What's your best lens that you never use?

RioRico · 04-12-2012, 04:54 AM

Originally posted by MegaPower

I think I dont use any of them enough.
I would like to carry them all and shoot everyday.

I have a zillion lenses. I can't carry 5% of them at a time. Behold, my Lens-Of-The-Day (LOTD) strategy! Pick a lens -- randomly is good -- and use ONLY that lens for a day or ten. Well, keep whatever backups are prudent, but often they won't be needed.

Exercise all the glass, and discover likes and dislikes. Some of my obscure LOTDs go into my general rotation. Some get sold down the river. Each teaches me to see differently, to peer at the observable universe through its unique window. Many are surprising.

theunartist · 04-12-2012, 05:03 AM

I currently have 10 (K, M, A, F and Taks) 50mm or 55mm lenses that are all very good to excellent. I rarely use them anymore because the focal length is too tight indoors and too short outdoors for me personally. I collected most of these when I got hooked on manual lenses and speed...

I won't sell any because I don't really need too, I like looking at them

bassek · 04-12-2012, 05:51 AM

The kit lens is the best lens that I don't use. The other neglected one is the M135/3.5 in mint condition.
I use the Sigma 15-30EX and the F35-70 instead of kit and the F70-210 or the Sigma 180 macro instead of the M135.

Seb

jwc77 · 04-12-2012, 06:10 AM

Probably my Vivitar Series 1 55mm 1:1 macro. I love the results I get every time I use it...I just don't use it enough for some reason.

VisualDarkness · 04-12-2012, 06:48 AM

Originally posted by sjwaldron

The best lens I rarely use at the moment... DA* 300mm f4

I usually use it at the local airshow, but I'm not sure I'll be going this year. Events like that are terribly harsh on the eyes. I also have used it when trying to photography birds in the wilderness.

One of my dream lenses, use it or give it to me.

Blue · 04-12-2012, 07:30 AM

Sigma 105/2.8 EX DG macro. I got a D FA 100 WR last summer and the Sigma gets used very little. My intentions were to use it on my MZ-3 but it just doesn't happen.

L33tGreg · 04-12-2012, 07:33 AM

Originally posted by Blue

Sigma 105/2.8 EX DG macro. I got a D FA 100 WR last summer and the Sigma gets used very little. My intentions were to use it on my MZ-3 but it just doesn't happen.

You can use the DFA on the MZ-3 so you could afford to get rid of the Sigma.

Blue · 04-12-2012, 07:44 AM

Originally posted by L33tGreg

You can use the DFA on the MZ-3 so you could afford to get rid of the Sigma.

The D FA lacks the aperture ring which puts limitations on it, but yes I can use it in some modes. So I do plan to sell the Sigma.

Medium FormatPro · 04-12-2012, 08:03 AM

I guess a telescope could be counted as a lens; and guess what - with the adapter to the camera it can fit most any interchangeable lens camera. The cost of the Meade telescope is a bit over 20k. I've also used microscopes which make that amount seem trivial, but I don't own any of the better ones just yet.

Most expensive current (non telescope lens); for a Leica; the 50mm f0.95. If I could only figure out a way to make it work with any Pentax.

Most expensive lens is a third party brand; no longr own the lens though - a Sigma 300mm f2.8

Still own a Schneider 90mm f4.5 tilt/shift. Optically a great lens, but theres a chance that this could be done with bellows at a much better price.

Most expensive present Pentax lens; 60-250mm f4.0; my fav for telephoto - even though most of my pics now are in fact wider angle

I frequently try to limit my large gadget bag to just two cameras and numerous lens; but there's somehow never enough room for lens', let alone lighting options

gda13 · 04-12-2012, 08:23 AM

DA* 55mm. Bought this lens a little while back and I love its IQ and low light capabilities. However I rarely use this lens since either my DA* 16-50mm or *50-135mm is usually attached to my camera. I've thought many times about parting with it but find it difficult to bring myself to do so even though I could definitely make use of the funds generated by selling it

jpyykonen · 04-12-2012, 11:02 AM

Sigma EX 28-70/2.8 Aspherical (non-DG). Since I bought this I have got Tamron 17-50/2.8, DA 35/2.4, Sigma 50/1.4 and Samyang 85/1.4 so I haven't used the lens since. But don't bother to sell as it is so cheap and it is full frame capable fast zoom. I'm just saving it for the days when Pentax releases full frame digital

Marc Sabatella · 04-12-2012, 11:46 AM

Originally posted by theunartist

I currently have 10 (K, M, A, F and Taks) 50mm or 55mm lenses that are all very good to excellent. I rarely use them anymore because the focal length is too tight indoors and too short outdoors for me personally. I collected most of these when I got hooked on manual lenses and speed...

