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Pentax smc Pentax-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited vs Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift

Both are Pentax K lenses. Here is what actually differs.

Pick the Pentax smc Pentax-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited if

  • You need ⅓ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/4 vs f/4.5)
  • You want autofocus (screw-drive): the Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift is manual focus only
  • You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.18 m vs 0.2 m
  • You care about the shape of out-of-focus highlights: 7 aperture blades vs 5
  • Our notes say it suits: Landscapes, street, travel

Pick the Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift if

  • You shoot full frame: the Pentax smc Pentax-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited is made for APS-C

Spec differences

14 differences
Specifications that differ between the Pentax smc Pentax-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited and the Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift
Pentax smc Pentax-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift
Brand
Pentax
Laowa
Type
Prime
Tilt-Shift
Format
APS-C
Full frame
Max aperture
f/4 ⅓ stop faster
f/4.5
Weight
212 g
not listed
Length
40 mm
not listed
Diameter
63 mm
not listed
Filter thread
49 mm
not listed
Min focus distance
0.18 m closer
0.2 m
Max magnification
0.15×
not listed
Aperture blades
7 more blades
5
Optical design
8 elements / 6 groups
17 elements / 11 groups
Autofocus motor
screw-drive
Manual focus
Released
2009
not listed
3 identical specs hidden: mount, focal length, image stabilization. Show all
Mount
Pentax K both
Focal length
15mm both
Image stabilization
No both

Our notes

Pentax smc Pentax-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited

A compact wide-angle prime for Pentax APS-C bodies, weighing about 212 g. It takes 49mm filters and focuses as close as 0.18 m.

Pros

  • Compact
  • Close focus 0.18 m
  • 49mm filters
  • Metal build

Cons

  • f/4 is slow
  • APS-C only
  • Screw-drive autofocus

Our notes

Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift

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