Best 50mm (or so) full frame lens that has auto aperature?

geekette · 05-05-2011, 09:34 AM

I want a good 50mm full frame lens for use on my K2 and K-X (I understand it will be around 75mm on DSLR). I have the Pentax-M 50/f1.4 and Pentax K 55/f1.8 .. they are great but metering is a pain on the K-X with them. I'd like something that has auto aperture that is on par with the image quality of these lenses and that has a build quality better than the K-X kit lens... I know the old manual lens build quality can't be beat, but I am willing to sacrifice that if the optics in the auto-aperture lens are as good as the old lenses.

adpo · 05-05-2011, 09:38 AM

If auto aperture is the only thing you're looking for, how about the A version of the 50 f/1.4?

**Aristophanes** · 05-05-2011, 09:42 AM

Originally posted by adpo

If auto aperture is the only thing you're looking for, how about the A version of the 50 f/1.4?

The A 50/2.8 Macro is a stellar lens.

After that you have the A 50/1.7 or 1.4 as mentioned above.

If you want A and AF, then the FA 50/1.4 is your best bet.

I find with MF lenses using the green button to stop-down meter prior to shooting is far less intrusive than the actual process of MF. I use my M lenses routinely on the K-x.

**boriscleto** · 05-05-2011, 09:46 AM

The best auto aperture K-mount lens? That would be the SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2, it's a bit pricey though (~$500). Average rating 9.41.

SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database

Around $100 will get you a SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4, very nearly as good. Average rating 9.13.

SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4 Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database

1 Snap Music! · 05-05-2011, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by geekette

I want a good 50mm full frame lens for use on my K2 and K-X (I understand it will be around 75mm on DSLR). I have the Pentax-M 50/f1.4 and Pentax K 55/f1.8 .. they are great but metering is a pain on the K-X with them. I'd like something that has auto aperture that is on par with the image quality of these lenses and that has a build quality better than the K-X kit lens... I know the old manual lens build quality can't be beat, but I am willing to sacrifice that if the optics in the auto-aperture lens are as good as the old lenses.

I have a Pentax-A f1.7 50, that I use on a K-r, that's quite good and also cheaper and easier to find than the A f1.4 50.

I got mine for like $20(US).

SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.7 Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database

By the way, here are some test shots I took when I first purchased it:
1 Snap Music!: First Pentax-A 1:1.7 50mm Test Shots

atupdate · 05-05-2011, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Around $100 will get you a SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4, very nearly as good. Average rating 9.13.

SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4 Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database

I think your price estimate is a little low. I've been thinking about selling my A 50mm f1.4 and the nice ones in the marketplace have been selling for close to $150.

Tim

**boriscleto** · 05-05-2011, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by atupdate

I think your price estimate is a little low. I've been thinking about selling my A 50mm f1.4 and the nice ones in the marketplace have been selling for close to $150.

Tim

That is the KEH price. KEH wants $100 for an A 1.7. If you are willing to look you can always find it for less.

Assuming her 50/1.4 & 55/1.8 are in EX condition she could trade them for an A 50/1.4 and only have to pay about $60.

atupdate · 05-05-2011, 10:18 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

That is the KEH price. KEH wants $100 for an A 1.7. If you are willing to look you can always find it for less.

That is true for a f1.7 but you said the f1.4 was around $100. Good luck finding a 9/10 rated f1.4 for that.

Tim

**rparmar** · 05-05-2011, 10:19 AM

Best lens in this focal range for pure beauty and IQ is the FA 43 Limited.

Or do you need macro? A 50/2.8 Macro

Or a faster aperture? A 50/1.2

Or weather-sealing? DA*55/1.4

Nice to have lots of choices!

**boriscleto** · 05-05-2011, 10:41 AM

Originally posted by atupdate

That is true for a f1.7 but you said the f1.4 was around $100. Good luck finding a 9/10 rated f1.4 for that.

Tim

One sold on eBay 4 days ago for $114.

geekette · 05-05-2011, 10:46 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

That is the KEH price. KEH wants $100 for an A 1.7. If you are willing to look you can always find it for less.