I won't sell any because I don't really need too, I like looking at them

Similar story, although for me it's just two 50's - A50/1.7 and M50/1.7. The focal length just does nothing for me. But I keep them because they are my fastest lenses and I never know whenI might need to sacrifice focal length preference for that extra stop of speed - or might encounter a situatio where 50mm actually is the right focal length. Of course, I would also have to *anticipate* this and have the lens in my bag, and usually I just cannot be bothered.

littledrawe · 04-12-2012, 11:53 AM - **1 Like**

What I want to know is how many people have PM'd previous posters in this thread or how many previous posters have recieved PM's with offers to buy there most unused lens??

RioRico · 04-12-2012, 12:43 PM

Originally posted by littledrawe

What I want to know is how many people have PM'd previous posters in this thread or how many previous posters have recieved PM's with offers to buy there most unused lens??

HA! Yeah, I should list all my unwanted lenses here and bypass the Marketplace, eh? Let's see: the Vivitar-Kion Series 1 Version 1 70-210/3.5 'macro' in M42; a few M50/2's; the SuperTak 55/2; the Gefitec-Kiron 85-210/4.5 in M/MD; the Vivitar Matched Multiplier 2x TC in M42; the Tokina RMC 35-135/3.5-4.5 in N/AI modded for PK; the near-mint Lil'Bigma DG 170-500/5-6.3 if anyone is nutz enough to make me a good offer; two Hanimex 28/2.8's, one each in PKM and M42; the Rokinon 28/2.8 and 135/2.8, both in PKM; the collector's set of Enna's for Argus C3, the Sandmar 35/4.5 and Tele-Sandmar 100/4.5, easily adapted to PK. Yeah, make me some offers, eh?

philbaum · 04-12-2012, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by devorama

As my LBA grows, I realized I *could* sell some old lenses I don't use often to fuel my purchase of new lenses. Since I have a Sigma 24mm F/1.8 and a Pentax-F 50mm F/1.4, I really haven't touched my Sigma 30mm F/1.4 in over a year. I thought of selling it, but that fact that the 30mm is crazy sharp in center has me hesitant to part with it.

What's your best lens that you never use? And what keeps you from selling it?

That dang Sigma 30 f1.4 thread drives me crazy with their good pics. But i've often thought i'd prefer buying the 24mm f1.8 for the money. Any pics or comments you would care to share about the Sigma 24 f1.8???

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04-12-2012, 04:54 AM	#31
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by MegaPower I think I dont use any of them enough. I would like to carry them all and shoot everyday. I have a zillion lenses. I can't carry 5% of them at a time. Behold, my Lens-Of-The-Day (LOTD) strategy! Pick a lens -- randomly is good -- and use ONLY that lens for a day or ten. Well, keep whatever backups are prudent, but often they won't be needed. Exercise all the glass, and discover likes and dislikes. Some of my obscure LOTDs go into my general rotation. Some get sold down the river. Each teaches me to see differently, to peer at the observable universe through its unique window. Many are surprising.

04-12-2012, 05:03 AM	#32
theunartist Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Baltimore Posts: 2,542	I currently have 10 (K, M, A, F and Taks) 50mm or 55mm lenses that are all very good to excellent. I rarely use them anymore because the focal length is too tight indoors and too short outdoors for me personally. I collected most of these when I got hooked on manual lenses and speed... I won't sell any because I don't really need too, I like looking at them

04-12-2012, 05:51 AM	#33
bassek Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 706	The kit lens is the best lens that I don't use. The other neglected one is the M135/3.5 in mint condition. I use the Sigma 15-30EX and the F35-70 instead of kit and the F70-210 or the Sigma 180 macro instead of the M135. Seb

04-12-2012, 06:10 AM	#34
jwc77 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 269	Probably my Vivitar Series 1 55mm 1:1 macro. I love the results I get every time I use it...I just don't use it enough for some reason.

04-12-2012, 06:48 AM	#35
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Originally posted by sjwaldron The best lens I rarely use at the moment... DA* 300mm f4 I usually use it at the local airshow, but I'm not sure I'll be going this year. Events like that are terribly harsh on the eyes. I also have used it when trying to photography birds in the wilderness. One of my dream lenses, use it or give it to me.

04-12-2012, 07:30 AM	#36
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Sigma 105/2.8 EX DG macro. I got a D FA 100 WR last summer and the Sigma gets used very little. My intentions were to use it on my MZ-3 but it just doesn't happen.

04-12-2012, 07:33 AM	#37
L33tGreg Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charleston, SC Photos: Gallery Posts: 369	Originally posted by Blue Sigma 105/2.8 EX DG macro. I got a D FA 100 WR last summer and the Sigma gets used very little. My intentions were to use it on my MZ-3 but it just doesn't happen. You can use the DFA on the MZ-3 so you could afford to get rid of the Sigma.

