K-x Portrait Lens...70mm f2.4?

love_myenla · 04-17-2011, 04:48 PM

Hi,
K-x is my 1st DSLR and I have been using the kit lens for a year now.
I want to get a portrait lens now cuz I want sharp pictures...
I have tried 70mm f2.4 and I think everything is awesome except for the price...

Any recommendation for some similar quality portrait lens? I'm totally fine with 3rd party brands as long as they are cheaper...

Thanks a lot!

Adam · 04-17-2011, 04:56 PM

Here's a good alternative, which is 1.5 stops faster, and half the price, but manual focus:

SLY85P Bower 85mm f/1.4 Manual Focus Lens for Pentax K Cameras, with Hood & Case

..the Bower 85mm F1.4. We'll actually be posting an in-depth review of it soon, but found it to be very sharp overall.

love_myenla · 04-17-2011, 05:15 PM

Thanks for the recommendation

The price is pretty attractive, but ideally I would like to get an Auto Focus cuz I will probably use it for moving objects too so manual may be a bit hard...
Is it a lot more expensive if it's AF?
Sorry I'm a newbie so I have no idea about lens' price range and stuff...
Thanks a lot!

Adam · 04-17-2011, 05:23 PM

Here's the next best option, albeit it's a bit shorter: Pentax Normal SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens 20817 B&H Photo If you want an AF lens 70mm or longer, you're probably not going to find anything for less than $500. Feel free to browse our lens databases for a complete listing of lenses:

Pentax Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database
Third-Party Lenses for Pentax - Pentax Third-Party Lens Review Database

Another good option is the Sigma 85mm F1.4, but it's $969 (even more than the 70!).

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

selar · 04-17-2011, 05:31 PM

I used to wonder why the 85mm focal length was such a sought after focal length for portraiture. I answered my own question yesterday, with a comparative portrait shoot between my DA 70 and my 85. The 85 gives the classic portrait look, more so than the 70. With the crop sensor, a 85 makes a great head shot portrait lens.

SpecialK · 04-17-2011, 05:36 PM

Here's the other thread with the same question.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/140069-would-d...rait-lens.html

selar · 04-17-2011, 05:51 PM

Yeah, I too bought the DA70 thinking it would make a great portrait lens. Unfortunately, it makes my subjects reach for skin creams. LOL.

psychdoc · 04-17-2011, 07:02 PM

Originally posted by love_myenla

I have tried 70mm f2.4 and I think everything is awesome except for the price... Any recommendation for some similar quality portrait lens? I'm totally fine with 3rd party brands as long as they are cheaper...

Try the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 lens. It feels plasticky and can be noisy when focusing at times. It is supposed to be a favorite of wedding photographers.

**Just1MoreDave** · 04-17-2011, 07:22 PM

Originally posted by selar

I used to wonder why the 85mm focal length was such a sought after focal length for portraiture. I answered my own question yesterday, with a comparative portrait shoot between my DA 70 and my 85. The 85 gives the classic portrait look, more so than the 70. With the crop sensor, a 85 makes a great head shot portrait lens.

At 85mm, the only problem is cost. I am pretty happy with my Super-Takumar 85mm f1.9, but at today's prices, I would never buy it.

selar · 04-17-2011, 07:47 PM

Yeah, at todays prices for the 85 Taks, the Samyang/Bower/Opteka 85/1.4 is a much better alternative.

pbo · 04-17-2011, 08:47 PM

Perhaps a Sigma 70 Macro? If I recall, used it should cost less than a used DA70.
It would be somewhat big since it's macro (DA70 is almost pancake, especially with the hood off), but you won't have to worry about sharpness at all. Plus you get a macro lens (DA70 focuses to .7m).

Peter Anson · 04-17-2011, 10:35 PM

They are a bit more work, but the Jupiter 9 might be considered.

twitch · 04-18-2011, 01:52 PM

The da70 is worth it, in fact it's a bargain

love_myenla · 04-18-2011, 08:11 PM

Thanks for all the recommendation!
I just looked up the review for Pentax DA 40 mm - F/2.8, it seems to have very positive feedback too but do you guys think it will make a good portrait lens?
Thanks!

justtakingpics · 04-18-2011, 08:25 PM

Originally posted by love_myenla

Thanks for all the recommendation!
I just looked up the review for Pentax DA 40 mm - F/2.8, it seems to have very positive feedback too but do you guys think it will make a good portrait lens?
Thanks!

Having just asked the same question on the 70 just the other day and after going the same route to the 40 in research, I think it depends on what you mean by a portrait. If you mean head and shoulders I think someone recommended an 85. This is also corroborated by the Canon forums folks (where I read sometimes), and even on the Nikon forums. Folks here like the DA 70 and the FA 77 as well. I think 40 will work but you have to foot zoom to get close enough if you want what the 85 gives.

All of them take good pictures as long as you do but you have to decide what look you're trying to achieve. The zooms are also nice but I am way too scare of the dreaded SDM to try them. You may find you need more than one prime without a zoom.

I would not go manual based on your post here. But, they are cheap and if you have time to compose and get everyone to hold still, they can work. I am forced to use the manual ones at the moment. I may get in trouble saying it but stay autofocus if you can.

