[TOUGEFC]

Only one legend:
Pentax-FA 77/1.8 Limited

/end thread.

[TedH42]

We clearly haven't come to an agreement on the definition of "legendary".

[frank]

Can't say they are legendary 'cause they are still pretty much alive. But here are what's left in my Pentax collection:

FA31 - just can't part with it
FA77 - one of the best lenses I've ever had, better than FA*85 in my use
FA*200/2.8 - the longest lens I have now, need to keep a long lens to shoot my kids in parks.
DFA100WR macro - best 100 macr lens I've ever used
S-M-C Takumar 85/1.8 - the last manual focus lens I have, I guess that means something

I probably will let the Takumar go eventually 'cause I don't use manual lenses anymore. Actually I don't use Pentax much nowadays, a Pany G3 w/ PL25/1.4 is all I need most time.

[slackercruster]

We clearly haven't come to an agreement on the definition of "legendary".

Legendary...a lens that wows you and would be one of the last ones you would ever part with. No use overthinking it. Just the top of the top end of glass. But just because you own a lens does not make it a legend.

[zeitlos]

So far:

- DA*50-135mm 2.8: A really surprise to me, would never let it go again.
- FA77 1.8: Produces pictures that are a little bit of magic
- FA43 1.9: If you know how to handle it, it's like the FA77 1.8 => bewichting.

[jopenmx]

Among the lenses I own I would consider as legendary only three of them :

K 28 f/2
K 28 f/3,5
FA 31 f/1,8 limited

And from the crew i don´t own sure legendary lenses are un my mind :

A* 85 f/1,4
A* 200 f/4 macro
F 50 f/1,4

[dadipentak]

There are too many options at 100mm or shorter for me to have a meaningful opinion but any list that doesn't include the A*135/1.8 & A*400/2.8 needs rethinking. I was glad to see that Tom nominated the Tamron SP 180/2.5--it's certainly a contender.

[DanielT74]

Being a bit of a lens nut, I guess a fair few have passed through my hands over the years (some a little too quickly). "Legendary" to me means more than competent, but surprising. There are many competent lenses that are capable of capturing stunning images, but some lenses tend to surprise in the quality and rendition that they offer.

From Pentax, I'd say K 15/3.5, 50/1.2, A* 85/1.4, A*200/4 macro and A*300/2.8 are stand-outs among the legacy lenses I have tried. More recent ones include FA 77ltd, 31ltd and DA*55.

From Canon FD, the 55/1.2 Aspherical, 85/1.2L, 300/2.8L and 500/4.5L have all surprised as to their quality - superb lenses!

From Leica, the R lenses 100/2.8 macro and APO 180/3.4 have been fantastic while the predictable legend Summilux 50/1.4 ASPH continues to deliver astoundingly rich images in detail and bokeh.

From the old and the quaint, the c-mounts Schneider-Kreuznach 50/0.95 is an amazing lens in how it paints wide open and razor sharp stopped down, the Macro-Switar 26/1.1 for the brilliant colours and contrast it offers and the Macro-Switar 50/1.4 for the gorgeous sharpness to bokeh combination and absence of CA.

Modern rangefinder lenses like Contax G (21, 45 and 90) are simply brilliant while Cosina's reincarnated Zeiss Sonnar 50/1.5 renders stunningly beautiful portraits wide open while providing great performance all-round stopped down.

Of course as others have said Voigtlander 125mm macro is superb beyond any expectation that could have gone with its modest (initial) price.

[Blue]

K 28/2
A 50/1.2
DA 35/2.8 LTD macro
FA 77/1.8
DA* 300/4
FA 50/1.4 ()
FA 135/2.8 (or F 135/2.8)
A* 200/2.8
D FA 100/2.8 WR Macro

3rd Party

Tamron SP 180/2.5 Adaptall 2 (It is as good as anything on my list)


Edit: If you want to include an m42 list,

Auto Tak 35/2.3
Super Tak 50/1.4 8-element version
SMC Tak 85/1.8

[8540tomg]

There are too many options at 100mm or shorter for me to have a meaningful opinion but any list that doesn't include the A*135/1.8 & A*400/2.8 needs rethinking. I was glad to see that Tom nominated the Tamron SP 180/2.5--it's certainly a contender.

