Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens
A high performance ultra wide lens for their digital SLR cameras, the Pentax smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited provides the very best of optical performance in a little piece of camera jewelry for those demanding both the best images and the tiniest of packages. Like all of the Limited line, it comes in a distinct all-metal lens barrel and takes 49mm filters. Weighing under half a pound, it adds a different perspective to your premium kit.
The smc-DA ED AL's fit and finish is on par with the best in the world, and the optical system combines a 7-bladed aperture diaphragm with a hybrid aspherical lens element, an element of ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass, and Pentax's SP (Super Protect) external water and dirt-repelling lens coating for deliciously snappy results, even at f/4. This isn't a common mid-class zoom lens; it is truly created to be used effectively at its maximum f/4.0 aperture. The 86° field of view is equivalent to a 23mm lens in the old 35mm terms.
Note! Not compatible with "full frame" cameras.
- Sharp, crisp image reproduction, even at the maximum aperture
- Hybrid aspherical lens element & element of ED glass
- Rugged, elegant aluminum lens barrel
- Non-rotating front lens element
- Built-in retracting lens hood
- 49mm Filter thread
- Practical depth of field scale (for all full apertures) engraved right on the body
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
15 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 23 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Pentax K |
| Format Compatibility | Pentax Digital (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 86° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 7.1" (18 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.15x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:6.6 |
| Groups/Elements | 6/8 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 49 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.5 x 1.58" (6.35 x 4.01 cm) |
| Weight | 7.47 oz (212 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 67 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (54)
- Strong construction (47)
- Durable (36)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (34)
- Consistent output (24)
Cons
- Poor in low light (13)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (58)
- Weddings (11)
- Night photography (7)
- Street photography (7)
- Low light (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (43), Semi-pro photographer (9), Casual photographer (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (48)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great compact ultrawide-angle lens
I've been using the DA Limiteds 15mm f/4 and 35mm f/2.8 macro exclusively lately. They make an excellent pair together with the new K-7. Design and build quality are first-rate. Compact...Read complete review
I've been using the DA Limiteds 15mm f/4 and 35mm f/2.8 macro exclusively lately. They make an excellent pair together with the new K-7. Design and build quality are first-rate. Compact in size but both feel very substantial because of the all-metal construction. Auto-focus is very fast on both lenses, even in dim light. They have a very solid feel and noise when auto-focusing. Manual focus override is very easy and smooth on both lenses. One has to experience it to really appreciate it. Uncomparable to the light and flimsy focus ring of most modern AF lenses. The built-in lens hoods are very practical, although the resistance to flare on both lenses are superlative in backlighting situation. I've used the standard-size B+W Kaesemann polarizer (not the slim-thickness) on the DA 15mm and there's no sign of vignetting whatsoever. The ultra wide-angle nature of the DA 15mm can create an unevenness of blue sky when used with a polarizer in certain situation. All current 5 Pentax DA Limited as well as all 3 FA Limited lenses has a uniform 49mm filter-thread. This is truly practical in terms of exchanging expensive polarizer (or any filter) among those lenses.
I've never used any protector or UV filter for any of my DA & FA Limited lenses, and no one should either. Pentax lens coating is really tough, it can withstand rough treatment. It seems impossible to make a scratch to the front element. The screw-in metal lens cap of the DA 15mm is unpractical for a frequent use, therefore I immediately replaced it with a B+W snap-on lens cap which is also finely-built. Both the DA 15mm & 35mm Limiteds have an ideal size, not too thin (like the other DA's 21, 40 and 70), but also not too big. They really feel solid and nice to handle. All of this would be meaningless if the image quality is just so-so. Fortunately, the imaging quality is also first-rate, very well-behaved with such a beautiful and subtle colour transmission and tonality. Having and using these great Pentax prime limited lenses should be an experience most photographer will treasure, even if he/she's not into Pentax platform. Just try it, for me there's no turning back to lesser lenses anymore. Very highly recommended.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Disappointed
I was very excited to receive this lens after reading many glowing reviews from various equipment sites. After receiving was a different story. I found the lens sharpnes horrible except in the center. I...Read complete review
I was very excited to receive this lens after reading many glowing reviews from various equipment sites. After receiving was a different story. I found the lens sharpnes horrible except in the center. I had to stop down to f/11 to get any sharpnes around the center. I also had to fine tune the lens in my Pentax K7 to get sharpness but even then the adjustment numbers varied widely from day to day. I might have had a bad copy but at this price there should not be any.
