Best 50mm lens out there

TOUGEFC · 06-29-2010, 01:26 AM

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Originally posted by axl

I wish I could get my hands on one of those... would look great with my silver ltds

You can here brand new, 8days left

Pentax LX 2000 + A 50mm f/1.2 Special Lens Kit LX2000 - eBay, 35mm SLR, Film Cameras, Cameras Photo. (end time 08-Jul-10 17:00:26 AEST)

axl · 06-29-2010, 05:07 AM

Ah yes, I've seen that listing before...
Now I just have to rob the bank

Pentaxor · 06-29-2010, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by TOUGEFC

You can here brand new, 8days left

Pentax LX 2000 + A 50mm f/1.2 Special Lens Kit LX2000 - eBay, 35mm SLR, Film Cameras, Cameras Photo. (end time 08-Jul-10 17:00:26 AEST)

what an immaculate looking lens. although the gold version would be more of a headturner.

Adam · 06-29-2010, 02:21 PM

I've never used my A F1.2 special lens...only looked at it

Apart from that, the best 50mm, I'd say, is the FA 50mm macro.

Adam
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frank · 06-29-2010, 06:24 PM

Originally posted by Voe

You can get these adapters from eBay:

Adapter Leica R lens To PENTAX K7 Km K20D K200D K100D - eBay, Lenses, Photographic Accessories, Cameras. (end time 17-Jul-10 00:53:31 AEST)

Adapter for Leica R lens To Pentax P/K PK camera - eBay, Accessory Kits, Camcorder Accessories, Photography. (end time 28-Jul-10 16:33:42 AEST)

Adapter for Leica R lens To Pentax DSLR K-7 K-X KM K20D - eBay, Lenses, Lenses Filters, Cameras Photo. (end time 23-Jul-10 13:30:49 AEST)

If you want to read more about Leica lenses I would suggest the "Leica Lens Compendum": http://www.imx.nl/photo/downloads/files/llcforweb.pdf

I had the second and latest version which includes a built in hood: http://en.leica-camera.com/assets/file/download.php?filename=file_1867.pdf

Oh man, that's a lot of readings. I've saved it on my PC, will read it all later on.

Thanks for sharing the info and links.

JayR · 06-30-2010, 05:26 AM

I have the 50 F1.4, bought as an all-rounder but with portraiture in mind also... but im itching to compare the FA43ltd and DA*55 image qualities.

axl · 06-30-2010, 02:23 PM

Originally posted by JayR

I have the 50 F1.4, bought as an all-rounder but with portraiture in mind also... but im itching to compare the FA43ltd and DA*55 image qualities.

The biggest difference is 12mm and highlight discs in OOF. FA43 can be forced to produce some nasty things if you try, but the DA* with it's rounded aperture blades is great in this respect. They are both very sharp, and very contrasty from wide open. The DA* may be ever so slightly warmer to the red/orange side, while the FA43 is bit more yellow. Both of them can produce some harsh OOF rendering at certain conditions (I'd say FA50/1.4 is the same, K50/1.2 beats them all).
If I'd have to pick... well depends what would be in my bag. 43 is great match with 24 and 77, while 55 goes perfectly with 31 + 85.... truth to be said, on APSC 43 is too close to 31 IMO, but it's my only AF 50ish lens so I'm keeping it...

Blue · 06-30-2010, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by Adam

I've never used my A F1.2 special lens...only looked at it :tongue:

Apart from that, the best 50mm, I'd say, is the FA 50mm macro.

You have the Special? Do you have the Millennium LX to go with it?

Indecent Exposure · 06-30-2010, 08:42 PM

My all time absolute favorite is the FA 50 2.8 Macro, a close second is the A 50 2.8 (which is starting to show oil on the blades and I still have to get off my duff and get it repaired).

JayR · 07-01-2010, 03:54 AM

Originally posted by axl

The biggest difference is 12mm and highlight discs in OOF. FA43 can be forced to produce some nasty things if you try, but the DA* with it's rounded aperture blades is great in this respect. They are both very sharp, and very contrasty from wide open. The DA* may be ever so slightly warmer to the red/orange side, while the FA43 is bit more yellow. Both of them can produce some harsh OOF rendering at certain conditions (I'd say FA50/1.4 is the same, K50/1.2 beats them all).
If I'd have to pick... well depends what would be in my bag. 43 is great match with 24 and 77, while 55 goes perfectly with 31 + 85.... truth to be said, on APSC 43 is too close to 31 IMO, but it's my only AF 50ish lens so I'm keeping it...

im sure i shouldnt be looking at either, especially as i have the 31 & 77ltds either side of the FA 50mm. any idea how exactly they excel over the FA50? I know the 50 isnt a particularly 'special' lens, rather a decent, dependable workhorse. Im not too fussed about it not being as sharp at the edges given my prime (excuse the pun) consideration with photography is portraiture these days, although saying that, its certainly not the only subject by any stretch...

