Really-really cheap sub-2.8 AF lens

minahasa · 09-07-2011, 04:17 AM

I'm thinking about having a cheap AF lens, for occasional pub-dim snap shots. I would love to get AF primes, but with budget under $150 my hope vanishes to thin air. So I guess I'll go with really-really old and cheap zooms. I see that Sigma UC Zoom 28-70mm f2.8-4 will fit quite well. Or any other suggestion?

**firefly** · 09-07-2011, 05:21 AM

There's always the DA 35 f/2.4. Used it should go for just a touch above $150. They're new at $189 now I think.

bdery · 09-07-2011, 05:24 AM

For a

zoom
AF
fast
cheap

you're asking a lot. If you find one used, it will be because the seller doesn't know the value of the gear. I don't know that particular Sigma, but it's clear that if 150$ is the common selling price, the lens will not be spectacular. And it's f2,8 only at the wide end.

You would be much better off getting a prime. You'll get a smaller, optically superior lens, and it will be easier to fit within your budget. For instance, you can sometimes find the FA28 f2,8 selling for a little over that price.

dgaies · 09-07-2011, 05:44 AM

Originally posted by firefly

There's always the DA 35 f/2.4. Used it should go for just a touch above $150. They're new at $189 now I think.

I agree, IMO the DA35/2.4 is almost certainly the OP's best option for the intended purpose and budget.

minahasa · 09-07-2011, 05:56 AM

Originally posted by firefly

There's always the DA 35 f/2.4. Used it should go for just a touch above $150. They're new at $189 now I think.

I've seen used for such price, but I can't seem to find one on the Marketplace now. Or is there anyone here willing to part with this lens?

Originally posted by bdery

For a

zoom
AF
fast
cheap

you're asking a lot. If you find one used, it will be because the seller doesn't know the value of the gear. I don't know that particular Sigma, but it's clear that if 150$ is the common selling price, the lens will not be spectacular. And it's f2,8 only at the wide end.

You would be much better off getting a prime. You'll get a smaller, optically superior lens, and it will be easier to fit within your budget. For instance, you can sometimes find the FA28 f2,8 selling for a little over that price.

I have been spoiled by manual lenses, mostly primes. So, I know and willing to go pretty low on expectation. What I need is a rather fast AF glass to shoot not so sober friends of mine shooting pool and drinking beer in a smoke filled room. No arty shots needed, I'll save those for my MF primes, just something fast to catch embarrassing moments

Well, we get what we paid for, right?

VictorDA · 09-07-2011, 06:40 AM

If f/4 all along the range would be OK, you could consider the FA 28-70. Very small and light, good enough IQ and VERY cheap (can be had for 50 euros here, so I'm guessing around $80 used).
Good luck.

dgaies · 09-07-2011, 06:42 AM

Originally posted by victordeamorin

If f/4 all along the range would be OK, you could consider the FA 28-70. Very small and light, good enough IQ and VERY cheap (can be had for 50 euros here, so I'm guessing around $80 used).
Good luck.

Along the same lines, perhaps an F35-70/3.5-4.5 for around $50 (or less if you shop around)?

**ManuH** · 09-07-2011, 06:55 AM

Originally posted by minahasa

I see that Sigma UC Zoom 28-70mm f2.8-4 will fit quite well. Or any other suggestion?

I have a Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 that I bought for 100$. I gave it to my father-in-law who absolutely loves it. It's a fast AF lens.

dgaies · 09-07-2011, 06:59 AM

Originally posted by ManuH

I have a Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 that I bought for 100$. I gave it to my father-in-law who absolutely loves it. It's a fast AF lens.

There's also an AF Sigma 24-135/2.8-4.5 that gives you a little more width and reach. It's a bigger lens though, 77mm filter if I recall. I think they go for a little more, saw one on KEH for $179 the other day (I happen to be looking as I was trying to figure out how much mine might be worth

).

minahasa · 09-07-2011, 07:45 AM

Originally posted by victordeamorin

If f/4 all along the range would be OK, you could consider the FA 28-70. Very small and light, good enough IQ and VERY cheap (can be had for 50 euros here, so I'm guessing around $80 used).
Good luck.

Originally posted by dgaies

Along the same lines, perhaps an F35-70/3.5-4.5 for around $50 (or less if you shop around)?

Those are a good lenses I'm sure, but I have a feeling that F4 could not do this.
I need something F2.8 For instance, I've tried pushing up to ISO 800 using M 35/2.8 with /15-25 sec. or Adaptall 24/2.5 with /25-50 and got decent pictures. But, fiddling with MF meaning loosing the element of surprise.

Originally posted by ManuH

I have a Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 that I bought for 100$. I gave it to my father-in-law who absolutely loves it. It's a fast AF lens.

Originally posted by dgaies

There's also an AF Sigma 24-135/2.8-4.5 that gives you a little more width and reach. It's a bigger lens though, 77mm filter if I recall. I think they go for a little more, saw one on KEH for $179 the other day (I happen to be looking as I was trying to figure out how much mine might be worth

).

