smc PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited

This tiny wide prime lens is the second Pentax ultracompact Limited for the DSLRs with APS-sized sensor. The 40mm prime was the first, and a 70mm short tele became available late 2006.
This lens features a unique bayonet fitted hood with a rectangular aperture and an integral 43mm filter thread. A 49mm [polarizing] filter can be used without the original hood.

Bikers Miiko and Maki with the diminutive DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited wide angle lens.

Impressions

Like all Pentax limiteds, this is a very nice lens that produces excellent results.

Examples

Pinky Q balancing on a disused railway track along our local beach (1/60, f/22, ISO 400).

Maki with some of her Pinky pumpkins (1/90, f/4.5, ISO 200).

Apartment complex for seniors with greenhouse (1/60, f/4, ISO 100).

Unscaled crop of greenhouse. Notice details in Turning Torso front (1/60, f/4, ISO 100).

Turning Torso overview. Front panels clearly visible. (1/750, f/8, ISO 200).

August photo of the plank wall with window and thermometer (1/350 f/16, ISO 200).

Unretouched detail from the original image (3008 x 2000 pixels).

Specifications

Lens construction: 8 elements in 5 groups
Angle of view: 68 degrees
Number of diaphragm blades: 7
Minimum aperture: f/22
Minimum focusing distance: 0.20m
Filter size: 43 and 49mm
Dimensions (diameter x length): 63mm x 25mm
Weight: 140g (155g with hood)

Links

Pentax Forums Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited Review
Photozone Pentax SMC-DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited Review / Quick Test Report
PopPhoto.com Lens Test: Pentax 21mm f/3.2 DA AF Limited
DCWatch well illustrated (Japanese) first look
DCWatch news blurb (Japanese) DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited
DCWatch comparison with DA 40mm F2.8 Limited (Japanese) DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited
Pentax lens info (USA) smc P-DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited
Pentax press release (English) DA 21mmF3.2AL Limited
Lens Comments Stan’s Pentax Photography Site.
Bojidar Dimitrov’s Pentax K-Mount Page
The Lens Gallery example images

Messing around with lenses is safe, pleasant, and harms no one.