urgent help in choosing a Prime lens for KR

ajaya · 06-16-2011, 10:07 AM

Hi,

I got 4 lens deal in Ebay for my new KR. But i am not sure which one suits the best for my "Low light Portrait " requirements. all the below lens are ok with my budget request you all to help me.

GREAT ASAHI PENTAX SP1000WITH SMC TAKUMAR 1:2/58mm NICE | eBay

ASHAHI PENTAX SMC-M 50MM F1:2 PRIME LENS LOOKS GREAT | eBay

PENTAX PRIME WIDE LENS 28MM/2.8 IN EXCELLENT CONDITION | eBay

Thank you,
AJ

Frogfish · 06-16-2011, 10:20 AM

Not quite sure what you're asking but if you are looking for a low light portrait lense then the 28mm is too wide. The 50/1.2 would be my choice of those 3 lenses as there is a huge difference between f2 and f1.2 for low light (though f1.2 is difficult to MF) and any softness wouldn't be noticed in a portrait.

ajaya · 06-16-2011, 10:26 AM

Originally posted by Frogfish

Not quite sure what you're asking but if you are looking for a low light portrait lense then the 28mm is too wide. The 50/1.2 would be my choice of those 3 lenses as there is a huge difference between f2 and f1.2 for low light (though f1.2 is difficult to MF) and any softness wouldn't be noticed in a portrait.

thanks for the suggestion. i am looking for a prime lens for Portraits work(indoor) but currently in my country its hard to find Pentax lens but i got few in ebay so i just wanted to know if any of the 4 lenses will suit my requirements ? or shall i wait for some more time to get f1.4 or f1.7 A series lens?

--
Aj

JeffJS · 06-16-2011, 10:55 AM

I only see 3 links here and none contain an f1:1.2 lens. I personally would pass on all of the ones that do show for portraits. Possible exception would be the 55 f2.0 but it's a Screw mount (M42) lens and will require an adapter. The M50 f2.0 lenses that I've owned were quite soft down to f5.6 or so before they really begin to sharpen up. I typically tell anyone who asks, the A (or M) 50mm f1:1.7 lenses are the best bang for the buck. The 1.4 is better in my opinion and the 1.2 is simply gorgeous. Both have current asking prices well above what they are historically worth however (in the USA). If you want to do some comparing of the various 50(ish) mm offerings at different apertures, check my 50mm shootout. The tests were all done at infinity but it may give you some idea of what each is capable of.

Index of /Photos/50mmShootout

These were all done with the K5 by the way.

If you're willing to go to $300ish, I think a better Portrait focal length is the 85mm. Look into the samyang/vivitar etc 85mm f1:1.4. That lens is plenty portrait sharp even wide open.

Vivitar Series I (nee Samyang) 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF Lens Reviews - Fixed Focal Lengths - Pentax Third-Party Lens Review Database

kenafein · 06-16-2011, 11:00 AM

The helios 44 series of lenses are 58mm f/2.0. I like what I've seen so far, and they are cheap.

Shantz · 06-16-2011, 03:14 PM

Let me be the second one to suggest the A 50 1.7
I think it's the best choice when it comes to price, ease of use and image quality. It was my first manual focus lens and I never regretted buying it. Hell, I don't regret buying the second one either.

Don't forget to check the marketplace here too.

paperbag846 · 06-16-2011, 03:47 PM

Buy the M/A 50 1.4. For portraits, the 1.4 is better than the 1.7.

tibbitts · 06-16-2011, 08:00 PM

Originally posted by paperbag846

Buy the M/A 50 1.4. For portraits, the 1.4 is better than the 1.7.

I'm surprised you'd say the f1.4 is better for portraits. I had 50mm 1.4s for my 35mm cameras, and found that at f1.4 there just wasn't enough dof for portraits, except if you're trying for some unusual effect outside of a traditional portrait. F2.8 or so seemed a lot more practical. Generally the wider aperture was handy for focusing, but mostly I had gone for the 1.4s vs. 1.8s because of a relatively small price premium at the time, and in some cases better performance for the 1.4s.

Paul

DanielT74 · 06-16-2011, 08:04 PM

I would suggest some version of 50/1.4 or 50/1.7 for a cheaper alternative.