Hmm.. interesting..could be lower perhaps

I know that with non-fixed aperture zooms I have to use it at the widest, meaning that I will not get the best sharpness, but I think I can still recognize a face inthe crowd

dgaies · 09-07-2011, 07:53 AM

Originally posted by minahasa

Those are a good lenses I'm sure, but I have a feeling that F4 could not do this.

You're right, something f/2.8 (or faster) would be ideal for what you describe.

I still think the DA35/2.4 is your best option given your budget. The IQ is excellent, it focus very quickly, and it's very compact and light. You should be able to find one for under $150 used as the new price is down to around $175 at this point (in the US at least).

deadwolfbones · 09-07-2011, 07:55 AM

Was a time you could get the FA 50/1.4 for ~$150 used, but that time is long gone.

DA 35/2.4 is your best bet.

minahasa · 09-07-2011, 07:56 AM

As for the primes, is the DA 35mm F2.4 AL will give me real 35mm on my K20D, or is it a 1.5 multiply? I also find Sigma 24mm f2.8 Super Wide II attractive, but the AF version is not easy to find.

deadwolfbones · 09-07-2011, 07:58 AM

Any lens's effective focal length on a Pentax dSLR will be 1.5x the printed focal length in film terms.

Which is to say the 35/2.4 behaves like a ~53mm lens.

dgaies · 09-07-2011, 08:08 AM

Originally posted by minahasa

As for the primes, is the DA 35mm F2.4 AL will give me real 35mm on my K20D, or is it a 1.5 multiply? I also find Sigma 24mm f2.8 Super Wide II attractive, but the AF version is not easy to find.

As deadwolfbones said, the equivilent FOV for all lenses on a Pentax DSLR is 1.5x the true focal length. So the 35/2.4 would be closer to the FOV of a 50-55mm lens on film while the 50/1.4 would be closer to the FOV of a 75mm lens on film. So the 35/2.4 will give you closer to a "normal" perspective on a Pentax DSLR, while the 50/1.4 would give you something closer to a "short telephoto" perspective.

The Sigma AF 24/2.8 is a nice lens, I used to have one. They're hard to find, and unless you get lucky, they generally sell for closer to $250.

09-07-2011, 04:17 AM	#1
minahasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Minahasa, North Celebes (Sulawesi) Photos: Albums Posts: 586	Really-really cheap sub-2.8 AF lens I'm thinking about having a cheap AF lens, for occasional pub-dim snap shots. I would love to get AF primes, but with budget under $150 my hope vanishes to thin air. So I guess I'll go with really-really old and cheap zooms. I see that Sigma UC Zoom 28-70mm f2.8-4 will fit quite well. Or any other suggestion?

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09-07-2011, 05:21 AM	#2
firefly Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Brunswick Photos: Albums Posts: 200	There's always the DA 35 f/2.4. Used it should go for just a touch above $150. They're new at $189 now I think.

09-07-2011, 05:24 AM	#3
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	For a zoom AF fast cheap you're asking a lot. If you find one used, it will be because the seller doesn't know the value of the gear. I don't know that particular Sigma, but it's clear that if 150$ is the common selling price, the lens will not be spectacular. And it's f2,8 only at the wide end. You would be much better off getting a prime. You'll get a smaller, optically superior lens, and it will be easier to fit within your budget. For instance, you can sometimes find the FA28 f2,8 selling for a little over that price.

09-07-2011, 05:44 AM	#4
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by firefly There's always the DA 35 f/2.4. Used it should go for just a touch above $150. They're new at $189 now I think. I agree, IMO the DA35/2.4 is almost certainly the OP's best option for the intended purpose and budget.

09-07-2011, 05:56 AM	#5
minahasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Minahasa, North Celebes (Sulawesi) Photos: Albums Posts: 586 Original Poster	Originally posted by firefly There's always the DA 35 f/2.4. Used it should go for just a touch above $150. They're new at $189 now I think. I've seen used for such price, but I can't seem to find one on the Marketplace now. Or is there anyone here willing to part with this lens? Originally posted by bdery For a zoom AF fast cheap you're asking a lot. If you find one used, it will be because the seller doesn't know the value of the gear. I don't know that particular Sigma, but it's clear that if 150$ is the common selling price, the lens will not be spectacular. And it's f2,8 only at the wide end. You would be much better off getting a prime. You'll get a smaller, optically superior lens, and it will be easier to fit within your budget. For instance, you can sometimes find the FA28 f2,8 selling for a little over that price. I have been spoiled by manual lenses, mostly primes. So, I know and willing to go pretty low on expectation. What I need is a rather fast AF glass to shoot not so sober friends of mine shooting pool and drinking beer in a smoke filled room. No arty shots needed, I'll save those for my MF primes, just something fast to catch embarrassing moments Well, we get what we paid for, right?

