Best Of the Best From Pentax

Shutter-bug · 10-21-2010, 10:30 PM - **1 Like**

Good Afternoon/morning everyone

Ok well today i have a bit of an ask, what pentax lens do you personally consider the best of the best of the pentax lens line up..and im not just talking modern day da-fa-f-a-m lenses, oh no im also letting this one out to the good old takumar lenses.
so i put this challenge to everyone in the forum; what lens do you consider the best- a lens you wouldnt live without?
include what ever images and facts you like to support your claims i dont mind, this is an open discussion to find out what the general pentax community really think of the pentax lens line up.

Cheers everyone and happy snapping,

Shutter-Bug.

deadwolfbones · 10-21-2010, 10:51 PM

I think the DA 35 Macro is the best all-around lens I've used.

SteveM · 10-21-2010, 11:06 PM

One of the strengths of the Pentax lineup is the diversity and you're going to get a different answer from each person you ask. For me, the K85/1.8 is the lens I grab most often (which beats out in my mind the 77 ltd which I also own). The A* line for telephotos is also my choice over newer glass.

If someone wants AF, you'll get a completely different answer.

K85....

A*1200

Laurentiu Cristofor · 10-21-2010, 11:41 PM

Psychological experiment? Idle chat? But who cares when we've got so much to share...

Strangers in the night, exchanging images
Wondering in the night
What were the chances we'd be sharing lenses
Before the night was through

La-la-la-la...

axl · 10-22-2010, 12:25 AM

Tough one.

For me it comes down to two: FA31ltd and K50/1.2. Looking at it purely from optical standpoint I'd say my K50/1.2 is the best lens in my line up and A50/1.2 would be the best in Pentax line up.

My 2p

turboseize · 10-22-2010, 12:25 AM

On my spotmatic:
- smc-takumar 2.8/105mm.

On digital:
- M 1.7/50mm. But only, because I have it. I am a cheap guy, you know. Did not want to spend so much on an 1.4 or 1.2 50mm, although I would surely like to have these lenses. 8)

**Ash** · 10-22-2010, 12:37 AM

Interesting variety of answers. I've never looked past the FA ltds but couldn't decide between them which one is 'best'.

Never tried the 50/1.2 yet though... why not make a DFA 50/ 1.2 Pentax?

bdery · 10-22-2010, 04:57 AM

I believe it's hard to evaluate this without having used every lens ever made...

I'd say the FA and DA lines of limiteds get the best recommendations normally, that's a start. The FA50 macro also is regarded as the sharpest lens ever, and I can agree it's brutally sharp.

I'd also say the DA18-55 WR is the best kit lens I've seen in all brands. So in its own category it's the best...

The 50-135 is also regarded as a magical lens...

The best lens also depends on the situation. So it's really hard to answer. But from my own limited experience, the three best I've used (for different purposes) are the F50 f1,7, the DA21 LTD, and the FA50 macro.

Ira · 10-22-2010, 05:13 AM

Amongst what I own (all manual except for the kit), the best is hands-down the Super Tak 50 1.4.

If I wasn't unemployed, I would start buying a few backups.

**Lowell Goudge** · 10-22-2010, 05:38 AM

OK

interesting question, so let's start by saying that many of the lenses people consider as the "best of the best" I don't own. So let's start with what I do own<

my present collection of pentax glass is

SMC Tak 35mmF2 (#3)
Super Tak 50mmF1.4 - 8 element version (#2)
SMC-Pentax 50mmF1.4 (#6)
SMC-Macro-Tak 50mmF4 (#6)
Super Tak 85mmF1.9 (#3)
SMC-M 100mmF4 (#5)
SMC-Pentax 105mmF2.8 (#11)
SMC-Pentax 135F2.5 (#1)
SMC-Tak 135mmF3.5 (#6)
Takumar (preset) 200mmF3.5 (#4)
SMC-Pentax 300mmF4 (#4)

Out of these lenses the only one I would not vote for immediately is the SMC-Pentax 105mmF2.8. it is disappointingly soft wide open. although it sharpens up nicely by F5.6 and for that it may be OK for portraits.

Of all the rest, in terms of outright performance at all apertures, I would have to say the SMC - Pentax 135mmF2.5 is the tops, followed closely by the 8 element super tak 50mm F1.4.

I chose the 100mm macro over the 50 because I like the working distance more (that is a personal thing)

Note also the difference beteen rankings 3-6 is so, so close that it is almost the same, and as I noted earlier the only clear looser is the 105mmF2.8.

