If you had just a K10d body and $100 what lens would you get?

**rparmar** · 10-20-2010, 08:30 PM

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Originally posted by Rory

M 50 f/1.7 or A 50 f/1.7 if you can find one for the price.

I concur.

Damian · 10-20-2010, 08:43 PM

Heres a DAL 18-55mm on ebay. I don't know if they ship to Japan, so you will need to ask questions. They come up all the time, so keep looking. Try to stay away from the DA AL (without the II). It had lower resolution and was a little worse with distortion on the wide end.
Pentax smc DAL 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens White - eBay (item 150507382428 end time Oct-22-10 18:42:26 PDT)

You are right, there are no Miranda's up for sale right now. Keep looking, and get one if you see one.

jolepp · 10-20-2010, 10:25 PM

Another 18-55 DAL from Germany with worldwide shipping for 44 EUR (+ worldwide shipping 15-25 EUR):

SMC Pentax 18-55mm 1:3,5-5,6 AL DAL Macro * TOP bei eBay.de: (endet 24.10.10 20:16:26 MESZ)

The point is that these can be had with shipping to Japan <100 US$ and so can other quality glass. The (inflated) shipping charges unfortunately complicate things, or in effect, make ideal matches on any item much rarer. This means more work (checking for interesting ones periodically, setting up saved searches, contacting sellers, etc.). As said, here earlier, the DAL 18-55 is probably the only more modern thing in the price range certainly worth getting, the other gems would be MF and even more manual (in which lies the potential to deeper knowledge and sharper instinct ;-)

RolloR · 10-20-2010, 10:38 PM

sell them and buy a used k-x kit?

summonbaka · 10-21-2010, 12:58 AM - **1 Like**

Take a look in here:

?????? < ?????????????????? < ... < ???AV???? - Yahoo!??????

With luck you might find some good glass for cheap. Just don't jump at the first one you see. If you have any doubts, you can PM me.

Edit: Found a DA-L kit lens for $50
http://page18.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/w53665867

Steinback · 10-21-2010, 01:51 AM

@summonbaka - That A 35mm f/2 currently listed for ~$130 US looks pretty sweet. There's quite a nice selection of MF primes there.

Boris · 10-21-2010, 02:49 AM

I'd buy nothing if I were you, Ehlacore. You've a very good camera and a good lens. So go out and take pictures. When you know what do you want - wide, tele, normal, macro, fast, slow, big, small, zoom, prime, etc - then you can reevaluate your budget and the market. It will may happen that you will take wonderful pictures with the gear that you currently have and it will simply have saved you some money.

Blue · 10-21-2010, 06:13 AM

Originally posted by Lloydy

The F35-70 lives on my K10 for most of the time, it's a great lens, it's compact and best of all a mint copy cost me £12 ( $20 ) at the local pawn shop.

Which leaves about $80 for a selection of Helios, Pentacon and other cheap and cheerful manual focus wonders.

I guess you, StringMike, Steinback and I were wasting our breath. People that haven't used this lens don't get it.

The only thing the DA 18-55 II has on this lens is the wide end, but this one has the long end and is faster.

The earlier 18-55 is a dog compared to this one.

elpolodiablo · 10-21-2010, 06:24 AM

Originally posted by Blue

I guess you, StringMike, Steinback and I were wasting our breath. People that haven't used this lens don't get it.

The only thing the DA 18-55 II has on this lens is the wide end, but this one has the long end and is faster.

The earlier 18-55 is a dog compared to this one.

Nod from a fellow F 35-70 owner

I don't use mine that often but it is indeed a very good performer for very little $$$, very compact, IQ is very good and AF is pretty fast too!

reeftool · 10-21-2010, 07:39 AM

I have seen the 18-55 kit lens selling for around $60. Also the F35-70 is in that price range and that has some good macro/closeup ability. There are dozens of manual focus primes available used for under $100. With some careful shopping and if you're patient, you should be able to pick up 2 lenses. The 55/2 lens either as an M42 Takumar or K mount is a real gem and is regularly found for around $20.