Asahiflex · 07-01-2010, 04:10 AM

Originally posted by Blue

Actually, I do. I probably like it more than my S.T. 2nd Model or S-M-C model. However, the 55mm Zebra is my favorite Tak over all with the macro-Tak right behind it.

I think by now you are already looking for a 58mm f/2 Takumar. Not by any means the sharpest though.

**germar** · 07-01-2010, 04:32 AM

Originally posted by Indecent Exposure

My all time absolute favorite is the FA 50 2.8 Macro, a close second is the A 50 2.8 (which is starting to show oil on the blades and I still have to get off my duff and get it repaired).

Agreed. The FA 50 2.8 macro is a very special lens indeed. I'll trade the speed a 1.4 offers for the amazing macro this lens has. I bought mine used and I've never looked back, best lens money I ever spent.

germar

Asahiflex · 07-01-2010, 04:41 AM

Originally posted by germar

Agreed. The FA 50 2.8 macro is a very special lens indeed. I'll trade the speed a 1.4 offers for the amazing macro this lens has. I bought mine used and I've never looked back, best lens money I ever spent.

I agree too. I have the slightly older F 50/2.8 macro and 100% crops are simply unbelievable. If I would not need the speed of regular 50mm's then I would really consider the macro.

This is for instance the full shot:

And a 100% crop of the shot above:

bhairavp · 07-02-2010, 03:30 AM

So I just (this afternoon!) picked up an A 50/2.8 macro for a song (2000 rupees, which translates to about 44USD). It looks to be in excellent shape optically, with only minor scuffing on the lens body.

Is this really as sharp as everyone says it is?

**Aristophanes** · 07-02-2010, 05:08 AM

Originally posted by bhairavp

So I just (this afternoon!) picked up an A 50/2.8 macro for a song (2000 rupees, which translates to about 44USD). It looks to be in excellent shape optically, with only minor scuffing on the lens body.

Is this really as sharp as everyone says it is?

Absolutely. Not just sharp, but it preserves colour as well as any lens from anyone anywhere. Teeny vignetting at 2.8, gone by 4 (3.5 really). Bokeh is lovely.

Good buy.

06-30-2010, 08:42 PM	#69
Indecent Exposure Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 78	My all time absolute favorite is the FA 50 2.8 Macro, a close second is the A 50 2.8 (which is starting to show oil on the blades and I still have to get off my duff and get it repaired). Last edited by Indecent Exposure; 06-30-2010 at 08:45 PM. Reason: poor gramer

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06-29-2010, 01:26 AM	#61
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by axl I wish I could get my hands on one of those... would look great with my silver ltds You can here brand new, 8days left Pentax LX 2000 + A 50mm f/1.2 Special Lens Kit LX2000 - eBay, 35mm SLR, Film Cameras, Cameras Photo. (end time 08-Jul-10 17:00:26 AEST)

06-29-2010, 05:07 AM	#62
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Ah yes, I've seen that listing before... Now I just have to rob the bank

06-29-2010, 02:19 PM	#63
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by TOUGEFC You can here brand new, 8days left Pentax LX 2000 + A 50mm f/1.2 Special Lens Kit LX2000 - eBay, 35mm SLR, Film Cameras, Cameras Photo. (end time 08-Jul-10 17:00:26 AEST) what an immaculate looking lens. although the gold version would be more of a headturner.

06-29-2010, 02:21 PM	#64
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	I've never used my A F1.2 special lens...only looked at it Apart from that, the best 50mm, I'd say, is the FA 50mm macro. 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:

06-29-2010, 06:24 PM	#65
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by Voe You can get these adapters from eBay: Adapter Leica R lens To PENTAX K7 Km K20D K200D K100D - eBay, Lenses, Photographic Accessories, Cameras. (end time 17-Jul-10 00:53:31 AEST) Adapter for Leica R lens To Pentax P/K PK camera - eBay, Accessory Kits, Camcorder Accessories, Photography. (end time 28-Jul-10 16:33:42 AEST) Adapter for Leica R lens To Pentax DSLR K-7 K-X KM K20D - eBay, Lenses, Lenses Filters, Cameras Photo. (end time 23-Jul-10 13:30:49 AEST) If you want to read more about Leica lenses I would suggest the "Leica Lens Compendum": http://www.imx.nl/photo/downloads/files/llcforweb.pdf I had the second and latest version which includes a built in hood: http://en.leica-camera.com/assets/file/download.php?filename=file_1867.pdf Oh man, that's a lot of readings. I've saved it on my PC, will read it all later on. Thanks for sharing the info and links.