**twilhelm** · 06-16-2011, 08:09 PM

Bang for the buck you almost can't beat the M50 1.7. But I'd have to add the K55 1.8 to the list. It's a great lens for the cheap also.

ajaya · 06-16-2011, 10:14 PM

thanks for all the comments.. i think its better to wait for an M50 F1.7(Highest votes) offer than going for the lens choices which i mentioned above right? but does M50 F1:2 not worth for the price "49$"?

--
aj

**crewl1** · 06-16-2011, 11:43 PM

If you can find an A50 1:1.7 I think you will find the convenience of the A setting a benefit over the M version on your K-r.

The M50 1:2 is not regarded as good a lens as the 1.7 or 1.4. Some folks rate the 1:1.7 higher than the 1:1.4 even, due to its wide open sharpness.

Take a look at the lens reviews on this forum -link at the top of the page-.

m42man · 06-17-2011, 12:28 AM

Don't confuse the 50 1:2 (i.e. f2) lens with the 50 1:1.2 (i.e. f1.2). They are entirely different designs - it's not just a matter of max aperture. In fact, for that matter, the 50/1.4 and 50/1.7 are completely different too.

But the fact is, the f2 version (as in the ebay posting) is MUCH worse in terms of image quality than any of the others. Best value for money is the M f1.7, best IQ is the f1.2, with the f1.4 somewhere in between. But make sure you avoid the f2 (at any price).

ajaya · 06-17-2011, 01:49 AM

thanks for clarifying the diff b/w f2 and f1.2

it was help full. I started searching for 50mm MF1.7 hope will get it soon. if i get A F1.7 then it will be great i guess

--
Aj

m42man · 06-17-2011, 02:06 AM

Yes, do have a look round for an M 50/1.7, but don't necessarily buy the first one that appears: firstly, make sure you're not overpaying, but also try to ensure it's a good example - for instance free from fungus and other damage. Also, don't rule out the 50/1.4 - if you're lucky you may be able to find one that isn't too expensive, and I think it's probably a slightly better lens. (You're very unlikely to find a reasonably priced 50/1.2 though, they're rare and sought after.)

Good luck, and have fun with your new lens when you get it!

06-16-2011, 10:07 AM	#1
ajaya Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bangalore Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 150	urgent help in choosing a Prime lens for KR Hi, I got 4 lens deal in Ebay for my new KR. But i am not sure which one suits the best for my "Low light Portrait " requirements. all the below lens are ok with my budget request you all to help me. GREAT ASAHI PENTAX SP1000WITH SMC TAKUMAR 1:2/58mm NICE \| eBay ASHAHI PENTAX SMC-M 50MM F1:2 PRIME LENS LOOKS GREAT \| eBay PENTAX PRIME WIDE LENS 28MM/2.8 IN EXCELLENT CONDITION \| eBay Thank you, AJ

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06-16-2011, 10:20 AM	#2
Frogfish Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shanghai Posts: 4,490	Not quite sure what you're asking but if you are looking for a low light portrait lense then the 28mm is too wide. The 50/1.2 would be my choice of those 3 lenses as there is a huge difference between f2 and f1.2 for low light (though f1.2 is difficult to MF) and any softness wouldn't be noticed in a portrait.

06-16-2011, 10:26 AM	#3
ajaya Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bangalore Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 150 Original Poster	Originally posted by Frogfish Not quite sure what you're asking but if you are looking for a low light portrait lense then the 28mm is too wide. The 50/1.2 would be my choice of those 3 lenses as there is a huge difference between f2 and f1.2 for low light (though f1.2 is difficult to MF) and any softness wouldn't be noticed in a portrait. thanks for the suggestion. i am looking for a prime lens for Portraits work(indoor) but currently in my country its hard to find Pentax lens but i got few in ebay so i just wanted to know if any of the 4 lenses will suit my requirements ? or shall i wait for some more time to get f1.4 or f1.7 A series lens? -- Aj