In thinking a little more about my list, which I presented in focal length order, I have gone back and added after each lens the ranking (in brackets)

Some of my logic in rankings is that I have other lenses at these focal lengths by other makers, which I like better. Specifically when looking at 105mm and 135mm. at 105mm I like my Vernon Edonar F2.8 preset much more than the 105 K mount, and at 135mm I like my tele lentar over the 135mm SMC Tak. I really need to test the K135F2.5 against my Tele Lentar preset 135F2.8, but I think speed and wide open sharpness is still there in the K135F2.5

8540tomg · 10-22-2010, 06:22 AM

I’m going to limit my choice of the “best of the best” to lenses I own and use on a regular basis. I have other lenses but these are the ones I use most frequently:

K 24/2.8
M 35/2
A 100/2.8 macro
K 200/2.5
M 400/5.6
DA* 16~50/2.8

From this grouping I would select the K 200/2.5 as the best with the rest following a close second. While it lacks AF/AE it makes up for it in feel, build quality and image quality. My personal favourite. Here's a recent image:

Tom G

**Lowell Goudge** · 10-22-2010, 06:33 AM

Originally posted by 8540tomg

snip.........From this grouping I would select the K 200/2.5 as the best with the rest following a close second.

Somehow, I knew, just seeing your name, and even before I read the post that the K200F2.5 would be your #1

8540tomg · 10-22-2010, 06:42 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

Somehow, I knew, just seeing your name, and even before I read the post that the K200F2.5 would be your #1

I keep looking for something better Lowell but I haven't found it yet.

You really have to get one of these babies.

I know you would love it. It would be a perfect stable mate for your K 135/2.5.

Tom G

**Lowell Goudge** · 10-22-2010, 07:00 AM

Originally posted by 8540tomg

I keep looking for something better Lowell but I haven't found it yet.

You really have to get one of these babies.

I know you would love it. It would be a perfect stable mate for your K 135/2.5.

Tom G

Tom, when you consider my present K /KA mount MF kit

8mm Pro Optic (Samyang) fisheye, 24mm F2 (vivitar by kiron), 28mm F2 Kiron, K50F1.4, 85mmF1.4 Vivitar (Samyang), K105F2.8, K135F2.5, K300F4 and Vvitar 400F5.6

not only does it fit nicely, it fills a real gap. Yes I do "need" one.

In reality, all I need for my K mount MF kit is 3 lenses, a 35F2, the 200F2.5 and something between 8 and 24mm. But my problem is that the shorter lenses have priority because I already have 200 covered in so many ways, (Tak 200F3.5 preset, Series 1 70-210F3.3 version 1 and Sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX) the 200F2.5 is really more a luxury,

It would be a real interesting challenge to compare the 200F2.5 and my sigma zoom however.

Ira · 10-22-2010, 07:08 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

At 135mm I like my tele lentar over the 135mm SMC Tak.

Okay--time for me to shoot with this freaking lens, especially since I don't have a 135 Tak.

I'm going out today with my Lentar AND Vivitar preset, and see what happens.

I think I should leave my CPL at home though so that doesn't cloud my scientific tests any further than the Budweisers will them.

10-22-2010, 06:22 AM	#11
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	I’m going to limit my choice of the “best of the best” to lenses I own and use on a regular basis. I have other lenses but these are the ones I use most frequently: K 24/2.8 M 35/2 A 100/2.8 macro K 200/2.5 M 400/5.6 DA* 16~50/2.8 From this grouping I would select the K 200/2.5 as the best with the rest following a close second. While it lacks AF/AE it makes up for it in feel, build quality and image quality. My personal favourite. Here's a recent image: Tom G Last edited by 8540tomg; 10-22-2010 at 06:24 AM. Reason: typo

10-22-2010, 06:42 AM	#13
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge Somehow, I knew, just seeing your name, and even before I read the post that the K200F2.5 would be your #1 I keep looking for something better Lowell but I haven't found it yet. You really have to get one of these babies. I know you would love it. It would be a perfect stable mate for your K 135/2.5. Tom G Last edited by 8540tomg; 10-22-2010 at 06:46 AM. Reason: typo

10-21-2010, 10:30 PM - 1 Like	#1
Shutter-bug Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Melbourne Posts: 13	Best Of the Best From Pentax Good Afternoon/morning everyone Ok well today i have a bit of an ask, what pentax lens do you personally consider the best of the best of the pentax lens line up..and im not just talking modern day da-fa-f-a-m lenses, oh no im also letting this one out to the good old takumar lenses. so i put this challenge to everyone in the forum; what lens do you consider the best- a lens you wouldnt live without? include what ever images and facts you like to support your claims i dont mind, this is an open discussion to find out what the general pentax community really think of the pentax lens line up. Cheers everyone and happy snapping, Shutter-Bug.

10-21-2010, 10:51 PM	#2
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	I think the DA 35 Macro is the best all-around lens I've used.

10-21-2010, 11:06 PM	#3
SteveM Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Vancouver Island, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,294	One of the strengths of the Pentax lineup is the diversity and you're going to get a different answer from each person you ask. For me, the K85/1.8 is the lens I grab most often (which beats out in my mind the 77 ltd which I also own). The A* line for telephotos is also my choice over newer glass. If someone wants AF, you'll get a completely different answer. K85.... A*1200

10-21-2010, 11:41 PM	#4
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Psychological experiment? Idle chat? But who cares when we've got so much to share... Strangers in the night, exchanging images Wondering in the night What were the chances we'd be sharing lenses Before the night was through La-la-la-la...

