Conclusions As is the case with the Tamron 15-30mm, the Pentax clone is a big, bulky lens. But that's par for the course with wide-angle zooms, and when you consider that the 15-30mm is rated at f/2.8 through its entire zoom range and captures images that are sharp from edge to edge, the size is...

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

With the launch of the K-1 full frame camera, Pentax released three constant aperture lenses covering a large range, from ultra-wide to telephoto. We already reviewed the 70-200mm F2.8 and 24-70mm F2.8 , and found them to be excellent performers.

Very good build quality; near star level; AF both fast and reliable; No chromatic aberrations to speak of; Flare generally well controlled; High resolution at all focal lengths in the center and at longer focal lengths on the edges; Pleasing bokeh; Fast aperture

Large and heavy; No filter thread; Occasional ghosting; Strong vignetting (can be corrected in-camera or via software; Strong distortion at 15mm not fully corrected in-camera

The introduction of the new Pentax K-1 full frame camera body means that the range of lenses available had a few gaps that needed filling. As a result, a number of new 35mm-format optics have arrived, including this imposing 15-30mm.

The Pentax FA 15-30mm f/2.8 wide-angle zoom lens is nothing short of outstanding. It is exceptionally sharp and the constant f/2.8 aperture allows it to function amazingly well in low light situations like the 'blue hour' periods immediately before sunrise and after sunset.

One of my favorite Pentax FF lenses. Great for a landscape type walk around lens. The weather resistance and image quality was what sold me with this rather than having gone with the cheaper options. I don't see this leaving my K1 very often as it is a very versatile lens.

The introduction of the new Pentax K-1 full frame camera body means that the range of lenses available had a few gaps that needed filling. As a result, a number of new 35mm-format optics have arrived, including this imposing 15-30mm.

High and very even sharpness; Smooth bokeh; Fast silent AF; Weather resistance; Well controlled CA; Excellent flare resistance; Low distortion for an ultra-wide

Quite heavy; Expensive

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