06-16-2011, 10:55 AM	#4
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	I only see 3 links here and none contain an f1:1.2 lens. I personally would pass on all of the ones that do show for portraits. Possible exception would be the 55 f2.0 but it's a Screw mount (M42) lens and will require an adapter. The M50 f2.0 lenses that I've owned were quite soft down to f5.6 or so before they really begin to sharpen up. I typically tell anyone who asks, the A (or M) 50mm f1:1.7 lenses are the best bang for the buck. The 1.4 is better in my opinion and the 1.2 is simply gorgeous. Both have current asking prices well above what they are historically worth however (in the USA). If you want to do some comparing of the various 50(ish) mm offerings at different apertures, check my 50mm shootout. The tests were all done at infinity but it may give you some idea of what each is capable of. Index of /Photos/50mmShootout These were all done with the K5 by the way. If you're willing to go to $300ish, I think a better Portrait focal length is the 85mm. Look into the samyang/vivitar etc 85mm f1:1.4. That lens is plenty portrait sharp even wide open. Vivitar Series I (nee Samyang) 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF Lens Reviews - Fixed Focal Lengths - Pentax Third-Party Lens Review Database

06-16-2011, 11:00 AM	#5
kenafein Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southern California Photos: Albums Posts: 4,082	The helios 44 series of lenses are 58mm f/2.0. I like what I've seen so far, and they are cheap.

06-16-2011, 03:14 PM	#6
Shantz Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bucharest Photos: Gallery Posts: 43	Let me be the second one to suggest the A 50 1.7 I think it's the best choice when it comes to price, ease of use and image quality. It was my first manual focus lens and I never regretted buying it. Hell, I don't regret buying the second one either. Don't forget to check the marketplace here too.

06-16-2011, 03:47 PM	#7
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	Buy the M/A 50 1.4. For portraits, the 1.4 is better than the 1.7.

06-16-2011, 08:00 PM	#8
tibbitts Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 2,193	Originally posted by paperbag846 Buy the M/A 50 1.4. For portraits, the 1.4 is better than the 1.7. I'm surprised you'd say the f1.4 is better for portraits. I had 50mm 1.4s for my 35mm cameras, and found that at f1.4 there just wasn't enough dof for portraits, except if you're trying for some unusual effect outside of a traditional portrait. F2.8 or so seemed a lot more practical. Generally the wider aperture was handy for focusing, but mostly I had gone for the 1.4s vs. 1.8s because of a relatively small price premium at the time, and in some cases better performance for the 1.4s. Paul

06-16-2011, 08:04 PM	#9
DanielT74 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,377	I would suggest some version of 50/1.4 or 50/1.7 for a cheaper alternative.

06-16-2011, 08:09 PM	#10
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Bang for the buck you almost can't beat the M50 1.7. But I'd have to add the K55 1.8 to the list. It's a great lens for the cheap also.

06-16-2011, 10:14 PM	#11
ajaya Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bangalore Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 150 Original Poster	thanks for all the comments.. i think its better to wait for an M50 F1.7(Highest votes) offer than going for the lens choices which i mentioned above right? but does M50 F1:2 not worth for the price "49$"? -- aj

06-16-2011, 11:43 PM	#12
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	If you can find an A50 1:1.7 I think you will find the convenience of the A setting a benefit over the M version on your K-r. The M50 1:2 is not regarded as good a lens as the 1.7 or 1.4. Some folks rate the 1:1.7 higher than the 1:1.4 even, due to its wide open sharpness. Take a look at the lens reviews on this forum -link at the top of the page-.

06-17-2011, 12:28 AM	#13
m42man Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Southern England Posts: 623	Don't confuse the 50 1:2 (i.e. f2) lens with the 50 1:1.2 (i.e. f1.2). They are entirely different designs - it's not just a matter of max aperture. In fact, for that matter, the 50/1.4 and 50/1.7 are completely different too. But the fact is, the f2 version (as in the ebay posting) is MUCH worse in terms of image quality than any of the others. Best value for money is the M f1.7, best IQ is the f1.2, with the f1.4 somewhere in between. But make sure you avoid the f2 (at any price).

06-17-2011, 01:49 AM	#14
ajaya Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bangalore Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 150 Original Poster	thanks for clarifying the diff b/w f2 and f1.2 it was help full. I started searching for 50mm MF1.7 hope will get it soon. if i get A F1.7 then it will be great i guess -- Aj

06-17-2011, 02:06 AM	#15
m42man Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Southern England Posts: 623	Yes, do have a look round for an M 50/1.7, but don't necessarily buy the first one that appears: firstly, make sure you're not overpaying, but also try to ensure it's a good example - for instance free from fungus and other damage. Also, don't rule out the 50/1.4 - if you're lucky you may be able to find one that isn't too expensive, and I think it's probably a slightly better lens. (You're very unlikely to find a reasonably priced 50/1.2 though, they're rare and sought after.) Good luck, and have fun with your new lens when you get it!