Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR Review
If you've shopped for an ultra-wide zoom in recent years, you've no doubt come across the excellent Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD ($1,199.00 at Amazon) . But Tamron doesn't make its wide-angle marvel for Pentax cameras, at least under its own banner. The Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR ($1,449.95) is a rebadged version of the Tamron zoom, without the stabilization system, a feature that Pentax builds into its camera bodies rather than its lenses. It's a bulky zoom, even when paired with the full-frame K-1 ($1,599.00 at Amazon) , but an excellent performer and a solid choice for Pentax shooters in want of an ultra-wide zoom.
DesignThe 15-30mm ($1,298.12 at Amazon) measures 5.7 by 3.9 inches (HD), weighs 2.3 pounds, and has a huge, bulbous front element that precludes the use of lens filters. An o-ring sits at the base, completing the weather sealing that you get with a Pentax SLR. A modest lens hood is built in—and while I didn't see any flares or ghosting when shooting ...
The Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR is a huge lens, but one that covers an ultra-wide field of view with excellent sharpness, even at f/2.8.
Quite sharp; Fixed f/2.8 aperture; Integrated hood; Ultra-wide field of view; Strong close focus capability; Weather-sealed design
Barrel distortion at widest angles; Dim corners; Bulky; Omits filter thread