wider than 28 mm (preferrably

around 20mm) for some time now. I am seeking an 'ultra' wide angle

lens primarily for landscapes, but will also use it for travel. I

currently shoot using a Pentax MZ7 with a Tamron 28-300. I usually

shoot print film, but am now beginning the conversion to Velvia. My

main products are 4x6 prints, with the odd enlargment to 12x18.

Budget is an issue - I'd like to find a lens for under $500CAN (approx

$400US). After a fair bit of work the Pentax 18-35mm F4-F5.6 looks

appealing. I'm curious to hear others experiences with this lens. In

particular, i'd like to hear how bad it is when it comes to sun-flare.

The apeture isn't a huge issue (i don't think) as most of my shooting

would be done with my lens stopped all the way down. More generally,

I'd like to hear any other tid bits that i should know before making a

purchase. If there are other suggestions i'd love to here them. The

Tamron 19-35mm looks nice, but is not made for Pentax. I've

considered a prime lens, but i feel the versatility of a zoom would

outweigh the better quality and less flare of a prime - thoughts??

[stemked]

Andrew,

 

As its an FAJ lens, the lack of aperture ring would really bug me. But it has its pluses too, only a little over 200g, so it sounds like a great travel lens. That puts it in the rhelm of the 50mm in terms of weight.

 

However without ever using the 18-35mm I think the Pentax 20-35mm f4 FA is a more attractive lens because it comes with the aperature ring, isn't THAT much heavier (245 vs 203 g) and has received lens testing from Pratical Photography that set it above both Canon and Nikon offerings in this zoom focal length. I got mine used and in great shape for $350.

 

I've never seen any published tests for the 18-35 so I can't help you there.