The Pentax HD DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited isn't the sharpest lens wide open, but it's impressively small and well built.

• +

  Wide field of view. Compact. Excellent build quality. Fairly even illumination.

• -

  Not that sharp at f/3.2. Some barrel distortion.

This wide angle lens provides an angle of view equivalent to a 31.5mm lens on a 35mm format, when mounted on a Pentax Digital SLR. It costs around £590 and and is part of the premium Pentax Limited range.

On the whole, this is a very decent lens, capable of producing very high quality images. The premium build and handling alone are probably worth the slightly higher price this lens carries. Those looking for a moderately wide angle lens or their Pentax SLR should certainly keep this lens in mind.

• +

  Outstanding sharpness when stopped down, Compact style rectangular lens shade, Compact and lightweight, Very good build, Fast focusing

• -

  Slightly more barrel distortion than might be expected

It's not as wide as the wide end of the kit lens and it's not that much faster enough to matter, but where this lens wins is on size. It is TINY, not that much bigger than the legendarily small DA40 Pancake, and that let me take all four non-macro limited primes around the world in an over-shoulder...

• +

  Size, subjective image quality

• -

  Not all that fast if low light conditions prevail

I am so happy with the clarity, bokeh and sharpness of this lens that I'm probably going to buy the other 4 lenses. Super happy with this purchase.

Superb, totally different even from my expensive zooms. Shots have real 'life'. Lightweight, good angle of view, now my favourite lens. Great not to have to think about zooming, too. Lens hood is great, no need for a protective UV filter.

While I wouldn't necessarily consider this my best lens, it is one of my favorites. Admittedly, this has as much to do with the focal length as with the quality of the lens. I find that 21mm on APS-C provides a very comfortable FOV. It's how I see the world, at least when it comes to photography.

• +

  Great color and contrast, produces images that look great to human perception

• -

  none of any significance

This is the replacement to my much loved SMC version. Why? Well it was stolen amongst other camera gear recently and the insurance company replaced it with the updated HD version.

• +

  Wonderful rendition, great colours, sharp!

• -

  ever so slight CA

I am Pentax user since last 8 years, and have collection of many old manual and new AF lenses from various brands. I have many zoom lenses (including Tamron 17-50 f2.8) that cover 21mm focal length, so I was bit reluctant to buy this lens; though after buying I am delighted with the decision.

• +

  Compact, FL, Sharp, Close Focus, Usefullnes

• -

  None

I have been shooting Pentax for a long time and over the years have shot with SMC A lenses, FA lenses and DA zoom lenses. I have always lusted after the Limiteds for their stellar image quality and superior hand-made metal and glass construction.

• +

  Image quality, build quality, colour rendering, flare resistance, size, lens hood

• -

  None at all

I have used the lens for several months and it has yet to disappoint. I am well pleased with all aspects of the photos achieved. The size and weight make it easy to store in a pocket and make it very easy to handle when installed on the camera. It goes with me whenever I am out for a shoot.

• +

  Sharp pictures, great contrast, Good handling, Light weight, built in hood.

• -

  None to date.

A very high-quality lens, great processed. Great focal length and a pleasant bokeh. It is a lens that you can take anywhere. It is extremely small and fits in your pocket. CA is noticeable only in extreme cases and it is very light compared resistend.

• +

  very well made, tiny

• -

  Image edges are not good at full aperture

It is a hard choice deciding between the Pentax 21mm and the Pentax 15mm. I ended up buying both. The reason is that they are different enough so that they serve two different (though sometimes overlapping) functions. The Pentax 21mm is good for photographing groups of people interacting.