**rparmar** · 10-21-2010, 10:17 AM

Originally posted by Blue

The only thing the DA 18-55 II has on this lens is the wide end, but this one has the long end and is faster.

Not knocking the lens you advocate, but would like to point out that the difference between 18mm and 35mm is an ocean. Whereas the difference between 55mm and 70mm is usually negligible, especially in something so slow.

Blue · 10-21-2010, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by rparmar

Not knocking the lens you advocate, but would like to point out that the difference between 18mm and 35mm is an ocean. Whereas the difference between 55mm and 70mm is usually negligible, especially in something so slow.

Would you like to clarify your slow comment? the DA 18-55 is damn slow at 55mm/5.6 compared to f4.5 at 70. Plus you didn't state if you were talking about the II or original 18-55. I'm not convinced that my DA 17-70 has better IQ from 35 to 70 than my F 35-70 had. I'll go as far to say that the 17-17 only has 2 things on it, SDM and the 17-34 focal length.

Edit: The F 35-70mm/3.5-4.5 typically sells in the $35-50 range in good shape. Plus it is physically about the size of an FA 50/1.4 lens and doesn't expand much.

Damian · 10-21-2010, 10:56 AM

Considering he already has a 28-80mm I would think that he would be best served with something wider. The 28-80mm, because of the crop factor actually has a much narrower field of view then 28mm. So does the 35-70 for that matter. Useful range is probably more of what is in order. The 18-55 will give him a much more useful range, and decent IQ to boot. Wider is better, as I find 18mm isn't even wide enough some times, especially in-doors. Not knocking the 35-70 on IQ. I used to have one mounted on my old Ricoh back in the day, and I loved it. The problem is 35mm isn't going to be wide enough with the crop factor. It might as well be a 50-105mm. I think, first get an 18-55mm, then get a fast 50mm prime. Even a 50mm f2 if it's all you can afford. I think the f2 doesn't get the credit it's due. I've gotten some pretty good results with mine in the past.

Blue · 10-21-2010, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by Damian

Considering he already has a 28-80mm I would think that he would be best served with something wider. The 28-80mm, because of the crop factor actually has a much narrower field of view then 28mm. So does the 35-70 for that matter. Useful range is probably more of what is in order. The 18-55 will give him a much more useful range, and decent IQ to boot. Wider is better, as I find 18mm isn't even wide enough some times, especially in-doors. Not knocking the 35-70 on IQ. I used to have one mounted on my old Ricoh back in the day, and I loved it. The problem is 35mm isn't going to be wide enough with the crop factor. It might as well be a 50-105mm. I think, first get an 18-55mm, then get a fast 50mm prime. Even a 50mm f2 if it's all you can afford. I think the f2 doesn't get the credit it's due. I've gotten some pretty good results with mine in the past.

The 28-80 is a paper weight. I respectfully disagree with you on the IQ. While it gains in the wide angle range, its a step down in IQ. Again you didn't specify if you are talking about the AL or AL II. However, the FA 28-70/4 picks up some of the wide angle range.

Damian · 10-21-2010, 11:24 AM

I never said I liked the 28-80, just that he had the longer end already covered. Earlier in the post I did specify type, go back and read my recommendations on the second page and the top of this page of this post. DA AL II or the DA L as the optical formula of both are identical. I have the DA L and am mostly happy with the results I get. Again, 28mm is not wide enough when crop factor is taken into consideration. The field of view is more like you would see with a 42mm lens. Definitely not wide enough for a lot of applications. If IQ is the chief concern then I still recommend either a 50mm 1.7 or a Miranda 24mm 2.8 macro. With the Miranda as my number 1 choice because of the useful close focus abilities. Both CAN be found for under $100. I'm not knocking your recommendations, they are both good solid zooms, I just don't think they are wide enough for all purpose use.

