When evaluating my current kit, I’ve had a hard time with the Pentax HD DA 20-40mm WR lens. The collection I’ve built up over the years now carries a bit of overlap leading to this lens being the least used… so for a bit of a refresher, let’s throw a diffusion filter on it!
OVERLAPPING OPTIONS IN THE SAME RANGE
Already in my kit are lenses covering the same range, with equal or better aperture performance:
- Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 LTD HD
- Pentax FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
With these lenses, the 20-40mm range is practically covered.
The HD DA 20-40mm WR, however, differentiates itself as being one of the smallest Pentax LTD zoom lenses to carry weather sealing and unlike some other Limited lenses, renders more contrasty images with its HD coating.
Generally, the lens is well received on Pentax Forums.
A SOFTON FOR A HARD LENS
I’m usually accustomed to the Tiffen Black Pro-Mist diffusion filters, and already have various strengths, in 49mm for Leica and Pentax Limited Lenses, and 77mm for everything else.
Upon searching for a 55mm filter thread diffusion filter to suit the HD DA 20-40mm, I quickly discovered an abundance of options in the market. For instant gratification, I opted for something locally available… In this case, the Kenko Pro1D SOFTON A (W) suited at a reasonable price point.
A SOFT FILTER ON A SOFT DAY
Taking the combo out to familiar territory (the oft-trodden Cockatoo Island) yielded the below results on a rainy overcast day:
Images were processed in Capture One Pro 21 with basic exposure adjustments, colour grading and an average 15 point boost in clarity (which by Capture One standards is quite fine compared to Adobe Lightroom).
As we can see, such as with diffusion filters, there is a bloom in the highlights or specular light sources and a softness to detail, with the last image exhibiting an almost Orton Effect.
FINAL MUSINGS
To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with the Pentax HD DA 20-40mm WR. It’s perfectly sized, resistant to the current Australian winter weather and renders well.
Was there a point to this exercise and outing? I suppose my initial thought was to see if I could invoke a more organic rendering to this particular lens through a diffusion filter. In practice, however, what I came to re-discover and appreciate was the robust yet compact nature of this zoom lens, and how delightful it felt in-hand paired with the K-3 III.
I would surmise that for most, it’s easy to pick your equipment based upon specifications, but equally important is the tactile feel and balance. There’s a lesson to be learnt here:
A lens in the hand is worth two on the shelf.
Malificent Images.