Pentax SMCP-A 15mm f/3.5

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Very useful view of angle for snap shots in narrow streets like in HK. Without AF function is not a problem coz most things is in focus after setting aperature below F5.6. Vignetting can be noticed, but not significant. Corner distortion is significant, but I guess it is commonly found in most superwide angle lens.

Strengths:
Good sharpness and flare control, I always use it to take sunset pictures. Solid lens structure.

Weaknesses:
Comparable pricing with Nikon or Canon one, but shops seldom have new stock or hard to find in secondhand market. My lens is secondhand items and cost around US$480. Such a price is enough to buy Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 and body. Of course, A 15mm F3.5 offer one stop larger aperature. The lens hood is always loosen

Similar Products Used:
Voigtlander 15mm F2.8, Nikon AF 20mm F2.8, Contax G 21mm F2.8.

Customer Service:
No experience

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Price Paid:  $1000.00

Summary:
I'm very happy with the lens and will keep it. It was expensive and is an extreme lens but it's great for architecture, interiors and striking landscapes. The design has remained unchanged for many years which speaks for itself. The Tamron was okay but not as well corrected, not as sharp and I didn't like the colours. The Tamron was however £200 as opposed to £750 (both second hand).

Strengths:
* Massive angle of view
* Well corrected
* Good colour rendition
* Well made
* Excellent for interiors

Weaknesses:
* Would be nice if it were f2.8 but that's being picky

Similar Products Used:
Tamron 17mm f3.5 SP (early version)

Customer Service:
None required

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Used @ Chuck Rubin"s Louisville

Summary:
Incredible wide angle coverage. For landscapes best used when overall scene is within 1 stop range i.e. noonish. If used early AM or for sunset type shots be aware because of high contrast range a lot of the scene will go dark especially the foreground. Can't easily use grad ND filters to control this because of hood design. Can't use a polarizer but if you could extreme wide angle would show up as uneveness of color.

Strengths:
111 degree angle of view. Sharp optics. Built in lens shade, built in rotating filters for B&W smooth focusing durable build

Weaknesses:
If purchased new it,s very expensive, can't use gradND filters without vignetting

Similar Products Used:
none

Customer Service:
Never had to use for this product.