Which smc m lens up to 70mm?

bigK · 09-26-2009, 06:32 PM

Hi, I found a Pentax smc m 80-200mm for my K1000, I am happy. Can someone tell me if there is a good pentax k mount manual focus lens in the smc m series that will cover the low end of focal length to 70mm or so with the ability to take sharp closeups of subjects like flowers, spiders on their webs etc. as well as performing clear on the far end of focal length? or am I asking a redundant question? I was hoping that this series of lenses offered a nice one that might do that or, am I asking for something that doesn't exist? Thanks

*Nick Siebers* · 09-26-2009, 07:25 PM

There is an M 35-70 zoom f/2.8-3.5; I just acquired a copy. It seems sharp and with good colors/contrast in my first day or two of playing with it. It will not focus very closely at all, though, no "macro" mode.

The SMC A 35-70mm zooms do have macro modes; the f/4 version is probably a little nicer from what I have heard, but is a little more rare and more expensive. The f/3.5-4.5 is more compact, easier to find and less expensive. By coincidence, I have one of those listed in the Marketplace right now, if you are interested.

Ricoh made an XR 35-70 zoom f/3.5 that is very nice and has a macro mode, but every one I've ever seen (including mine) has issues on the mount. The XR lenses were the Ricoh equivalent of the M series.

Good luck!
Nick

pschlute · 09-26-2009, 07:45 PM

Have a look here for the full K-mount range. Welcome to Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-Mount Page

You can see that there are a number of zooms, but not one that will cover the wide to short telephoto that you are after. The 40-80 does have a macro mode but is not a particularly well regarded lens. Have a look at the 24-35 or 28-50. They will both focus about 0.5 metres, produce great shots, and are a joy to use.

Here is on I took with the M 28-35 f3.5

Recercare · 09-27-2009, 02:51 AM

Considering that smc-m lenses are reasonably priced then why not go for 2 primes? The smc-m 50mm F1.7 is VERY sharp and I have also heard good things about the 28mm F3.5.

Kind regards
.lars

*Nick Siebers* · 09-27-2009, 07:23 AM

Lars, two primes are a great idea, and exactly the lenses I would pick too.

bigK · 09-27-2009, 06:34 PM

Thanks for the reply,and a very nice shot of the Porsche pschlute. So, am I correct in assuming that to be able to focus sharply at close range and still have a decent midrange the "primes" are the way to go? and, how close will the 28 or 50 "primes" focus and where on the forum could I see some examples of what they will do on a K series manual body?

I just went to Bojidar's K mount page, what about the screw in Pentax closeup lenses?

Thanks again...K

*Nick Siebers* · 09-29-2009, 09:19 PM

The Sigma mini-wide 28mm f/2.8 is a nice wide lens that will do close up shots - 1:4.5 macro or so. the Pentax 50mm f/4 macro lens is also nice, and not too expensive, that will do 1:2. The M 28/3.5 and 50/1.7 won't let you focus that close, about 1:7.

*8540tomg* · 09-30-2009, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by Recercare

Considering that smc-m lenses are reasonably priced then why not go for 2 primes? The smc-m 50mm F1.7 is VERY sharp and I have also heard good things about the 28mm F3.5.

Kind regards
.lars

I'm with lars and Nick, going with multiple Ms or even K series is a good idea. You won't find many bad lenses in either group.

Tom G