09-07-2011, 06:40 AM	#6
VictorDA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lyon area, France Posts: 718	If f/4 all along the range would be OK, you could consider the FA 28-70. Very small and light, good enough IQ and VERY cheap (can be had for 50 euros here, so I'm guessing around $80 used). Good luck.

09-07-2011, 06:42 AM	#7
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by victordeamorin If f/4 all along the range would be OK, you could consider the FA 28-70. Very small and light, good enough IQ and VERY cheap (can be had for 50 euros here, so I'm guessing around $80 used). Good luck. Along the same lines, perhaps an F35-70/3.5-4.5 for around $50 (or less if you shop around)?

09-07-2011, 06:55 AM	#8
ManuH Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Montreal Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,249	Originally posted by minahasa I see that Sigma UC Zoom 28-70mm f2.8-4 will fit quite well. Or any other suggestion? I have a Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 that I bought for 100$. I gave it to my father-in-law who absolutely loves it. It's a fast AF lens.

09-07-2011, 06:59 AM	#9
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by ManuH I have a Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 that I bought for 100$. I gave it to my father-in-law who absolutely loves it. It's a fast AF lens. There's also an AF Sigma 24-135/2.8-4.5 that gives you a little more width and reach. It's a bigger lens though, 77mm filter if I recall. I think they go for a little more, saw one on KEH for $179 the other day (I happen to be looking as I was trying to figure out how much mine might be worth ).

09-07-2011, 07:45 AM	#10
minahasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Minahasa, North Celebes (Sulawesi) Photos: Albums Posts: 586 Original Poster	Originally posted by victordeamorin If f/4 all along the range would be OK, you could consider the FA 28-70. Very small and light, good enough IQ and VERY cheap (can be had for 50 euros here, so I'm guessing around $80 used). Good luck. Originally posted by dgaies Along the same lines, perhaps an F35-70/3.5-4.5 for around $50 (or less if you shop around)? Those are a good lenses I'm sure, but I have a feeling that F4 could not do this. I need something F2.8 For instance, I've tried pushing up to ISO 800 using M 35/2.8 with /15-25 sec. or Adaptall 24/2.5 with /25-50 and got decent pictures. But, fiddling with MF meaning loosing the element of surprise. Originally posted by ManuH I have a Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 that I bought for 100$. I gave it to my father-in-law who absolutely loves it. It's a fast AF lens. Originally posted by dgaies There's also an AF Sigma 24-135/2.8-4.5 that gives you a little more width and reach. It's a bigger lens though, 77mm filter if I recall. I think they go for a little more, saw one on KEH for $179 the other day (I happen to be looking as I was trying to figure out how much mine might be worth ). Hmm.. interesting..could be lower perhaps I know that with non-fixed aperture zooms I have to use it at the widest, meaning that I will not get the best sharpness, but I think I can still recognize a face inthe crowd

09-07-2011, 07:53 AM	#11
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by minahasa Those are a good lenses I'm sure, but I have a feeling that F4 could not do this. You're right, something f/2.8 (or faster) would be ideal for what you describe. I still think the DA35/2.4 is your best option given your budget. The IQ is excellent, it focus very quickly, and it's very compact and light. You should be able to find one for under $150 used as the new price is down to around $175 at this point (in the US at least).

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09-07-2011, 07:55 AM	#12
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Was a time you could get the FA 50/1.4 for ~$150 used, but that time is long gone. DA 35/2.4 is your best bet.

09-07-2011, 07:56 AM	#13
minahasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Minahasa, North Celebes (Sulawesi) Photos: Albums Posts: 586 Original Poster	As for the primes, is the DA 35mm F2.4 AL will give me real 35mm on my K20D, or is it a 1.5 multiply? I also find Sigma 24mm f2.8 Super Wide II attractive, but the AF version is not easy to find.

09-07-2011, 07:58 AM	#14
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Any lens's effective focal length on a Pentax dSLR will be 1.5x the printed focal length in film terms. Which is to say the 35/2.4 behaves like a ~53mm lens.

09-07-2011, 08:08 AM	#15
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by minahasa As for the primes, is the DA 35mm F2.4 AL will give me real 35mm on my K20D, or is it a 1.5 multiply? I also find Sigma 24mm f2.8 Super Wide II attractive, but the AF version is not easy to find. As deadwolfbones said, the equivilent FOV for all lenses on a Pentax DSLR is 1.5x the true focal length. So the 35/2.4 would be closer to the FOV of a 50-55mm lens on film while the 50/1.4 would be closer to the FOV of a 75mm lens on film. So the 35/2.4 will give you closer to a "normal" perspective on a Pentax DSLR, while the 50/1.4 would give you something closer to a "short telephoto" perspective. The Sigma AF 24/2.8 is a nice lens, I used to have one. They're hard to find, and unless you get lucky, they generally sell for closer to $250.