10-22-2010, 12:25 AM	#5
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Tough one. For me it comes down to two: FA31ltd and K50/1.2. Looking at it purely from optical standpoint I'd say my K50/1.2 is the best lens in my line up and A50/1.2 would be the best in Pentax line up. My 2p

10-22-2010, 12:25 AM	#6
turboseize Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Autobahn Posts: 123	On my spotmatic: - smc-takumar 2.8/105mm. On digital: - M 1.7/50mm. But only, because I have it. I am a cheap guy, you know. Did not want to spend so much on an 1.4 or 1.2 50mm, although I would surely like to have these lenses. 8)

10-22-2010, 12:37 AM	#7
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Interesting variety of answers. I've never looked past the FA ltds but couldn't decide between them which one is 'best'. Never tried the 50/1.2 yet though... why not make a DFA 50/ 1.2 Pentax?

10-22-2010, 04:57 AM	#8
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	I believe it's hard to evaluate this without having used every lens ever made... I'd say the FA and DA lines of limiteds get the best recommendations normally, that's a start. The FA50 macro also is regarded as the sharpest lens ever, and I can agree it's brutally sharp. I'd also say the DA18-55 WR is the best kit lens I've seen in all brands. So in its own category it's the best... The 50-135 is also regarded as a magical lens... The best lens also depends on the situation. So it's really hard to answer. But from my own limited experience, the three best I've used (for different purposes) are the F50 f1,7, the DA21 LTD, and the FA50 macro.

10-22-2010, 05:13 AM	#9
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Amongst what I own (all manual except for the kit), the best is hands-down the Super Tak 50 1.4. If I wasn't unemployed, I would start buying a few backups.

10-22-2010, 05:38 AM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,887	OK interesting question, so let's start by saying that many of the lenses people consider as the "best of the best" I don't own. So let's start with what I do own< my present collection of pentax glass is SMC Tak 35mmF2 (#3) Super Tak 50mmF1.4 - 8 element version (#2) SMC-Pentax 50mmF1.4 (#6) SMC-Macro-Tak 50mmF4 (#6) Super Tak 85mmF1.9 (#3) SMC-M 100mmF4 (#5) SMC-Pentax 105mmF2.8 (#11) SMC-Pentax 135F2.5 (#1) SMC-Tak 135mmF3.5 (#6) Takumar (preset) 200mmF3.5 (#4) SMC-Pentax 300mmF4 (#4) Out of these lenses the only one I would not vote for immediately is the SMC-Pentax 105mmF2.8. it is disappointingly soft wide open. although it sharpens up nicely by F5.6 and for that it may be OK for portraits. Of all the rest, in terms of outright performance at all apertures, I would have to say the SMC - Pentax 135mmF2.5 is the tops, followed closely by the 8 element super tak 50mm F1.4. I chose the 100mm macro over the 50 because I like the working distance more (that is a personal thing) Note also the difference beteen rankings 3-6 is so, so close that it is almost the same, and as I noted earlier the only clear looser is the 105mmF2.8. In thinking a little more about my list, which I presented in focal length order, I have gone back and added after each lens the ranking (in brackets) Some of my logic in rankings is that I have other lenses at these focal lengths by other makers, which I like better. Specifically when looking at 105mm and 135mm. at 105mm I like my Vernon Edonar F2.8 preset much more than the 105 K mount, and at 135mm I like my tele lentar over the 135mm SMC Tak. I really need to test the K135F2.5 against my Tele Lentar preset 135F2.8, but I think speed and wide open sharpness is still there in the K135F2.5

10-22-2010, 06:33 AM	#12
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,887	Originally posted by 8540tomg snip.........From this grouping I would select the K 200/2.5 as the best with the rest following a close second. Somehow, I knew, just seeing your name, and even before I read the post that the K200F2.5 would be your #1

10-22-2010, 07:00 AM	#14
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,887	Originally posted by 8540tomg I keep looking for something better Lowell but I haven't found it yet. You really have to get one of these babies. I know you would love it. It would be a perfect stable mate for your K 135/2.5. Tom G Tom, when you consider my present K /KA mount MF kit 8mm Pro Optic (Samyang) fisheye, 24mm F2 (vivitar by kiron), 28mm F2 Kiron, K50F1.4, 85mmF1.4 Vivitar (Samyang), K105F2.8, K135F2.5, K300F4 and Vvitar 400F5.6 not only does it fit nicely, it fills a real gap. Yes I do "need" one. In reality, all I need for my K mount MF kit is 3 lenses, a 35F2, the 200F2.5 and something between 8 and 24mm. But my problem is that the shorter lenses have priority because I already have 200 covered in so many ways, (Tak 200F3.5 preset, Series 1 70-210F3.3 version 1 and Sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX) the 200F2.5 is really more a luxury, It would be a real interesting challenge to compare the 200F2.5 and my sigma zoom however.

10-22-2010, 07:08 AM	#15
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge At 135mm I like my tele lentar over the 135mm SMC Tak. Okay--time for me to shoot with this freaking lens, especially since I don't have a 135 Tak. I'm going out today with my Lentar AND Vivitar preset, and see what happens. I think I should leave my CPL at home though so that doesn't cloud my scientific tests any further than the Budweisers will them.