Not to pour cold water on your enthusiasms, but must somewhat disagree with what have been said about this lens. I have it too but right now it's one of my most unused lenses, especially since I got a SMCK 24/2.8. Of course such a lens (the 19) will rarely see an extensive use anyway...
My comments: the lens is light and compact with only 62mm thread which make the use of filters almost impossible. I tried and I think you must either use a very big step-up ring and correspondent and much more expensive filters or renounce to use them. The dedicated rubber hood (sold separately) vignettes, especially wide open. Performance is not that good at wider aperture especially in the corners (I'm not talking about distortion) but get noticeably better as you reach smaller apertures. f/11 is probably its best. Not very sharp but good enough. To summarize: good value for (very little) money but not what you'd compare with a good Pentax lens. Just my opinion, of course. BTW I didn't sell it so it serves me well enough if/when I need such a focal lenght. I actually have good slides shot with it but I don't think I ever printed anything bigger than 8"x12" (20x30 cm.)... Ciao, Flavio PS: I'd offer it to you, Tom, but shipping and all it would cost more than getting it locally, I'm afraid. graywolf wrote: > > I think I will have to put one of these on my wish list. I have always wanted an > ultra-wideange. They are not expensive at all, and from the photos you guys show > they seem to be good enough for everyday use. > ...
