Pentax DA 10-17mm for $329? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/09/2007 09:25:38 AM · #1

Should I pull the trigger? Wasn't planning to get it just yet, but Pentax has a $100 rebate on the lens that ends today. Lowest online price is $429 (vs. normal price of $499), for a net of $329. Seems almost too good to pass up ... but not sure how much I would use it. Landscapes for sure, but probably not as a walkaround lens. Just trying to see if I can justify the expense (to myself!) after spending a fair amount recently on other gear. So tell me, how do you all use this lens (or its equivalent)?

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

01/09/2007 09:52:24 AM · #2

My 10-22 is 90% landscapes and 10% other stuff. Least used lense in my bag. If you don't shoot a lot of landscapes or don't find yourself wishing you had a very wide view of a shot, I would pass despite the rebate. If you are very into landscapes, etc sounds like a good time to snag one.

01/09/2007 12:13:24 PM · #3

That's kind of what I suspected. Sounds like I might be better off just waiting and getting a 14mm prime at some point down the road. Thanks for the input.

01/09/2007 12:17:32 PM · #4

How often are you really going to use a fisheye? Certainly wouldnt be my first choice for landscapes, although it would be an excellent pickup for me for snowboard photography.

Unless you have something specific in mind to shot with the fish, I'd go for the DA 14 prime or the DA 12-24.

Promaster 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR IF

01/09/2007 12:28:16 PM · #5

How wide can you go without excessive distortion? In the 35mm world, a 28mm prime was usually wide enough for me, with an occassional jones for a 20mm. I never coveted a fisheye because I looked at it as a gimmick lens ... nice to use for a couple of interesting shots, but one that would eventually find its way to the bottom of the bag. On the digital side, I've found that my 18-55 kit lens doesn't quite go wide enough, and eventually will want something sharper and faster that isn't as susceptible to vignetting. I'm guessing a 12mm or 14mm prime might do the trick.

atupdate

Pentax K-R

01/09/2007 12:50:00 PM · #6

You may want to take a look at this DPR Forum Thread comparing the DA 14mm, DA 16-45mm and the Zenitar 16mm fisheye. The Zenitar is a good bargin in the $100 price range. There is a preferred seller on Ebay, so send me a PM if you have interest in the lens and I'll hunt down some information.

Tim

01/09/2007 01:11:16 PM · #7

Just buy it, I did. :)

I got mine from here

I have only had it a few days, but it was kind of cool to take it to the gym. I have some photos in my profile of the gym.

Need to take it outside this weekend and play around.

01/09/2007 01:26:35 PM · #8

I am looking forward to trying some night shots with it once it warms up.
Can't wait to hit the Mall of America with it too.

I have been there a number of times and there is just so much to take in. My photos always seem like I have left out so much. I think the fisheye is going to be just what I need in a place like the Mall of America.

I have so many idea's for this lens, just need to get out there with it now.

So are you going to get one or what? :)

Message edited by author 2007-01-09 13:35:32.

petrakka

01/09/2007 01:48:15 PM · #9

Originally posted by megapix:

im guessing the 14 prime would be better for you too.

being that the 10-17 is a fisheye, there's gonna be pretty excessive distortion all the way through.
And zenitars are garbage, you never know what you're getting with that lens.

But, I love my fisheye, so if that's what you're lookin for I would get it. They're fun. Just not useful for the most part (on occasion they can be)

01/09/2007 06:02:34 PM · #10

After reading these posts I wasn't going to get this. Really. But then something came over me and I pulled the trigger. Something about the 10 day return and the disappearing $100 rebate and a little too much mad money sitting in my paypal account from some recent ebay sales. And then there was the vague feeling that I'd just try it out and send it back if I don't like it ... As if. Read some other reviews that seemed to indicate the fisheye effect is very pronounced down at 10mm but it functions more as a super wide at 14-15mm, and that kinda sealed the deal for better or worse. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the advice.

01/09/2007 06:20:47 PM · #11

Originally posted by megapix:

Damn, when I read that is was like reading something I would have said. I may have said that same thing to myself before buying mine. :)

01/12/2007 01:12:02 PM · #12

woo hoo ... lens is on the fedex truck for delivery today, just in time for the 3-day weekend! Free Study here I come.

Gotta love Beach Camera ... great price ($429 before rebate), ordered it Tuesday afternoon, and its delivered across the country on Friday w/o any upgrade on shipping.

01/12/2007 01:16:04 PM · #13

I need to stop reading this thread... What the hell do I want a fisheye for?

Damn LBA...

vxpra

Pentax K100D

01/12/2007 02:08:52 PM · #14

Originally posted by option:

I need to stop reading this thread... What the hell do I want a fisheye for?

Damn LBA...

The 10-17 is great. I'd say it starts to get strong distortion at about 12-13mm, but not bad at all through the rest of the range. Plus it is sharp, very sharp. That is why you need a 10-17, not just a fisheye :)

Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4.0 ED AL AF

01/12/2007 03:33:24 PM · #15

No challenge entries with it yet, eh? Interesting...

sysop

Pentax K10D

01/12/2007 03:44:00 PM · #16

I picked up the DA 16-45mm so far so good.

Message edited by author 2007-01-12 15:44:30.

vxpra

Pentax K100D

01/12/2007 04:29:55 PM · #17

Originally posted by option:

No challenge entries with it yet, eh? Interesting...

There will be soon.......

01/13/2007 08:02:34 AM · #18

Originally posted by vxpra:

Originally posted by option:
No challenge entries with it yet, eh? Interesting...

There will be soon.......

Yeah, thats what I was thinking... ;)

01/13/2007 08:05:01 AM · #19

Originally posted by megapix:

Don't forget to add it to your profile page.
Can't wait to see some of your first photos with it.

Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4.0 ED AL AF

01/13/2007 08:07:24 AM · #20

Originally posted by sysop:

I picked up the DA 16-45mm so far so good.

Does that not seem to cover a lot of what your kit lens will do?
I do see it does go a bit wider.

sysop

Pentax K10D

01/13/2007 08:45:43 AM · #21

Originally posted by John Pahl:

Originally posted by sysop:
I picked up the DA 16-45mm so far so good.

Does that not seem to cover a lot of what your kit lens will do?
I do see it does go a bit wider.

It does, its better glass and better quality overall than the kit lens.

edit:typo.

Message edited by author 2007-01-13 08:47:36.

01/15/2007 12:21:10 AM · #22

Originally posted by vxpra:

Originally posted by option:
No challenge entries with it yet, eh? Interesting...

There will be soon.......

Pentax DA 10-17mm Fisheye Challenge Entries

Should not be long before someone gets something higher. :)

01/25/2007 08:19:02 PM · #23

LBA strikes! There were 6 of you, but now there are 7 of US!

That high score of 5.3 will be gone shortly... ;-)

vxpra

Pentax K100D

01/25/2007 08:56:30 PM · #24

Yes, yes it will.....