Reviewed by 67 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Lens cap
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Needed a lens mainly for landscapes, I purchased this lens after reading the GREAT reviews...and I must say it is brilliant!
Images are super sharp and the size is perfect for me. It definitely met and exceeded my expectations.
Only con is the lens cap (screw-on) but that was an easy fix.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I am very happy with this lens. Same Limited build quality as other limited lenses. Very compact size, great for traveling. Lens cover screws on which I like.
A small amount of vignetting wide open but it's a physical limitation of all wide angles so can't penalize the lens for it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
It is a great inexpensive addition to your macro work. Easy to fix, slightly difficult to focus initially, once you get the hand of it, nothing like it...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Viewfinder vignetting
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
bought this lens after struggling with the idea of having several lenses that are close to or overlap this focal length, including the Sigma 10-20/3.5HSM and the Pentax DA15/2.8. However, all the comments on user forums and at least one of my respected Fellow Pentax users locally are in agreement on the value of the DA15/4.
Now that I have one, and have used it for a while, I can see what they mean. This lens has wonderful IQ, by which I mean it is very sharp over most of the range, its contrast and flare-resistance is excellent, and its colouring is neutral and bright.
A great benefit to someone who carries a DSLR for long periods is its light weight - it is tiny - but this lens is also extremely well-built. The in-built lens hood is an additional bonus, in keeping with the small size of the DA14/4, especially when compared with the bayonet type hood that goes with the DA15/2.8, which is enormous.
The only down-side I find with it is the tendency for the viewfinder to vignette heavily, especially for spectacle-wearers, which is probably a result of the comparatively slow maximum aperture. There's no such an effect noticeable on the image produced by the sensor, however. If you can cope with that (and I think it's a small price to pay) then this lens is a must-have for any serious Pentax DSLR user.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens as mainly a landscape lens, and it is brilliant!
Super sharp and the pancake size is perfect for me. Build quality is superb and it definitely met and exceeded my expectations
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Good Image quality
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Edge softness wide open
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
As expected, this Pentax Limited lens is extremely well-constructed and works very smoothly. It's a pleasure to use it.
Optically, the edges are rather soft until stopped down to f8, at which point it's quite sharp. Contrast is excellent at all apertures and definitely enhances image quality. CA are fairly low and easily corrected. At f 8, sharpness and image quality are high across the entire field. Output from this lens sharpens up considerably in Lightroom.
I suspect some curvature of field, which is more or less expected in an ultrawide angle lens, so edge sharpness should not be a major problem at normal working distances for this type of lens.
Overall, a very decent performance for an ultra-wide angle lens.
I debated purchasing this lens for some time, but am glad that I ultimately did so. It's very small and light, a nice lens with which to photograph.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Excellent image quality, especially at f/8 where I usually use it, sharp, contrasty color, flare free and distortion free. Most importantly, it is compact and makes the camera a pleasure to use. Very durable construction. I much prefer an optimized wide angle prime to a compromised wide angle zoom. Use it with perspective correcting software to equal the advantages of an expensive shift lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I often use this lens to shoot commercial boat "portraits" at our boat basin, and in the cramped spaces there it is about the perfect focal length. Of course it's also very good for landscapes. A little slow for night work though. Small, light, and easy to carry around it's quickly becoming a favorite. Plenty sharp with good contrast and resistance to flare. The 15mm is noticeably wider on the K5 APS-C sensor than a regular 24mm on FF DSLRs, and for me that's good. I think it's actually 22.5mm, and EXIF reports 22 or 23? AF is good. Anyway, a beautifully built and very useful super wide lens. To me "ultra-wides" start below 20mm, ref 35mm.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Flare resistance
- Lightweight
- Size
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
- Screw lens cap
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Because it rocks!
At least when stepped down to f8. Flare resistance is suberb and handling it is so lovely you don`t wan`t to leave it from your hands. What really bugs is the screw lens cap and softnes when shooting wide open.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Mazpol
Hdr from old Rauma city
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
It's wide and light weight.
So you can carrying it for snap shots..
Not only Good for scenery but also portrait.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Lens cap
- Price
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Street photography
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Great lens and it produces very nice images. Very compact. It's a pity that it's not faster, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to live with for the small size. The build is solid. And it's very hard to make it flare even when shooting into the sun. I've only managed to do it once.
The biggest annoyances are the cap and the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I know the price is too high for f4.
I know a lot of people complain about it.
However, it is not just a lens. It is a fine craft.