I agree Dave.

It's a lens I suspect very few have ever seen. Only 3,000 were made and they were split up between Canon, Nikon and other makes.

Tamron SP Adaptall-2 180mm F/2.5 LD-IF Model 63B

I had the chance to buy one many years ago but just couldn't pull the trigger as I believe my wife was standing beside me at the time. I do recall it was beautifully made and felt just perfect in the hand. Feel is a subjective thing of course but something I think is important if a lens is to have "legendary" attached to it's name. The review above indicates it was a brilliant performer as well. I later got a K 200/2.5, which also has great feel, and never looked back. I still wonder how the Tamron SP 180/2.5 would compare with the K 200/2.5. Anyone out there have both?

Tom G

[DanielT74]

I tried the Tammy 180/2.5 and Pentax A*200/2.8 was slightly better, or at least sharper.

[Blue]

I agree Dave.

It's a lens I suspect very few have ever seen. Only 3,000 were made and they were split up between Canon, Nikon and other makes.

Tamron SP Adaptall-2 180mm F/2.5 LD-IF Model 63B

I had the chance to buy one many years ago but just couldn't pull the trigger as I believe my wife was standing beside me at the time. I do recall it was beautifully made and felt just perfect in the hand. Feel is a subjective thing of course but something I think is important if a lens is to have "legendary" attached to it's name. The review above indicates it was a brilliant performer as well. I later got a K 200/2.5, which also has great feel, and never looked back. I still wonder how the Tamron SP 180/2.5 would compare with the K 200/2.5. Anyone out there have both?

Tom G

I had a K200 once upon a time and it was a great lens. However, to be in the same league, I think one needs the A* 200/2.8.

I tried the Tammy 180/2.5 and Pentax A*200/2.8 was slightly better, or at least sharper.

There is a difference in the A* and K 200

[Sandy Hancock]

I am only a newbie to all this, but sticking just to Pentax, the following lenses are absolutely wonderful. Whether that makes them legendary is another question.
DA10-17 nothing else like it
DA15 a unique jewel
FA31 the Diva
DA*55 a legend in the making
FA77 the Princess
DFA100WR tiny, sharp, tele gem
DA*300 I can't even begin to explain how good this lens is
DA*60-250 super zoom like a bag full of primes

Then, among the unicorns, choose two of the following to make 10:
FA*85
FA*300/2.8
FA*250-600

[creampuff]

My top six:

1) Voigtlander 125mm f/2.5 Apo Lanthar SL
2) DFA 100mm f/2.8 WR
3) FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited
4) DA* 55mm f/1.4
5) DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited
6) Sigma 30mm f/1.4

[WiseOx]

Great thread. Not sure how to define "Legendary", but this list is of special lenses I come to love for their ability to help take my photography to the next level. They push me to improve my skills to better leverage their abilities.

FA31mm Ltd (The go-to lens for me these days, focal length is my sweet spot)
FA77mm Ltd (Happiness would be someday using this beauty on FF)
FA43mm Ltd (So much lens, in such a small package….size does matter)
SMC Tak 85mm f1.8 (it’s got that there pixie dust in it)
DA*300mm f4 (lovin’ it’s ability for kids sport shots)
FA 50mm f2.8 Macro (sharpest glass in my bag, love this little hand grenade)

Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 (Stunning Voigt colour and rendering, great for portraits)
Sigma 70-200 EX non-DG, non-Macro (dead sharp thru full range, just love this lens, when I can lug the weight)
Sigma 30mm f1.4 (even though I now have the FA31, I struggle to force myself to sell it., great 3D effect, as created a few of my favorite shots)
Cosina 55mm f1.2 (love the trippy glow it adds wide open, helped create some of my most unique photos)