Assuming her 50/1.4 & 55/1.8 are in EX condition she could trade them for an A 50/1.4 and only have to pay about $60.

My 55/1.8 is in MINT condition and my Pentax-M 50/f1.4 glass is in mint condition and the tube is in VG++ condition. I paid $95 for the Pentax-M 50/f1.4 off ebay 2 weeks ago and I paid around $70 for the 55/18 (got it in a bundle). I wouldn't sell them for less than what I paid.

**jkobleur** · 05-05-2011, 10:55 AM

Both of the lenses above are rated 9.55 in the lens reviews area which is higher than any of the A or K series 50s except for the Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro which is rated 9.73 so I don't think going with AF is really a sacrifice as far as quality of result is concerned. The build on the older lenses is nice but I personally prefer AF versions. I really like the F 50 1.4 as my personal favorite 50.

**nater** · 05-05-2011, 10:57 AM

Another excellent manual focus option is the Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4, available new (while stock lasts, Pentax mount has been discontinued) for $450 or so.

**boriscleto** · 05-05-2011, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by jkobleur

Both of the lenses above are rated 9.55 in the lens reviews area which is higher than any of the A or K series 50s except for the Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro which is rated 9.73 so I don't think going with AF is really a sacrifice as far as quality of result is concerned. The build on the older lenses is nice but I personally prefer AF versions. I really like the F 50 1.4 as my personal favorite 50.

Good luck finding one of those for less than $300. Is AF really worth $150-200?

atupdate · 05-05-2011, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

One sold on eBay 4 days ago for $114.

The only A 50mm f1.4 lens that has sold on Ebay in the last week sold for $145 + $5 shipping. I think the one you are referring to is a Super Tak (M42 screw mount). There is one A 50mm f1.4 listed at KEH for $149 and a f1.7 listed for $99.

Tim

05-05-2011, 09:34 AM	#1
geekette Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 528	Best 50mm (or so) full frame lens that has auto aperature? I want a good 50mm full frame lens for use on my K2 and K-X (I understand it will be around 75mm on DSLR). I have the Pentax-M 50/f1.4 and Pentax K 55/f1.8 .. they are great but metering is a pain on the K-X with them. I'd like something that has auto aperture that is on par with the image quality of these lenses and that has a build quality better than the K-X kit lens... I know the old manual lens build quality can't be beat, but I am willing to sacrifice that if the optics in the auto-aperture lens are as good as the old lenses.

05-05-2011, 09:52 AM	#5
1 Snap Music! Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 39	Originally posted by geekette I want a good 50mm full frame lens for use on my K2 and K-X (I understand it will be around 75mm on DSLR). I have the Pentax-M 50/f1.4 and Pentax K 55/f1.8 .. they are great but metering is a pain on the K-X with them. I'd like something that has auto aperture that is on par with the image quality of these lenses and that has a build quality better than the K-X kit lens... I know the old manual lens build quality can't be beat, but I am willing to sacrifice that if the optics in the auto-aperture lens are as good as the old lenses. I have a Pentax-A f1.7 50, that I use on a K-r, that's quite good and also cheaper and easier to find than the A f1.4 50. I got mine for like $20(US). SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.7 Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database By the way, here are some test shots I took when I first purchased it: 1 Snap Music!: First Pentax-A 1:1.7 50mm Test Shots Last edited by 1 Snap Music!; 05-05-2011 at 09:59 AM.

05-05-2011, 10:18 AM	#8
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,723	Originally posted by boriscleto That is the KEH price. KEH wants $100 for an A 1.7. If you are willing to look you can always find it for less. That is true for a f1.7 but you said the f1.4 was around $100. Good luck finding a 9/10 rated f1.4 for that. Tim Last edited by atupdate; 05-05-2011 at 10:24 AM.

05-05-2011, 10:55 AM	#12
jkobleur Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Savannah, GA, USA Posts: 57	F 50 1.4 or FA 50 1.7 Both of the lenses above are rated 9.55 in the lens reviews area which is higher than any of the A or K series 50s except for the Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro which is rated 9.73 so I don't think going with AF is really a sacrifice as far as quality of result is concerned. The build on the older lenses is nice but I personally prefer AF versions. I really like the F 50 1.4 as my personal favorite 50.

