Anyone with both DA 15mm and DA 21mm limited?

[hinman]

<p>It is the lba temptation again in yet getting another lens. This round is on the DA 15mm f/4.0 limited. I am about ready to make the purchase before a vacation. I wonder if anyone having both 15 and 21 and share comments if they see the two limited lens competing instead of complementing each other. I know many like zooms in the Sigma 10-20 or the Pentax 12-24. I thought of trying out the Tamron 10-24mm but I am NOT so sure after seeing positive discussions on the DA 15mm f/4.0 limited. I have been foolishly blind sighted to get the 21/35/40/70/77 at various times. I think of staying foolish with yet another prime. If Pentax comes up with a new camera that doesn't work the limited primes, I will be dammed. </p>

<p>The primes have made me happy and I am somewhat confident that the 15 will deliver. Please share your opinions. </p>

[hinman]

<p>Some lens porn to share.</p>

<p>My weekend prime dual with 21/70. I used 21 more than the 70. The 70 is very sharp. I can't tell which one is sharper between the 70 and 77. The color seems better in 77.</p>

<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4704317229_71155c90f0.jpg" alt="" width="332" height="500" /></p>

<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4704317141_c5028433a6.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></p>

<p>All shots are done in DA 35mm f/2.8<br /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3178653160_8eda519f0d.jpg" alt="" width="332" height="500" /></p>

<p>I thought of selling the 70 to make my lba insanity less but it is absolutely painful to sell than to keep<br /> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4691589053_fb8696228d.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></p>

<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4692220010_2637256487.jpg" alt="" width="332" height="500" /></p>

<p><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1299/4692219550_c866ae14d9.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></p>

<p>The 70 is actually small like the 21. It has the biggest and fixed size lens hood that hide its true size.</p>

<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4704955716_f76c127d65.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></p>

<p>I wish a Pentax NX that is made for the DA pancakes.<br /> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4707348279_9f4d94bf5c.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></p>

<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4707348213_9125932a0e.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></p>

<p>I hate the 40mm lens cap however cute that is<br /> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4707991000_9d6d8586d3.jpg" alt="" width="332" height="500" /></p>

<p><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1298/4707347985_e7e7188faa.jpg" alt="" width="332" height="500" /></p>

<p>The trio<br>

<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4707348147_d79287c74a.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /><br>

<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4707991268_02d3cbd0ec.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></p>

[lorenzo_perfecto]

<p>Ah, that would be me. I've had the 21 for several years now. When I bought it I thought that I would use it primarily for landscape. Over the years I've found that because of it's small size it's also perfect for parties and street shooting.<br>

I bought the 15 a couple of months ago mainly due for a need for an UWA. My biggest surprise came when I saw how well this lens handled flare. When previously I've avoided shooting straight towards the bright sun (midday), with this lens I find myself looking for the bright sun and including it in the frame. Even the 21mm with it's smaller front element would not let me do this easily.<br>

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a199/NolsP/Bolinao%20May%203%202010/K10IMGP1109AdobeDNG-01ver1red.jpg" alt="" /><br>

I have considered letting go of the 21 but decided against it. The overall lens size and smaller front element (smaller than the 15) still proves very useful for me.</p>

[hinman]

<p>Thank you for the comment. I also read and see quite a few number of samples that show outstanding flare control in the 15mm. The 21mm is a lovely lens that I like a lot and I am pretty sure that I want to keep. Had I not had the 21mm, it will be quite a sure thing to get the 15. I see great mixing of the 15 with a zoom or combo with the other primes in outing. I guess I am going to hypnotize myself in the order. I hate that lba guilty feeling before and after purchase.</p>

<p> </p>

[kfrog]

<p>You make me sick. ;-)<br>

<br /> The only Limited lens I've used was the 35mm macro. I rented it. What an outstanding lens it is to. One of these days I'm going to get a Limited for my very own. Not sure which one though...</p>

<p>You should get that new Limited lens case to hold all your little jewels.</p>

[hinman]

<p>Yes, I know. Pentax has made me <a href="http://www.techtheman.com/2008/04/hins-camera-gear.html">quite sick in lba</a>. I am still very much the same amateur when I started dslr journey with K100D. I wish I find ways to justify and fund my hobby. </p>

[mountainvisions]

<p>I don't have the 15, but it's well known the 21mm is my favorite lens. My only issues with it are the flare directly into the sun. Other than that, it's near perfect.</p>

<p>I want the 15mm and will eventually get one, but it's not a priority.</p>

<p>Hin, remember the 21 and 15mm are not the same perspective at all. The 21mm is more an all purpose long wide or short normal lens, while the 15mm is a true wide angle lens. They definitely have difference uses, and I wouldn't necessarily sell the 21mm for the 15mm. I'd first see if you no longer need the 21mm.</p>

[jpo3136b]

<p>Hin, if you don't have it, who does? I think Ned Bunnell would stop by your place if he had to borrow a lens.</p>

[jonathan_rush]

<p>HinMan, why don't you rent one for a few weeks from the good folks at <a href="http://www.cameralensrentals.com/category.asp?catid=14?">Camera Lens Rentals</a> ? I've rented lens from them that I could never afford to own and been very pleased with their service.</p>

[hal_a]

<p>I've seen the acronym 'lba' mentioned a few times, but I don't know what it means. I think its 'lens buying addiction', which seems to make sense.</p>

<p>Just thought I'd ask the community :)</p>

<p>Hin, that's an impressive collection of glass.</p>

[hinman]

<p>Hi Hal, 'lba' stands for Lens Buying Addiction and there is also the equivalent for 'cba' for Camera. I think it originates from pentax forums in dpreviews. </p>

<p>And Jonathan, thanks for the lens rental idea. </p>

[hinman]

<p>I don't deserve the lens but an order is placed. I will use it along with 21. Thanks to everyone for the inputs. </p>

[russel_yee]

<p>LUCKY! <br>

I'm like 60% happy for you and 40% jealous. (it's really like 20-80, but that wouldn't be polite to say=)</p>

[hinman]

<p>I have made my lba confession to my spouse for yet another lens purchase. She hates to see the UPS/usps/Fedex truck. And my boys have the usual expressions with a big O in their mouths. Shame on Daddy spending the retirement money on the hobby. Wait, there is no retirement in the LBA thinking. </p>

<p>Russel, there is nothing to be jealous about -- the guilty and shameful feelings and a retirement age postponed to 85 and beyond, subject to how suck-y we get in economy. </p>

[snik75]

<p>A good lens has far out-performed the stock market in the last few years, so that is nice.</p>

[kathyb]

<p>Hello, FWIW I bought the DA 15mm LTD last year and not used it much. I submitted sample images to the forum and the viewers seemed to like it. I don't own the 21mm so I can't speak for that one.</p>