06-30-2010, 05:26 AM	#66
JayR Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Adelaide, SA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 273	I have the 50 F1.4, bought as an all-rounder but with portraiture in mind also... but im itching to compare the FA43ltd and DA*55 image qualities.

06-30-2010, 02:23 PM	#67
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Originally posted by JayR I have the 50 F1.4, bought as an all-rounder but with portraiture in mind also... but im itching to compare the FA43ltd and DA55 image qualities. The biggest difference is 12mm and highlight discs in OOF. FA43 can be forced to produce some nasty things if you try, but the DA with it's rounded aperture blades is great in this respect. They are both very sharp, and very contrasty from wide open. The DA* may be ever so slightly warmer to the red/orange side, while the FA43 is bit more yellow. Both of them can produce some harsh OOF rendering at certain conditions (I'd say FA50/1.4 is the same, K50/1.2 beats them all). If I'd have to pick... well depends what would be in my bag. 43 is great match with 24 and 77, while 55 goes perfectly with 31 + 85.... truth to be said, on APSC 43 is too close to 31 IMO, but it's my only AF 50ish lens so I'm keeping it...

06-30-2010, 05:25 PM	#68
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Adam I've never used my A F1.2 special lens...only looked at it :tongue: Apart from that, the best 50mm, I'd say, is the FA 50mm macro. You have the Special? Do you have the Millennium LX to go with it?

07-01-2010, 03:54 AM	#70
JayR Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Adelaide, SA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 273	Originally posted by axl The biggest difference is 12mm and highlight discs in OOF. FA43 can be forced to produce some nasty things if you try, but the DA* with it's rounded aperture blades is great in this respect. They are both very sharp, and very contrasty from wide open. The DA* may be ever so slightly warmer to the red/orange side, while the FA43 is bit more yellow. Both of them can produce some harsh OOF rendering at certain conditions (I'd say FA50/1.4 is the same, K50/1.2 beats them all). If I'd have to pick... well depends what would be in my bag. 43 is great match with 24 and 77, while 55 goes perfectly with 31 + 85.... truth to be said, on APSC 43 is too close to 31 IMO, but it's my only AF 50ish lens so I'm keeping it... im sure i shouldnt be looking at either, especially as i have the 31 & 77ltds either side of the FA 50mm. any idea how exactly they excel over the FA50? I know the 50 isnt a particularly 'special' lens, rather a decent, dependable workhorse. Im not too fussed about it not being as sharp at the edges given my prime (excuse the pun) consideration with photography is portraiture these days, although saying that, its certainly not the only subject by any stretch...

07-01-2010, 04:10 AM	#71
Asahiflex Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,795	Originally posted by Blue Actually, I do. I probably like it more than my S.T. 2nd Model or S-M-C model. However, the 55mm Zebra is my favorite Tak over all with the macro-Tak right behind it. I think by now you are already looking for a 58mm f/2 Takumar. Not by any means the sharpest though.

07-01-2010, 04:32 AM	#72
germar Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Palm Beach, Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 728	Originally posted by Indecent Exposure My all time absolute favorite is the FA 50 2.8 Macro, a close second is the A 50 2.8 (which is starting to show oil on the blades and I still have to get off my duff and get it repaired). Agreed. The FA 50 2.8 macro is a very special lens indeed. I'll trade the speed a 1.4 offers for the amazing macro this lens has. I bought mine used and I've never looked back, best lens money I ever spent. germar

07-01-2010, 04:41 AM	#73
Asahiflex Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,795	Originally posted by germar Agreed. The FA 50 2.8 macro is a very special lens indeed. I'll trade the speed a 1.4 offers for the amazing macro this lens has. I bought mine used and I've never looked back, best lens money I ever spent. I agree too. I have the slightly older F 50/2.8 macro and 100% crops are simply unbelievable. If I would not need the speed of regular 50mm's then I would really consider the macro. This is for instance the full shot: And a 100% crop of the shot above:

07-02-2010, 03:30 AM	#74
bhairavp Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 399	So I just (this afternoon!) picked up an A 50/2.8 macro for a song (2000 rupees, which translates to about 44USD). It looks to be in excellent shape optically, with only minor scuffing on the lens body. Is this really as sharp as everyone says it is?

07-02-2010, 05:08 AM	#75
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Originally posted by bhairavp So I just (this afternoon!) picked up an A 50/2.8 macro for a song (2000 rupees, which translates to about 44USD). It looks to be in excellent shape optically, with only minor scuffing on the lens body. Is this really as sharp as everyone says it is? Absolutely. Not just sharp, but it preserves colour as well as any lens from anyone anywhere. Teeny vignetting at 2.8, gone by 4 (3.5 really). Bokeh is lovely. Good buy.