04-12-2012, 07:44 AM	#38
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by L33tGreg You can use the DFA on the MZ-3 so you could afford to get rid of the Sigma. The D FA lacks the aperture ring which puts limitations on it, but yes I can use it in some modes. So I do plan to sell the Sigma.

04-12-2012, 08:03 AM	#39
Medium FormatPro Banned Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charleston & Pittsburgh Photos: Albums Posts: 1,668	I guess a telescope could be counted as a lens; and guess what - with the adapter to the camera it can fit most any interchangeable lens camera. The cost of the Meade telescope is a bit over 20k. I've also used microscopes which make that amount seem trivial, but I don't own any of the better ones just yet. Most expensive current (non telescope lens); for a Leica; the 50mm f0.95. If I could only figure out a way to make it work with any Pentax. Most expensive lens is a third party brand; no longr own the lens though - a Sigma 300mm f2.8 Still own a Schneider 90mm f4.5 tilt/shift. Optically a great lens, but theres a chance that this could be done with bellows at a much better price. Most expensive present Pentax lens; 60-250mm f4.0; my fav for telephoto - even though most of my pics now are in fact wider angle I frequently try to limit my large gadget bag to just two cameras and numerous lens; but there's somehow never enough room for lens', let alone lighting options

04-12-2012, 08:23 AM	#40
gda13 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,108	DA* 55mm. Bought this lens a little while back and I love its IQ and low light capabilities. However I rarely use this lens since either my DA* 16-50mm or *50-135mm is usually attached to my camera. I've thought many times about parting with it but find it difficult to bring myself to do so even though I could definitely make use of the funds generated by selling it

04-12-2012, 11:02 AM	#41
jpyykonen Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampere, Finland Posts: 191	Sigma EX 28-70/2.8 Aspherical (non-DG). Since I bought this I have got Tamron 17-50/2.8, DA 35/2.4, Sigma 50/1.4 and Samyang 85/1.4 so I haven't used the lens since. But don't bother to sell as it is so cheap and it is full frame capable fast zoom. I'm just saving it for the days when Pentax releases full frame digital

04-12-2012, 11:46 AM	#42
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Originally posted by theunartist I currently have 10 (K, M, A, F and Taks) 50mm or 55mm lenses that are all very good to excellent. I rarely use them anymore because the focal length is too tight indoors and too short outdoors for me personally. I collected most of these when I got hooked on manual lenses and speed... I won't sell any because I don't really need too, I like looking at them Similar story, although for me it's just two 50's - A50/1.7 and M50/1.7. The focal length just does nothing for me. But I keep them because they are my fastest lenses and I never know whenI might need to sacrifice focal length preference for that extra stop of speed - or might encounter a situatio where 50mm actually is the right focal length. Of course, I would also have to anticipate this and have the lens in my bag, and usually I just cannot be bothered.

04-12-2012, 11:53 AM - 1 Like	#43
littledrawe Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Red Rock Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,514	What I want to know is how many people have PM'd previous posters in this thread or how many previous posters have recieved PM's with offers to buy there most unused lens??

04-12-2012, 12:43 PM	#44
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by littledrawe What I want to know is how many people have PM'd previous posters in this thread or how many previous posters have recieved PM's with offers to buy there most unused lens?? HA! Yeah, I should list all my unwanted lenses here and bypass the Marketplace, eh? Let's see: the Vivitar-Kion Series 1 Version 1 70-210/3.5 'macro' in M42; a few M50/2's; the SuperTak 55/2; the Gefitec-Kiron 85-210/4.5 in M/MD; the Vivitar Matched Multiplier 2x TC in M42; the Tokina RMC 35-135/3.5-4.5 in N/AI modded for PK; the near-mint Lil'Bigma DG 170-500/5-6.3 if anyone is nutz enough to make me a good offer; two Hanimex 28/2.8's, one each in PKM and M42; the Rokinon 28/2.8 and 135/2.8, both in PKM; the collector's set of Enna's for Argus C3, the Sandmar 35/4.5 and Tele-Sandmar 100/4.5, easily adapted to PK. Yeah, make me some offers, eh?

04-12-2012, 01:09 PM	#45
philbaum Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Townsend, Washington State, USA Posts: 3,659	Originally posted by devorama As my LBA grows, I realized I could sell some old lenses I don't use often to fuel my purchase of new lenses. Since I have a Sigma 24mm F/1.8 and a Pentax-F 50mm F/1.4, I really haven't touched my Sigma 30mm F/1.4 in over a year. I thought of selling it, but that fact that the 30mm is crazy sharp in center has me hesitant to part with it. What's your best lens that you never use? And what keeps you from selling it? That dang Sigma 30 f1.4 thread drives me crazy with their good pics. But i've often thought i'd prefer buying the 24mm f1.8 for the money. Any pics or comments you would care to share about the Sigma 24 f1.8???