Optically, what is the best Pentax Lens currently available new

lesmore49 · 02-06-2011, 10:45 PM

I have ...all Pentax..50 F1.4, 50 Macro F 2.8, 16-45, 55-300, 10-17 Fisheye and 12-24.

They're all pretty good.

But I'm very impressed with my 50 F1.4, 55-300 and 12-24.

I know primes are supposed to be sharper than a zoom, any day of the week...but some of the pix I've gotten from my 12-24 and 55-300...are impressive.

Kguru · 02-06-2011, 11:49 PM

Originally posted by Buckeye

I want to purchase the best Pentax lens for the sharpest photos.

Best for sharpest?
I have bought/used/sold/traded several including the three FA Ltd amigos, DA35, FA35/2 etc. and found my DFA-50/2.8 macro to be the sharpest (even at non-macro distance) among these. Too sharp for pleasant-looking people photos though

nulla · 02-07-2011, 12:02 AM

FA43
DA15
FA31

I have not had the pleasure of trying the DA40 or the DA70, by all reports both are great.

I have chosen the top 3 by experience and usage, optically the FA43 is the best lens I've ever used.

The DA15 is one hell of a surprise package and can be used for a wide range of situations.

The FA 31 is a lens that cannot be faulted... I have tried it in all situations and it always produces the goods... just that the FA43 has something special about it.

Neil

selar · 02-09-2011, 06:06 PM

Lenses that I find very little use for, yet not willing to part with, because they are so sharp (among other equally lovely characteristics), FA 35/2, DA 70 LTD, Viv S1 105 Macro, Voigtlander APO Lanthar 180/4.

**rparmar** · 02-09-2011, 06:17 PM

Photozone has tested the FA43 to be the sharpest Pentax lens but they did not have a look at the 50/2.8 macro. Those who have done formal testing find that to be superior.

But the rendering is totally different. The macro has a flat focal plane for repro work, but that was not a design objective with the FA Limiteds. Instead, they have a look unlike any other, not to mention superior build and handling.

The FA77 is my favourite lens. I like the focal length and would not favour any lens that was much larger. Others will (naturally) have different priorities.

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02-06-2011, 10:45 PM	#61
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	I have ...all Pentax..50 F1.4, 50 Macro F 2.8, 16-45, 55-300, 10-17 Fisheye and 12-24. They're all pretty good. But I'm very impressed with my 50 F1.4, 55-300 and 12-24. I know primes are supposed to be sharper than a zoom, any day of the week...but some of the pix I've gotten from my 12-24 and 55-300...are impressive.

02-06-2011, 11:49 PM	#62
Kguru Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Perth - WestAust Posts: 602	Originally posted by Buckeye I want to purchase the best Pentax lens for the sharpest photos. Best for sharpest? I have bought/used/sold/traded several including the three FA Ltd amigos, DA35, FA35/2 etc. and found my DFA-50/2.8 macro to be the sharpest (even at non-macro distance) among these. Too sharp for pleasant-looking people photos though

02-07-2011, 12:02 AM	#63
nulla Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,560	FA43 DA15 FA31 I have not had the pleasure of trying the DA40 or the DA70, by all reports both are great. I have chosen the top 3 by experience and usage, optically the FA43 is the best lens I've ever used. The DA15 is one hell of a surprise package and can be used for a wide range of situations. The FA 31 is a lens that cannot be faulted... I have tried it in all situations and it always produces the goods... just that the FA43 has something special about it. Neil

02-09-2011, 06:06 PM	#64
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	Lenses that I find very little use for, yet not willing to part with, because they are so sharp (among other equally lovely characteristics), FA 35/2, DA 70 LTD, Viv S1 105 Macro, Voigtlander APO Lanthar 180/4.

02-09-2011, 06:17 PM	#65
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	Photozone has tested the FA43 to be the sharpest Pentax lens but they did not have a look at the 50/2.8 macro. Those who have done formal testing find that to be superior. But the rendering is totally different. The macro has a flat focal plane for repro work, but that was not a design objective with the FA Limiteds. Instead, they have a look unlike any other, not to mention superior build and handling. The FA77 is my favourite lens. I like the focal length and would not favour any lens that was much larger. Others will (naturally) have different priorities.