Three quality prime lenses

[alexgn]

I am planning to purchase a K200D and three fixed focal length lenses to go with it. Wide angle, standard and short tele.

The lenses do not have to be super fast. Although I would prefer to have at least f/2 on short tele lens to create shallow DOF while taking portraits.

Wide angle does not have to have Auto Focus. But I'd prefer to have one.

Which quality lenses would you recommend?

At the moment I am looking at

70mm f/2.4 Ltd
40mm f/2.8
and either 21mm f/3.5 or CZ 18mm f/3.5 Manual Focus.

Thanks!

[Nesster]

That's a good list - you might consider the 43 for the slightly faster speed. I have the 70 and 43 and find that a really good combination.

I don't know about the wide angles. Personally I'm inclined to a zoom in the wide angle area, but others will have better (any) experience.

[alexgn]

How's AF on the 43mm? Quick and quiet?

[Nesster]

I don't have any complaints, works as well as the 70

[TKH]

21, 35 and 70. Perfect trio.

Rainer

[ajuett]

I don't have a medium tele-prime (maybe later I'll get the DA 70mm Ltd). I can recommend the DA 14mm f/2.8 and DA 40mm f/2.8 Ltd without hesitation.

[alexgn]

Originally Posted by TKH

21, 35 and 70. Perfect trio.

Rainer

Do you think the 35mm is better than the 40mm? Or you prefer this lens because it features MACRO?

[alexgn]

Originally Posted by ajuett

I don't have a medium tele-prime (maybe later I'll get the DA 70mm Ltd). I can recommend the DA 14mm f/2.8 and DA 40mm f/2.8 Ltd without hesitation.

How would you rate your 14mm against the 21mm lens?

Thanks!

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by alexgn

How's AF on the 43mm? Quick and quiet?

It's not bad. The 40mm is noticeably faster and maybe quieter — but the 43mm is much better for manual focus.

[Old Timer 56]

I have all three "pancake" lenses (21,40,70) and I recommend all three.

Richard

[NaClH2O]

My three primes in those categories are:

FA 20mm F2.8
FA 43ltd F1.9, FA 50 F1.4 and K50 F1.2
FA 77ltd F1.8, Tamron 90mm Macro F2.8

I also have the Zenitar 16mm Fisheye that with careful framing has minimal distortion.

The Tamron does triple duty as a macro lens, a short tele and a long portrait lens.

NaCl(and obviously I like the mid range)H2O

[ajuett]

Originally Posted by alexgn

How would you rate your 14mm against the 21mm lens?

Thanks!

I'd rate it as wider .

For me the DA14 is mainly for landscapes, buildings and wide indoor shots. The 21 is a good lens just not as wide as I wanted.

[GaryM]

Originally Posted by TKH

21, 35 and 70. Perfect trio.

After much agonizing and scrutiny, that's the same decision I came to, and I don't regret it a bit. However, you could swap in any of several other lenses (FA31, FA35, FA43, DA40, FA77) for very good reasons as well. I would hate to have to make that decision again - too many great prime lenses to choose from, and not enough money!

[k100d]

the 21 43 70 is a popular choice

[jzamora]

21mm Limited
35mm Limited
70mm Limited
These are all super sharp and the 35mm gives you ability to do macro. You will be happy with this choice. Although it will $1500 to buy this outfit.
--JZ