10-20-2010, 08:43 PM	#32
Damian Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 278	Heres a DAL 18-55mm on ebay. I don't know if they ship to Japan, so you will need to ask questions. They come up all the time, so keep looking. Try to stay away from the DA AL (without the II). It had lower resolution and was a little worse with distortion on the wide end. Pentax smc DAL 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens White - eBay (item 150507382428 end time Oct-22-10 18:42:26 PDT) You are right, there are no Miranda's up for sale right now. Keep looking, and get one if you see one. Last edited by Damian; 10-20-2010 at 08:48 PM.

10-20-2010, 10:25 PM	#33
jolepp Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Finland Photos: Albums Posts: 3,196	Another 18-55 DAL from Germany with worldwide shipping for 44 EUR (+ worldwide shipping 15-25 EUR): SMC Pentax 18-55mm 1:3,5-5,6 AL DAL Macro * TOP bei eBay.de: (endet 24.10.10 20:16:26 MESZ) The point is that these can be had with shipping to Japan <100 US$ and so can other quality glass. The (inflated) shipping charges unfortunately complicate things, or in effect, make ideal matches on any item much rarer. This means more work (checking for interesting ones periodically, setting up saved searches, contacting sellers, etc.). As said, here earlier, the DAL 18-55 is probably the only more modern thing in the price range certainly worth getting, the other gems would be MF and even more manual (in which lies the potential to deeper knowledge and sharper instinct ;-) Last edited by jolepp; 10-20-2010 at 10:34 PM.

10-21-2010, 12:58 AM - 1 Like	#35
summonbaka Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kagoshima, Japan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 237	Take a look in here: ?????? < ?????????????????? < ... < ???AV???? - Yahoo!?????? With luck you might find some good glass for cheap. Just don't jump at the first one you see. If you have any doubts, you can PM me. Edit: Found a DA-L kit lens for $50 http://page18.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/w53665867 Last edited by summonbaka; 10-21-2010 at 01:13 AM.

10-21-2010, 10:27 AM	#42
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by rparmar Not knocking the lens you advocate, but would like to point out that the difference between 18mm and 35mm is an ocean. Whereas the difference between 55mm and 70mm is usually negligible, especially in something so slow. Would you like to clarify your slow comment? the DA 18-55 is damn slow at 55mm/5.6 compared to f4.5 at 70. Plus you didn't state if you were talking about the II or original 18-55. I'm not convinced that my DA 17-70 has better IQ from 35 to 70 than my F 35-70 had. I'll go as far to say that the 17-17 only has 2 things on it, SDM and the 17-34 focal length. Edit: The F 35-70mm/3.5-4.5 typically sells in the $35-50 range in good shape. Plus it is physically about the size of an FA 50/1.4 lens and doesn't expand much. Last edited by Blue; 10-21-2010 at 10:40 AM.

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10-20-2010, 08:30 PM	#31
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	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 Rory M 50 f/1.7 or A 50 f/1.7 if you can find one for the price. I concur.

10-20-2010, 10:38 PM	#34
RolloR Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 264	sell them and buy a used k-x kit?

10-21-2010, 01:51 AM	#36
Steinback Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: GTA, ON, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,673	@summonbaka - That A 35mm f/2 currently listed for ~$130 US looks pretty sweet. There's quite a nice selection of MF primes there.

10-21-2010, 02:49 AM	#37
Boris Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 932	I'd buy nothing if I were you, Ehlacore. You've a very good camera and a good lens. So go out and take pictures. When you know what do you want - wide, tele, normal, macro, fast, slow, big, small, zoom, prime, etc - then you can reevaluate your budget and the market. It will may happen that you will take wonderful pictures with the gear that you currently have and it will simply have saved you some money.

10-21-2010, 06:13 AM	#38
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Lloydy The F35-70 lives on my K10 for most of the time, it's a great lens, it's compact and best of all a mint copy cost me £12 ( $20 ) at the local pawn shop. Which leaves about $80 for a selection of Helios, Pentacon and other cheap and cheerful manual focus wonders. I guess you, StringMike, Steinback and I were wasting our breath. People that haven't used this lens don't get it. The only thing the DA 18-55 II has on this lens is the wide end, but this one has the long end and is faster. The earlier 18-55 is a dog compared to this one.