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05-05-2011, 09:38 AM	#2
adpo Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 888	If auto aperture is the only thing you're looking for, how about the A version of the 50 f/1.4?

05-05-2011, 09:42 AM	#3
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Originally posted by adpo If auto aperture is the only thing you're looking for, how about the A version of the 50 f/1.4? The A 50/2.8 Macro is a stellar lens. After that you have the A 50/1.7 or 1.4 as mentioned above. If you want A and AF, then the FA 50/1.4 is your best bet. I find with MF lenses using the green button to stop-down meter prior to shooting is far less intrusive than the actual process of MF. I use my M lenses routinely on the K-x.

05-05-2011, 09:46 AM	#4
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	The best auto aperture K-mount lens? That would be the SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2, it's a bit pricey though (~$500). Average rating 9.41. SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database Around $100 will get you a SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4, very nearly as good. Average rating 9.13. SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4 Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database

05-05-2011, 09:54 AM	#6
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,723	Originally posted by boriscleto Around $100 will get you a SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4, very nearly as good. Average rating 9.13. SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4 Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database I think your price estimate is a little low. I've been thinking about selling my A 50mm f1.4 and the nice ones in the marketplace have been selling for close to $150. Tim

05-05-2011, 10:13 AM	#7
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by atupdate I think your price estimate is a little low. I've been thinking about selling my A 50mm f1.4 and the nice ones in the marketplace have been selling for close to $150. Tim That is the KEH price. KEH wants $100 for an A 1.7. If you are willing to look you can always find it for less. Assuming her 50/1.4 & 55/1.8 are in EX condition she could trade them for an A 50/1.4 and only have to pay about $60.

05-05-2011, 10:19 AM	#9
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	Best lens in this focal range for pure beauty and IQ is the FA 43 Limited. Or do you need macro? A 50/2.8 Macro Or a faster aperture? A 50/1.2 Or weather-sealing? DA*55/1.4 Nice to have lots of choices!

05-05-2011, 10:41 AM	#10
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by atupdate That is true for a f1.7 but you said the f1.4 was around $100. Good luck finding a 9/10 rated f1.4 for that. Tim One sold on eBay 4 days ago for $114.

05-05-2011, 10:46 AM	#11
geekette Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 528 Original Poster	Originally posted by boriscleto That is the KEH price. KEH wants $100 for an A 1.7. If you are willing to look you can always find it for less. Assuming her 50/1.4 & 55/1.8 are in EX condition she could trade them for an A 50/1.4 and only have to pay about $60. My 55/1.8 is in MINT condition and my Pentax-M 50/f1.4 glass is in mint condition and the tube is in VG++ condition. I paid $95 for the Pentax-M 50/f1.4 off ebay 2 weeks ago and I paid around $70 for the 55/18 (got it in a bundle). I wouldn't sell them for less than what I paid.

05-05-2011, 10:57 AM	#13
nater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New England Photos: Albums Posts: 706	Another excellent manual focus option is the Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4, available new (while stock lasts, Pentax mount has been discontinued) for $450 or so.

05-05-2011, 11:04 AM	#14
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by jkobleur Both of the lenses above are rated 9.55 in the lens reviews area which is higher than any of the A or K series 50s except for the Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro which is rated 9.73 so I don't think going with AF is really a sacrifice as far as quality of result is concerned. The build on the older lenses is nice but I personally prefer AF versions. I really like the F 50 1.4 as my personal favorite 50. Good luck finding one of those for less than $300. Is AF really worth $150-200?

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05-05-2011, 11:07 AM	#15
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,723	Originally posted by boriscleto One sold on eBay 4 days ago for $114. The only A 50mm f1.4 lens that has sold on Ebay in the last week sold for $145 + $5 shipping. I think the one you are referring to is a Super Tak (M42 screw mount). There is one A 50mm f1.4 listed at KEH for $149 and a f1.7 listed for $99. Tim