Many ultra wide lens have the same problem with distortion. This lens has great ability on correction. Addition, the slim design is unique. I have to say it's worth it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
The SMC-DA 15mm f/4 AL ED Limited is a another desirable pancake lens by Pentax. The lens is capable of producing very sharp and contrasty images at medium aperture settings. At large apertures the border quality is somewhat softer so it may not be the first choice for available light photography (handheld) ... assuming that you can find a better one. The vignetting is hefty at f/4 so it's advisable to stop down here anyway to get rid of the problem as well. The amount of barrel distortion and lateral CAs is pretty decent for a 15mm lens. The AF speed is very high although that's usually not a really serious criteria for a wide to ultra-wide lens. The build quality of this tiny pancake lens is great and it's nice to see that a manufacturer still cares for high quality metal designs in this sea of cheap plastic lenses out there. Regarding its high price tag of around 650€/550US$ you've to be willing to sacrifice some bucks for this privilege but it's worth it.
Pros
- Durable
Cons
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Bought this lens for my super-wide photography class. The lens is good, nice bokah, strong construction and very compact----as a 15mm lens.However the issue is so far I havent' found the best aperture. the max is F4 so it should be like f5.6 to F11, but neah. sometimes purple edges will pop out.And the cap---I hate it. This time you really have to [*] it....lol
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Built-In Hood
- Compact Size
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Great Color Contrast
- Lightweight
- Low distortion
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Architecture
- Close Portrait
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I am very pleased with the DA 15mm f/4's ability in rendering images with beautiful natural color, smooth contrast transition, and exceptional clarity. Under the right conditions, this wonderful lens can produce extraordinary images with amazing intangible three dimensional qualities.[...] I will definitely order more equipment in the future.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
I had heard all the hype regarding this lens. A little while ago my view had been something akin to "Why bother producing a prime with a minimum aperture of just F4".
Having owned this lens for a few weeks I can readily testify that the hype for this lens amongst the Pentax community is well deserved. This lens has exceeded my expectations.
The impressive attributes of this lens include: incredible build quality, beautiful rendering, handles direct light very well, close focusing and very little distortion.
When ever I'm out and about with this lens I have big grin on my face - its that good.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Pentax 15mm Ltd review
The first wedding in which I used both a digital camera and film, I thought the digital was OK until I had the professional film processed. I felt like deleting the digitals. This 15mm ultra wide angle lens with my K5 reminds me of the results I could get with professional film on the occasions when I was able to use it. I am speechless at the quality of the colour.
I have only had the lens for two weeks and from my first photos I knew I was on a winner. I had intended to buy the 14mm f2.8 Pentax lens because of its faster speed and the 15mm Ltd had some average write-ups. I had felt it was a lot of money to pay for a slow lens when I had a very good Sigma 10-20mm. However whe I travel, having the heavier 14mm Pentax would mean I either take it or my sigma 10mm fisheye which weighs about the same as a small canon ball. The forums convinced me to bite the bullet and buy the smaller 15mm.
Having the beautifully made aluminium lens on your camera makes you feel photography is a craft and you have the best craft tools on offer. The K5 makes up for the smaller f stop and gets the best out of the lens. I have mostly used it indoors and other poor lighting situations without flash and still get all the vibrant colours. I am very happy with the architectural photos I have taken.
The majority of what I photograph is wildlife so I need to carry a lot of kit. But I must also shoot a lot of people subjects. So I think I must now have close to the ultimate everyday non wildlife kit. K5, my new 15mm Ltd, 21mm Ltd and 35mm macro Ltd along with the DA 50_135mm. The standard zoom and 10-20mm zoom will be collecting dust. This kit is incredibly light while delivering amazing results. So along with my 21mm the 15mm will go everywhere.
Recommended – most definitely
Pros
Capture gorgeous colours
Good for working close to subject without disconcerting distortion
Light weight and beautifully made
Makes you feel like you are really into your photographic craft
Makes you leave your standard zoom at home
Another good reason to buy the K5
Confirms your choice for owning Pentax
Cons
Another good reason to buy the K5
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Using the DA Limiteds 15mm f/4 with 35mm f/2.8 macro every-time. Lightweight and sharp.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
It is a small and light lens with great performance.
The operation is also great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Series Autofocus Lens:
Used on K20D
I often taken the lens to shoot the Architectures in a City and some landscapes, which proves to be excellent.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $20.85
- Price: $31.08
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $11.99
What's in the Box
- Front Cap
- Rear Lens Cap (B) for Bayonet Mount Lenses
- #37748 Soft Case
- Permanently-Attached Retractable Hood
- 1-Year Pentax USA Warranty
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