Help me decide

**Barron** · 07-21-2011, 08:06 PM

I currently have a k10d with 1 takumar 50mm 1.4 (8 element), a later 50mm 1.4 radioactive special, and a k-mount 1.4 as well. I also have a smc 28mm 2.8 k-mount.
I have been thinking that I really need to get an auto focus wide angle to cover my current and most likely long term shooting needs. I mostly need something to take photos of the guitars I build, photos of my son (who doesn't sit still) and family portraits.
I have been really interested in the DA 35mm f/2.8 limited macro. So do I sell my 50mm and 28mm lenses off to put towards this DA lens, or would you recommend something else? Maybe there is another lens to consider??
On a side note I was noticing that there is a rather inconsistent pricing online when it comes to the DA. Is there something I don't know?

Last edited by Barron; 07-21-2011 at 08:20 PM.

clover · 07-21-2011, 08:15 PM

why don't you keep all and buy a 35mm DA f/:2.4 ?

**Barron** · 07-21-2011, 08:17 PM

I definitely would if the finances weren't so tight

Adam · 07-21-2011, 08:30 PM

What's the point of having 3 50mm F1.4's if finances are tight? I would get rid of two of them and either get the macro, or the significantly cheaper 35mm F2.4: Pentax 35mm DA L F2.4 AL Lens 21987 B&H Photo Video

The reason you're seeing inconsistent prices is that Pentax doesn't allow retailers to advertise prices below the original MSRP.

The 35mm F2.4's MSRP is $219, but this falls to $179 at retailers such as B&H after you add it to your cart.

The same goes for the 35mm macro you're interested in: Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus 21730

Its MSRP is $699, but the going price is $539.

Adam
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**Barron** · 07-21-2011, 08:34 PM

Originally posted by Adam

What's the point of having 3 50mm F1.4's if finances are tight? I would get rid of two of them and either get the macro, or the significantly cheaper 35mm F2.4: Pentax 35mm DA L F2.4 AL Lens 21987 B&H Photo Video

The reason you're seeing inconsistent prices is that Pentax doesn't allow retailers to advertise prices below the original MSRP.

The 35mm F2.4's MSRP is $219, but this falls to $179 at retailers such as B&H after you add it to your cart.

The same goes for the 35mm macro you're interested in: Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus 21730

Its MSRP is $699, but the going price is $539.

Yeah, that's what I need to do is sell them. I have three different versions only because I wanted to compare. Thanks for the pricing info.

paperbag846 · 07-21-2011, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by Barron

1 takumar 50mm 1.4 (8 element), a later 50mm 1.4 radioactive special, and a k-mount 1.4 as well.

Sell the 2 50s that are in worse condition / that you like less than the other ones (I know it's hard, I have 2 50s myself).

For the sake of convenience, everything else being equal (condition, etc), I would keep the K.

I would also sell the 28mm f2.8, if you are planning on buying the 35mm f2.8 (or 2.4 for that matter). Pretty similar lenses.

With the money from all of that, you should easily be able to buy the DA L 35mm f2.4!

If you don't plan on shooting macro, not much point buying the macro IMHO.

PS - Another option would be to sell the 2 50s, and buy the DA 40 LTD.

You get a LTD for much less than the 35, with crazy fast autofocus. It's a good normal, and good for portraits in a pinch.

It's also different enough to sit comfortably beside a 50 1.4, and different enough in focal length to sit beside a 28mm, too.

**Barron** · 07-21-2011, 08:45 PM

The da40 eh? I'll have to take a look into that one. I definitely wouldn't want to go longer than that though. Thanks!

**Barron** · 07-29-2011, 12:49 PM

Well I actually decided to pull the trigger on a Sigma 50mm 1.4 HSM. I'm selling off all my primes on Ebay now. I'll just have the Sigma and my Tokina Zoom. I just hope after a few years in production that I don't have to worry about getting a good copy.

epqwerty · 07-29-2011, 03:05 PM

Yeah sell two of the 50mm keep the 28mm 2.8 and buy a 35mm 2.4 or 2.8
Which gives you 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm good combination and range.

Otherwise I'd go sell 2 50mm and 28mm and get a 30mm Sigma.
Giving you 30mm and 50mm

The DA40 is nice but I find it to overlap the 50mm range and thus I'm always conflicted on which one I want to carry around.

Docrwm · 07-29-2011, 04:28 PM

You didn't indicate a need for Macro and the price difference between the 35/2.4 and the 35/Macro is substantial - like $400 or so. You can get the DA35/2.4 for around $165 BNIB if you keep your eyes open. I'd pick the 50 that you like best, sell the other two, and buy the DA35/2.4 unless you have some need for Macro. Frankly, for macro I find MF lenses more to my tastes and they're significantly more economical. Good luck.