04-17-2011, 04:48 PM	#1
love_myenla New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 8	K-x Portrait Lens...70mm f2.4? Hi, K-x is my 1st DSLR and I have been using the kit lens for a year now. I want to get a portrait lens now cuz I want sharp pictures... I have tried 70mm f2.4 and I think everything is awesome except for the price... Any recommendation for some similar quality portrait lens? I'm totally fine with 3rd party brands as long as they are cheaper... Thanks a lot!

04-17-2011, 04:56 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Here's a good alternative, which is 1.5 stops faster, and half the price, but manual focus: SLY85P Bower 85mm f/1.4 Manual Focus Lens for Pentax K Cameras, with Hood & Case ..the Bower 85mm F1.4. We'll actually be posting an in-depth review of it soon, but found it to be very sharp overall. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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04-17-2011, 05:15 PM	#3
love_myenla New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Thanks for the recommendation The price is pretty attractive, but ideally I would like to get an Auto Focus cuz I will probably use it for moving objects too so manual may be a bit hard... Is it a lot more expensive if it's AF? Sorry I'm a newbie so I have no idea about lens' price range and stuff... Thanks a lot!

04-17-2011, 05:23 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Here's the next best option, albeit it's a bit shorter: Pentax Normal SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens 20817 B&H Photo If you want an AF lens 70mm or longer, you're probably not going to find anything for less than $500. Feel free to browse our lens databases for a complete listing of lenses: Pentax Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database Third-Party Lenses for Pentax - Pentax Third-Party Lens Review Database Another good option is the Sigma 85mm F1.4, but it's $969 (even more than the 70!). Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

04-17-2011, 05:31 PM	#5
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	I used to wonder why the 85mm focal length was such a sought after focal length for portraiture. I answered my own question yesterday, with a comparative portrait shoot between my DA 70 and my 85. The 85 gives the classic portrait look, more so than the 70. With the crop sensor, a 85 makes a great head shot portrait lens.

04-17-2011, 05:36 PM	#6
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Here's the other thread with the same question. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/140069-would-d...rait-lens.html

04-17-2011, 05:51 PM	#7
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	Yeah, I too bought the DA70 thinking it would make a great portrait lens. Unfortunately, it makes my subjects reach for skin creams. LOL.

04-17-2011, 07:02 PM	#8
psychdoc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bham Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 949	Originally posted by love_myenla I have tried 70mm f2.4 and I think everything is awesome except for the price... Any recommendation for some similar quality portrait lens? I'm totally fine with 3rd party brands as long as they are cheaper... Try the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 lens. It feels plasticky and can be noisy when focusing at times. It is supposed to be a favorite of wedding photographers.

04-17-2011, 07:22 PM	#9
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by selar I used to wonder why the 85mm focal length was such a sought after focal length for portraiture. I answered my own question yesterday, with a comparative portrait shoot between my DA 70 and my 85. The 85 gives the classic portrait look, more so than the 70. With the crop sensor, a 85 makes a great head shot portrait lens. At 85mm, the only problem is cost. I am pretty happy with my Super-Takumar 85mm f1.9, but at today's prices, I would never buy it.

04-17-2011, 07:47 PM	#10
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	Yeah, at todays prices for the 85 Taks, the Samyang/Bower/Opteka 85/1.4 is a much better alternative.

04-17-2011, 08:47 PM	#11
pbo Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 891	Perhaps a Sigma 70 Macro? If I recall, used it should cost less than a used DA70. It would be somewhat big since it's macro (DA70 is almost pancake, especially with the hood off), but you won't have to worry about sharpness at all. Plus you get a macro lens (DA70 focuses to .7m).

04-17-2011, 10:35 PM	#12
Peter Anson Inactive Account Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 211	They are a bit more work, but the Jupiter 9 might be considered.

04-18-2011, 01:52 PM	#13
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	The da70 is worth it, in fact it's a bargain

04-18-2011, 08:11 PM	#14
love_myenla New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Thanks for all the recommendation! I just looked up the review for Pentax DA 40 mm - F/2.8, it seems to have very positive feedback too but do you guys think it will make a good portrait lens? Thanks!

04-18-2011, 08:25 PM	#15
justtakingpics Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 288	Originally posted by love_myenla Thanks for all the recommendation! I just looked up the review for Pentax DA 40 mm - F/2.8, it seems to have very positive feedback too but do you guys think it will make a good portrait lens? Thanks! Having just asked the same question on the 70 just the other day and after going the same route to the 40 in research, I think it depends on what you mean by a portrait. If you mean head and shoulders I think someone recommended an 85. This is also corroborated by the Canon forums folks (where I read sometimes), and even on the Nikon forums. Folks here like the DA 70 and the FA 77 as well. I think 40 will work but you have to foot zoom to get close enough if you want what the 85 gives. All of them take good pictures as long as you do but you have to decide what look you're trying to achieve. The zooms are also nice but I am way too scare of the dreaded SDM to try them. You may find you need more than one prime without a zoom. I would not go manual based on your post here. But, they are cheap and if you have time to compose and get everyone to hold still, they can work. I am forced to use the manual ones at the moment. I may get in trouble saying it but stay autofocus if you can.