10-21-2010, 06:24 AM	#39
elpolodiablo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,637	Originally posted by Blue I guess you, StringMike, Steinback and I were wasting our breath. People that haven't used this lens don't get it. The only thing the DA 18-55 II has on this lens is the wide end, but this one has the long end and is faster. The earlier 18-55 is a dog compared to this one. Nod from a fellow F 35-70 owner I don't use mine that often but it is indeed a very good performer for very little $$$, very compact, IQ is very good and AF is pretty fast too!

10-21-2010, 07:39 AM	#40
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,553	I have seen the 18-55 kit lens selling for around $60. Also the F35-70 is in that price range and that has some good macro/closeup ability. There are dozens of manual focus primes available used for under $100. With some careful shopping and if you're patient, you should be able to pick up 2 lenses. The 55/2 lens either as an M42 Takumar or K mount is a real gem and is regularly found for around $20.

10-21-2010, 10:17 AM	#41
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	Originally posted by Blue The only thing the DA 18-55 II has on this lens is the wide end, but this one has the long end and is faster. Not knocking the lens you advocate, but would like to point out that the difference between 18mm and 35mm is an ocean. Whereas the difference between 55mm and 70mm is usually negligible, especially in something so slow.

10-21-2010, 10:56 AM	#43
Damian Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 278	Considering he already has a 28-80mm I would think that he would be best served with something wider. The 28-80mm, because of the crop factor actually has a much narrower field of view then 28mm. So does the 35-70 for that matter. Useful range is probably more of what is in order. The 18-55 will give him a much more useful range, and decent IQ to boot. Wider is better, as I find 18mm isn't even wide enough some times, especially in-doors. Not knocking the 35-70 on IQ. I used to have one mounted on my old Ricoh back in the day, and I loved it. The problem is 35mm isn't going to be wide enough with the crop factor. It might as well be a 50-105mm. I think, first get an 18-55mm, then get a fast 50mm prime. Even a 50mm f2 if it's all you can afford. I think the f2 doesn't get the credit it's due. I've gotten some pretty good results with mine in the past.

10-21-2010, 11:04 AM	#44
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Damian Considering he already has a 28-80mm I would think that he would be best served with something wider. The 28-80mm, because of the crop factor actually has a much narrower field of view then 28mm. So does the 35-70 for that matter. Useful range is probably more of what is in order. The 18-55 will give him a much more useful range, and decent IQ to boot. Wider is better, as I find 18mm isn't even wide enough some times, especially in-doors. Not knocking the 35-70 on IQ. I used to have one mounted on my old Ricoh back in the day, and I loved it. The problem is 35mm isn't going to be wide enough with the crop factor. It might as well be a 50-105mm. I think, first get an 18-55mm, then get a fast 50mm prime. Even a 50mm f2 if it's all you can afford. I think the f2 doesn't get the credit it's due. I've gotten some pretty good results with mine in the past. The 28-80 is a paper weight. I respectfully disagree with you on the IQ. While it gains in the wide angle range, its a step down in IQ. Again you didn't specify if you are talking about the AL or AL II. However, the FA 28-70/4 picks up some of the wide angle range.

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10-21-2010, 11:24 AM	#45
Damian Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 278	I never said I liked the 28-80, just that he had the longer end already covered. Earlier in the post I did specify type, go back and read my recommendations on the second page and the top of this page of this post. DA AL II or the DA L as the optical formula of both are identical. I have the DA L and am mostly happy with the results I get. Again, 28mm is not wide enough when crop factor is taken into consideration. The field of view is more like you would see with a 42mm lens. Definitely not wide enough for a lot of applications. If IQ is the chief concern then I still recommend either a 50mm 1.7 or a Miranda 24mm 2.8 macro. With the Miranda as my number 1 choice because of the useful close focus abilities. Both CAN be found for under $100. I'm not knocking your recommendations, they are both good solid zooms, I just don't think they are wide enough for all purpose use.