07-21-2011, 08:06 PM	#1
Barron Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Arlington, TN Posts: 106	Help me decide I currently have a k10d with 1 takumar 50mm 1.4 (8 element), a later 50mm 1.4 radioactive special, and a k-mount 1.4 as well. I also have a smc 28mm 2.8 k-mount. I have been thinking that I really need to get an auto focus wide angle to cover my current and most likely long term shooting needs. I mostly need something to take photos of the guitars I build, photos of my son (who doesn't sit still) and family portraits. I have been really interested in the DA 35mm f/2.8 limited macro. So do I sell my 50mm and 28mm lenses off to put towards this DA lens, or would you recommend something else? Maybe there is another lens to consider?? On a side note I was noticing that there is a rather inconsistent pricing online when it comes to the DA. Is there something I don't know? Last edited by Barron; 07-21-2011 at 08:20 PM.

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07-21-2011, 08:15 PM	#2
clover Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Near Paris Posts: 141	why don't you keep all and buy a 35mm DA f/:2.4 ?

07-21-2011, 08:17 PM	#3
Barron Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Arlington, TN Posts: 106 Original Poster	I definitely would if the finances weren't so tight

07-21-2011, 08:30 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	What's the point of having 3 50mm F1.4's if finances are tight? I would get rid of two of them and either get the macro, or the significantly cheaper 35mm F2.4: Pentax 35mm DA L F2.4 AL Lens 21987 B&H Photo Video The reason you're seeing inconsistent prices is that Pentax doesn't allow retailers to advertise prices below the original MSRP. The 35mm F2.4's MSRP is $219, but this falls to $179 at retailers such as B&H after you add it to your cart. The same goes for the 35mm macro you're interested in: Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus 21730 Its MSRP is $699, but the going price is $539. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

07-21-2011, 08:34 PM	#5
Barron Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Arlington, TN Posts: 106 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam What's the point of having 3 50mm F1.4's if finances are tight? I would get rid of two of them and either get the macro, or the significantly cheaper 35mm F2.4: Pentax 35mm DA L F2.4 AL Lens 21987 B&H Photo Video The reason you're seeing inconsistent prices is that Pentax doesn't allow retailers to advertise prices below the original MSRP. The 35mm F2.4's MSRP is $219, but this falls to $179 at retailers such as B&H after you add it to your cart. The same goes for the 35mm macro you're interested in: Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Series Autofocus 21730 Its MSRP is $699, but the going price is $539. Yeah, that's what I need to do is sell them. I have three different versions only because I wanted to compare. Thanks for the pricing info.

07-21-2011, 08:36 PM	#6
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	Originally posted by Barron 1 takumar 50mm 1.4 (8 element), a later 50mm 1.4 radioactive special, and a k-mount 1.4 as well. Sell the 2 50s that are in worse condition / that you like less than the other ones (I know it's hard, I have 2 50s myself). For the sake of convenience, everything else being equal (condition, etc), I would keep the K. I would also sell the 28mm f2.8, if you are planning on buying the 35mm f2.8 (or 2.4 for that matter). Pretty similar lenses. With the money from all of that, you should easily be able to buy the DA L 35mm f2.4! If you don't plan on shooting macro, not much point buying the macro IMHO. PS - Another option would be to sell the 2 50s, and buy the DA 40 LTD. You get a LTD for much less than the 35, with crazy fast autofocus. It's a good normal, and good for portraits in a pinch. It's also different enough to sit comfortably beside a 50 1.4, and different enough in focal length to sit beside a 28mm, too.

07-21-2011, 08:45 PM	#7
Barron Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Arlington, TN Posts: 106 Original Poster	The da40 eh? I'll have to take a look into that one. I definitely wouldn't want to go longer than that though. Thanks!

07-29-2011, 12:49 PM	#8
Barron Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Arlington, TN Posts: 106 Original Poster	Well I actually decided to pull the trigger on a Sigma 50mm 1.4 HSM. I'm selling off all my primes on Ebay now. I'll just have the Sigma and my Tokina Zoom. I just hope after a few years in production that I don't have to worry about getting a good copy.

07-29-2011, 03:05 PM	#9
epqwerty Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 550	Yeah sell two of the 50mm keep the 28mm 2.8 and buy a 35mm 2.4 or 2.8 Which gives you 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm good combination and range. Otherwise I'd go sell 2 50mm and 28mm and get a 30mm Sigma. Giving you 30mm and 50mm The DA40 is nice but I find it to overlap the 50mm range and thus I'm always conflicted on which one I want to carry around.

07-29-2011, 04:28 PM	#10
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	You didn't indicate a need for Macro and the price difference between the 35/2.4 and the 35/Macro is substantial - like $400 or so. You can get the DA35/2.4 for around $165 BNIB if you keep your eyes open. I'd pick the 50 that you like best, sell the other two, and buy the DA35/2.4 unless you have some need for Macro. Frankly, for macro I find MF lenses more to my tastes and they're significantly more economical. Good luck.